LETTER: Social Worker Calls for City Leaders to Include Senior Housing in Watertown Square Plan

As a clinical social worker for older adults and their families, I see the impact of the housing crisis every day. Housing shortages, coupled with a rising number of aging residents, leave many seniors with extremely difficult choices as they age. It has become harder than ever for people to age with dignity and independence. While many older adults would choose to age in place, this option is often untenable for a variety of reasons. 

Financial constraints can leave long-time residents unable to stay in homes, which frequently means leaving the communities where they have lived for decades. Physical needs change too.

April Vacation Irish Dance Open House Taking Place in Watertown

The following announcement came from O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance:

Boys and girls ages 4 & up are invited to spend part of April break trying Irish dance with O’Shea Chaplin! Our school, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, offers performance, competitive, and recreational opportunities. Come see why dancers join our family in preschool and choose to stay with us through high school, college, and beyond. This event is FREE to attend and all open house guests will be entered into a raffle for $50 off tuition. Monday April 15th – NewtonBalera Studio105 Rumford Ave5:00-5:45 PM

Tuesday April 16th – WatertownAOH Hibernian Hall151 Watertown Street5:15-6:00 PM

Thursday April 18th – ReadingKnights of Columbus11 Sanborn Street5:00-5:45 PM

Saturday April 20th – NewtonBalera Studio105 Rumford Ave12:30-1:30 PM

Questions?

See How to Take the Watertown Square Area Plan Survey Online, Deadline to Submit Input is April 13

The online survey about the Watertown Square Area Plan, including the plan to meet the MBTA Communities Act housing requirement, is now available. It will be open through Saturday, April 13. See the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Take the Watertown Square Area Plan Feedback Form from the Public Forum on April 4, 2024! The City of Watertown is excited to hear your feedback on the project at the link below!

CORE Mental Health Launching New Initiative to Promote Racial Equity in Mental Health

The following announcement was provided by CORE:

Formerly CHNA17, one of many community health networks serving Massachusetts with general community-based services, the organization has renamed itself CORE (Coalition for Racial Equity and Mental Health) to make clear its current focus – the urgent issue of racial equity in community mental health supports. On April 28, CORE is holding a Launch Party to share with the public its programming that re-imagines mental health supports in communities of color in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, Waltham, and Belmont.  The gathering will be from 2-4:30 PM at the Arlington Community Center, 27 Maple Street in Arlington. There will be food, music, and connection with our community mental health supporters, our Fellows, and our Steering Committee, who are all working to advance racial equity in mental health. Pietra Check, Interim Planning Director, said “This event is an opportunity for both long-time supporters and new friends to get to know and support our mission and exciting work, while connecting with others interested in racial equity and mental health.” 

Anyone interested in attending can register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/core-mental-health-launch-party-tickets-858289395687.   

CORE Mental Health is a nonprofit coalition that works to advance racial equity in mental health at the institutional and individual levels through innovative community collaborations. According to CORE Steering Committee Chair Betty Burkes, “We have a medical system that was created for white individuals, and has historically caused harm to Black patients. Most Black residents will never see a therapist, let alone a Black therapist.

OP-ED: Watertown Square Zoning Needs to Do More for Affordability

Just about everyone agrees on the need for more affordable housing in Watertown. It’s one of the biggest challenges faced by our neighbors today. Families can’t find space to grow, older residents can’t downsize, working- and middle-class families are being forced out. There isn’t enough housing overall — but, in particular, there isn’t nearly enough affordable housing. The Watertown Square redesign process offers an incredible opportunity to encourage more dedicated affordable homes in our city.

MBTA Announces Services for Monday’s Boston Marathon

The MBTA announced service information on Monday, April 15, the day of the 2024 Boston Marathon. Every year, the MBTA prepares for the Boston Marathon across all departments in many ways. It supports the annual event with increased service to accommodate spectators and runners, acknowledges the crucial role of public transit during this celebratory time, and expresses sincere appreciation for its ridership and dedicated workforce. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of MBTA leaders from various departments, including operations, track, signals, and safety, will be monitoring the system throughout the day, ready to troubleshoot any unforeseen issues that may arise. The MBTA’s Security team will have representatives in the Unified Coordination Center, located at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s headquarters in Framingham, which serves as the central hub for public safety operations on race day. The Transit Police Department will also continue to monitor the system with robust support available as needed. Additional staff and Transit Ambassadors will be strategically positioned throughout the system to assist with passenger flow and answer any questions or concerns from riders. Riders are encouraged to hold handrails and use care and caution while traversing stairs and escalators due to anticipated crowding and high ridership. Additional porters will also proactively identify and address cleaning needs throughout the system, from sweeping floors and disposing of trash to maintaining restrooms and replenishing supplies.