Around Town

Grant Will Help Seniors Stay Connected Through Ride Service Pilot Program

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Guests at the Senior Center’s Holiday Lunch check out the raffle items at the event held at the Hibernian Club. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown will be offering its seniors rides when they want them for trips to the doctor, to get groceries and more in a pilot program using a grant provided by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. Currently, seniors have access to rides through a smartphone app, but that has worked for everyone, said Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services said at the Senior Center Holiday Lunch on Dec. 15. “Not everyone knows how to use a rideshare app, not everyone has a smart phone and it’s not so easy to always navigate,” McCoy said.

Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban to be Lifted Temporarily Over Holidays

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Effective December 23, 2023 enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will be temporarily suspended – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the City’s website for available off-street parking locations. All homeowners are encouraged to continue using available off-street parking during the overnight hours. Enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will resume on January 2, 2024. Have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Entertainment

LOVEFOOL Returns to the Mosesian Center for the Valentine’s Day Weekend

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Michael John Ciszewski returns to the Boston area with his third solo show LOVEFOOL to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with two performances at Watertown’s
Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

This February, NYC-based queer actor and comic Michael John Ciszewski returns to Boston with his third solo show LOVEFOOL to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with two performances at Watertown’s Mosesian Center for the Arts after a smash 2023 tour that filled houses from comedy clubs to Pride festivals across the northeast with big gay joy. The show is co-created and produced with Brian Dudley and directed by Noah Simes. Following packed performances in New York City (Asylum NYC, Pete’s Candy Store, QED Astoria), Jersey City (Jersey City Theater Center), Provincetown (Redroom), Providence (Fletcher House), Philadelphia (Yellow Bicycle Theatre), and Boston (Rockwell & New Rep), the LOVEFOOL team is thrilled to bring their “celebration of queer love” back to the community that raised them for the third year running! LOVEFOOL is a dazzling and deliciously silly romp through flings, flirtations, and first loves that brims with heart and hilarity.

Police/Fire

US Attorney Announces Arrest of 28 in Connection to Prostitution Ring that Used Apartments in Watertown

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Twenty-eight people have been charged for their involvement with the prostitution ring that used, among several locations, three apartments in Watertown, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. The charges were filed in the Cambridge District Court, but no names have been released by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Along with the three apartments located at Arsenal Yards, the ring also used locations in other parts of Massachusetts, as well as Virginia and California. Levy released the following statement:

“Our office made it clear when we announced charges of a commercial sex ring case on Nov. 8, 2023, that the investigation was ongoing and that there would be accountability for the buyers who fuel the commercial sex industry.

Government

Watertown’s New Chief Financial Officer Appointed by City Manager

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Ari Sky has been named Watertown’s Chief Financial Officer. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment of Ari J. Sky as Watertown’s new Chief Financial Officer effective February 5, 2024. Mr. Sky most recently served as the Town Administrator for the Town of Lakeville. As the Town’s chief administrative officer, Mr. Sky provided strategic and operational direction to the organization, administered the Town’s personnel systems, coordinated communications with the various boards and commissions, oversaw procurement activities and the annual operating and capital budget processes and provided advice and support to the Select Board. Over the course of Mr. Sky’s tenure, he facilitated the development of new processes and recruited key staff to enhance the organization’s ability to respond to growing challenges and to define and maintain a commitment to the Town’s core principles.

Around Town

Applications Available for Students, Seniors to Participate in Snow Shoveling Program

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Department of Recreation and Council on Aging Snow Shoveling Program Applications for both our seniors, middle school and high school students are included in this communication. 

If you are a senior citizen and are requesting shoveling assistance, please fill this form out below. Senior Citizen – Snow Shoveling Application Form

If you are a middle school or high school student from Watertown and are interested in participating in this service, please fill this form out below. Middle School – High School Snow Shoveling Participation Form

Both documents are fillable. Return to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or to the Watertown Recreation Department in the City Hall ground floor at 149 Main Street. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov

Government

Councilor Lisa Feltner Hosting Annual Public Meeting

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District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner announced the date of her meeting. See info below. City Councilor Lisa Feltner’s Annual Councilor Meeting is on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom.

Around Town

2024 Watertown Trash & Recycling Calendar Out, Includes 1 More Yard Waste Collection

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The Department of Public Works released the Watertown trash and recycling pickup schedule, along with the yard waste collection weeks. In 2024, there will be 26 yard waste collection weeks, one more than 2023, including three in the month of April. The first yard waste collection will be the week of April 8. Twelve weeks will have holiday trash delays for at least some residents. Watertown’s 2024 Trash and Recycle calendar is available online.