Around Town

Patrick’s PALS Hosting 28th Annual Charity Event to Raise Awareness of Fragile X Syndrome

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The following information was provided by Patrick’s PALS:

On June 1, 2024 Watertown residents James and Pamela Vershbow will run their 28th Annual charity event. Named after their now 31-year old son, Patrick’s PALS 

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (established, 1997) raises awareness of Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited form of autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide.  Patrick was diagnosed with Fragile X at 10 months of age, and has been learning to live and survive life with the disability ever since. Patrick currently attends BeaverbrookStep, an adult services program based in Watertown, during the day Monday through Friday, and lives at home with James, Pamela, his younger sister Abigail, three cats and one dog! 

ALL proceeds from this event go to FRAXA Research Foundation (established, 1994). Based in Newburyport, FRAXA’s sole goal is to find a cure; they are responsible for $35 million dollars in direct investment in Fragile X research. Patrick’s PALS is proud to have raised over $2 million in support of FRAXA’s efforts. Event DetailsDate: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: The TRACK at New Balance, 91 Guest St., Boston (Brighton)

Activities Include:

Basketball Tournament … Witness 32 teams compete in a thrilling double-elimination format. Not playing? No worries, there’s plenty to enjoy!

Entertainment

Small Saves Takes on a Talented Youngster 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.”

Business

New Stores, Eateries at Arsenal Yards & Spring Events

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Courtesy of Arsenal YardsArsenal Yards has some new places to shop and eat, and more coming soon. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Arsenal Yards, located in the heart of Watertown’s East End, is bringing even more new offerings to the neighborhood. In addition to its already well-known businesses, Arsenal Yards will welcome a list of seven new retail, dining, and service offerings as well as dozens of outdoor events throughout the spring and summer months. 

Included in Arsenal Yard’s impressive lineup of new businesses: J.Crew Factory and Jersey Mikes which have recently opened. In addition, there is something for everyone in the lineup of coming soon destinations including restaurants Butterbird and Medium Rare, along with service-based locations Marvelous Cuts, Splash & Dash, and Squeeze Massage opening later this year. Arsenal Yards will also continue to bring the neighborhood community experiences with events and activations in the River Green and Bond Sq.

Government

City Seeks Residents to Serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to Citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472. Information about the Zoning Board of Appeals

Vacancy/Term: One Full Member, Five Year Term. Description: Board of Appeals grants all special permits and variances needed for certain construction and development projects. Candidates should have knowledge of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, the Zoning Act, as well as architecture, engineering, landscape design, construction, planning, law, or related field.

Around Town

LETTER: Looking Back, Moving Forward in Watertown Square

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We often talk about “The Good Old Days” and the nostalgia of how things were better in the past. While Watertown’s past had great things, “The Good Old Days” had the same issues we face today. For instance, The Historical Society of Watertown has a fantastic resource: Watertown Newspaper Headlines from 1880-1941. Below is a sampling of 20 headlines along with the dates they appeared:

7/14/1880 “Galen St Dangerous for ladies after dark” 

11/8/1882  “What Watertown Needs Most – housing for rent” 

10/21/1892 George E. Priest said he had heard that the Newton & Waltham Street Railway desires to extend its Watertown-Waltham line to Mount Auburn

8/1/1893  “controversy between horse drawn vehicles and electric cars between Cambridge and Watertown” 

1/6/1893 “Plans for electric railway cars from Watertown to Newton up Galen Street” 

11/1/1901  “Cyclists warned not to ride between streetcar tracks, dangerous”

7/4/1902 “Horse and buggy accident between Mr. & Mrs. James Milmore and 2 men on horseback – Fred Rankins and Frank Haynes”

9/26/1902  “Another suggestion for improving the center (illustration and map of a proposed new Watertown Square)”

12/9/1904 “Save the trees”

3/17/1905 “Arsenal streetcar route extended to Scollay Square”

12/15/1905 “New Plans for Galen Street Bridge and Delta”

7/19/1907 “Watertown murder case: Charles Reed shot by Antonio Zeccolo”

7/30/1909 “10,000 riot at band concert near Watertown Square”

1/20/1911 “ Progress Being Made on High School Building (East Jr.)”

2/7/1924 “Common Street Widening meets great protest”

12/24/1933 “Town votes $135,000 for addition to High School, $35,000 for Main Library”

11/8/1934 “Subway tunnel proposed for Watertown Square (to relieve traffic!)” 

12/26/1935 “Arsenal Street most dangerous piece of road in town” 

9/4/1941 “ Watertown Starts to Abolish Worst Traffic Bottleneck (widening Watertown St. at Galen”

6/29/1945 “Mt.

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Enthusiastic About Changes That Will Help Watertown Square Thrive

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When I think of all the ways that Watertown has shaped my life and family, I think about how fortunate my son is to have lived his entire life here. And for as long as we’ve called Watertown our home, the Square has been a cornerstone of our lives. From weekly trips to sing and dance with friends and neighbors at the library to long walks (and scooterings) around the Charles River, I’ve spent endless hours in the square. 

I have also been fortunate to be able to attend every one of the public presentations on the Watertown Square redesign, and I am deeply optimistic for the proposed changes. I’m encouraged by the passion with which the city staff are working to make Watertown’s beating heart stronger and healthier for the next generation. The decisions we make in the coming months will determine what sort of city my son will inherit.

Around Town

Cunniff School Hosting Family Formal on Saturday

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Cunniff Elementary School will hold the second annual Family Formal on Saturday, May 11 from 6-8 p.m.

The school provided the following information:

The event is for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at the Cunniff Elementary School. Use the Gym entrance. This is not a drop off event. COST: $10 per adult, $5 per student, Family Cap $30. Includes a DJ and photo booth.

Around Town

Clean Heat Bill in the Legislature to be Discussed by Watertown Group

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. Watertown Faces Climate Change will host a discussion called “Beyond Gas: The Future of Clean Heat.” The group provided the information, below. Learn how this important Massachusetts bill will pivot us towards a future beyond gas and how to advocate for this critical change. Following the presentation, lead co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Steve Owens will share his goals and perspective.