Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/39/)
Watertown City Manager George Proakis released a statement on the findings of a Housing Discrimination Test Program conducted in Watertown, and a dozen other are communities. A pair of meetings, one virtual on Feb. 19 and one in-person in Newton on Feb. 26, will be held to discuss the reports findings and recommendations. See the statement provided by the City of Watertown below.
The City of Watertown announced that some municipal buildings and facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. See the information from the City below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, Senior Center, Department of Public Works Office, and Watertown Free Public Library, will be closed on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that there is a one day delay for trash and recycling pickup the week.
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 students can apply to be part of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. The Rotary Club of Watertown provided the following information. The Rotary Club of Watertown is actively searching for qualified candidates to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference to be held June 27-29, 2025, at Fitchburg State University. This annual leadership conference offers outstanding high school sophomores an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition. It is a program designed to challenge the participants to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership.
The following announcement was provided by Housing for All Watertown:
Housing for All Watertown (HAW) would like to invite all to the “What Will It Take to Build 100% Affordable Housing in Watertown?” forum on Sunday, Feb. 23. The purpose is to gain an understanding of Watertown’s Affordable Housing situation and the possibilities for change. There will be presentations followed by a panel discussion of developers and planners. Panelists:
Madeline Lee, Senior Project Manager, Just A Start
Mel Miller, Project Manager, Preservation of Affordable Housing
Laura Weiner, Housing and Planning Consultant
Sara Barcan, Executive Director, HRI
The forum will be in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
To RSVP click here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-will-it-take-to-build-100-affordable-housing-in-watertown-tickets-1244250961119
Lisa Feltner, District B City Councilor. UPDATE: Feb. 21 – Councilor Feltner’s annual meeting has been postponed. The new date has not yet been announced. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter.
The following announcement was provided by the Knights of Columbus Watertown:
The Knights of Columbus Watertown Council #155 is proud to host its first-ever community blood drive on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church (212 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472). The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is open to all eligible donors. Blood donations are a simple yet powerful way to make a life-saving impact. Every pint collected can help patients in need, from accident victims to those undergoing surgeries or cancer.
The City of Watertown announced that residents can apply to serve on the Human Rights Commission. See the announcement provided by the City below. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking residents to serve on the Human Rights Commission. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application.The Human Rights Commission (HRC) works to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to City services regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or protected class status. The Commission promotes human rights in Watertown through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or resolutions for adoption by the City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards, councils or commissions.