LETTER: Boys & Girls Club Planning to Expand, Obstacle Hindering Its Efforts

The Watertown Boys and Girls Club is expanding, building a New Foundation

The Board of Directors, Executive Director Gary Beatty and staff of the Watertown Boys and Club are delighted to announce an expansion of the space we use in our building and our programming for the children and families of Watertown. 

We are building a new foundation for the growth of our Club in Watertown. New Foundations — the project name — is our more than $1.6 M project to completely renovate the ground floor of the building.  The result will be a beautiful space that will house a brand new licensed childcare program — the first of its kind at the WBGC and the only one in Watertown–to provide licensed after-school childcare for up to 85 children. This will enable us to help meet the growing need for quality after-school care for children in K-3 in Watertown. I am writing to share an update on our project.  In the past year we hired an architect, Bloom Architects, agreed on a design, developed drawings and bid documents, bid the job out and awarded the bid. We have signed a contract with Groom Construction. Groom was the low bidder (by over $100K) and have been very responsive and easy to work with. We are excited to be working with them. Construction is due to start in August and is expected to finish around the end of the year. We are ready to move ahead, but we can’t.  The barrier is First Path Daycare.

Free Mass Save Energy Assessments Available for Small Businesses & Non-Profits

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is partnering with Mass Save on their Main Streets Program, a small business energy efficiency initiative. Through Main Streets, Mass Save connects small business owners with approved contractors who offer no-cost energy assessments to discuss upgrades that will lower energy use and reduce costs. Starting July 29, 2024 energy experts will be in the community meeting with businesses, non-profits, and houses of worship, scheduling no-cost energy assessments and answering questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and other improvements. Many of the upgrades qualify for Mass Save incentives and interest-free financing to offset the cost of the improvements. Stay tuned for a formal press release with more information and contacts.

Mighty Squirrel Biergarten Returns to Arsenal Yards

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Mighty Squirrel Brewing will be serving its creations at the biergarten at Arsenal Yards. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards is thrilled to announce the return of the Mighty Squirrel pop-up biergarten on the River Green! Join us for an unforgettable series of bi-weekly events featuring live music from talented local performers. Mark your calendars for these special dates: July 25th, August 8th, August 22nd, September 5th, and September 19th, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The biergarten operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Watertown Police Seek ID of Driver of Car in Hit-and-Run Involving Dog

Police seek help identifying the driver of a car that was in a hit and run incident in Watertown involving a dog that occurred last week just down the street from Cunniff School. The Watertown Police Department provided the following information on its social media:

Watertown PD is attempting to identify the owner of the attached MV that was involved in a Hit and Run accident, involving a dog. This incident occurred on Thursday July 18, 2024, at approximately 5:30PM. The vehicle was traveling East on Warren St. by King St.

Post-Meridian Radio Players to Perform Mysteries at Mosesian Center for the Arts

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

Mosesian Center for the Arts welcomes the Post-Meridian Radio Players (PMRP) this weekend, July 26-28, to present a series of radio mysteries. PMRP returns to Mosesian Arts with their 13th year of summer mysteries — three classics presented in the style of old-time radio dramas:

• A recreation of the Lux Radio Theater version of the mystery classic, The Thin Man, featuring Nick and Nora Charles. The script is written by George Wells and Sanford Barnett, and is adapted and directed by Jeremy Holstein. • Gentleman thief Arsène Lupin returning in a new adventure titled The Black Pearl, with a script adapted by Michael Lin and directed by Jamie Lin. • The feminist mystery classic Trifles by Susan Glaspell, adapted for radio drama by Phoebe Roberts and directed by Hannah Baker.

Residents Sought to Serve on Watertown Historical Commission

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Historical Commission. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. The purpose of the Watertown Historical Commission is to preserve, protect, and advocate for the City’s historical and archaeological resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include promoting awareness of historic landmarks; recommending designation of new landmarks; implementing the Demolition Delay Ordinance; researching places of historic or archaeological value; conducting educational outreach to the community; and establishing long-lasting protection of these resources for future generations. The Commission cooperates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the State Archaeologist and renders opinions and recommendations to the City Council, City departments, and the public.

Vendors & Sponsors Can Register for the 2024 Faire on the Square

Watertown’s biggest celebration returns for its 25th year in September, and vendors and sponsors can sign up now. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The 25th Anniversary of Watertown’s Faire on the Square is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 12-5 p.m. at Saltonstall Park. Vendor registration is open through August 30, 2024. Visit www.faireonthesquare.com to learn more and register! Sponsorship opportunities for the Faire on the Square are now available!

OBIT: Robert Weeden, 83, Vietnam Veteran, Longtime Volunteer, Worked at Polaroid

Robert Weeden

Robert J Weeden of Watertown passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from a brief illness at the age of 83. He was born in September 13,1940 to Robert E. and Olga M. Weeden of Watertown. Beloved husband of the late Linda E. Weeden. Father to Paul Weeden and wife, Julie of Watertown and Erik Weeden and wife Lynn of Hopedale. Grandfather to Tage Weeden and Davin Weeden of Watertown along with Jenna Weeden and Ashley Weeden of Hopedale.