Police/Fire

Watertown Man Found Guilty of Tax Fraud by Federal Court Jury

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The following information was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts:

A former owner of restaurants in Boston and Chelsea was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of tax fraud.  

Burhan Ud Din, 50, of Watertown, was convicted following a week-long jury trial of six counts of willful failure to collect and pay over tax, which requires employers to withhold and pay to the IRS certain payroll taxes. Din was acquitted of charges of procuring citizenship contrary to law. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2019. Din defrauded the government and avoided paying payroll taxes owed by a Crown Fried Chicken located in Chelsea and a Kennedy Fried Chicken in Boston in 2010.

Food

Local Community Farm Celebrates 25 Years With Dinner

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The following information was provided by Season to Taste:

On Tuesday, August 13, 2019, Season to Taste, the only chef-driven catering company in Boston, will partner with Waltham Fields Community Farm to celebrate 25 seasons of farming with a spectacular farm-to-table dinner. 

Season to Taste’s Executive Chef Jason Lord will lead the multi-course dinner in the farming field, where many of the fresh ingredients are grown.  During the evening, guests can enjoy music by Somerville musicians, Banjovillian, and toast to 25 years with a selection of Might Squirrel Brewery and Cambridge Brewing Company beverages, rosé wine and seltzers. 

Season to Taste has prepared a menu that will include smoked pork shoulder and tofu, as well as three vegetable dishes to highlight the week’s harvest, and seasonal fruit with fresh whipped cream for dessert. Season to Taste Catering believes in high-quality farm fresh ingredients and strives to promote local farmers and highlight the simplicity of good summer produce. All “Supper on the Farm” proceeds support Waltham Fields education and outreach programs, which provide hands-on outdoor education programs and increased access to sustainably grown, local food to neighbors in need of greater nourishment. Tickets are $130.00 per person for non-members of Waltham Fields Community Farm, which includes a multi-course dinner prepared by Season to Taste with fresh produce from the farm.  For more information or to buy tickets for the event, please visit http://www.communityfarms.org/calendar/event/supper-on-the-farm-one-long-table-in-the-field.

Schools

Minuteman’s New School Building Opening in Fall

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A rendering of what the new Minuteman High School will look like when it opens this fall. The following announcement was provided by Minuteman High School:

When students arrive at Minuteman High School on September 3, it will mark the start of a brand new school year – and the beginning of an exciting, even historic, era for Minuteman itself. On that day, the doors will swing open for the first time at the new Minuteman High School, a $145 million, state-of-the-art facility some 11 years in the making. “It’s all I hoped for and more,” said Minuteman’s Superintendent-Director, Dr. Edward A. Bouquillon, who shepherded the project from conception to completion. “It exceeded my expectations in regard to design, quality and the practical, efficient use of space.

Entertainment

Wayne Martin Puppets Returning to Watertown

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

On August 24, Wayne Martin Puppets will have three performances at the Watertown Mall, beginning at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Come by for some family friendly back-to-school shopping entertainment to break up the day! Wayne Martin has been performing with hand puppets & marionettes for over 50 years. This multi-Emmy Award nominee has performed at the Watertown Mall multiple times throughout the years, and we are so excited to have him here again for a back-to-school themed show! Wayne Martin will be using various comedy techniques during his show to keep the audience laughing. Join Wayne and all his puppets for this free event at the Watertown Mall on August 24 for musical revue that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

Entertainment

Small Saves Cartoon: Losing Streak

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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

Repaving of Common Street Will Close Several Watertown Streets for a Week

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The Watertown Department of Public Works is remodeling Common Street and surrounding streets. The following information was provided by the Watertown DPW:

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7 the Common Street project will enter an important phase. At that time, road reclamation (pulverization) of the road base, roadway fine grading, and paving of the binder (first) course of pavement is planned for Common Street (Columbia Street through and including the Orchard Street intersection) and Katherine Road (from Common Street to Church Street). Weather permitting, this phase of work will take approximately one week to complete.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Event on Children from El Salvadoran Facing Deportation

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The following information was provided by Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Group & Friends of Actions for Immigrant Lives:

Join American children from Boston of El Salvadoran descent for a short film and discussion about the play they created and took to Congress this year. Learn about their creative process, their journey to Washington, D.C., and the specter of deportation that families face. Come learn what you can do to support the 12,000 Massachusetts residents whose TPS visas are scheduled to be terminated by the Trump administration in 2019 and 2020. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Around Town

See the Activities at Hatch Makerspace in August

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Get your mind ready to be creative, make a traditional instrument and much more is going on at the Hatch Maker Space. The following information was provided by the Hatch Makerspace:

Hatch Makerspace is located at 20 Summer Street in Watertown, MA. An extension of the Watertown Free Public Library, it is a public workshop with space, equipment, and materials available for your use. For more information contact Liz Helfer, HatchCoordinator: ehelfer@watertown-ma.gov | 781-795-2309

Say hello to Hatch at the Watertown Farmer’s Market!Stop by the WFPL table on Wednesday, August 14th to enjoy a family-friendly crafting activity! Workshop spotlight: Art Studio – Mindful MendingJoin Watertown artist, Amelia Young, in an exploration of mindful mending.