Entertainment

Zine Fest Returns to Watertown Library in October, See Details

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Why would a public library host a Zine Fest? “Because zines amplify voices that need to be heard” says Watertown librarian and Zine Fest founder Carey Conkey-Finn. “I really believe these little handmade magazines can change the way people think about libraries, publishing, and information. Plus…they are just cool!”

On October 15, 2022, The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) will host the 2nd annual Watertown Zine Fest. Zines are small-batch, hand-made publications that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and formats.

Entertainment

Gore Place Hosting Irish Music Concerts, Frightful Fridays & Holiday Photo Sessions

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The following information was provided by Gore Place:

On Wednesday, October 26 at 7:30 pm, Gore Place, the historic estate in Waltham and Watertown, will present a concert by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra. The Irish harp is the original instrument of Irish traditional music and has a beautiful, etheric quality. Led by Regina Delaney, this wonderful group of harpers, fiddlers, flutists, and singers will present a program of traditional Irish tunes and songs. This concert will take place in the spacious event tent at Gore Place. Tickets are $21. To order, visit goreplace.org. The concert will take place under the spacious Century Tent at Gore Place, so dress for the weather.

Around Town

Recycle Styrofoam, Plastic Lids & Caps, Drop Off Dehumidifiers and More

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

There will be a Watertown Recycling Event on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10 AM-2 PM at 57 Stanley St, in the parking lot of the Jewish Day School. Please bring a Watertown ID or proof of residency. 

Dehumidifiers

Watertown is partnering with Mass Save to recycle old and energy inefficient dehumidifiers. Residents can bring dehumidifiers for FREE drop off and will receive a $30 rebate in the mail. 

Learn more. Textiles

Watertown is partnering with Helpsy to recycle and repurpose old textiles and clothes. Clean out your closet before the winter and donate clothing and textiles.

Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Remembers Those Who Contributed to the Club’s Successful First 50 Years

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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 its 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 resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Hosting Open House, Children’s Art Contest

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Charlie Breitrose

The following announcements came from the Watertown Fire Department:

The Watertown Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 99 Main Street, Watertown! Come join us for some fun, food, and live demonstrations. Learn about fire safety and what you can do to keep your friends, family, and pets safe. You can also vote for your favorite entry in the Children’s Art Contest (see info on the contest below).

Affordable Housing

Watertown Forms Affordable Housing Trust, Six Residents Serving on Committee

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown took the final step on Sept. 21 in forming an affordable housing trust consisting of the new City Manager and six residents with expertise in creating and preserving housing for income-qualified households. The trust, authorized under state law to fund and engage in real estate activities to develop affordable units, held its first meeting on September 22, 2022. “It is important that we start identifying sites where deed-restricted affordable developments can be built,” said City Manager George Proakis. “We plan to do outreach to the affordable housing developers in the area who may be willing to work with the City to provide the kind of housing we need.”

The Watertown Housing Partnership, which recommended forming the trust, will automatically dissolve in 10 days, with its powers and responsibilities automatically transferred.

Government

LETTER: Watertown Elected Officials, Residents Canvas in Support of Fair Share Amendment

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Watertown elected officials — including State Sen. Will Brownsberger (far right) and State Rep. Steve Owens (second from right — and residents gathered Saturday before canvasing in support of the Fair Share Amendment. Elected Officials and Local Activists gathered under raindrops on Saturday Morning for a city-wide canvass for the Question 1 Fair Share Amendment. 

Sen. Will Brownsberger and Steve Owens spoke to the history, extensive support and promise of the Fair Share Amendment to bring a stable new funding source for education and transportation. City Councilors Caroline Bays, Nicole Gardner, Vinnie Piccirilli John Gannon,  Tony Palomba, and Lisa Feltner along with School Committee Member David Stokes, and Library Trustees Maja Young and Sara Keary took part in the canvass. Over 30 residents set out to knock on doors and pass along the Vote Yes on Question 1 message. 

Question 1 is an amendment to the State Constitution that will allow the state to levy an additional tax of 4 percent on any personal income over $1 million dedicated to schools and transportation. Learn more about it at  Why The Fair Share Amendment | Fair Share Amendment for Massachusetts (fairsharema.com). 

In addition to attending elected officials, the canvass was supported by State Senator John Lawn; City Council President Mark Sideris; City Councilors John Airasian and Emily Izzo; School Committee Members Kendra Foley, Lindsay Mosca, Amy Donohue, Jessica Middlebrook, and Lily Layman Reed; and Library Trustees Leanne Hammond, Teddy Kokoros, and Rose Mary Su. The canvass was organized by Watertown4Fair Share, a group with members from Watertown Faces Climate Change, Progressive Watertown, and school advocates. Ann MunsonCaroline BaysDeborah PetersonLani GersonRachel KayRita Colafella

Entertainment

Halloween Happening Hosted by Watertown Families Together

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Families Together:

Not a fright in sight at the Halloween Happening on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave., Watertown. Let’s celebrate the harvest time and Halloween where make-believe is key. Families are invited to an event that includes:

MusicHalloween craftsTreatsGamesSomething for everyone

This family friendly event is sponsored by the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Families Together, and the Church of the Good Shepherd.