Around Town

City Surveying Bicyclists About Vehicles Parking in Bike Lanes

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

We’re partnering with the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to recommend strategies to prevent vehicles from parking in bike lanes. The study will also review best practices in other regions and identify interventions that cities and towns in the Boston area could pilot. As part of the study, we’re asking the cycling community and advocates to respond to a survey. It will take approximately five minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional). 

For more information about this study, please contact MPO Transportation Planner Kyle Casiglio at kcasiglio@ctps.org. 

Take the Survey.

Government

City Seeks Residents to Serve on Blue Ribbon Committee on City Council Salaries

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Watertown City Hall

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City Council is seeking individuals who live in, work in, or own property in Watertown to apply to serve on the Blue Ribbon Committee to examine the salaries of City Councilors. The Blue Ribbon Committee’s duties will be to study the salary received by City Councilors and the Council President for their service and make recommendations on a methodology and process for salaries to be set going forward, including a recommendation for the 2026-2027 Council salary. The committee will receive staff support from Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton. The committee’s final recommendations will be presented to the City Council no later than at the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting. The committee’s recommendations must be decided on by the Council by June 2025.

Around Town

Art Exhibit and Performances to Celebrate Women’s Voices at Mosesian Center for the Arts

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“Woman’s Work” by Stephanie Todhunter is part of an exhibition at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. (Contributed Photo)

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

The Mosesian Center for the Arts at the Arsenal in Watertown has programmed a collection of events celebrating the talents and voices of women in both visual and performing arts. Feminist Art: Contemporary Perspectives opens as a gallery exhibition on March 22 and runs through May 3. SheGrooves: Using Our Voices for Positive Change (March 27), Lil Bit of (Almost) Everything Comedy Showcase (April 12), and Melodies of Ukraine with the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America (April 14) are three related events taking the Mosesian Arts stages during the exhibition dates. Feminist Art: Contemporary Perspectives

There is a long line of artists who have created feminist art — Judy Chicago, Faith Wildling, Ana Mendieta, Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Kruger, Betye Saar, Lorna Simpson, and many more. Their work continues to be relevant today as women and other marginalized genders are facing the same issues of oppressive body politics. 

Restriction and lack of reproductive rights were some of the issues addressed by feminist artists in the 1970’s, and reproductive justice issues have had a particularly devastating impact on Black and Indigenous communities. Artists in this exhibition are grappling with the same issues and injustices because of conservative and oppressive polices created in recent years. 

The present-day resurgence in feminist art, as well as an interest in its history and connection to current intersectional feminist political and art activism, has opened a re-examination of themes of the body, particularly the bodies of women and trans individuals, and how it is viewed.

Around Town

Marshall Home Fund Hires New Administrator

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Paula Halpin, the Administrator of the Marshall Home Fund. The board of directors of the Marshall Home Fund (MHF) is proud to announce that PaulaHalpin has been named the new administrator for the Fund. Paula, a longtime resident of Watertown, is an experienced Office Manager and Executive Assistant with more than ten years of experience in healthcare, market research, and logistics, in addition to 10 years as an entrepreneur. In her role as administrator Halpin will be the contact for information about the fund. She will also be assisting the board of directors with their committee work; and helping the Fund to continue its work in the community.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation to Award $130,000 for 2024 Spring Grant Cycle

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2024 application process for Institutional and Program grants starting April 1. These grants support local non-profits, community-based organizations, programs, and projects that serve Watertown. Approximately $130,000 in grants will be awarded. WCF’s Program Grants will support new or existing programs with an educational focus (broadly defined) that are run by local organizations that serve Watertown and are not offered through Watertown’s public or private schools. Eligible organizations may apply for grants of $500 up to $5,000. WCF’s Institutional Support Grants will support non-profit institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to support the organizational mission, staffing and operating costs.

Entertainment

Armenian Museum Showcasing Pieces From Its Collection in New Exhibit

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Kevork Mourad, The Age of the Word (2002, Acrylic on canvas). (Courtesy of Armenian Museum of America)

The Armenian Museum of America will be hosting Gandzaran, an exhibit of notable selections from the Watertown-based museum’s collection. An opening reception will be held on March 22. The following information was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

Armenian fine art historically focused on illuminations, miniatures, and other pious objects, the most significant of which were secured and hidden in the gandzaran (գանձարան), or treasury, of a monastery. Drawing from the Museum’s vaults — our own gandzaran — this exhibit (click here) showcases the development of Armenian art in the 20th and 21st centuries, from its origins in religious motifs to the Soviet period and its continuous reinterpretation among contemporary artists around the world.

Around Town

Hibernians Ladies Hosting Annual Ham-O-Rama, Raffle Prizes Include Easter Dinner

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The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown announced they will host the annual Ham-O-Rama on March 23, 2024. All are welcome and admission is free to the event at the Ancient Order of Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown St., in Watertown. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and rounds begin at 6 p.m.

There will be a raffle with 160 chances to win. Prizes include Easter Dinner. Cash bar.

Business

Four Watertown Restaurants Set to Showcase at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Bar ’Cino, Olespana, Shiraz Persian Cuisine and Ritcey East will all be featured at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings culinary showcase on Monday April 8 at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The highly anticipated event, presented by NBCU Boston, is returning after a four-year hiatus and promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together restaurants, caterers and beverage providers from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. This event takes Dine Local to a whole new level, showcasing the exceptional flavors that make our communities special. It’s expected to draw over 500 community members, business and civic leaders from across our region who share our enthusiasm for local cuisine. Bring your appetite!