Charity

Watertown Church Raises Money to Help Armenians in Syria

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Watertown’s St. Stephen’s Church recently welcomed people working to help Armenians in Syria, who provided an update on the situation there, and collected money for the Armenian Relief Society. According to a story in the Armenian Weekly, the event raised more than $3,500 to help the Syrian-Armenian community. The event was organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Boston “Sardarabad” Gomideh along with the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Leona Sassouni” and “Shushi” Chapters and the St. Stephen’s Church.

Entertainment

LETTER: Candidate Sees Shortcuts in Watertown Schools’ Goals

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Dear Watertown,

I want to encourage Watertown citizens to consider the 2015/2016 Superintendent’s goals and the learning goals discussed at the August 10th School Committee meeting. Goal setting is a powerful tool that school districts use to achieve purposeful results. Goals help schools focus energy, attention, resources, and motivation. They inspire commitment and action or, in their absence, inaction. Watertown Public Schools (WPS) is a ~$45 million per year education system, serving 2700+ diverse students with a staff of approximately 550 people.

Government

Town Taking Steps to Control Rats After Residents Report Sightings

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The Watertown Health Department has put out boxes to try to control the rats in areas of town that have seen a spike in rodent activity this summer. A map of reported rodent sighting show most of the complaints coming in the Eastside of Watertown, with a cluster around Arlington Street, north of Mt. Auburn Street. Earlier this month, the town held a meeting for Eastside residents to talk about the rodent problems they have seen in their area. Some reported seeing them on their street, or even in their yards and lawns (read more here).

Entertainment

‘Broken Glass’ Opens New Rep Theatre’s 2015-16 Season

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New Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2015-16 season at the Arsenal Center for the Arts with the Tony nominated play Broken Glass, by Arthur Miller. The play will be on the Charles Mosesian Theater stage in Watertown from Sept. 5-27 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St. The Olivier Award-winning, and Tony-nominated drama is presented as part of a national celebration of the centennial of the birth of playwright Arthur Miller. “The resounding authenticity of playwright Arthur Miller’s voice has left an indelible legacy on the American stage,” said Artistic Director, Jim Petosa.

Around Town

Walk Planned in Watertown to Help Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry

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On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) will hold its 4th annual Walk of Life walkathon in Watertown. The goal of the walk is to raise public awareness as well as funds in support of ABMDR, whose mission it is to fight leukemia and other blood-related disorders by finding stem cell donor matches for those in need of life-saving transplant procedures. “We are excited about the upcoming Walk of Life this fall and hope it is received as enthusiastically by our community organizations as it was in 2014,” said Alvart Badalian, a member of the ABMDR Board. “Just a reminder: You can also participate in the waklkathon virtually as in years before.”

The 2.2-mile walk will begin at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) at 47 Nichols Avenue and will end at Watertown’s annual Faire on the Square Festival, a fun-filled end-of-summer event for all ages.

Business

Arsenal Mall Owners Seeking Special Zoning for Area

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The owners of the Arsenal Project have proposed creating new zoning for the property to allow more types of developments to be allowed, with the goal of making the project a gateway to Watertown. Last week, the Town Council referred the proposal for creating a Regional Mixed Use District to the Planning Board. “An amendment has been proposed, but it is not sign, sealed delivered,” said Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. “They proposal would allow broader uses of the property.” William McQuillan, principal of Boylston Properties – the owners of the Arsenal Project (formerly Arsenal Mall) – submitted the proposal under the name BP Watertown Retail LLC.

Real Estate

Watertown Real Estate Report – Sales Up, Inventory Down

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The Madden Team analyzes the Watertown real estate market, and here is their latest monthly report: 

Compared to last month’s statistics, we are seeing a slight decrease in our inventory which should only continue to fuel our currently “hot” market well into the Fall. The biggest decrease was in new inventory to the market which had 16 during the week of July 5th – July 11th but only saw 3 new entries to the market last week. In good news, our solds for Watertown increased by 2 compared to that week last month holding strong in the double digits. Currently there is a bit of inventory to choose from with 11 single families, 20 condominiums and 6 multi-families on the market. However, in looking back, we had more inventory during the week we researched last month except in the Single Family market where there was a slight increase from 9 to 11 homes available.

Obituaries

OBIT: Nancy (DiPizzol) Mancini of Watertown

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Nancy T. (DiPizzol) Mancini died in Watertown, August 24, 2015 after a lengthy illness. She was retired processor for ADP, Co. Nancy is the beloved wife of John L. Mancini. Devoted mother of Nicolas J. Mancini and his wife Kelly of Florida and David P. Mancini and his wife Lauren of Wilmington. Loving grandmother of Kayla Mancini.