Around Town

OP-ED: MBTA has Terrible Track Record of Providing Service to Watertown Square

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An MBTA Bus drives through Watertown Yard. (Photo by Mark Pickering)

By Mark Pickering

The city is out to revitalize Watertown Square and has set out a series of meetings aimed at getting feedback from the general public. The overall effort will look at making the square more attractive to walkers, merchants and developers looking to address the housing crisis. The issue of transportation is a key part of the package. Even our urban neighbors note that car traffic has taken over Watertown Square – which could be the worst such intersection in Greater Boston.

Around Town

Our History: Edmund Fowle II and His House

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This pre-19th century depiction of the Fowle House, complete with horse and individual dressed in period attire was done by 16 year old Jordan Piantedosi and presented to the Historical Society during the closing ceremony of Treaty Day 2004. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

This article is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Joyce Kelly, Board member of the Historical Society of Watertown. Joyce writes articles for the newsletter and is the newsletter editor. This was published in our October 2007 newsletter, “The Town Crier.”

Entertainment

Pumpkin Time for Small Saves 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

Watertown Group Invites Public to Share Thoughts & Feelings About the Tragic Events in the Middle East

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

The Peace and Common Security Working Group of Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment is sponsoring a program on Sunday Oct. 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown Savings Bank Room, at 123 Main St. 

The group wants to invite people to share their thoughts and feelings about the events in the Middle East that are tragically affecting Palestinian and Israeli people. All are welcome.

Police/Fire

Watertown Hiring Public Safety Dispatcher

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, POLICE DEPARTMENT

Required Qualifications: High School diploma (or GED) and experience dealing with and speaking to the public is required.  Ability to become certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), must obtain E-911 certification and LEAPS/NCIC certification, complete on the job training and basic dispatch training as required by the Municipal Police Training Committee. 

Knowledge and skills: Dispatching experience and familiarity with Watertown streets a plus. Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; basic understanding of emergency operations; basic knowledge of administrative practices. Work Environment: Work is performed with moderate noise levels; position can involve stressful situations; the employee is required to work nights, weekends and/or holiday schedules. The employee operates a computer, radio, telephone, dispatching equipment, and standard office equipment.

Around Town

Up to $35K in Grants Available from the Watertown Community Foundation for Health & Schools

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

On October 11, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2023 application processes for two grant programs: Healthy Watertown and School Programs.

WCF’s Heathy Watertown Grants will support new or existing programs that keep Watertown’s residents and families healthy. Up to $15,000 will be distributed in 2023 to eligible organizations. Programs supported by these grants in the past have included: food pantries in Watertown; nutrition and meal programs for school-age children and seniors; programs and services fostering healthy aging; mental health first aid training for first responders; programs providing services and supports for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders; and health-related programs for infants and their families. You can learn more about how to apply for Healthy Watertown Grants here. The application deadline for this grant program is November 1, 2023.

Around Town

LETTER: Watertown Election Coming Up — What You Need to Know!

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Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. Watertown will have a municipal election with two contested races: City Council President (2 candidates for 1 slot) and School Committee (5 candidates for 3 slots). The other races are uncontested. Per a Massachusetts statute, residents who do not complete a city census are marked as “INACTIVE” on the election roll. This status does not preclude you from voting. You can vote and do not need to show an ID to vote. There are very few circumstances in Massachusetts in which you need to provide ID to vote. If anyone, besides poll workers, mentions the need for voter ID, then walk away. They are uninformed or dishonest.

Around Town

Watertown Square Study Starting Soon, Find Out About Kick-Off Event & Kitchen Table Conversations

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The effort to transform Watertown Square into a more thriving area where people walk, bike and spend time will start on Oct. 17 with a kick-off event. In late November, there will be a three day design charrette and leading up to that event a series of Kitchen Table Conversations will be held where neighbors and friends can talk about what qualities they would like to see the new Watertown Square. The following announcement was sent out by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown has embarked on an ambitious plan for Watertown Square that will look at all physical and human-centered aspects of the study area, with a special emphasis on the configuration and design characteristics of the public realm — including streets, sidewalks, and open spaces — as well as the buildings that define and activate it. The plan is intended to create the framework for a Watertown Square with lively public spaces, street designs that promote walking and biking, thriving businesses, shared public-private open spaces that are activated and expanded, and enhanced access to the Charles River.