Around Town

Watertown Square Zoning Discussion Will Include Accessory Units, Household Definition & Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning

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(Updated Oct. 29: ADUs are limited to single family properties in districts that allow them by right.)

When the zoning changes proposed to make the Watertown Square Area Plan a reality were presented last week, the City Council and Planning Board didn’t get to dig down on a few areas, including accessory dwelling units (i.e. in-law units), what constitutes a household for residential units, and the new Neighborhood Mixed Use zones. City Council President Mark Sideris said he would like to have more discussions about those areas when the public hearing on the Watertown Square zoning continues on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Another area that Sideris wanted to have discussion about is what happens when a property falls in two different zones including one of the new Watertown Square zones.

Around Town

Watertown Organizations to Celebrate Disability Awareness

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library, World in Watertown and the Commission on Disability:

On Saturday, November 2, World in Watertown, the Watertown Free Public Library, and the Watertown Commission on Disability invite the community to join in celebrating disability awareness. This is a great opportunity to hear from Watertown residents with disabilities, learn about their lives and experiences in Watertown, and meet local disability organizations serving our diverse community. “Celebrating Disability Awareness: Voices & Perspectives” runs from 2:30 PM – 4 PM on Saturday, November 2 in the Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room on the 1st Floor. Registration is not required.

Around Town

Fall Leaves and History to be Featured at Walk N Talk Around Mount Auburn Cemetery

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(Courtesy of Mount Auburn Cemetery)

Enjoy the fall foliage and hear about the history of the Mount Auburn Cemetery during the Walk N Talk co-sponsored by the Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown. The WBC provided the following announcement about the event on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.:

We will be joined by the Mount Auburn Cemetery President and CEO Matthew Stephens. During the WALK N TALK we will hear a few stories about those buried on the grounds, discuss the history of the Cemetery as well as discuss new initiatives! Arrival: arrive via our Mount Auburn Street Entrance (580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge).

Around Town

Kids Can Trick-or-Treat at Watertown City Hall

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Children are invited to head down to City Hall and do some trick-or-treating. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown children are invited to come Trick-or-Treat at City Hall, located at 149 Main Street, on Tuesday October 29, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is a free event. Come see how different staff members have decorated on their office doors and collect candy the departments will be handing out. You might also see some staff in costumes. 

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Who Benefited from Psychedelic Medicines Supports Question 4

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Dear Editor,

I am a grandmother and a retired elementary school teacher, and I have twice benefitted from taking psychedelic plant medicines. That is why I’m voting Yes on Question #4. 

I don’t fit the stereotype, but I was desperate for help. I have a life second to none, but it unfortunately includes dealing with a serious health issue as well as PTSD. Therapy and anti-depressants have been essential tools, but they aren’t a quick fix and don’t work well for all. Research at Johns Hopkins, Mass General, Dana Farber, and many others gave me the courage to try the unusual treatment.

Around Town

Upcoming Events: Budget Presentation, Health & Human Services Report, Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, Miyawaki Forest

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Watertown’s Miyawaki Forest will be planted at Lowell School

The City Manager will present the Preliminary City Budget, the City will provide details of the recently completed Health and Human Services Report, the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee seeks new members, and Watertown’s first Miayaki Forest will be planted at Lowell School. Preliminary Budget

City Manager George Proakis will present the Preliminary Budget Overview for Fiscal Year 2026 at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The meeting is in the Council Chamber in City Hall, and will also have remote participation. The Oct. 22 meeting begins at 7 p.m. See more details here.

Around Town

Massage Aid Raising Money for Doctors Without Borders, Offering Range of Therapies

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Massage Aid will raise money for Doctors Without Borders. The following announcement was provided by the organizers of Massage Aid:

By Diane Crowley

With all the trouble in the world in Ukraine, the Middle East, Haiti and Sudan currently, the massage therapists and Reiki practitioners who volunteer for Massage Aid events decided it was time to hold another event to benefit Doctors Without Borders. In the past, the group had chosen a specific country to focus on but there are so many countries that are experiencing war, terror and strife that it was hard to focus on only one country. 

The group decided to call this event MASSAGE AID FOR PEACE & HUMANITY and will let Doctors Without Borders decide where the most urgent need is at present. The event will be held at:

The First Parish Watertown, at 35 Church St. in WatertownOn: Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:30-5:30 p.m.Services: 15 minute sessions, chair massage, clothed sports table Massage or ReikiCost: $20/session, CASH or CHECK

*** In order to get the service you want at a time that works best for you, you can pre-book your session by email at: cjclmt@gmail.com

Walk-Ins are welcome on a first come/first serve basis

So do something good for yourself while doing something good for humanity!