Government

Charter Review Group Discusses How Planning, Zoning Board Members are Appointed

By |

The Town of Watertown’s Zoning Map. With development in Watertown being a topic of controversy for the past decade, the Charter Review Committee examined how the two boards overseeing building and development are appointed. At the June 29 meeting of the Charter Review Committee, resident member Marcia Ciro proposed an amendment to the Town Charter, which would change the way the members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals are appointed. Currently the Town Manager makes the nominations for appointment, and the Council votes to confirm, or not, the person. Ciro proposed having the Town Council appoint the members of both boards.

Weather

Effects of Tropical Storm Elsa Expected to be Felt in Watertown

By |

National Weather Service

Tropical Storm Elsa will pass over southern New England on Friday, and Watertown is forecast to get heavy rains and wind from the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tropical Storm Warning at 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021, for southeast Middlesex County, as well as for Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeast Mass. The Warning means that Tropical Storm force winds are expected within the next 36 hours. The storm is expected to kick up winds of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Potential power outages and road closures could result from tree limbs and other items falling on power lines and roadways.

Entertainment

July 7 Watertown Summer Concert Postponed

By |

The Town of Watertown announced the postponement of Wednesday’s Summer Concert featuring Tony Soul Project due to expected storms in the area. The Town sent out the following message. “Hello Concertgoers, due to the extreme heat and the possibility of storms predicated for this afternoon, the Wednesday, July 7, 2021 concert at Saltonstall Park has been postponed. The Tony Soul Project will perform on another evening this summer! Stay tuned, and stay cool and safe!”

Business

Watertown Advertising Agency Works on Campaigns of Change, Including the State’s COVID-19 Efforts

By |

MORE AdvertisingThe co-owners of MORE Advertising, Managing Partner and President Judi Haber, left, and Founder and CEO Donna Latson Gittens. A Watertown-based advertising agency with a different focus has been in business for nearly a quarter century. Unlike most agencies it does not market products, it works on campaigns of behavior change, including Massachusetts’ COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts. MORE Advertising is a full-service, integrated advertising agency, but there is a major difference from most agencies, said Managing Partner and President Judi Haber. “Traditional advertising agencies sell products.

Sports

Registration Open for 2021 Youth Football & Cheerleading Fall Season

By |

Youth football players and cheerleaders can register for the Fall 2021 season with Watertown Belmont Youth Football & Cheer. Practices will begin on Monday, Aug. 29, and are held Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moxley Field in Watertown. See more information and register at wbyouthfootball.com/site

Watertown Belmont Youth Football and Cheer provided the following information. We offer 3 different divisions for both Football and Cheerleading:

Cheerleading Grades 1st – 8

Non-Contact Flag Football Grades 1st – 2nd

Tackle Football Grades 3rd – 8th

Divisions are then broken down into teams by grade level:

Registration fees are as follows:

Flag (1st & 2nd grade) – $75

Crusader (3rd & 4th grade) – $120

Spartan (5th & 6th grade) – $170

Gladiator (7th & 8th grade) – $170

Cheerleading – $100

*Please note cheerleading is broken into teams by grade level the same as above*

Once again, this year, your registration fee will include a baseline ImPACT test for each athlete.

Around Town

Charter Review Committee Adds Resident Advisory Committee, Decides on Spokesperson in Emergencies

By |

The proposed changes to Watertown’s Charter, which will go to voters for approval in November, include the addition of a committee to work with the Town Manager to recruit and evaluate candidates for town boards and committees. Another addition defines when the Council President can act as the spokesperson during an emergency situation. These were some of the changes discussed at the June 15 meeting of the Charter Review Committee. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 6 at 6 p.m.

Resident Advisory Committee & Diversity

The Charter changes would create a Resident Advisory Committee. The group would help the Manager recruit and evaluate candidates nominations for appointed committees and boards.

Entertainment

Dance Music and a Free Dance Lesson at This Week’s Watertown Summer Concert

By |

Tony Soul Project will perform on July 7 at Watertown’s Saltonstall Park. Get ready to dance at this Wednesday’s Watertown summer concert featuring the Tony Soul Project. The Worcester-based band calls itself a hard driving dance band that plays songs “from the Delta to Soul to Rock & Roll.” The concert will be at Saltonstall Park (next to Town Hall, 149 Main St.) on July 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. People wanting to learn a few steps before the concert can join in a free lesson at 6 p.m. to learn The Hustle from instructors from Ballroom in Boston. Tony Soul Project’s sets include a variety of favorites.