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Watertown Park Projects Moving Ahead at Saltonstall, Victory Field, Casey & Lowell School

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Light poles at Saltonstall Park were removed earlier this week to make for a new set up lights. (Courtesy of Peter Centola)

Work has already begun at one Watertown park, with others beginning in the near and more distant future in the works. Saltonstall Park

Cranes removed the old set of lighting poles at Saltonstall Park, and trenches have been dug as part of the installation of a new set of lights at the park behind City Hall. “They are being removed this week,” said Recreation Director Peter Centola. “The new ones will probably go in in about a month.”

Around Town

City Surveying Bicyclists About Vehicles Parking in Bike Lanes

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

We’re partnering with the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to recommend strategies to prevent vehicles from parking in bike lanes. The study will also review best practices in other regions and identify interventions that cities and towns in the Boston area could pilot. As part of the study, we’re asking the cycling community and advocates to respond to a survey. It will take approximately five minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional). 

For more information about this study, please contact MPO Transportation Planner Kyle Casiglio at kcasiglio@ctps.org. 

Take the Survey.

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Art Exhibit and Performances to Celebrate Women’s Voices at Mosesian Center for the Arts

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“Woman’s Work” by Stephanie Todhunter is part of an exhibition at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts at the Arsenal in Watertown has programmed a collection of events celebrating the talents and voices of women in both visual and performing arts. Feminist Art: Contemporary Perspectives opens as a gallery exhibition on March 22 and runs through May 3. SheGrooves: Using Our Voices for Positive Change (March 27), Lil Bit of (Almost) Everything Comedy Showcase (April 12), and Melodies of Ukraine with the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America (April 14) are three related events taking the Mosesian Arts stages during the exhibition dates. Feminist Art: Contemporary Perspectives

There is a long line of artists who have created feminist art — Judy Chicago, Faith Wildling, Ana Mendieta, Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Kruger, Betye Saar, Lorna Simpson, and many more. Their work continues to be relevant today as women and other marginalized genders are facing the same issues of oppressive body politics. 

Restriction and lack of reproductive rights were some of the issues addressed by feminist artists in the 1970’s, and reproductive justice issues have had a particularly devastating impact on Black and Indigenous communities. Artists in this exhibition are grappling with the same issues and injustices because of conservative and oppressive polices created in recent years. 

The present-day resurgence in feminist art, as well as an interest in its history and connection to current intersectional feminist political and art activism, has opened a re-examination of themes of the body, particularly the bodies of women and trans individuals, and how it is viewed.

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Planning Board Supports Having Limited Short Term Rentals in Watertown

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The question of whether to allow homes in Watertown to be used as short term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, has been discussed for several years. It took a step toward being a reality when the Planning Board recommended that the City Council adopt a Zoning ordinance that adds short term rentals as an allowed use. The amendment, however, would limit who could offer short term rentals and for how long. The amendment sent to the Planning Board on March 13 changed significantly from the one that it saw in 2021, said Larry Field, a Senior Planner in the Department of Community Development and Planning. Two types of short term rentals would be allowed, a home share (when one, or more, bedroom is rented out while the owner is present) and a whole home rental (when the owner is not present).

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Marshall Home Fund Hires New Administrator

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Paula Halpin, the Administrator of the Marshall Home Fund. The board of directors of the Marshall Home Fund (MHF) is proud to announce that PaulaHalpin has been named the new administrator for the Fund. Paula, a longtime resident of Watertown, is an experienced Office Manager and Executive Assistant with more than ten years of experience in healthcare, market research, and logistics, in addition to 10 years as an entrepreneur. In her role as administrator Halpin will be the contact for information about the fund. She will also be assisting the board of directors with their committee work; and helping the Fund to continue its work in the community.

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Watertown Community Foundation to Award $130,000 for 2024 Spring Grant Cycle

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2024 application process for Institutional and Program grants starting April 1. These grants support local non-profits, community-based organizations, programs, and projects that serve Watertown. Approximately $130,000 in grants will be awarded. WCF’s Program Grants will support new or existing programs with an educational focus (broadly defined) that are run by local organizations that serve Watertown and are not offered through Watertown’s public or private schools. Eligible organizations may apply for grants of $500 up to $5,000. WCF’s Institutional Support Grants will support non-profit institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to support the organizational mission, staffing and operating costs.

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Hibernians Ladies Hosting Annual Ham-O-Rama, Raffle Prizes Include Easter Dinner

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The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown announced they will host the annual Ham-O-Rama on March 23, 2024. All are welcome and admission is free to the event at the Ancient Order of Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown St., in Watertown. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and rounds begin at 6 p.m.

There will be a raffle with 160 chances to win. Prizes include Easter Dinner. Cash bar.

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Bus Stops Have Moved for 3 MTBA Routes at Watertown Yard

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Stops for three MBTA bus lines starting and ending at Watertown Yard have been moved to fit the new street configuration off of Galen Street. The 52, 57, and 504 buses have moved to a different area of the MBTA’s bus yard. The former stop near Nonantum Road has closed, and buses have new pick up and drop off areas. A picture of the old Watertown Yard bus stop exit onto Galen Street. It has been completely blocked off and stops have been moved.