Around Town

Hunger in Watertown Will be the Focus of Live Roundtable Discussion

By |

Food on the shelfs at the Watertown Food Pantry, which has seen an increase in the number of people using its services since the start of the Pandemic. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A series of articles in Watertown News put a spotlight on a problem that often goes unseen in the community: hunger. The discussion will continue with a live event, where Watertown Cable Access Television will debut a video about food insecurity in town. WHAT: Monday, February 12, Watertown Cable Access TV and Watertown News will hold a live round table about the state of hunger and food insecurity in our community at 6 p.m. on the main stage Mosesian Center for the Arts

WHO: Panelists will include Watertown Community Foundation Executive Director Tia Tilson, Watertown Food Pantry Coordinator Kathy Cunningham, the City of Watertown’s Community Wellness Program Manager Stephanie Venizelos, Watertown Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Lara, and Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist Sophia Suarez-Friedman from the Wayside Multi-Service Center. HOSTS: Moderated by Charlie Breitrose of Watertown News and journalist Maya Shwayder.

Business

Mass. Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development to Speak at Chamber Event in Watertown

By |

Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce:

Women in Government series presents A conversation with Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development Lauren Jones, Tuesday, Feb 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond St., Watertown Networking and continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., program begins at 9 a.m. open to members & nonmembers. Join us for a timely conversation about jobs, hiring and workforce development with Secretary Lauren Jones, who was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey last year to head up the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Jones has more than 17 years of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. As Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jones led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy.

Schools

Following False Alarms Watertown Schools to Hold Emergency Drills, Also Seek to Improve Communication System

By |

After a series of false alarms in the security systems at Watertown’s new schools, the district plans to hold drills for the students, and will look for ways to avoid more incidents in the future. The Watertown Public Schools opened two brand new elementary schools, a third underwent a major renovation and expansion, and students at the high school have a new, temporary home. The new buildings also have new technology, including a multi-hazard notification system, said Superintendent Dede Galdston. All four new schools have had false alarms, she said, some due to wiring and other when the panic button was pressed by mistake. “We want to make sure people understand that these happen and that we will do to prevent that from happening again,” Galdston said.

Around Town

OBIT: Richard “Richie” O’Reilly, 63, Graduate of Watertown High, Brandeis & New England School of Law

By |

Richard “Richie” O’Reilly

A Funeral Mass for Richard “Richie” O’Reilly will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10 AM in the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St. Watertown. Mr. O’Reilly was born in Boston to Catherine A. (McCarthy) O’Reilly and the late Joseph O’Reilly. Richie passed away after a 15-month battle with cancer on Jan.

Entertainment

Celebration of Black Artists at Watertown Fitness Studio

By |

The following announcement was provided by Fly Together Fitness:

Fly Together Fitness is thrilled to partner with Watertown resident Phil Gordon and Joey’s Home Entertainment to bring you Art In Motion at Fly Together Fitness’ Watertown Studio (100 Parker St., Watertown)

At Fly Together Fitness we believe in supporting community initiatives and doing our part in building platforms to empower creative individuals. Whether your self expression is visual, physical, or aural you are welcome to show up as your authentic self and know that there is space for you. Because TOGETHER anything is possible. 

The goal of Art In Motion is to provide a platform to highlight Boston-metro Black creatives in music, visual art, artisan production, apparel and hospitality through curated event experiences at inclusive community spaces. Art in Motion aims to address the lack of historic and regional opportunities for local Black creatives to grow their careers while capturing opportunities to bridge diverse networks and create new relationships between artists and community members around the Greater Boston area. * Tickets sales go towards compensating the artists for their time, (which is not a traditional model but one that we believe is fair and should be standard) we encourage you to select the ticket tier you are most comfortable with.

Around Town

LETTER: Questions About New Position on Traffic Commission

By |

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

Democracy?  I know you’re out there somewhere…

This is not a letter that I could even imagine having to write, but here goes. When I looked at Tuesday night’s agenda for the City Council meeting, I noticed an unusual item. Then I started getting phone calls. Other people were curious about this item as well. So I got curious. Why would there be a sudden change to the structure of the Traffic Commission without any visible input from them?

Business

Watertown Marketing & Communications Company Names New CEO

By |

The following announcement was provided by Greenough Communications:

Greenough Communications, a leading brand marketing and communications agency, announces Nikki Festa O’Brien as its new CEO. Festa O’Brien, who joined the Watertown-based agency as President in 2022, will continue to drive growth and deliver best-in-class services for clients. Under her leadership, Greenough will execute its mission to focus on the moments that matter while creating all the memorable moments in between. Greenough Communications has a rich history of serving healthcare, technology, and business services clients, delivering impactful integrated campaigns. With Festa O’Brien at the helm, the agency has recently expanded its roster with a number of exciting new clients across portfolios, including Ameresco, BioBuilder, CorVel, IQE, symplr and Thirona.