Schools

Watertown Student Awarded Scholarship from Credit Union

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Rachael Stokes, of Watertown, first place winner of the James A. Burley, Jr. Scholarship Awards. The following information was provided by RTN Federal Credit Union:

Rachael Stokes of Watertown has received the first place award of $5,000 from RTN Federal Credit Union as one of the 2020 recipients of RTN’s James A. Burley, Jr. Scholarship. Rachael will be attending Keene State College. The scholarship awards totaling $10,000 are presented annually to three students who are RTN members or dependents of members, and are enrolled in an undergraduate or post high school technical college. The award is named in honor of RTN’s late Chairman and Director, James A. Burley, Jr., who served the Credit Union for more than 30 years.

10th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: John Lawn

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State Rep. John Lawn

Biography

I was born and raised in Watertown and got involved in local politics in the mid-2000s when a local development project was being proposed in my neighborhood. I was Watertown Councilor from 2006-2012, and won a special election for state representative of Waltham, Watertown, and Newton in 2011. I’ve been proud of legislative achievements, including statute of limitation reform; veterans legislation; and, most recently, a historic expansion of voting options in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife, Shannon, and I live in Watertown where we’re raising our 5 children. What issues have been your priority as a State Representative? 

Investing in our public schools, advocating for our Veterans, supporting small businesses and economic growth, and tackling the opioid epidemic.  Recently, as Chair of the Elections Committee, I’ve been working on protecting the integrity of our elections while keeping residents safe and healthy when they vote.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Alison Leary

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Alison Leary

Biography

I am a Newton native, a Simmons University graduate and the mother of two teenagers. My husband and I live in the home where he grew up in Nonantum. I am a program manager for a human services agency that provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Prior to that I was the Associate Director for the Community Preservation Coalition and lobbied for more state funding for the Community Preservation Act. I am a four-term member of the Newton City Council, the Chair of Public Facilities and a member of the Zoning and Planning Committee working on zoning reform.

Around Town

Notice of Community Outreach Meeting — Sira Naturals

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(PAID LEGAL NOTICE)

Notice is hereby given that Eskar LLC (d/b/a Sira Naturals, Inc.) will hold a virtual Community Outreach Meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will include discussion about the proposed siting of a co-located Medical Marijuana Treatment Centerand Adult Use Marijuana Retail Establishment at 48 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 94G and the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s regulations at 935 CMR 500.000 and 935 CMR 501.000 et seq. Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include, but not be limited to:

The type(s) of Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and Adult-Use Marijuana Establishment(s) to be located at the proposed address;Plans for maintaining a secure facility;Plans to prevent diversion to minors;Plans to positively impact the community;Plans to ensure the establishment will not constitute a nuisance to the community; andPlans to compassionately care for medical patients, including sliding fee scales for patients with verified financial hardship. This virtual meeting will be held via Zoom.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Celebrates Reaching $100K in Resiliency Fund

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The Watertown Community Foundation has given out these lawn signs to people who have donated to help others in town during COVID-19. The Watertown Community Foundation announced it has raised more than $100,000 for the Community Resilience Fund, which was created in to help community members during the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown. Be sure to check out the video, which provides a nice tour of Town and features many familiar faces. The Watertown Community Foundation sent out the following announcement:

In March of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown our town but it did not shutdown the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) or our community spirit. WCF worked quickly to establish the Watertown Resilience Fund with an initial amount of $40,000 from the foundation and personal contributions of board members. The Community Resilience Fund has grown to over $110,000 thanks to this amazing community. These funds have been used to help our neighbors who have faced significant financial challenges due to the pandemic and supported them with everything from grocery gift cards to emergency rental assistance. 

But, we haven’t stopped there. In a time when everyone was feeling like they needed a little love but couldn’t be near so many of their loved ones, we started the “We  Watertown” campaign. So many people in our community LOVE Watertown and we want to spread the LOVE! Our yard signs are popping up all over town. You can request one by emailing: info@watertownfoundation.org. 

We hope you enjoy this video of some of our friends around town sharing their love of our community. 

https://spark.adobe.com/video/FmvStT0SZrUXi 

We are always looking for ways to support and partner with organizations and businesses in town. BLING Boutique in Watertown Square is our latest partner, selling beautiful “We  Watertown” stemless glasses and wish bracelets. A portion of the proceeds come directly back to the Watertown Community Foundation. Cheers to loving our wonderful town! 

Give where you live. Donate, volunteer, support a local business or just simply give love.

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Mark Sideris

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Mark Sideris

Biography

My name is Mark Sideris. I am married to Marybeth and have 3 childrenwho all attended and graduated Watertown public schools. I am a partner with my brother as owners of Three Sons Auto Body in Waltham. I have been on the Town Council for more than 24 years, the last 11 as Council President. I am also a member of the School Committee and the Chair of the School Building committee .

Elections

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: David Ciccarelli

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David Ciccarelli

Biography

I’m David Ciccarelli a third generation, lifelong resident of Watertown. As the son of State Representative Sal Ciccarelli it left the impression that public service can be rewarding, if the reason to get involved is a genuine desire to perform a duty. After graduating Tulane University, I began a life of travel, and the lessons and experiences that come with it as an overseas consultant. Traveling to over 50 countries, I consulted on US State Dept projects. Along the way I met my wife, Katya, and together we are raisingtwo boys in the Watertown Schools.

29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Q&A: Steve Owens

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Steve Owens

Biography

A lifelong Democrat, I have lived in Watertown and Cambridge for nearly 20 years. My wife Pia and I now live in East Watertown with our two sons who attend Watertown public schools. For twelve years, I served as chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee, fighting for progressive causes and candidates at the local, state and federal levels. Professionally, I am a transportation consultant who uses data to help state departments oftransportation, railroads and trucking companies make infrastructure decisions. I have advocated for better public transportation as a member of the Watertown Transportation Task Force. 

Q & A

The State Legislature deals with so many issues, so what would be your top three issues if you are elected?