Letters

LETTER: Simple Sign at Watertown Library Warms the Heart of a Resident

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Editor,

This morning I walked through the doors of the Watertown Library and was heartened to see a simple black and white sign in the door stating “The Watertown Free Public Library welcomes and serves everyone.”  

In these divisive times it was a welcome reminder that I live in a community that is diverse and that I believe takes pride in that diversity.  This diversity was evident to me in the families that came to the door trick-or-treating on Halloween, in the number of different languages spoken in the schools and in my work as a tutor with Project Literacy. As a white woman, I am unlikely to face discrimination in Watertown and I can’t presume that there is no discrimination or acts of harassment in our town.  But in general, Watertown feels like a welcoming community and my hope is that we will all look for ways to foster that sense of community as we move forward in 2017.  

Joan Blaustein
Riverside Street

Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Hosts Turkey Feather Scavenger Hunt on Friday

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Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it will be hosting a Turkey Feather Scavenger Hunt this Friday, Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Club members ages 7 to 11 are welcome to attend this fun, Thanksgiving event. Our teen members will be hiding “turkey feathers” all around the Club. Win points by finding different colored feathers and receive fun prizes! Free admission.

Schools

Lowell School Hosts Second Annual Public Book Fair on Dec. 4

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The second annual Lowell Public Book Fair is coming up on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Lowell Gym, the school announced. 

Browse books for all ages (board books up to adult books), a focus on the K-5 grades. There will be new releases such as the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the new JK Rowling Fantastic Beast. Many options for holiday gifts with toys, science kits and more. All proceeds will go directly to the Lowell Elementary School Library.

MassDevelopment

Perkins School Getting Big Bonds from MassDevelopment to Renovate 2 Buildings

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MassDevelopment announced it has issued a $4.1 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Perkins School for the Blind, a Watertown educational service provider for individuals with visual impairment. Perkins is using bond proceeds to renovate two school buildings, including adding a second elevator and a universally accessible entrance; designing a new lunch room in the school’s Hilton building; and building and renovating classrooms and bathrooms and upgrading the HVAC system in its Howe Building. TD Bank purchased the bond. “For nearly two centuries, Perkins School for the Blind has opened doors to education, employment and independence for people living with blindness and deafblindness,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment is pleased to support improvements to the school that will allow it to better serve its community in the years to come.”

Entertainment

Center for the Arts in Watertown Reveals Its New Name

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To honor the remarkable generosity of the Center’s major donor family, the Board of Directors with support of the Membership charter, are pleased to announce that the Arsenal Center for the Arts has been officially renamed:

The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts

In 2000, Watertown businessman and philanthropist Charles Mosesian stepped forward with a generosity of spirit and an acknowledgement of the importance of the arts, made a remarkable $1-million-dollar gift that helped launch the Center’s building campaign. It was this sentiment that inspired others to join in the effort that has created the wonderful community of arts and artists we’ve come to know. With the continued support from the Mosesian Family Foundation for more than a decade, the Center’s new name will honor this ongoing generosity in memoriam of the late Dorothy and Charles Mosesian. “With great pride in what we have accomplished over the last ten years, we are invigorated by this opportunity to continue opening doors to excite and inspire diverse audiences and artists to create, appreciate, participate and grow through the arts” said Executive Director Roberta Miller. The Center will roll out its new name over the course of the next few months – giving a fresh look and feel to the quality programming and vital arts education offerings the community has come to love and depend upon.

Government

Meeting About Renovation of Mt. Auburn Street Planned for December

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The Watertown Department of Public Works announced it will hold an informational meeting to discuss the conceptual plans for Mount Auburn Street, focusing on the section between Patten Street (near Watertown Square) and School Street. The meeting will provide an update on the project timeline, design, and funding process through the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. During the meeting, we will also provide additional details about the current conceptual design between Patten Street and School Street.

Government

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht Available to Meet with Residents Twice

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Representative Jonathan Hecht announce he will hold office hours twice in Watertown during the next few weeks. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht, Wednesday, November 16 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Watertown Town Hall in the 3rd Floor Hallway and Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Library in the Raya Stern Trustees Room. Anyone unable to attend these office hours can call Representative Hecht at 617-722-2140 to schedule an appointment at another time.

Schools

Mass Bay Community College Invites Prospective Students to Visit Campus

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Massachusetts Bay Community College announced it will hold its annual Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. President David Podell along with faculty, staff and students will be on hand to greet and welcome prospective students and their families to the Wellesley Hills campus. The Fall Open House is an opportunity for prospective students to meet and talk with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about the 70 degree and certificate programs offered at MassBay and transfer opportunities after MassBay. Prospective students are encouraged to attend to learn more about student clubs and organizations, the admissions and financial aid process, and talk with academic divisions. The Open House will include a self-guided tour of campus, mock classes, information sessions, student and alumni panel discussions, information for veterans, on-the-spot admissions, and more.