Around Town

Presentation About Jordan Marsh Hosted by Historical Society of Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown & The Watertown Free Public Library Present: “Jordan Marsh: New England’s Largest Store,” a slide show and talk by Anthony Sammarco on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library – Watertown Savings Bank Room, 123 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472. Come join us as Anthony Sammarco reveals the fascinating history of Boston’s beloved Jordan Marsh. Jordan Marsh opened its first store in 1851 on Milk Street in Boston selling assorted dry goods. Do you remember the blueberry muffins and the Enchanted Village? Referred to as the “Balzac of Boston History” by the Boston Globe, Anthony Mitchell Sammarco is a noted historian and author of over seventy books on the history and development of Boston, and he lectures widely on the history and development of his native city.

Government

Committee of Residents Will Make Recommendation for City Councilors’ Salaries

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Watertown City Hall

A committee of residents and property owners will be created to study what salary should be paid to Watertown City Councilors. On Tuesday night, Councilors unanimously voted to create a Blue Ribbon Committee to study salaries. City Council salaries must be approved by the Council, and when approved they do not take effect until the following term. In January 2023, the Council approved an increase of $1,200 per year to $8,700 a year for the Councilors and a $1,500 increase to $12,000 for the Council President. The increase was based on a 2.5 percent raise per year from 2018 to 2024.

Around Town

Families Invited to Easter Egg Hunt at Watertown Church

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Watertown’s Grace Chapel, 525 Main St., announced it will host an Easter Egg Hunt for kids of all ages on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

Grace Chapel sent out the following information:

Hop on over to Grace Chapel Watertown’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Kids of all ages are invited to hunt for eggs, jump in a bounce house, get their faces painted, and make spring crafts. Capture some cute photos at our photo booth area, and meet and mingle with other families in the community while your kids are entertained. This fun family event is free and open to the public, but don’t forget to register! 

See you and your egg-cited little ones on March 23! Click here to register

Rain date is Saturday, March 30.

Around Town

Series on Food Insecurity in Watertown Debuts on WCA-TV

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Jan Singer, left, the former Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, discussed how the Foundation responded to food insecurity during the Pandemic with journalists Maya Shwayder and Charlie Breitrose. (Photo by Dan Hogan / WCA-TV)

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cable Access Television:

In cooperation with the Watertown News and thanks to a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Cable News is producing a series of videos chronicling issues of hunger and food insecurity in the community. In part 1 of the series, we talk to a number of different stakeholders in the community from the Food Pantry, Famers’ Market, Wayside, and Community Foundation to find out how many people are struggling and where the gaps in service lie. Accompanying this series are articles written by WCN news anchor and local journalist Maya Shwayder as well as Watertown News Editor Charlie Breitrose. Read the Articles

Part 1: Watertown’s Hidden Problem: Food Insecurity Among Us

Part 2: Hunger Hits Home: A Watertown Teenager’s Struggle to Feed Herself

Part 3: Hunger in Watertown: Task Force Tackles Social Needs, Tries to Fills Gaps Left by State, Local Programs

Part 4: Through Pandemics & Collapsed Ceilings, the Watertown Food Pantry Stays Open

Part 5: Filling the Watertown’s Free Fridge is a Community Effort

Part 6: Food Insecurity in Watertown: Hunger is a Multi-Faceted Problem — It Won’t Magically Go Away

Roundtable Discussion

On February 12th, WCN and the Watertown News produced a live roundtable discussion at the Mosesian Center for the Arts to hear from representatives from the city, Food Pantry, Watertown Housing Authority, and Wayside to dive further into these issues.

Government

OP-ED: Council Public Forum — 60 Seconds or Not?

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By Clyde YoungerFormer Watertown Council President

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024 I attended the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Rules and Ordinances in support of a petition signed by over 200 residents. Those signing the petition were requesting consideration of adding One (1) additional minute on the two (2) Public Forums in order to allow a resident additional time, if required, to complete their plea. As an alumnus of the Watertown Council, I was dumbfounded to hear some of the discussion with one of the Councilors saying we give them four minutes when other communities give none. We do not give the people time; they give us the opportunity to represent them. Every Councilor I served with understood this.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Driver Arrested After Hitting 2 Parked Cars, Pair of Shoplifters Busted

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Feb. 25, 6 p.m.: A bike was damaged and a lock was vandalized at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center. The owner said the bike damage from what appeared to be an attempted theft that occurred between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The bike had multiple locks and the suspect was able to break away one of the locks while attempting to steal the bike. The spokes of the bike were damaged, making the bike unusable.

Sports

Youth Sports Success: Girls Youth Basketball Wins Tourney, Wrestler Places 2nd at States

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Watertown’s Girls Fifth Grade Travel Basketball Team won the Div. 3 Metrowest Youth Basketball Tournament. (Contributed Photo)

Youth athletes from Watertown enjoyed some success recently, both on the basketball court and on the wrestling mat. Basketball

The Watertown Youth Basketball Fifth Grade Girls Travel Team won the Metrowest Youth Basketball Division 3 Championship last weekend. The team is coached by Head Coach Lee Haley and Assistant Coach Mark McAndrew. 

Watertown beat Raynham 34-15 in the final of the tournament that included 14 teams. The team got a bye in the first round, defeated Waltham 31-16 in the second round, and won its third round game against Walpole, 40-23.

Entertainment

Singers from American Idol & Britain’s Got Talent Performing in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by ON3 Events:

Prepare for an unforgettable musical experience as Jack and Tim, the dynamic duo from Britain’s Got Talent, are set to grace the stage alongside the sensational Casey Bishop from Season 19 of American Idol. The Boston area is in for a treat as these extraordinary artists come together for two exclusive performances. Watertown Show Details:

Date: April 25, 2025Venue: The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the ArtsAddress: 321 Arsenal St, WatertownTime: 8 PMSpecial Guest: Casey BishopSpecial Local Guest: TBA

Ashland Show Details:

Date: April 26, 2025Venue: Marconi’s Co Event Center / Ashland VFWAddress: 311 Pleasant Street, AshlandTime: 8 PM Special Guest: Casey BishopSpecial Local Guest: Steve & Mike Spector

Both shows promise an evening filled with outstanding performances and surprises that will leave the audience in awe. In addition to the incredible talent of Jack, Tim, Casey Bishop, and local guests, the shows will contribute to the support of performing arts programs at the respective venues. Ticket Information:

Tickets can be purchased at www.jackandtimmusic.com or www.on3events.com

Benefiting the Arts:

Proceeds from these shows will directly benefit the performing arts programs at The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown and the Ashland Community Theatre Program.