Around Town

Progress in Restoration of Historic Paintings from Watertown City Hall

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City of WatertownOne of two historic paintings in Watertown’s City Hall being cleaned using funds from the Community Preservation Act. By Joyce Kelly

As we have reported, the geographical paintings that usually flank the foyer at the main entrance to City Hall are currently in the studio of conservator Louise Orsini being refurbished. In 2022, the Historical Society of Watertown received a grant from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the conservation of the two geographical paintings. The 5 ½ x 7 ½ foot paintings were installed when the building opened in 1932. One painting represents a map of the town in the early years (1630 is the year of its founding) and the other painting is a depiction of an aerial view of Watertown in 1930 (our Tercentenary year).

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Welcome New Furry Friend to the Force

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The Watertown Police Department is having a contest to name its new comfort dog. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

The Watertown Police welcomed a new have a new addition to the department of the four-legged variety, and they are seeking help naming him. See the welcome announcement below. Watertown PD welcomes a new member to the team! Officer Anna Margaryan met her new partner, an 8 week old golden retriever who will serve as our department’s first comfort dog.

Around Town

100 Attend Senior Center’s Birthday Party, Also Learn About Free Ride Program & Make Cards

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About 100 people turned up to celebrate the Watertown Senior Center’s birthday. One room featured a DJ and games. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Two rooms were packed for a celebration of 31 years of the Watertown Senior Center on June 20. The birthday celebration was attended by about 100 people, said Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services. Attendees had the choice of two room.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested for OUI in Police Station Lot, Shoplifter Caught with Scooter

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. June 14, 1 p.m.: A man pulled into the parking lot at the Watertown Police Station and encountered an officer in the authorized-personnel-only section of the lot. He was going at high rate of speed before he pulled up, and was honking his horn. The man yelled at the officer, who believed the man might be intoxicated. The man had an odor of alcohol, and glassy eyes.

Government

State Rep. Lawn Honored by Health Care for All Massachusetts

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State Rep. John Lawn received an award from Health Care For All Massachusetts. Pictured, from left, Chairwoman Cindy Friedman (D-Fourth Middlesex, Senate Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing), Chairman John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing), and Amy Rosenthal (Executive Director of Health Care For All Massachusetts)

The following announcement was provided by State Rep. John Lawn’s office:

State Representative John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown) received the Health Care for All (HCFA) Rob Restuccia Leadership Award at the HCFA’s annual For the People reception. The award, presented annually, highlight’s individuals and organizations whose leadership and dedication to and for their communities embody the spirit of Rob Restuccia, the former executive director of HCFA. The event serves as their biggest event of the year, gathering hundreds of key stakeholders including health care leaders, policy makers, and key advocates together in support of the HCFA mission: to advocate for health justice in Massachusetts to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access for all. “Chairman Lawn has consistently championed Health Care For All in the Legislature,” said Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of non-profit organization Health Care For All Massachusetts.

Entertainment

Young Watertown Actress Lands Role in American Repertory Theater’s “Gatsby”

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Watertown’s Kendall Cote plays Pammy in the play “Gatsby”at the American Repertory Theater. (Contributed Photo)

A young Watertown actress made her stage debut in a play headed to Broadway and on one of the area’s most well known stages. Five-year-old Kendall Cote landed a part in the play “Gatsby,” which is in the midst of a 10 week run at the American Repertory Theater in Harvard Square. In her role as Pammy, the daughter of Daisy Buchanan, she goes into the theater five times a week. “We go in, play for a little bit.

Police/Fire

Retiring Watertown Detective to Share His Crime Investigating Knowledge & Work on Cold Cases

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Longtime Watertown Police Detective David MacNeil is moving on to new challenges, including teaching crime scene investigation and working on cold cases. (Photo by Leah O’Brien Photography)

During his time at the Watertown Police Department, David MacNeil has trained at national crime investigation centers, taught trainings himself, he was the inspiration for a character in books and movies, and he got to visit Scotland Yard. Now, in his retirement, the Watertown native plans to share what he’s learned with others in law enforcement, and to help solve cold cases. MacNeil retired at the end of April after 36 years as a Watertown Police officer, including the last 22 as a detective. He is now the president of MacNeil Investigations & Forensic Consulting where he will focus on private investigations, and training law enforcement in crime scene investigation practices and forensic science.

Around Town

Save the Date for the Next Watertown Square Area Plan Meeting

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Save the Date: The Joint Hearing to discuss the Watertown Square Area Plan will continue on June 27, 2024 at 6pm in the Watertown Middle School Auditorium at 68 Waverley Avenue in Watertown. This is a continuation of the Joint Hearing held on June 13 in the same location. We encourage everyone to visit the project website to learn more, and to access the plan document (PDF). This Hearing will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you have the opportunity to join virtually on Zoom or in-person. You will also be able to watch the Hearing live online on WCA-TV.