Cartoon: Small Saves Has Some Company

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.”

Watertown Resident Appointed Compliance Director at Property & Real Estate Firm

Peabody CompaniesWatertown’s Megan Stejskal has been hired by the Peabody Companies. The following announcement was provided by the Peabody Companies:

The Peabody Companies, a group of award-winning property management and real estate firms, is pleased to announce Megan Stejskal of Watertown as portfolio compliance director for new business. In this post, Stejskal has an essential role in the effective and efficient operation of the firm by employing the technical expertise to interpret federal regulations and compliance requirements of various agencies and housing programs.

Stejskal brings more than 11 years of experience in the affordable housing and property management industries to her post with the Peabody Companies, most recently as regional compliance specialist with WinnResidential in Boston. Stejskal, who attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, holds numerous professional certifications, including NCHM-Certified Occupancy Specialist, NAHRO Public Housing Manager-Certified Specialist, NCHM-Certified Occupancy Specialist-Advanced, NCHM- Management and Occupancy Review Specialist, and NAHB-HCCP Certified Compliance Professional. “We’re delighted to announce Megan as portfolio compliance director,” said Katrina Pavetto, vice president of compliance with the Peabody Companies.

OP-ED: During the Drought, Don’t Forget Watertown’s Trees

Trees for WatertownIn times of drought, watering bags like these keep young trees alive. By Jim Briand of Trees for Watertown

When the rain stops falling, we tend to focus on the areas that respond most visibly—the lawn and the garden. A brown lawn and withered blossoms demand our attention with the hose and the watering can. Yet the most important plants in the yard — the trees — suffer as well. 

Prolonged droughts affect trees in serious ways, but the impact is not always immediately visible. In fact, it can take one to two years for the damage to become apparent.

Watertown Resident Named to Board of Group Helping Families Improve Their Lives

USESWatertown’s Aaron Dushku was named to the board of United South End Settlements. The following information was provided by United South End Settlements:

United South End Settlements’ (USES) announced today the appointment of diversity, equity and inclusion champion and strategist Carmen Duarte as Board Chair, along with the election of five new Board members and leadership appointments as USES celebrates its 130th anniversary. Duarte, who works as VP of diversity, inclusion and social impact at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, succeeds outgoing Board Chair Julia Johannsen, who served in the role for more than 10 years. “On behalf of the entire USES community, I’m proud to welcome Carmen into this role along with all of our new Board members and officers,” said USES CEO Jerrell Cox. “Since joining the Board in May 2021, Carmen has been a fierce advocate for building connections across our community and supporters.

Charles River Food Co-op Adding Members, Seeks Accountant

The Charles River Food Co-op recently announced it has been adding members since it started offering shares, and has a goal to enable it to take the next step toward opening a food store in the Watertown area. The Co-op sent out the following information:

We now have over 300 paid members, which is very exciting! Our members come from Waltham, Watertown, Newton, and beyond. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already joined us. For anyone who is interested in becoming a member, you can do that here: https://charlesriverfood.coop/join.