Community Preservation Committee Wants to Hear from Public

The following information was provided by the Community Preservation Committee:

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) in Watertown raises funds through a 2% percent surcharge on local property taxes and a variable annual distribution from the MA Community Preservation Trust Fund. There are four eligible project funding categories: community housing; open space; outdoor recreation; and historic preservation. It is mandated that 10% of funds generated annually must be designated to each category. Please note funding for open space and recreation is a combined category. Up to 5% may be used for administration and the remaining 65% may be allocated among the project categories.

Valentine’s Day Event for Kids at the Watertown Mall

The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal St., Watertown, and Watertown Families Together are hosting “Share Your Love” – a Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2020 starting at 10:00 a.m.

This is a free event & all ages are welcome, although it is catered to younger children. The event will be located in the back hallway, across from Carter’s and next to Target. This event will include crafting activities (Valentine’s Day cards), songs, storytelling, and some surprises. About the Watertown Mall

The Watertown Mall is wheelchair accessible and accessible by MBTA Bus routes 70 and 70A. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Minuteman Offering February Vacation Programs for Grades 1-12

The following announcement was provided by Minuteman High School:

Minuteman Community Education, located at Minuteman High School in Lexington, is offering engaging, hands-on learning programs for students in grades 1-12 during February school vacation, from Tuesday, February 18-Friday, February 21. 

February vacation learning programs for grades 1-8 include Artrageous Art; Aspiring Chefs; Beginner Baking; Creative Writing; Digital Photography; The Language of Java (computer programming); Business Sharks; Earth, Space, and Sea; and Expert Architects. 

Minuteman also offers a driver’s education course for students in grades 9-12. Morning sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions run from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 pm. Students can register for just one program or bring lunch and stay the full day. Visit the Minuteman Community Education website to register your student. The programs are free for residents of Minuteman’s district towns: Acton, Arlington, Bolton, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Needham, and Stow. Watertown is not a district member, and courses will cost between $199 and $244. See details by clicking here. Minuteman is also offering Girls in STEM Camp during the February vacation week for students in grades 7 and 8. 

Minuteman Community Education is a continuing education program for Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, offering a wide range of enrichment and skill development for children and adults of all ages.

New Eatery With Long Beer List Opening Soon in Watertown

A rendering of City Works, a restaurant with an extensive beer selection, which will open at Arsenal Yards in March. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Chicago-based Bottleneck Management announces the forthcoming opening of City Works Eatery & Pour House at 91 Arsenal Yards Blvd. in the Arsenal Yards development in Watertown. Slated to open to the public on Friday, March 13, this will be the tenth location of City Works in the country. Helmed by General Manager Daniels White and Executive Chef Chris Kravitz, the new restaurant offers an extensive craft beer list of over 90 local, regional, and global craft brews, complemented by classic American cuisine with chef-driven twists.

Boys & Girls Club Running a February School Vacation Program

The following information was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

Looking for a fun time for your kids during February Vacation Week? Registration is open for Watertown Boys & Girls Club February School Vacation Program. The program is offered Tuesday 2/18/20 thru Friday 2/21/20 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for youth ages 7-13. The cost is $45.00 a day and thanks to a generous grant from Watertown Community Foundation, healthy lunch is included! All youth attending the program must be a member and registered for the program.

Small Saves Heads to the All-Star Game in This Week’s Cartoon

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.”

Residents Have 2 Chances to Meet with State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht

The following announcement was provided by State Rep. Jonathan Hecht’s office:

Representative Jonathan Hecht will hold office hours twice in Watertown in February. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht at the following times and locations:

Tuesday, February 11th

8:30-9:30 a.m.Watertown Town Hall149 Main St, 3rd Floor hallway

Thursday, February 20th5:00-6:00 p.m.Watertown Free Public Library123 Main St, Lucia Mastrangelo Meeting Room

Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Representative Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.