Around Town

LETTER: Reflection on Working Collaboratively in Watertown

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By Clyde Younger

Publicly notifying a Watertown’s Manager that I no longer have respect for him is unprecedented on my part. I believe the action requires an explanation since it represents an unusual sentiment; especially, from a former elected officer of Watertown. I know it appeared to some it came from left field; however, this transgression was not the first time on his part. 

Let me say bluntly, as a former elected official, I know the number of constructive and meaningful projects that I have participated in. Consequentially, I am not going to have someone come in the town and consider me irrelevant. Apparently, he has not taken time to know that I am not a Clarence Thomas. Further, I strongly believe any resident, voter or not, who has written a letter to those elected or appointed deserves, at minimum, an acknowledgement of receipt of a letter.

Around Town

2025 Watertown Unity Breakfast Returns as In-Person Event

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The following announcement was provided by the Unity Breakfast Committee:

Please join us for a Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Hellenic Cultural Center.  We are thrilled to announce that this year, the 25th anniversary of this important community event, will be in-person for the first time since 2020. 

The Unity Breakfast honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights movement leaders, and celebrates our vibrant and inclusive community. The event is organized by World in Watertown in partnership with Watertown Public Schools, Watertown Police Department, Watertown Cable News, and numerous local groups and coalitions. The program will feature live music, an essay contest with middle and high school student reflections, and the presentation of our annual Unity Award to a person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in supporting the Watertown community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in student-facilitated conversations centered on the principles of Kingian nonviolence. Mark your calendar and save the date!

Around Town

People Working Against Hunger in Watertown Honored by Community Foundation

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The honorees at the Watertown Community Foundation’s Celebrate Impact Event. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hunger is an issue faced by a growing number of Watertown residents. Recently, the Watertown Community Foundation put a spotlight on the work of several groups that have been trying to make sure everyone in town can feed their families and themselves. On Oct. 17, the Community Foundation hosted Celebrate Impact where they honored the people and groups who make up four pillars to feeding those in need in Watertown: food support, 24/7 access, food assistance, and food distribution.

Around Town

See Designs for Phase 2 of Victory Field Renovations at Community Meeting

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Town of WatertownAn aerial view of Victory Field circa 2018. Residents are invited to learn about Phase 2 of the Victory Field project, which includes the track area, and the tennis and basketball courts, plus more. See the announcement from the City of Watertown. Community Meeting Announcement! Join the Design Team to learn about the Victory Field Phase 2 construction drawings at the Lowell Elementary School Cafeteria on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6:30pm.

Around Town

LETTER: Group Seeks to End the Winter Parking Ban

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Currently, Watertown enforces an overnight parking ban by prohibiting parking longer than one hour between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM from approximately December through March. The primary rationale for this measure, which is enforced through the issuance of parking tickets, is to allow for better snow removal. The downside to such a ban is that many residents and their guests find themselves unable to store their vehicles anywhere near their homes overnight.  

The Watertown winter parking ban unfairly penalizes those with fewer means who do not have access to off-street parking. During the cold, dark winter months, parents with young children, the elderly, the disabled and many others are asked to walk a mile or two in the dark to go park their car in a remote lot, which then fills up.  

We understand that Watertown officials charged with the responsibility of making our streets safe are calling this a public safety issue, namely that emergency vehicles need to get through and if people park in the street during winter, at night, they cannot.

Around Town

Finalists for Arshile Gorky Mural Announced by Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee:

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC) is excited to announce the three finalists selected to design a mural commemorating Arshile Gorky, a renowned Armenian-American artist who played a pivotal role in the development of Abstract Expressionism. The finalists are:

Tina Chakarian with Nicole Burmeister and Studio Fresh: a collaborative team bringing together a seasoned artist and curator, a talented illustrator, and a contemporary design studio. Brandon Marshall: a U.S. Cultural Ambassador and public artist specializing in murals that engage diverse communities and a focus on historical and cultural elements. Kacy Jackson: a muralist with a strong background in graphic design and a passion for creating inspirational educational experiences. These artists were chosen from a pool of talented applicants based on their artistic abilities, experience, and alignment with the project’s goals.