Around Town

Watertown Groups Hosting Screening of Film About Environmental Justice Advocate Stewart Udall

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The following announcement was provided by Race Reels, Progressive Watertown, and Watertown Faces Climate Change:

The film “Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty.” tells the inspiring story of Stewart L. Udall (1920-2010) and his legacy as an advocate of social and environmental justice. No American political figure is as relevant to the issues we face today as a nation – learning to work together, achieving racial and environmental justice, improving international relations, enhancing beauty and the arts, alleviating climate change and moving toward sustainability – as Stewart Udall, Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Udall was a pioneer in environmentalism; he was the first public official to speak out about global warming. He worked collaboratively with native communities and fought to win compensation for Navajo Indians and “downwinders” who got cancer from their exposure to radiation during the Cold War without being warned of the dangers. Today, in our now deeply partisan environment, the film reveals a time when Americans were not yet so polarized, when big ideas could still capture bipartisan attention, and when America awakened to the unfolding destruction of paradise and determined to stop it.

Around Town

Anoush’ella: A Sweet Taste of Armenia in the Heart of Watertown

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Manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar and cheese on top, served at Anoush’ella Cafe in Watertown. (Photo by Maya Shwayder)

Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food. Run by Nina Festekjian and her husband Rafi, alongside community center manager Vatche Seraderian, this gem of a spot blends culinary delights with cultural pride, providing a space for the Armenian community to gather, share stories, and reconnect with their heritage through shared space and food. Though the café only opens its doors just once a week on Thursday, it’s already establishing itself as a key part of the community’s rhythm. The story of Anoush’ella started as a personal passion project for Nina and Rafi.

Around Town

UPDATED – LETTER: Watertown Resident Evaluates Ballot Questions

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By Matt Lashof-Sullivan

Hey Watertown neighbors. Another election season is approaching and so it’s time for everyone to decide how they are going to vote this November. For many years I have sent out voting information and a list of endorsements for our local elections to my friends and immediate neighbors. This year, I decided to share them with a larger group, so I hope you find this helpful. How to Vote

To vote in person, go to your polling place on November 5th. 

We can all also vote by mail again, and you can still request a mail-in ballot until October 26th by using this form or otherwise by sending a letter to the city clerk.

Around Town

MassDOT to Begin Changes to Area Around Mass Pike Exit at Newton Corner

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MassDOT’s study area at Newton Corner. The following announcement came from a newsletter sent out by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will begin work in a few weeks on some immediate changes to the complicated convergence in Newton Corner where there are exit and entrance ramps to the Mass Pike that intersect with major streets (Washington Street, Centre Street, Galen Street, Charlesbank Road, Park Street and more). These changes are primarily focused on safety concerns and involve an upgrade to one traffic signal and the addition of another, quite different signal operations, a marked change in the use of lanes via different pavement markings, and new signage in and around the Newton Corner circle. The Newton Corner Short-Term Improvement Project is the first step in MassDOTs mid- and longer-term improvement projects at these roads and highway ramps over the Mass Pike. We know this is an inhospitable area for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Around Town

LETTER: A Plan to Spur Affordable Housing in Watertown Square

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Throughout the Watertown Square planning process, one concern was raised above all others: the urgent need for more affordable housing. We heard this again and again, in public remarks and written testimony, from residents across the political and socioeconomic spectrum. We have been calling for improvements to the Plan’s approach to affordable housing since the spring. With the unanimous passage of the Watertown Square Area Plan and the release of a draft zoning proposal from our city planners, Watertown’s elected officials now have an opportunity to address the primary concern of its residents. They have a directive to implement policies that can effectively and rapidly generate new affordable housing.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Drainage Installation Work Starting This Week

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Drainage installation begins this week as part of the reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Newport Construction has begun preparing for drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street, with work set to begin on October 2, 2024. The project will start at the Cambridge line near 805 and 821 Mount Auburn St. and progress towards the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street.