Around Town

Watertown Senior Services Receives AARP Community Challenge Grant

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Watertown’s Department of Senior Services is thrilled to announce they have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. They are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Watertown Department of Senior Services for this investment to make Watertown a more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program for Older Adults in Watertown, MA

The City of Watertown’s Senior Service Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program is a compassionate initiative dedicated to providing crucial support to seniors and their families in Watertown, MA. Our mission is to ensure that older adults aged 60 years or older can age in place with dignity and security, fostering intergenerational, livable communities where residents of all ages and backgrounds thrive together. This program will be run out of the City of Watertown’s Department of Senior Services.

Police/Fire

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Passport, Including in Watertown

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The following release came from the United States Department of Justice:

A Nigerian man, formerly of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today to his role in separate schemes to launder criminal proceeds from fraud and obtaining a United States passport through false statements.  

Chukwunonso Obiora, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of passport fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. United States District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2024. Obiora was arrested on a complaint in October 2023 in Atlanta, Ga.

Around Town

LETTER: Charles River Chamber Supports Watertown Square Plan

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Dear City Councilors and Planning Board:

The Charles River Regional Chamber enthusiastically supports the Watertown Square Area Plan. This refreshing reimaging of Watertown Square was created through a remarkably collaborative public process and positions the square to become something we can all be proud of. This plan transforms the square’s most frustrating and unwelcoming traffic patterns, replacing it with a vision that welcomes pedestrians, cyclists, bus commuters, and drivers. 

This plan greatly enhances our existing restaurants’, retailers’, and other merchants’ long-term viability while opening new opportunities and a desirable environment for new businesses.  

This plan smartly unlocks opportunities for multi-family housing, addressing a desperate need for employers struggling to hire, young professionals and their families to live, and for seniors looking to downsize. And this plan creates new open public spaces, transforms the Delta into a desirable destination, and opens access to our favorite river. While there may ultimately be a need to adjust particular building heights or the angle of an intersection, those are deliberations for a later time through the zoning process, streetscape evaluations and other subsequent steps.  We also are concerned that the ultimate execution of this project is carefully managed to minimize disruption to existing businesses.

Around Town

Progress in Restoration of Historic Paintings from Watertown City Hall

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City of WatertownOne of two historic paintings in Watertown’s City Hall being cleaned using funds from the Community Preservation Act. By Joyce Kelly

As we have reported, the geographical paintings that usually flank the foyer at the main entrance to City Hall are currently in the studio of conservator Louise Orsini being refurbished. In 2022, the Historical Society of Watertown received a grant from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the conservation of the two geographical paintings. The 5 ½ x 7 ½ foot paintings were installed when the building opened in 1932. One painting represents a map of the town in the early years (1630 is the year of its founding) and the other painting is a depiction of an aerial view of Watertown in 1930 (our Tercentenary year).

Around Town

Chamber President Receives Housing Hero Award

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Greg Reibman, president of the Charles River Regional Chamber. The following announcement was provided by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership:

Each year MHP honors individuals and communities for their hard work and unwavering commitment to supporting and furthering affordable housing. President and CEO of the Charles River Regional Chamber Greg Reibman has been selected as one of four recipients of this year’s Housing Hero award. MHP will present the award on day 2 of its Housing Institute training conference on Thursday, June 13 in Worcester. 

Reibman has become known as the voice that people will listen to. He has built an exceptional level of support for housing, especially in the business community.

Around Town

Reading & Resources: Stories for Kids, Info on Food & Utility Assistance

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. Learn about food and utility resources available in Watertown while your child listens to a story at the Watertown Library. See more information provided by the Wayside Multi-Service Center:

Reading and Resources: Wayside SSRS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 3:30—5:00 PMChildren’s Program Room, Watertown Free Public Library123 Main St., Watertown, MA, 02472

Wayside’s Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist Program and Watertown Free Public Library are hosting “Reading and Resources” in the Children’s Room. Join other Watertown families for your children to enjoy a story time and craft activities while you meet with Watertown’s resource specialists (in English or Spanish) to learn about eligibility and applying for resources for food and utilities. Come with your ID documents for all your family members and utility bills to apply for resources!

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Welcome New Furry Friend to the Force

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The Watertown Police Department is having a contest to name its new comfort dog. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

The Watertown Police welcomed a new have a new addition to the department of the four-legged variety, and they are seeking help naming him. See the welcome announcement below. Watertown PD welcomes a new member to the team! Officer Anna Margaryan met her new partner, an 8 week old golden retriever who will serve as our department’s first comfort dog.

Around Town

Watertown Square Hearing to Continue Thursday, Kids Space Available

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The Joint Hearing to discuss the Watertown Square Area Plan will continue on June 27, 2024 at 6pm in the Watertown Middle School Auditorium at 68 Waverley Avenue in Watertown. This is a continuation of the Joint Hearing held on June 13 in the same location. This Hearing will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you have the opportunity to join virtually on Zoom or in-person. You will also be able to watch the Hearing live online on WCA-TV. 

We encourage everyone to visit the project website to learn more, and to access the plan document.  Printed copies of the Plan Document can be found at the Watertown Library and Senior Center.