Vendors & Sponsors Can Register for the 2024 Faire on the Square

Watertown’s biggest celebration returns for its 25th year in September, and vendors and sponsors can sign up now. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The 25th Anniversary of Watertown’s Faire on the Square is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 12-5 p.m. at Saltonstall Park. Vendor registration is open through August 30, 2024. Visit www.faireonthesquare.com to learn more and register! Sponsorship opportunities for the Faire on the Square are now available!

OBIT: Robert Weeden, 83, Vietnam Veteran, Longtime Volunteer, Worked at Polaroid

Robert Weeden

Robert J Weeden of Watertown passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from a brief illness at the age of 83. He was born in September 13,1940 to Robert E. and Olga M. Weeden of Watertown. Beloved husband of the late Linda E. Weeden. Father to Paul Weeden and wife, Julie of Watertown and Erik Weeden and wife Lynn of Hopedale. Grandfather to Tage Weeden and Davin Weeden of Watertown along with Jenna Weeden and Ashley Weeden of Hopedale.

LETTER: Watertown Cares, Has Responded to City, State & National Needs

Dear Editor,

It is disconcerting to me, as the city moves forward in implementing the Watertown Square Conceptual Plan, is the constant “we need housing.”  We know that none of the people clamoring for housing are homeless. However, there is nothing wrong with being altruistic and wanting to help others. Wouldn’t how and what is the capacity of Watertown to help reduce housing needs in the Commonwealth be an advantageous approach? I have been especially proud of Watertown in that when none of the surrounding cities and towns would have Halfway Homes in their community, Watertown stepped forward and welcomed those less fortunate into the community. David and Anne Bromer, who we met in Watertown, spearheaded Fair Housing Practices in Massachusetts. They asked Mary and me to assist in testing landlords as to whether they would lease or rent to Black People. To my knowledge, David and Anne did not test in Watertown. 

We know there were some in Watertown who didn’t wish to rent to Black People as there were throughout the state; especially during this period in Boston with its clamor over anti-busing in Schools.

July 23 is Deadline to Comment on Possible Watertown Dam Removal

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The consultants examining the possible removal of the Watertown Dam presented their findings after studying the area near the dam over the Charles River just west of Watertown Square. The public can comment on the proposal until July 23. The dam was discussed at a public meeting held on July 9 at the Watertown Library.

Road Surface on Arsenal Street to be Milled Starting This Week

The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The milling process on Arsenal Street, which involves grinding the road surface in preparation for paving, will begin on Monday, July 22, 2024, starting from Greenough Boulevard to Forge Road. This work will progress block by block towards Watertown Square over approximately six weeks. Please drive carefully and consider using alternate routes when possible. We appreciate your cooperation. The section of Arsenal Street that will be milled to prepare for repaving beginning July 22.

Dozens of Watertown Students Make Dean’s List at UMass Amherst

The following announcement was provided by UMass Amerst:

Below is a list of local students who were named to the dean’s list at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the spring 2024 semester. In order to qualify, an undergraduate student must receive a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a four-point scale. WATERTOWNAriana Rose AufieroKenan Emre CancaPhilip Richard CentolaAidan Paul ConneelyAidan Henry CurryCarina Bella DeLorioRiley Francis DonlanTrisanne Phillipa DunstanRita Queenie HackettBenjamin Harrison HeepJackson Wallace HelieOlivia Juliet-Mei HooverAlyce JudgeLara Jacqueline KebabjianIlana KrebsLiam LawnMaeve Ella LawnAni Nanor ManjikianDavid Armani ManoukianRobert MartirosyanSaron NebiyeMadeline Mildred PoplawskiAram Alexander ReichJohn Payton-Michael RileySydney Willow RosenthalHenry Peter SarrisSabreena ShahOscar Robinson ShepardMason Thomas SmithBenjamin Roubik SurenianIsabella Delmaschio TancredoDaniel Kevin TattrieHrachya Tigran TonyanMichael J VarnumGregory Steven VenizelosAnna Rose Zarkadas

Watertown Students Earn Academic Honors at 11 Colleges

New Free Mental Health Support Group Starting in Watertown

The following announcement was provided by Treatment Innovations:

Local psychologist and professor, Lisa Najavits, PhD, will offer free support groups Wednesdays 530-630 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library starting July 31st. This project offers free support groups to help people in the community learn coping skills, especially for people who have suffered from trauma and/or addiction. The groups will provide Seeking Safety, an evidence-based coping skills model by Dr. Najavits that has been implemented for over 35 years all over the U.S. and internationally and has been found to be extremely safe and effective, as a free drop-in service for individuals in the community. See www.seekingsafety.org for more information on the Seeking Safety model. Interested?