Watertown Using AARP Grant to Start Senior Housing Stabilization Program

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Department of Senior Services is proud to launch their Senior Housing Stabilization Program thanks to a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant they received. This compassionate initiative is dedicated to providing crucial support and education to seniors and their families facing housing instability in Watertown, MA. Their mission is to ensure that older adults aged 60 years or older can age in place with dignity and security, fostering intergenerational, livable communities where residents of all ages and backgrounds thrive together. This program will run out of the City of Watertown’s MA Department of Senior Services. The Department will provide financial assistance and education on this program and other housing support services eligible to Watertown seniors.

Hear About the City’s Communication’s Team & the New 311 System in the Latest Episode of the Watertown Cable Show

Tyler Cote, far right, and Laura Murray joined Inside Watertown Hosts Bob Airasian, far left, and Charlie Breitrose to talk about the efforts of the City’s new Communications team. Two members of the City of Watertown’s Communications Team sat down with the hosts of Inside Watertown at the Watertown Cable studio this week. They talked about efforts to speak to and hear from Watertown residents, including the new 311 Service Center. Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist, and Laura Murray, the Constituent Services Director spoke with co-hosts Bob Airasian and Charlie Breitrose. People may have seen Cote at one of his Watertown Chats or at the Watertown Farmers Market.

Federal Judge Rules Boys & Girls Club Can Evict Day Care Center

Watertown Cable

A Federal Bankruptcy Court judge sided with the Watertown Boys & Girls Club’s motion to allow them to evict the First Path Day Care Center from the facility on Whites Avenue. On Monday, Judge Janet E. Bostwick rejected First Path’s request for a preliminary injunction preventing the eviction, and ruled that the bankruptcy filing does not prevent the Boys & Girls Club evicting the day care center, according to a report by the Boston Globe. In the ruling, Bostwick said lease had “unequivocally expired,” according to the Globe, and that under state law any other agreements “needed to be in writing to be enforceable.” First Path has been located in the building owned by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club for 26 years, and currently serves 60 families. In December 2021, the Boys & Girls Club informed First Path that its lease would not be renewed because it seeks to expand its program into that space.

Watertown Podcast Speaks With New Executive Director of Gore Place

In the third episode of Little Local Conversations Watertown’s Matt Hanna spoke with Gavin Kleespies, the Executive Director of Gore Place. In Little Local Conversations, discover the people, places, stories, and ideas of Watertown. Hanna has conversations with various businesses owners, community leaders, creatives, and other interesting folks in Watertown to learn about what they do and get to know a bit about the people behind the work. 

Gavin Kleespies

Hanna wrote:

“Meet Gavin Kleespies! He’s the new Executive Director at Gore Place. Listen to learn more about Gore Place and some of its little known history (including steam-powered build-it-yourself cars) and a bit of insight into what it’s like to be an executive director.”

Watertown Food Pantry Receives Donation from Construction Contractor

Chris Bertone and Tim Guiggio from Brait Construction delivered items to the Watertown Food Pantry on Aug. 12. (Contributed Photo)

Last week, the Watertown Food Pantry received a donation from a construction company working in a major project in town. Food Pantry volunteer Stacy Walsh said that donation was delivered by Chris Bertone and Tim Guiggio from Brait, which is in the contractor for the Watertown High School project, and previously worked on the Cunniff and Hosmer elementary school projects. “Brait Construction did a much needed food drive for the Watertown Food Pantry, for which we were extremely grateful!”

Watertown Cooperative Nursery School Closing After 70 Years, Farewell Event Planned

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cooperative Nursery School:

We are very sad to share the news that Watertown Cooperative Nursery School (WCNS) is closing after more than 70 years. Due to low enrollment, the Board of WCNS has determined that it will not be possible for the school to sustain itself financially. The school will be closing permanently as of August 23. It’s heartbreaking to have to do this. We know how many of you helped the community thrive for so long.