LETTER: Resident Optimistic About Future of Watertown Square

When the conversation about Watertown Square began a couple years ago, I was not optimistic. How could this massive intersection filled with car traffic become a destination? While I was reminded of our wonderful library, our distance from the river, and a few small stores and great restaurants, I still could not imagine how this could be made into a unified square. Over time, the process for recreating Watertown Square has impressed me. We have had multiple ways to participate and give feedback.

Group from Watertown Food Pantry Joining Walk for Hunger

The following announcement was provided by Project Bread:

On May 5, the Watertown Food Pantry will be among over 3,500 participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger. For the fourth consecutive year, the Watertown based nonprofit will raise money to support statewide food security through the Commonwealth Program. The Commonwealth gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60 percent of all funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40 percent applied to Project Bread’s statewide food security effort. To date, Project Bread has awarded over $12,550 to the Watertown Food Pantry. Beginning in 1969, as the first pledge walk in the nation, Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger brings together a diverse community dedicated to creating change.

Fitness Studio Hosting Mother’s Day Brunch Supporting the Watertown Food Pantry

The following announcement was provided by Get Lively: Health & Fitness Studio:

Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Event to support the Watertown Food Pantry. Enjoy locally made coffee and treats as we assemble gift bags of shampoo and conditioner that the food pantry will distribute to local women in honor of Mother’s Day. 

Treats are on us, we just ask that you please bring shampoo and conditioner! (This will take place immediately after our 9 a.m. Get HIIT class if you plan to attend – we’d love to have you for class too!)

Date: Saturday, May 11

Time: 10-11 a.m.

Location: Get Lively®: Health & Fitness Studio, 25 Clarendon St., Watertown

Sign up here: www.getlivelynow.com/mom

Hear from the State Transportation Secretary at Charles River Chamber Event

Hear about addressing the region’s transportation needs when the Charles River Chamber hosts host a conversation with MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt in Watertown. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 25 Bond Street, Watertown. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

The Chamber provided the following information:

It’s not possible to meet our region’s housing, climate, and workforce challenges without a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system that meets the needs of all users whether they walk, bike, take public transit, or drive. Join us for a conversation with Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for an overview of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s plans for improving the state’s transportation system and the role we all must play in supporting this effort. 9:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

10 a.m.: A Conversation with Secretary Tibbits-Nutt

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another guest. 

RSVP HERE

See How to Take Part in the 2024 Town Wide Yard Sale

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Watertown Community Education’s 2024 Town Wide Yard Sale is Saturday, June 8, 2024 & Sunday June 9, 2024, rain or shine. There will not be a rain date. Come & find your neighbors’ hidden treasures! * Household Items* Children’s Items* Furniture* Antiques* Clothing* Jewelry* Toys* Collectibles* Records* Vintage Goods* Handmade Crafts* And more! Join us for the annual Town Wide Yard Sale.

2 Watertown Students Make Honor Society, College Dean’s Lists

College students from Watertown made the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, as well as the dean’s list at Simmons University, Endicott College, and Dickinson College. See information provided by Phi Kappa Phi and from the three colleges, below:

Phi Kappa Phi

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Coleman OBrien of Watertown (02472) at Framingham State University. Emma Grady of Watertown (02472) at Sacred Heart University. They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.

LETTER: Lifelong Resident Concerned About Rapid Changes in Watertown

I was born and raised in Watertown, as was my father and my grandparents before him. My grandfather was born on July 29th 1876, right where you can now catch the 57 bus. When my grandmother died in 1973 her obituary stated that she had 126 descendants, mostly born right here in Watertown. My grandfather and three of my uncles were Watertown Firefighters, and two were police. My father and three of his brothers were WWII veterans.

A Variety of Volunteer Projects to Work on This May During Watertown Helps Out

The following information came from the Watertown Community Foundation:

Would you like to give back to the community you love? The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF), along with local sponsors and dozens of neighbors, will be out in the community again during the Month of May 2024, volunteering to make Watertown a nicer place to live and work. 

If you would like to volunteer please take a peek at all of the opportunities available in the month of May. More volunteer opportunities are still to be added, so check back in from time to time. We’re looking forward to a fantastic community Month in Watertown! THURDAY, MAY 2

Senior Center: Garden Clean Up: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Whitney Hill Clean Up: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cannalonga Park Clean Up: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Watertown Cable Access Digital Archive Project: 12-3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

Perkins School for the Blind Concert/Music Program Support: 8:45-11:40 a.m.

Saltonstall Community Path Clean-Up: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Perkins School for the Blind Concert/Music Program Support: 5-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Metrowest Collaborative Garden Clean-Up: 12-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Brigham House Gardening: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Community Gardens Invasive Plant and/or Trash Removal: 1-3 p.m.

See the complete list of volunteer opportunities and sign up online here.