Business

Watertown Store Named 2024 Mass Save Climate Leader

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The Sponsors of Mass Save® announced the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders. This distinguished recognition honors 19 entities across Massachusetts for their ongoing efforts to curb energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and guide the Commonwealth to a net-zero future. One Watertown store made the list. The 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders represent a range of industries and sectors including museums, grocery, education, healthcare, hospitality, municipalities, and more. Each honoree has shown a deep commitment to addressing the climate crisis by taking significant measures toward a sustainable future through energy efficient upgrades.  

The 2024 cohort of Climate Leaders is helping Massachusetts lead the nation in energy efficiency and meet the Healey-Driscoll administration’s ambitious 2050 climate goals by reducing environmental impacts and lowering energy costs. Each honoree exemplifies how environmentally conscious actions drive economic success and a positive climate future for the Commonwealth. 

The 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders are: 

Acton-Boxborough Regional School District 

Berkshire Family YMCA 

BioMed Realty 

Boston College 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program 

Bristol Community College 

BXP 

City of Boston 

City of Melrose 

Fitchburg Art Museum 

Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Cod – West Yarmouth 

Häns Kissle 

Mass General Brigham – Martha’s Vineyard Hospital 

Moderna, Inc. 

Munters Corporation 

Roche Bros.

Around Town

UPDATED – LETTER: Watertown Resident Evaluates Ballot Questions

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By Matt Lashof-Sullivan

Hey Watertown neighbors. Another election season is approaching and so it’s time for everyone to decide how they are going to vote this November. For many years I have sent out voting information and a list of endorsements for our local elections to my friends and immediate neighbors. This year, I decided to share them with a larger group, so I hope you find this helpful. How to Vote

To vote in person, go to your polling place on November 5th. 

We can all also vote by mail again, and you can still request a mail-in ballot until October 26th by using this form or otherwise by sending a letter to the city clerk.

Around Town

MassDOT to Begin Changes to Area Around Mass Pike Exit at Newton Corner

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MassDOT’s study area at Newton Corner. The following announcement came from a newsletter sent out by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will begin work in a few weeks on some immediate changes to the complicated convergence in Newton Corner where there are exit and entrance ramps to the Mass Pike that intersect with major streets (Washington Street, Centre Street, Galen Street, Charlesbank Road, Park Street and more). These changes are primarily focused on safety concerns and involve an upgrade to one traffic signal and the addition of another, quite different signal operations, a marked change in the use of lanes via different pavement markings, and new signage in and around the Newton Corner circle. The Newton Corner Short-Term Improvement Project is the first step in MassDOTs mid- and longer-term improvement projects at these roads and highway ramps over the Mass Pike. We know this is an inhospitable area for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Around Town

LETTER: A Plan to Spur Affordable Housing in Watertown Square

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Throughout the Watertown Square planning process, one concern was raised above all others: the urgent need for more affordable housing. We heard this again and again, in public remarks and written testimony, from residents across the political and socioeconomic spectrum. We have been calling for improvements to the Plan’s approach to affordable housing since the spring. With the unanimous passage of the Watertown Square Area Plan and the release of a draft zoning proposal from our city planners, Watertown’s elected officials now have an opportunity to address the primary concern of its residents. They have a directive to implement policies that can effectively and rapidly generate new affordable housing.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Drainage Installation Work Starting This Week

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Drainage installation begins this week as part of the reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Newport Construction has begun preparing for drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street, with work set to begin on October 2, 2024. The project will start at the Cambridge line near 805 and 821 Mount Auburn St. and progress towards the intersection of Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street.

Schools

St. Stephen’s Armenian School Hosting 40th Anniversary Gala

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The following information came from St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School:

St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The gala will honor Houry Boyamian, who presided over the school as principal for 35 years until her retirement over a year ago. Boyamian led the school from its early days with a handful of students to a well-established educational institution.

Entertainment

City Will Host the Merry Mingle at the Commander’s Mansion

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Merry Mingle is being held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion (440 Talcott Avenue). Formerly the Whoville Jubilee, this event will feature many of the same beloved traditions while also being expanded to celebrate the diversity of our community! Live entertainment

Holiday Bazaar (vendor application coming soon)

Indoor and outdoor activities for kids

Showcase of Winter Holidays Around the World grant funded by Mass Cultural Council

Toy drive

Holiday light displays

More to be announced! 

Stay up to date by visiting www.commandersmansion.com/upcoming-events for more event details.  

Around Town

Changes at the Watertown Farmers Market: New Hours New Layout

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Vendors set up under the trees in the lower section of Saltonstall Park for the 2024 Watertown Farmers Market. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Farmers Market announced a new closing time and a new layout for the month of October 2024. See details provided by the City of Watertown below:

CHANGES AFOOT AT THE WFM: 6:00PM close AND new layout

Saltonstall Park renovation is about to begin. In anticipation, we will be modifying our layout starting this week, October 2nd until the end of the season. All vendors that were previously located on the upper park are moved to the plaza, lower park, or the edge of the field. Please review the new layout posted below. As always, you can ask at the Market Manager booth to help locate your favorite vendors.