Government

Learn About How Planning and Zoning Works in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by City Councilor Tony Palomba:

Please join me and staff from the Department of Community Development and Planning for a program titled “Planning and Zoning in Watertown.” 

This very timely presentation, given the ongoing development in town, will take place on Tuesday, October 18 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 149 Main St. 

This is a hybrid meeting with remote participation by zoom at https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/88996463499. There is no need to register ahead of time. WCA-TV will broadcast and record the meeting. After a few words about the ongoing Comprehensive Plan Review process, we will discuss the role of zoning as a tool for planning, the mechanics of the zoning process, and the role of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Most importantly the staff will present two case studies, one of a residential development and one of a commercial development, of how a developer’s proposal moves through the permitting process. There will also be time for questions.

Around Town

Watertown Library Awarded National Digital Literacy Grant

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is among over 160 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to conduct digital literacy workshops. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and help close the digital divide. WFPL will use these funds to bring digital literacy training into community spaces around Watertown. Workshops have already been scheduled with the Watertown Housing Authority and others will be coordinated in the coming months.

Around Town

OP-ED: As Watertown Builds, What Can Be Done to Protect Trees Adjacent to Construction?

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This oak tree on Mount Auburn Street has been wrapped in 2×4’s to help prevent damage during road construction. By James Briand, Trees for Watertown

Watertown is a city under construction. From major public works such as the Mount Auburn Street renewal to numerous private developments, streets and lots are being disrupted for improvements. While the projects may deliver important benefits, the heavy equipment and excavation work required sometimes presents difficulties for mature trees in the zone adjacent to construction. Protecting such large, mature trees is vital, because even if new trees are planted post-project, it will be years before they can deliver the same cooling impact as lost mature trees.  

Watertown residents may have noticed the vertical 2×4 lumber barriers on many trees along the Mount Auburn Street construction area.

Around Town

Get Active with Ted Lasso — Watertown Studio Hosts Free Fitness Event

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The following announcement was provided by Get Lively:

Get Lively with Ted Lasso – Free Community Event at Get Lively®: Health & Fitness

Are you a fan of… Ted? Coffee and treats?  Getting your sweat on with a lively group of people? Join the lively crew at Get Lively®: Health & Fitness for a free community event with our very own Ted Lasso*!  Let’s all come together for a morning of exercise, connection, community, coffee, and a whole pile of FUN.  As Ted says: BELIEVE! Details:

Sunday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. workout, 9:45 a.m. “Biscuits with the Boss”

Get Lively®: Health & Fitness, 100 Parker St., Watertown

This is a FREE event, but space is limited, advanced registration required:

www.getlivelynow.com/tedlasso

This event is open to all adults of all fitness levels.  

Contact: Jan Taylor, jan@getlivelynow.com

Around Town

Local Businesses That Have Contributed to the Success of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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The following piece was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on Oct. 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to the Club’s success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors, Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome and nurturing resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the children every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, as well as some of the outstanding youth who have benefited from their experience at the club. The number of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here are 50 for 50, each one equally as meaningful as the other.

Entertainment

Watertown Commander’s Mansion Hosting Haunted Joyride

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The Commander’s Mansion will be hosting some Halloween-themed fun on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Organizers sent out the following information:

The Lil’ Monstah Joyride is back under a new name The Haunted Joyride! Join us for a spooky night driving through the streets of the Commander’s Mansion Saturday, October 22nd 2022. The Commander’s Mansion is located at 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown, (next to the Arsenal on the Charles).

Entertainment

Artists Speaking About Their Work in Armenian Museum’s “On the Edge” Exhibition

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Some of the pieces in Armenian Museum of America’s “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection.” From top left: Laddie John Dill, “Portrait of Joan, 2016,” hand blown and colored glass tubing, argon gas with mercury transformer, 60; Joe Fay, “Joan, 1984,” Prismacolor on Arches paper, 34” x 26; Gregory Wiley Edwards, “Expanded Resonance, 1992,” acrylic on canvas, 46″ x 69 3/4. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 29 for a conversation with artists from “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art 1970s-1990s from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection.” Featuring artists Laddie John Dill, Gregory Wiley Edwards, and Joe Fay. Artist Panel 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.Reception 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Laddie John Dill gained notoriety with materials such as glass, metal, neon, and cement. His work embodies gesture and dynamic physical presence through its use of industrial materials.

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Wants Congressional Candidates to Debate

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Dear Editor,

In reading recent local publications including this one, I’ve noticed something troubling. Recent articles of Caroline Colarusso and her supporters are calling on our 5th Mass. District Congresswoman Kathrine Clark to debate the issues that surround the upcoming election. Mrs. Colarusso has challenged Clark to five debates with little or no conditions attached. That’s not the troubling part of it. The troubling part of it is that Kathrine Clark and her team have not responded to most or any debate requests.