Around Town

“Expert Pairings” for Edible Watertown Project Announced

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Edible Watertown, a vibrant public art initiative by the Public Arts & Culture Committee that explores the city’s local ecology, is thrilled to announce the lead artists and scientists selected for its “Expert Pairings” project. This exciting collaboration pairs talented artists with knowledgeable scientists to create temporary, educational public artworks focused on edible plants, local resilience, and environmental awareness. The selected Expert Pairings are:

Sophy Tuttle (Artist) & Amber Siegel (Scientist, Charles River Watershed Association)

Jenn Houle (Artist) & Patrick Fairbairn (Scientist)

Ira Klein (Artist) & Yi (Jenny) Wang (Scientist)

Leah Craig (Artist) & Nicole Weber (Scientist)

About Edible Watertown:

Now in its third year, Edible Watertown fosters community engagement through artistic and scientific exploration of the town’s edible plants. This interdisciplinary project aims to connect residents with their local environment, highlighting the importance of local flora and ecosystems. Ultimately, Edible Watertown serves as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and appreciation for the natural gifts found right outside our doors. (Link to website)

About Expert Pairings:

Expert Pairings invites artists and scientists to collaborate on temporary public artworks exploring Watertown’s ecology.

Sports

How Legendary Football Coach John Barbati Helped WHS Hall of Famer Clean Up His Act

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The following piece was submitted by the Coach John Barbati Testimonial Dinner Committee:

On November 26th, former players and supporters of Watertown High School athletics are hosting a testimonial dinner for legendary coach John Barbati whose life-changing impact is still being celebrated more than 30 years after his retirement from coaching. As a mentor and cheerleader for his kids, Barbati sparked countless connections for his student athletes as he opened doors for them. One such example is WHS Hall of Famer Joe Antonellis who was a stalwart Raider and later starred at Harvard University. Antonellis, however, almost never made it on to the gridiron until Coach Barbati interceded. “My parents, Italian immigrants, forbid me to play football,” said Antonellis.

Around Town

Watertown Citizens Monthly Meeting Focusing on War in Ukraine

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:

A presentation – How to End the War That Didn’t Have to be Fought: While There is Still Time – at Watertown Citizens Monthly Meeting is on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 6:45 PM/7:00 PM until 8:30 PM/8:45 PM and it is a zoom meeting. Please join us for a provocative and stimulating program – How to End the War that Didn’t Have to be Fought: While There is Still Time with Paul Shannon. The presentation will look at how the Ukraine war could have been avoided, how Ukraine’s independence could have been protected, and how this war might be brought to an end. Paul will address how the dominant narrative about the war in the west has led to the ongoing destruction of Ukraine and made the world a much more dangerous place. Paul Shannon worked for the American Friends Service Committee for 40 years and is now on the Executive Committee of Mass.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

LETTER: First Path Day Care Center Moved Into New Location on Boyd Street

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First Path Day Care Center relocated to its new home at renovated historical University Prints Building on Boyd Street in Watertown that is 0.5 mile away from its old location. For over a quarter of a century First Path Day Care Center has been providing affordable high quality child care services to the Watertown’s community. We are happy that First Path that was founded in Watertown in 1998 is staying in Watertown and will continue to serve the Watertown’s families. We are grateful to everyone in the community who supported First Path, our families and our teachers during the trying transition period. First Path’s last day of operation at the old location at 25 Whites Avenue was on Nov.

Government

Watertown Residents Wanted to Serve on Several Committees and Boards

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Residents have the opportunity to apply to serve on multiple City of Watertown committees and boards, including the Residents Advisory Committee, the Licensing Board, the Historic District Commission, the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, the Watertown Cultural Council, and the Conservation Commission. The City provided the following information:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on multiple committees and boards. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. 

The Licensing Board issues all licenses in the City and has jurisdiction over licenses to sell alcohol; entertainment licenses; common victualer licenses; motor vehicle repair licenses; taxicab and livery licenses; and other licensed activities in the City. Candidates should have a background in law, business, or a related field.  Member requirements are defined to be in compliance with MGL c.138, s.4.

Transportation

MBTA Announces Multi-Day Red Line Suspension Beginning This Weekend

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The MBTA provided the following announcement:

The MBTA is reminding riders of the upcoming multi-day Red Line service suspension as part of the Track Improvement Program.  

Red Line service will be suspended between Harvard and Broadway beginning at approximately 8:30 PM through the end of service on Sunday, November 17. Red Line service will continue to be suspended between Harvard and Broadway all day and every day November 18 – 23. On November 24, the planned service suspension will be extended between Harvard and JFK/UMass. 

The decision to include an evening service suspension this Sunday and extended location limits on November 24 was made following a review of the logistical challenges associated with placing construction equipment on and off the tracks in this complicated area.  

Riders can find complete information soon at mbta.com/RedLine. More information on these service changes and alternate travel options is below: 

Beginning at 8:30 PM November 17, November 18 – 23: 

Free and accessible shuttle buses will make all stops between Harvard and Broadway with the exception of Park Street and Downtown Crossing.  

Riders heading southbound should instead disembark at Otis Street @ Summer Street and use the Winter Street Concourse to travel between Downtown Crossing and Park Street.  

Riders heading northbound should instead disembark at Federal Street @ Franklin Street and use the Winter Street Concourse to travel between Downtown Crossing and Park Street.  

Shuttle buses will also serve State (on the Orange and Blue lines) and Haymarket (on the Orange and Green lines) for easier connections to other subway lines.  

Direct shuttle bus service will operate between Harvard and South Station on weekdays from 6 AM to 8 PM every 15 minutes.   

Direct shuttle buses at Harvard will be located at Massachusetts Avenue @ Holyoke Gate.

Around Town

Charles River Food Co-op Announces Second Annual Meeting

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The group seeking to bring a food co-operative to the Watertown area will host its second annual meeting on Nov. 21. Members and potential members may attend. See details below. The Charles River Food Co-op is pleased to announce its second Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM.