Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Discussion on Settling Dispute Over Ukraine Peacefully

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The Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment February Monthly Meeting: “How the US and NATO Could Settle the Dispute Over Ukraine Without War” with Dr. Joseph Gerson.  

For weeks media outlets have reported on a potential war in Ukraine. Russian troops are amassed at the border of the country and the U.S. moved 3,000 troops to Eastern Europe with another 8,500 put on high alert. NATO countries are sending munitions to Ukraine. Pundits are cheering on preparations for war while activists are calling for diplomacy. Come hear Dr. Joseph Gerson’s presentation, “How the US and NATO Could Settle Dispute Over Ukraine Without War” on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held via Zoom. For more information and the Zoom link, go to the Watertown Citizens Website: watertowncitizens.org

Dr. Gerson, a resident of Watertown, is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security, Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau, Co-chair of the Committee for a Sane U.S.-China Policy, and Co-convener of the International Peace and Planet Network. In recent weeks he has been a participant in Trach II discussions about possible diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine crisis, met with Senator Markey’s staff and written article, which has been translated and circulated internationally, with background and diplomatic options to resolve what he describes as three crises, not one.

Entertainment

Special Small Saves Cartoon for Valentine’s Day

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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.”

Around Town

US Rep. Clark Coming to Watertown to Celebrate Infrastructure Investment

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Congresswoman Katherine Clark

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark (MA-5) will visit Watertown, MA to celebrate the American Rescue Plan’s investment in the city’s water infrastructure, including the removal of lead pipes. Clark will be joined by State Representative Steve Owens and State Senator Will Brownsberger as well as local city officials. Signed into law in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan has paved the way for America’s rapid economic recovery. It provided free vaccines, reopened schools, helped small businesses to stay afloat, and made direct investments in local community infrastructure, like the water improvements being celebrated in Watertown, MA. WHO: Katherine Clark (D-MA-5), Assistant Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, State Representative Steve Owens, State Senator Will Brownsberger, Greg St.

Around Town

Watertown Resident Helping Young Authors Write, Publish Books

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Lemon House PublishingElementary-age students work on their books in a Lemon House class held at The Writer’s Block in Newton in 2022. The following piece was provided by Lemon House Publishing:

“When I held my book in my hands for the first time, it was such an exhilarating and prideful moment that my next thought was, how can I give this feeling to others?” And it was that very thought that inspired former elementary teacher and Watertown resident, Jacky Lamenzo, to start her own company, Lemon House Publishing. To date, Lemon House Publishing (LHP) has helped over 150 students in the area write their own children’s books, leading to over 1,500 book sales on Amazon. Starting a company amid the pandemic proved to be a challenge, but it was the very thing that inspired Lamenzo to seek out teaching in a unique way. She recognized not only did elementary kids need an outlet for creativity but also their teachers.

Cartoon

Small Saves is in a Good Mood in This Week’s Comic Strip

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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.”

Around Town

Winter Update from the Watertown Farmers Market

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Farmers Market:

Entering its 9th Season and Going Strong

The 2021 Watertown Farmers’ Market opened last June, with modified Covid protocols to ensure continued safety during the second year of the pandemic. 17 Vendors attended the market, including four farm vendors (with multiple tables), and four new specialty food vendors. Between 450 and 700 customers visited the market each week. Vendor sales were very good, with many reporting an increase from last year. Diversity, connectedness, and inclusiveness are what vendors like most about the Watertown Market and community.

Government

Physician Wanted to Serve on Watertown Board of Health

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is seeking a Physician to be a member on the Board of Health for a term expiring February 2023. Board of Health members develop policy, rules and regulations that guides the Public Health of our community in Watertown. State law requires that at least one member of the Board is a Physician. The Board of Health provides for fulfillment of its duties under M.G.L. 111:5, 26-33 and other sections including enforcement of the state Sanitary and Environmental Codes, reporting diseases dangerous to the public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations. The Board of Health determines the health needs of the community (and the health services available to the community) in terms of the size and characteristics of the population, specific health problems, and environmental conditions.

Government

Residents Wanted for Advisory Group Working on Update of City’s Major Planning Document

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is seeking three (3) residents to serve on an advisory committee for its Comprehensive Plan Update. The deadline for applying is February 22, 2022. 

The City of Watertown is beginning a process to update its 2015 Comprehensive Plan. Although the update will involve all Plan elements, the update will focus intensively on four: (1) land use, (2) economic development, (3) transportation, circulation and parking and (4) open space and recreation. One of the most critical components of the process will be community engagement in identifying key issues, and revisiting goals and implementation strategies contained in the 2015 Plan. The City has selected a consultant team to work with Planning Staff and a Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) of seven members.