Around Town

LETTER: Missing Russo’s, Striving to Create Food Co-op

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It’s been one year since Russo’s announced they were closing. Over 365 days have passed with our community lacking one of Boston Metro West’s best sources for produce, baked goods, and plants. As I stood in the checkout line on their last day — laden with too much cheese and veggies — my mind raced, thinking of the 200 people who would be without jobs soon, wondering why Watertown needed yet another lab facility for a biotech company instead of a market. My kids would no longer be able to prowl through the Christmas trees stacked up outside each December. My wife would need to find a replacement for the especially spicy maror (horseradish) that would make us tear up at Passover.

Entertainment

Deadline Approaching for Watertown Cultural Council Grants

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The Watertown Cultural Council sent out the following information:

Got a great idea for a Watertown public program in the arts, humanities or sciences? The Watertown Cultural Council may have funding for you and your group! Check out our website before the grant season closes on October 17th. Go to watertownculturalcouncil.org and/or email for more advice at: info@watertowncultural.com

The online grant application is through the Massachusetts Cultural Council website. There you can register, watch a video that walks you through the process of completing an application, and submit the application.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Names New Executive Director

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The Watertown Boys & Girls Club new Executive Director, Gary Beatty, and his family. They live in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors:

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors is proud to introduce Gary Beatty as its new Executive Director. The Search Committee of the Board worked with a consultant to cast a wide net for qualified candidates who had, in addition to promising resumes, two intangible qualities: an understanding of and passion for working with youth, and who were the right fit for Watertown. The selection process was lengthy, involving several rounds of interviews, both virtual and in-person, a site visit, and a written response to some Committee questions.

Entertainment

This Week’s Small Saves 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.”

Entertainment

Special Presentation of New Rep’s Historical Play During Indigenous Peoples Day Event

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The following information was provided by New Repertory Theatre:

A presentation of New Repertory Theatre’s play Listen to Sipu will be featured as part of Watertown’s first celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2022 at First Parish Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA.  The free event, which runs from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, will also feature Indigenous speakers, Indigenous musicians, artists and vendors.   

Listen to Sipu isa Watertown historical moving play by Mwalim*7, (Morgan J. Peters, Mashpee Wampanoag), directed by Tara Moses (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Mvskoke), and featuring Maria Hendricks (Assonet & Mashpee Wampanoag), who is also one of New Rep’s Resident Artists. The presentation will be followed by a facilitated discussion about the interactions between the Indigenous people of the area and the colonial settlers who arrived in the 1630s. The play was first presented in Watertown in the summer of 2021 as a socially-distanced walking tour, in partnership with The Watertown Free Public Library, The Historical Society of Watertown and The Pigsgusset Initiative.   

This event is funded by a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation and donations from individuals. Members of the community-based Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, are organizing the event in partnership with the New Repertory Theatre.  Supporters and sponsors include: First Parish Watertown, Watertown Boys and Girls Club, Watertown Community for Black Lives, WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT.  

Also, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, acclaimed Wampanoag chef, Sherry Pocknett, has consulted with Chef Ivan Conill at Branch Line restaurant to offer some Indigenous food as part of Indigenous Food Week in Watertown from 9/30 to 10/10/22. 

The Pigsgusset Initiative seeks to increase communication and promote collaboration among Watertown residents to undo the erasure of Indigenous Peoples and to promote inclusive historical narratives. “Pigsgusset” represents the colonial settlers’ interpretation of the native name for the area that we now call Watertown.

Entertainment

Activities Abound at Arsenal Yards’ 3rd Annual Fall Falladays

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Arsenal Yards is hosting the Fall Falladays in October. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

It’s time to fall into a new season! Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood in Watertown, invites area residents, workers, and visitors to spice up the cold-weather days and celebrate autumn with a variety of events happening throughout the community at the third-annual Fall Falladays! Guests can enjoy various seasonal outdoor entertainment, spook-tacular treats, a pumpkin carving competition, games, and the ultimate fall décor all October long. “As the temperatures cool down, we’re thrilled to heat up the season and invite the Watertown community back with the return of our popular Fall Falladays Festival plus newly added events this year!” said Jessica Peterson, Marketing Director at Arsenal Yards.

Around Town

West Suburban YMCA Recognizing Board Chair at Annual Gala

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West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci (left) and Board of Directors Chair Ned Morse. The following announcement was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA will host its Annual Gala on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, a special event that will recognize retiring board chair Ned Morse’s six decades of involvement with the Y while raising vital funds that support the nonprofit organization’s many programs and services. Morse, the gala’s Special Guest of Honor, started as a camper and staffer at the Y’s Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, built long-lasting relationships while working out in the Y’s gym, and served for many years on the Board of Directors. Morse, a retired attorney who worked in health care, leading the state’s nursing home trade association, will soon complete his second term as board chair this fall. His first term was in the 1990s when the Y embarked on a major capital campaign to add a gymnasium and pool. “Not many people go from camp counselor to board chair, but that arc exemplifies Ned’s lifelong dedication and service to our Y community,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “We are excited to show our appreciation for Ned at the Annual Gala as we celebrate our achievements and come together for our largest fundraising event of the year to support our mission.”

The Y has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for the 2022 gala. Guests are encouraged to wear flapper dresses, jazz suits and other festive period attire to match the “Roaring Twenties” theme.

Around Town

LETTER: Thank You Watertown, and an Invitation to Get Involved

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Dear Watertown Citizens,

I’d like to thank those citizens of Watertown who have taken the time and effort to stay involved in City issues and governance. It takes some effort to get on this swiftly moving train, as I’ve learned in the past six months. I invite you to get involved. For starters, pick something small. You might even find it gratifying!