29th Middlesex

State Rep. Candidate Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Act on Mass

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Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. The following announcements were provided by Steve Owens for the State Representative campaign:

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) of Massachusetts, the advocacyand political arm of Planned Parenthood league of Massachusetts, has endorsed Steve Owens as the next State Representative in Watertown and Cambridge. Formed in 1984, PPAF believes that working within the political process is critical to increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services. “In 2020, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts is endorsing candidates who not only support reproductive rights andhealth – but also understand the importance of access to care,” PPAF stated in their endorsement. PPAF works to elect qualified state and local candidates who will pursue policies that put patients first and protect reproductive health care for everyone.

Cartoon

A Teachable Moment in This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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Cartoon by James Demarco

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.”

Schools

Three Watertown Students Make Spring Dean’s List at UMaine

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The following information was provided by the University of Maine:

The University of Maine recognized 4,210 students for achieving Dean’s List honors in the Spring 2020 semester. Of the students who made the Dean’s List, 2,769 are from Maine, 1,333 are from 41 other states and 108 are from 43 countries other than the U.S.

Please note that some students have requested that their information not be released; therefore, their names are not included. The students from Watertown who made the Spring 2020 Dean’s List are: Yonas Butler, Madison Syer and Sarah Tymm

See the entire list by clicking here.

Elections

LETTER: Steve Owens Has Put in the Work

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I’m writing to urge my friends and neighbors to vote for longtime Democratic Town Committee chair Steve Owens for state rep this primary. Other letters have touted Steve’s progressive commitments and his impressive command of the issues facing our state. In this letter I want to focus instead on the work Steve has put into this race. Regardless of your policy views, I think we can all agree that we want a representative who will be energetic about using his powers of office to stand up for us and help our community and our town. Steve is the only candidate who has a campaign website where he has written about issues that are important to him and what he intends to do in office, a key piece of transparency that other candidates have chosen not to provide.

Around Town

Casual Mediterranean Eatery Opening at Arsenal Yards

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Garbanzo is opening at Watertown’s Arsenal Yards. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The “Feel Brighter” Movement is building even more momentum in the greater Boston area. Following its recent opening in Boston Common, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, the leading fast casual Mediterranean franchise concept best known for its preservative-free, nutrient-rich menu, is expanding its “Eat Better – Feel Brighter” movement into Watertown. With the new location slated to open later this year in the Arsenal Yards development at 41 Bond Street in Watertown, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh offers a modern twist to Old World cuisine, breaking down the traditional paradigm of the Mediterranean diet. “We’ve enjoyed introducing Bostonians to the flavor vacay that is Garbanzo, and are confident that people in Watertown will be equally impressed by our scratch-made wonder food,” said Derek St.

Elections

LETTER: Steve Owens Would Be a Transportation Minded State Rep

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Many Watertown voters have traffic, congestion and public transportation at the top of their list of concerns. Many of us rely heavily on MBTA service to get to work and other essential life functions. The majority of us are deeply concerned about the environment and climate change. If you want an advocate who will be committed to addressing these concerns in the State House, then Steve Owens is your best choice for State Representative. Steve is a transportation professional by trade and understands the complication of going from policy to complex nuts and bolts operations.

Around Town

Hatch Maker Space Reopening, Watertown Library Featured in Globe

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Big news for makers: Hatch Makerspace is reopening for appointments next week. Beginning on Monday, August 17, you will have the option to use our sewing machine, vinyl cutter, or laser cutter. Workstations will be cleaned between each use. Review our new safety policies and schedule your appointment here: watertownlib.org/hatchbooking (See more info below)Since we can’t host gatherings at the Library right now, virtual programs continue. We hope to see you online! This week via Zoom, watch and discuss the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, learn how to assemble wire armature for sculpting, and explore 3D modeling with Fusion 360. A full list of virtual programs for this week is included below.

Around Town

LETTER: Don’t Move Polling Location to Senior Housing, Risk Spreading COVID-19

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Dear Editor Charlie Breitrose and Others To Whom It Concerns:

I am a senior who lives at 100 Warren Street in Watertown MA, which is SENIOR HOUSING.  

We learned this weekend that Watertown is moving its voting location for District 11 and 12 elections for 2020 to be held in my residential building. “Pursuant to Section 11 of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the City Clerk has prepared the following report relative to moving the polling place for Precinct 11 & 12 from the Cunniff School 246 Warren St to the E. Joyce Munger Apartments 100 Warren St: Report on Precincts 11 & 12 Polling Place Change Dated 08/06/2020”

The seniors, handicapped residents and people of color who live here represent the highest risk population for COVID-19. It is not acceptable to have the elections in our building, period. It should never have been considered. This cannot be made “safe” no matter what we are told. The way for us to be “safe” is for it not to happen at all. To force residents to accept this decision is to be without compassion and conscience and shirks the implied duty of persons in authority to protect those in your care. This is our home! During this virus crisis, many people have been very creative in making lives work well in a deadly unwell environment. For example, since March all sorts of certifications and guidelines have been relaxed statewide to achieve desperately needed results. Surely our state and local officials can find a way to do that in this situation – another site needs to be found. How about a tent?