Around Town

LETTER: Fair Share Amendment Committee Members Back School Committee Candidate

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As members of Watertown for the Fair Share Amendment Committee, we very happy to write in support of Rachel Kay for School Committee. 

For over a year and half, a small group of us worked to successfully promote the passage of the Fair Share Amendment. Rachel understood early the value of the FSA to local schools and jumped in with enthusiasm. Voters of Massachusetts voted in favor of it in November 2022. The 4 percent tax on incomes over one million is projected to bring in over $2 billion every year. This revenue will support improvements to schools, higher education, early education, vocational training and adult education, plus transit. The Watertown for the Fair Share Amendment Committee organized forums, canvases, information campaigns, and did outreach to residents and community groups. We also asked the city council to join other Massachusetts councils in endorsing the Fair Share Amendment, which it did. All of these efforts led to the additional funding for our schools and learners.  

Rachel contributed more than hard work and steady diligence to this project. She stepped up when needed; taking initiative, facilitating communication, informing decision-making. Rachel is well organized, a fast learner, a good communicator and a strong collaborator.

Business

New Watertown Fitness Studio Hosting Open House with Free Classes & Refreshments

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The following announcement was provided by Fly Together

Come celebrate the grand opening of our second location and flagship studio in Watertown

Explore over 4,000 sq. ft. of movement arts space. Enjoy FREE taster classes and light refreshments. Check out our classes: pole dance, heels dance, sensual movement, conditioning, flexibility, twerk, acro, handstands, chair and more!

Around Town

Star Market to Give Back to Operation American Soldier in Reusable Bag Program

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The following announcement was provided by Star Market:

Operation American Soldier has been selected as a beneficiary of the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program for the month of October. The Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program, which launched in March 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. Operation American Soldier was selected as the October beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Star Market located 699 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge. Operation American Soldier will receive a $1 donation every time the $3.00 GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during [month], unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

Government

Save the Date: Watertown Square Planning Meetings

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Save These Dates for the Watertown Square Area Planning Events. The City will hold a public launch event for the Watertown Square Area Plan on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. On November 28 through 30, 2023 the City will hold a Design Charrette for the planning effort. Please save these dates so you can participate in this exciting initiative to reimagine Watertown Square! The Watertown Square Area Plan will address all aspects of how the City’s “downtown” works—including transportation, housing, public spaces and sustainability.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Family Harvest Fest

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The following information was provided by Grace Church Watertown:

Gather your loved ones and savor the beauty of New England this fall at the annual Grace Chapel, Watertown Harvest Fest!  

Carve out some family time as you connect with your friends and neighbors while enjoying music, tasty fall treats, games, and don’t forget about face painting and our famous bounce houses! Who could ask for more? This event is FREE for the whole family! Save the date: October 14, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Rain date: October 21, 2023, same time.

Around Town

Free Qigong Classes Start Tuesday at Watertown Library

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The following announcement was provided by Live Well Watertown:

Live Well Watertown is offering FREE, drop-in, Qigong for Health & Healing classes at the Watertown Free Public Library on Tuesdays, from 1:00 – 2:00pm, September 12 through October 17, 2023! This class is easy, fun, and relaxing, with movements similar to Yoga and Tai Chi. Class description below:

As the seasons turn from late summer to Fall, our immune systems become more susceptible to colds/ flu/allergies/fatigue to name a few. Now more than ever, we need to keep our immune systems strong and our body and mind grounded. This can be achieved by improving the flow of energy in your body and calming your mind.  This series will consist of practicing body tapping, meridian stretching, practice feeling energy, and meditation as a means to achieve this goal.  These movements help to increase your vitality, flexibility, and power on a physical level and bring you to a more peaceful place in your heart and mind.

Entertainment

Exhibition and Events for Watertown’s Edible Plants Art & Writing Project

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The Public Arts & Culture Committee announced the exhibition and events related to the 2023 Edible Watertown project. Edible Watertown is a long term interdisciplinary project that promotes awareness of our local environment through community engagement and the artistic and scientific exploration of plants around Watertown. Edible Watertown aims to uplift the importance of local flora and their ecosystems to connect people with the environment right outside their door. Experience the work by 20 artists and writers:

Paul BeckinghamSebastian EbarbLeslie EvansLina Fernandez DiosaJason FieringLisa Jeanne GrafDaisy HebbSamara PearlsteinErika SchwarzJennifer TuckerRobert BensenSuzanne BernePatti CassidyJordan EscobarPatrick FairbairnRuth HenryAl HoffmanEran HornickJennyMae KhoJake Tringali

Exhibition and Events

October 2-31: City Hall Lobby, 149 Main St. – Opening Reception: Friday, October 6, 4-5 p.m.

November 1-30: Watertown Free Public Library, 2nd Floor, 123 Main St.

Around Town

LETTER: Let’s Talk About Community Involvement — Important Meeting Alert

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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

On September 21st there was a very important meeting to vote on the WatertownComprehensive Plan, a document that is meant to guide the City’s decisions for the next few years. I guess with a meeting this important and long time coming, I don’t understand why there was any confusion on how it should be conducted. God knows, we’ve had enough time to sort that out. The public was told that they would have time to speak in the beginning and then at the end, after hearing the remarks by the City Councilors and the Planning Board members and before the vote was taken. Because of this, many of us were waiting to hear what was said before we responded.