Police/Fire

Middlesex Sheriff Named Vice President of National Sheriff’s Group

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Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian (left) was sworn in as vice president of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) by President Grady Judd on Thursday, February 14, 2019 during the MCSA winter conference meeting in Washington, D.C.

The following information was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has been selected by his colleagues from across the country to serve as vice president of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA). 

A professional law enforcement association comprised of sheriffs of the nation’s most populous counties and parishes, MCSA members represent over 100 million people across more than 30 states. “I am honored to be selected for this leadership position to help showcase the innovative work being done by sheriffs from across the country,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “I look forward to working with President Grady Judd, the executive board and membership to promote the incredible work our colleagues do on a daily basis to increase safety in our communities.”

Sheriff Koutoujian, who had been tapped to serve in an acting capacity in mid-December by President Judd, was formally voted to the post on a permanent basis by his colleagues at the MCSA’s annual winter conference on Thursday, Feb. 14. “I am honored and excited to work shoulder to shoulder with Sheriff Koutoujian in the coming year,” said President Judd.  “I believe Peter is a visionary with the strong leadership and fresh perspective that will propel the MCSA to next level.”

A longtime state legislator and former prosecutor with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Koutoujian has led the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office since 2011.  During his tenure as sheriff, he has overseen the implementation of several statewide and nationally recognized initiatives including a specialized treatment unit for incarcerated military veterans, a medication assisted treatment program and the launch of a groundbreaking new housing unit for incarcerated young adults (ages 18-24).

Entertainment

Author Talking About How Watertown Square has Changed Through the Years

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Hear about how Watertown Square has changed over the decades in an author talk sponsored by the Historical Society of Watertown. WHEN: Thurs., March 21, 2019

EVENT: “Watertown Square through Time” with Cara Marcus Presented by: Historical Society of Watertown

Cara Marcus will do a game show style presentation of her new book, “Watertown Square through Time.” How well do you know Watertown? — its streets, buildings, events and famous people? Find out. Come to the Community Room of the Watertown Police Department Headquarters, at 552 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472 on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Around Town

Nominations Sought for 2019 Watertown Historic Commission Awards

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The Historic Commission sent out the following information:

Applications for nominations for the Watertown Historic Commission’s 2019 Historical Preservation Awards are now open. The Watertown Historical Commission Preservation Awards can be awarded to any individual, organization or project that has contributed to the preservation or recognition of Watertown’s Historic resources. 

There are seven award categories which a nominee may be considered.  The completed form is due in the Historical Commission office by April 3,  2019. Categories

1) The Richard E. Mastrangelo Memorial Award is given to any individual elected or employed by the Town of Watertown who has actively been a champion in supporting the preservation of a Historical Resource. 2) The Citizenship Award is given to any individual who has taken a leadership role in the effort to educate the community-at-large about local historical preservation issues or concerns. 3) The Community Spirit Award is given to any individual who has taken a leadership role in the advancement of appreciation for Watertown’s unique cultural make up.

Business

See the Winners of the Watertown Savings Bank Customer Choice Awards

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Savings Bank:

On Tuesday, March 26 Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) will distribute $75,000 to the 28 local community organizations chosen by their its banking customers, in the bank’s 23rd Annual Customer Choice Awards. “Our Customer Choice Awards program is one of which we are particularly proud,” said President and CEO Brett Dean. “The list of winners reflects the important work being done by non-profit organizations throughout the communities we serve.”

Dollars to be awarded are based on the number of votes each organization received. With a maximum amount of $3,500, and this year’s top vote-getter receiving $5,000, all organizations who received one percent of the total number of votes are being awarded funds. All organizations that received one percent of the total number of votes are being awarded funds.

Government

Council Subcommittee Discussing Noise from Planes from Logan Airport

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The Town Council’s Committee on State, Federal and Regional Government  will convene on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Watertown Administration Building in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber. The purpose of the meeting is for the further review and consideration of the MassPort Community Advisory Committee (CAC) work to address airplane noise. Informational updates will be provided by Andrea Adams, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development and Planning, who serves as Watertown’s representative on the MassPort CAC. The meeting notice is as follows:

Background information about Logan Airplane noise to ongoing discussions can be found within the following links.

Entertainment

The Kelly Girls Will Perform Celtic Music at Library’s Winter Concert Series

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The Kelly Girls will perform as part of the Watertown Library’s Winter Concert Series. The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s final Winter Concert features the Celtic sounds of The Kelly Girls. The group will perform at the Library on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The performance is free and open to the public. The Celtic band the Kelly Girls have quickly gained recognition as one of the most entertaining Celtic Bands in New England.

Entertainment

Bluegrass Concert the Latest Revels Fringe Concert in Watertown

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Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer will perform traditional Appalachian music at the Revels Fringe concert on March 2. The following information was provided by Revels:

Appalachian music comes alive as  Revels FRINGE presents bluegrass musicians Jake Blount and Libby Weitnauer, Saturday, March 2 in Watertown, MA

Experience the voices at the forefront of today’s music scene at three exciting concerts exploring the unpredictable edge of the folk process. The 2019 Revels FRINGE Concert Series kicked off January 26 with an amazing farewell concert by Night Tree, a popular roots-based band comprised of young, brilliant musicians who love taking traditional folk music in new directions. The trend continues on Saturday, March 2 when Revels FRINGE presents two extraordinary bluegrass musicians, Jake Blount & Libby Weitnauer. A rising star with a unique take on traditional music Jake Blount is an African American banjo player, fiddler, scholar and vocalist whose musical mentors include Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins of the GRAMMY-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Transportation

MBTA to Talk About Fare Proposals, Buses at Watertown Meeting

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The MBTA will discuss proposed fare increases and the Better Bus Project at a meeting in Watertown. The following information came from the MBTA:

A series of community meetings are being held to discuss the MBTA fare proposal. A 6.3% average fare increase has been proposed, which would take effect on July 1, 2019. Comments regarding the fare proposal can also be emailed to fares@mbta.com or mailed to MBTA, Attn: Fare Proposal, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116. The Better Bus Project and Automated Fare Collection 2.0 will also be discussed at a number of these meetings.