Government

City Can Enforce Unpaid Fees and Fines by Imposing Liens on Properties

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Watertown City Hall

The City of Watertown will now be able to attach liens to properties for unpaid fees, fines, and tickets after a recent City Council vote. Previously, the City had to go to District Court to enforces fines and other payments, but the City wanted a more reliable way to enforce fines, fees, and other payments, City Manager George Proakis said at the Sept. 22 City Council meeting. The lien would appear on the property tax bills. “We had a conversation with (legal) counsel about best strategy to go about when we impose a fine to someone for a violation of the State sanitary code, or building regulations or noise regulations.

Entertainment

Library’s 4th Annual Watertown Zine Fest Spotlights DIY Creators

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

On Saturday, October 19, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) will be a hive of activity during the Fourth Watertown Zine Fest, a day-long celebration of zine-making and do-it-yourself creativity. All are welcome, even if you don’t know what a zine is! For the uninitiated, here’s a quick primer: Zines are small, self-published works featuring original or repurposed content, often replicated by photocopier and/or shared online. Their subjects are as varied and diverse as their creators, covering everything from art and music to politics and personal stories. Because they cover so much ground, zines are hard to define!

Business

2 Life Science Companies Sign Leases at Galen Street Building

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Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsA view from Water Street of the life sciences building at 66 Galen St. A prominent life science building on Galen Street Watertown has signed two tenants, developers announced on Friday. LifeMine Therapeutics will lease the fourth floor of 66 Galen, a 225,000 sq. ft. life science lab building on the Southside of Watertown.

Around Town

Anoush’ella: A Sweet Taste of Armenia in the Heart of Watertown

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Manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar and cheese on top, served at Anoush’ella Cafe in Watertown. (Photo by Maya Shwayder)

Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food. Run by Nina Festekjian and her husband Rafi, alongside community center manager Vatche Seraderian, this gem of a spot blends culinary delights with cultural pride, providing a space for the Armenian community to gather, share stories, and reconnect with their heritage through shared space and food. Though the café only opens its doors just once a week on Thursday, it’s already establishing itself as a key part of the community’s rhythm. The story of Anoush’ella started as a personal passion project for Nina and Rafi.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Drainage Installation Work Starting This Week

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Drainage installation begins this week as part of the reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Newport Construction has begun preparing for drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street, with work set to begin on October 2, 2024. The project will start at the Cambridge line near 805 and 821 Mount Auburn St. and progress towards the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street.

Around Town

Changes at the Watertown Farmers Market: New Hours New Layout

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Vendors set up under the trees in the lower section of Saltonstall Park for the 2024 Watertown Farmers Market. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Farmers Market announced a new closing time and a new layout for the month of October 2024. See details provided by the City of Watertown below:

CHANGES AFOOT AT THE WFM: 6:00PM close AND new layout

Saltonstall Park renovation is about to begin. In anticipation, we will be modifying our layout starting this week, October 2nd until the end of the season. All vendors that were previously located on the upper park are moved to the plaza, lower park, or the edge of the field. Please review the new layout posted below. As always, you can ask at the Market Manager booth to help locate your favorite vendors.

Around Town

Watertown Seniors Enjoy Food, Fun at Rotary’s Cookout; Club Has More Events in the Planning

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The Rotary Club of Watertown served up hundreds of older residents at the 2024 Senior Citizen Cook Out. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hundreds of older Watertown residents came together on a recent Sunday for an afternoon of food, entertainment, a raffle and more at the Rotary Club’s Senior Citizen Cook Out. The Sons of Italy Hall filled up with people looking forward to having a hamburger, hot dog, pizza, or many other treats provided by local restaurants and organizations. While they enjoyed their meal, seniors listened to music provided by DJ Rich Picceri and enjoyed several performances by dancers from the Mass Motion School of Dance. Dancers from Mass Motion School of Dance perform at the Watertown Rotary Senior Citizen Cook Out.