Police/Fire

Police Get Public’s Help ID’ing Driver Who Damaged Watertown Restaurant

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The red pickup that struck Jana Grill on Galen Street. The photo was released by Watertown Police. Watertown Police have received help identifying the vehicle who slammed into the side of Jana Grill on Galen Street. The restaurant has closed temporarily due to the damage from the incident. The Watertown Police sent out the following request seeking public assistance on Wednesday, July 3:

Watertown PD is still looking to identify the driver and vehicle involved in an accident that occurred at 2:20am on Monday morning.

Government

City Council & Planning Board Weigh In on Watertown Square Area Plan

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Traffic flows and affordable housing remained front and center issues for city officials who gathered on June 27th to discuss — for the second time this year — the comprehensive redevelopment plan for Watertown Square. The discussion among the City Councilors and Planning Board members circled around what the sticking points of the Watertown Square Area Plan were and how, exactly, they should move forward. “Watertown Square is a failed concept. It’s been failing for 30 years. We need housing.

Around Town

Patriots Foundation Honors Watertown Man for Years of Giving Blind People Chance to Play Baseball

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Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett (far left) and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley, congratulate Bryan Grillo from the Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades for being selected as a 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. During the June 6 luncheon, the Kraft family, the Patriots Foundation and Gillette awarded $275,000 in grants to 26 New England nonprofits. The Association of Blind Citizens Boston Renegades received a $10,000 grant in honor of Bryan’s volunteer efforts. (photo courtesy of Eric J. Adler/New England Patriots)

The following announcement was provided by the New England Patriots Foundation:

On Thursday, June 6, the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation celebrated the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. They recognized 26 volunteers for their contributions to the New England community at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

Around Town

Watertown Senior Services Receives AARP Community Challenge Grant

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Watertown’s Department of Senior Services is thrilled to announce they have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. They are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Watertown Department of Senior Services for this investment to make Watertown a more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program for Older Adults in Watertown, MA

The City of Watertown’s Senior Service Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program is a compassionate initiative dedicated to providing crucial support to seniors and their families in Watertown, MA. Our 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 be run out of the City of Watertown’s Department of Senior Services.

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.