Around Town

LETTER: Resident Supports Signage at Arsenal Yards, Praises Impact of Development

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Much has changed in Watertown over the past 10 years, that is for sure, and one area we should be proud of is the transformation of the East End and the revitalization of the Arsenal Street corridor – specifically turning the older and declining Arsenal Mall into a delightful destination for our community, and surrounding communities and neighbors.  

This development and the ripple effects of its success have afforded and will continue to afford our little City quite a bit. There are the surface benefits – dozens of new restaurants and shops, hundreds of thousands of square feet of outdoor space, adding to a renovated Arsenal Park, andweekly community events that frequently benefit local charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and the Food Pantry. 

And there are the less obvious but glaringly important benefits – thousands of new local jobs, millions in real estate tax revenue which resulted in three new public schools that did not require a tax increase for residents, and not to mention the nearly 2,500 new life science employees and residents who will undoubtedly shop and eat in businesses ALL over Watertown, not just at Arsenal Yards. Yes, we should be proud of this development. We should be proud of our City Government, which had the vision to include a development like Arsenal Yards in their last Comprehensive Plan from a decade ago. Further, as taxpayers and voters, we should encourage our City Government to support the economic success of the development, which is closely tied to the success of many aspects, including the revenue, of this City.

Around Town

Watertown Group to Discuss Fair Share Ballot Question

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Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 6:45 until 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. The group provided the following announcement:

The November Fair Share Ballot Question is more than just a millionaire’s tax. It’s a vision for the future. Come hear about the state of transportation and education and how we will benefit from this initiative. 

Our State Rep. Steve Owens will share his legislative perspective and thinking about transportation and related climate initiatives 

Local school teachers will share the broad range of public education benefits and a local school perspective.  

Ask your questions and learn how you can help get this ballot question passed in November.

Around Town

LETTER: Group Encourages Older Residents to Participate in Comprehensive Plan Process

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Submitted by Bob Shay of Watertown for All Ages

Watertown for All Ages, a grassroots community organization, encourages older adults and their children to make their voices heard in the city’s Comprehensive Planning process that will shape the future of Watertown for years to come. Watertown for All Ages has submitted recommendations for improved programs and services for older residents. To learn more and read the recommendations visit the Watertown for All Ages website (www.watertownforallages.org) or email: info@watertownforallages.org. The City is holding workshops for the public to participate in the Comprehensive Plan process on September 20 and 29. For details: https://engagestantec.mysocialpinpoint.com/watertown-plan/watertown-plan-events/ 

“We hope the ideas we have offered for the Comprehensive Plan will be the basis for a broader community discussion, and we encourage everyone to get involved,” said Bob Shay, President of Watertown for All Ages. Watertown for All Ages’ list of opportunities that the City planners should consider includes suggestions to increase transportation and affordable housing options, identify innovative ways to decrease social isolation, support intergenerational programs, and offer a broader range programs and recreational opportunities that will be of interest to a more diverse population of older residents.

Around Town

Find Out About Local Services for Alcohol & Drug Use Prevention, Treatment & Recovery

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug use, please come to a special evening of talks from people in the recovery community and experts on substance use disorders. The event, Watertown: A Community of Caring, will be held on Thursday evening, Sept 22, 2022 at the Watertown Library starting at 6 p.m. It will also be available via a zoom link. The program will highlight local services available for prevention, treatment and recovery for substance use disorders (SUD). The free, in-person event will kick off with a light supper, followed by a performance by Second Act, an improv group, whose members are in recovery. A panel of speakers will address local services available to people with SUD and their families.

Arts

Quilters’ Connection Invites Public to The Grand Show & Tell

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Quilters’ Connection will host The Grand Show and Tell on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event will be t St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. The group provided the following information:

Once a year the members of Quilters’ Connection share with each other any and all work they have created during the previous year.

Entertainment

First Stick A Fork In It Food Festival Coming to Arsenal Yards

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Kicking off an exciting schedule of events this fall, Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood in Watertown, invites area residents and visitors to enjoy its diverse lineup of eateries, shops and venues at the first-ever Stick A Fork In It! Food Festival, an around-the-world style food festival on Wednesday, September 21st from 5:00–8:00PM. Featuring delicious bites and bevvies from on-site restaurants including City Works, Condesa Restaurante Mexicano & Tequila Bar,, Tori Jiro, Vitality Bowls, Frank Pepe, Roche Bros., The Majestic 7, Ben & Jerry’s, Pokeworks and more, guests can experience a little bit of everything from all of the exceptional culinary offerings of Arsenal Yards and special surprises and offerings from the neighborhood’s many shopping and entertainment venues. In addition to tasting complimentary food samples from over 10 of neighborhood’s restaurants, guests and residents are invited to also enjoy live music on the beautiful River Green, drinks from the cash beer and wine garden, and access to fun games and activities including balloon animals, a photo booth caravan, caricatures, and more. Guests will also receive a complimentary swag bag upon check-in.

Government

Openings Available for Mass. Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. The following information was provided by State Sen. Brownsberger’s office:

Our office has been notified of one or two additional openings for the Senate’s Citizens’ Legislative Seminar on November 15 and 16. This engaging, free program aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. If you are interested and available to attend from 9:30 to 4:00 both days, please email eric.helmuth@masenate.gov with the following information no later than noon this Thursday, September 15:

Name and home addressDaytime phoneBusiness/organization title or affiliation, and address (if any)A short biographical paragraph (six sentences or less). The program will run again in March 2023, so you may also submit your interest for consideration at that time.

Around Town

Residents Invited to Join the 2022 Citizen’s Police Academy

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The Watertown Police Department invites residents to participate in the 2022 Citizen’s Police Academy. See more information from the Watertown Police Department below. We are very excited to announce that our Citizen’s Police Academy is back beginning on Wednesday, September 14th!! If you have interest in learning about the operations of the police department, we can give you a front row seat!! For more information or to reserve a seat, please contact Ms. Judy Patenaude at 617-972-6537 or jpatenaude@police.watertown-ma.gov.

The CPA starts on Sept.