Around Town

Watertown National Guard Member Earns Promotion

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The following piece was provided by the New York Army National Guard:

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Huijing Yang from Watertown, Mass., and assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion December 16, 2024 to the rank of specialist. Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

Business

Watertown-Based MORE Advertising Agency Sold

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The following announcement was provided by MORE Advertising:

MORE Advertising, an integrated marketing communications agency recognized for its behavior change and cause-driven campaigns, announced the sale of the company by Founder and CEO Donna Latson Gittens and Managing Partner and President Judi Haber to two of the firm’s senior leaders: Principal of Account Services Megan Palamé and CFO Beth LePage. Palamé is assuming the role of CEO and LePage will serve as COO & CFO. Palamé and LePage have each been instrumental in shaping MORE’s strategy, growth and campaign successes. Selling the agency internally ensures a seamless transition with intact account, creative and operational teams and continuity of key relationships. “As we reflect on the agency’s history and growth, we take immense pride in how our work has advanced important social causes,” said Gittens. “We have always sought to create campaigns that make a meaningful difference by challenging the status quo, empowering communities and helping to encourage positive behavior change.”

MORE has developed and launched campaigns addressing substance use stigma and vaping harms, as well as promoting the use of HIV/AIDS preventive medications and trusted sexual and reproductive health services. The agency secured its largest accounts to date when it was selected to create and lead campaigns for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to promote adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Around Town

Bingo Board Created by Watertown Economic Development to Encourage Shopping Locally

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A portion of the City of Watertown’s Bingo Card. Join in the City of Watertown’s game of Bingo and go out and eat, shop, and more around town. The bingo card was created by Watertown Economic Development, and you can participate on social media. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to shop local more often, Watertown Economic Development’s Resolutions Bingo is for you! Support Watertown businesses by completing the challenges on the card.

Business

Watertown Business Honored as Mass Save Climate Leader

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Members of the Roche Bros. team received their Mass Save Climate Leader award at the State House. (Photo by David Fox Photography)

Among the Mass Save Climate Leaders honored last week was Roche Bros. Watertown market. See the details in the announcement from Mass Save below.

Government

See the First Watertown City Council Newsletter

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Watertown City Hall

The City Council put out a summary of recent meetings in the first Watertown City Council Newsletter. See the piece provided by the City Council below. January 14, 2025 City Council Meeting & January 21, 2025 Special City Council Meeting

Residents can view the recording of the January 14th meeting here and the January 21st meeting here. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

On behalf of the city and the council, Council President Mark Sideris thanked and congratulated Marsha Osmond upon her retirement after more than two decades of service to Watertown in the manager’s office. He noted that Marsha has been incredibly helpful with events such as inaugurations and other celebrations.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves is Up to Now in This Week’s Comic

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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

Watertown Library’s Project Literacy Offering U.S. Citizenship Tutor Training

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The Watertown Free Public Library has announced that it will offer U.S. citizenship tutor training sessions this spring. These trainings are intended for anyone interested in helping immigrants prepare for all facets of the naturalization process. The Library’s English language learning program, Project Literacy, is leading the effort and sessions are open to all. The two-part training in February will be led by Project Literacy’s Citizenship Tutor, Nancy Kleinrock. Nancy has designed a training that can help tutors and advocates understand the citizenship process.

Food

New Middle Eastern Restaurant Celebrating Grand Opening with Specials & Activities

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NAYA will be serving Middle Eastern dishes at Arsenal Yards. (Contributed Photo)

Arsenal Yards will welcome a new restaurant that features Middle Eastern fare, and the eatery will celebrate with some grand opening weekend specials and festivities. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

NAYA is thrilled to bring its signature fast-casual Middle Eastern cuisine to Boston with the grand opening of its SECOND location in the Boston vicinity! Established in 2008, NAYA has become a beloved name in Middle Eastern dining, with this Boston opening marking its 30th location across NY, CT, NJ, and PA. Known for its fresh, customizable meals and vibrant flavors, NAYA has more Boston-area locations planned for early 2025.