Around Town

LETTER: Boys & Girls Club Planning to Expand, Obstacle Hindering Its Efforts

By |

The Watertown Boys and Girls Club is expanding, building a New Foundation

The Board of Directors, Executive Director Gary Beatty and staff of the Watertown Boys and Club are delighted to announce an expansion of the space we use in our building and our programming for the children and families of Watertown. 

We are building a new foundation for the growth of our Club in Watertown. New Foundations — the project name — is our more than $1.6 M project to completely renovate the ground floor of the building.  The result will be a beautiful space that will house a brand new licensed childcare program — the first of its kind at the WBGC and the only one in Watertown–to provide licensed after-school childcare for up to 85 children. This will enable us to help meet the growing need for quality after-school care for children in K-3 in Watertown. I am writing to share an update on our project.  In the past year we hired an architect, Bloom Architects, agreed on a design, developed drawings and bid documents, bid the job out and awarded the bid. We have signed a contract with Groom Construction. Groom was the low bidder (by over $100K) and have been very responsive and easy to work with. We are excited to be working with them. Construction is due to start in August and is expected to finish around the end of the year. We are ready to move ahead, but we can’t.  The barrier is First Path Daycare.

Around Town

Free Mass Save Energy Assessments Available for Small Businesses & Non-Profits

By |

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is partnering with Mass Save on their Main Streets Program, a small business energy efficiency initiative. Through Main Streets, Mass Save connects small business owners with approved contractors who offer no-cost energy assessments to discuss upgrades that will lower energy use and reduce costs. Starting July 29, 2024 energy experts will be in the community meeting with businesses, non-profits, and houses of worship, scheduling no-cost energy assessments and answering questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and other improvements. Many of the upgrades qualify for Mass Save incentives and interest-free financing to offset the cost of the improvements. Stay tuned for a formal press release with more information and contacts.

Around Town

Mighty Squirrel Biergarten Returns to Arsenal Yards

By |

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Mighty Squirrel Brewing will be serving its creations at the biergarten at Arsenal Yards. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards is thrilled to announce the return of the Mighty Squirrel pop-up biergarten on the River Green! Join us for an unforgettable series of bi-weekly events featuring live music from talented local performers. Mark your calendars for these special dates: July 25th, August 8th, August 22nd, September 5th, and September 19th, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The biergarten operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Around Town

Take A Tour of the East End During the Thursday’s Walk N Talk

By |

Take a stroll around Watertown’s East End and meet some of the people behind the businesses that make the area so interesting. The Walk N Talk, co-sponsored by the City of Watertown’s Live Well Watertown and the Watertown Business Coalition, will visit four locations around Coolidge Square on Thursday, July 25 beginning at 10 a.m.

Meet at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Ave. Then visit Massis Bakery, Fastachi, and Artemis Yoga. There is street parking near the ACEC. The event is free and open to everyone.

Around Town

Vendors & Sponsors Can Register for the 2024 Faire on the Square

By |

Watertown’s biggest celebration returns for its 25th year in September, and vendors and sponsors can sign up now. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The 25th Anniversary of Watertown’s Faire on the Square is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 12-5 p.m. at Saltonstall Park. Vendor registration is open through August 30, 2024. Visit www.faireonthesquare.com to learn more and register! Sponsorship opportunities for the Faire on the Square are now available!

Around Town

OBIT: Robert Weeden, 83, Vietnam Veteran, Longtime Volunteer, Worked at Polaroid

By |

Robert Weeden

Robert J Weeden of Watertown passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from a brief illness at the age of 83. He was born in September 13,1940 to Robert E. and Olga M. Weeden of Watertown. Beloved husband of the late Linda E. Weeden. Father to Paul Weeden and wife, Julie of Watertown and Erik Weeden and wife Lynn of Hopedale. Grandfather to Tage Weeden and Davin Weeden of Watertown along with Jenna Weeden and Ashley Weeden of Hopedale.

Around Town

LETTER: Watertown Cares, Has Responded to City, State & National Needs

By |

Dear Editor,

It is disconcerting to me, as the city moves forward in implementing the Watertown Square Conceptual Plan, is the constant “we need housing.”  We know that none of the people clamoring for housing are homeless. However, there is nothing wrong with being altruistic and wanting to help others. Wouldn’t how and what is the capacity of Watertown to help reduce housing needs in the Commonwealth be an advantageous approach? I have been especially proud of Watertown in that when none of the surrounding cities and towns would have Halfway Homes in their community, Watertown stepped forward and welcomed those less fortunate into the community. David and Anne Bromer, who we met in Watertown, spearheaded Fair Housing Practices in Massachusetts. They asked Mary and me to assist in testing landlords as to whether they would lease or rent to Black People. To my knowledge, David and Anne did not test in Watertown. 

We know there were some in Watertown who didn’t wish to rent to Black People as there were throughout the state; especially during this period in Boston with its clamor over anti-busing in Schools.

Around Town

July 23 is Deadline to Comment on Possible Watertown Dam Removal

By |

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The consultants examining the possible removal of the Watertown Dam presented their findings after studying the area near the dam over the Charles River just west of Watertown Square. The public can comment on the proposal until July 23. The dam was discussed at a public meeting held on July 9 at the Watertown Library.