Around Town

LETTER: Resident Enthusiastic About Changes That Will Help Watertown Square Thrive

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When I think of all the ways that Watertown has shaped my life and family, I think about how fortunate my son is to have lived his entire life here. And for as long as we’ve called Watertown our home, the Square has been a cornerstone of our lives. From weekly trips to sing and dance with friends and neighbors at the library to long walks (and scooterings) around the Charles River, I’ve spent endless hours in the square. 

I have also been fortunate to be able to attend every one of the public presentations on the Watertown Square redesign, and I am deeply optimistic for the proposed changes. I’m encouraged by the passion with which the city staff are working to make Watertown’s beating heart stronger and healthier for the next generation. The decisions we make in the coming months will determine what sort of city my son will inherit.

Around Town

Cunniff School Hosting Family Formal on Saturday

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Cunniff Elementary School will hold the second annual Family Formal on Saturday, May 11 from 6-8 p.m.

The school provided the following information:

The event is for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at the Cunniff Elementary School. Use the Gym entrance. This is not a drop off event. COST: $10 per adult, $5 per student, Family Cap $30. Includes a DJ and photo booth.

Around Town

Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, Food to be Collected by Mail Carriers

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On Saturday, May 11, U.S. Postal Service mail carriers will be collecting food during the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The following information about the food collection came from the National Association of Letter Carriers’ website:

Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States. The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Around Town

Clean Heat Bill in the Legislature to be Discussed by Watertown Group

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. Watertown Faces Climate Change will host a discussion called “Beyond Gas: The Future of Clean Heat.” The group provided the information, below. Learn how this important Massachusetts bill will pivot us towards a future beyond gas and how to advocate for this critical change. Following the presentation, lead co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Steve Owens will share his goals and perspective.

Around Town

LETTER: City Should Have Council President’s Plaque Removed from Arsenal Yards

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George Proakis, ManagerCity of Watertown149 Main StreetWatertown, Massachusetts 02472

Dear Mr. Proakis:

I am writing after seeing Ms. Maloney’s article in Charles Breitrose’s On Line Newspaper expressing several concerns surrounding Arsenal Yards; especially the Brothel that operated from a property located in Arsenal Yards. She brings to our attention the bronze portrait of Mark Sideris which reads “without Mark Sideris Arsenal Yards and All that surrounds it may not have been realized.” Given the portrait and the citation, I surmise that is why she says, given Mark’s importance, he should know about everything that is happening on the property. I do not see any reason why Mark would know or anticipate all of the businesses Boylston Properties had already arranged leases with, nor those who would later sign leases. Until Ms. Maloney’s letter I had not seen anything written or in print about the bronze portrait of Mark on the property. And, even though I had serious concerns about singling out the Council President from the other Councilors, I remained quiet.

Around Town

LETTER: A Chilly Reception From Housing Advocates

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Let’s go back to April 25, 2024, when I visited the April Watertown Democratic Town Committee Meeting. The Watertown Democratic Town Committee Meeting:

One of my public meeting stops was the Watertown Democratic Town Committee (WDTC) Meeting to see what they had on their minds. I noticed that Dan Pritchard, one of the four founders of Housing for All Watertown (HAW) was going to be speaking. I was interested. I want to thank the WDTC for being so welcoming to this “Independent” voter.

Around Town

LETTER: Meeting TONIGHT on Future of Former Trampoline Park

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There is a VERY IMPORTANT meeting of the Planning Board tonight, May 8, at 7 p.m. regarding the 10-30 Manley Way proposed development. This is the site of the former Launch Trampoline Park and the Boston Rhythmic Dance Studio, which has been vacant for some time. There was a community meeting on September 5, 2023 that almost never happened. It was found out that our city rules needed to be amended so that a conversion of a 95,000 building required a community meeting for any type of change in such a building, not in just a newly planned one. About 70 plus residents attended this meeting via Zoom and the myriad of questions raised was quite impressive.

Around Town

Watertown Pride 2024 Parade Route, Festival at Saltonstall Park

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

A parade and festival for Watertown Pride is planned for Sunday, June 2, 2024. All are invited to meet at the Moxley parking lot beginning at 11:45 a.m. or join in along the parade route! The parade will start at noon and lead to a festival at Saltonstall Field until 5 p.m.

Watertown Pride 2024: Loud, Proud, Island-Bound is an inclusive, all-ages event that celebrates our LGBTQIA+ communities. 

It is free and open to everyone on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 12 to 5 p.m.The event kicks off with a parade at noon that will begin at Moxley parking lot and travel along the Watertown Community Path to a festival at Saltonstall Park. 

There will also be a Tipsy Tea Party on June 23 at the Commander’s Mansion from 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. See more information about this and the other Watertown Pride 2024 events at www.WatertownPride.com