Around Town

State Rep. Lawn Honored by Groups Advocating for the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Community

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Courtesy PhotoLeo Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts, presenting State Rep. John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown) with a hand drawn award from a self-advocate within the organization at a ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House. The following announcement was provided by State Rep. John Lawn’s office:

State Rep. John J. Lawn, Jr. (D – Watertown) was named the Legislator of the Year Award by The Arc of Massachusetts (the Arc) and Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC). The award, presented during their annual reception marking the commencement of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, celebrates Rep. Lawn’s unwavering commitment to and advocacy for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community. The ceremony was held on March 6 in the Great Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House. “We are honored to recognize Rep. John Lawn as this year’s Legislator of the Year Award recipient,” said Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of the Arc of Massachusetts.

Around Town

LETTER: Consideration of a New Logo for Watertown

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The consideration of a new Logo makes me wonder what are the current Core Values of the Cityof Watertown? When I came to Watertown, I was inspired by what I thought was the logo ofWatertown. The picture of a Pilgrim and a Native American exchanging gifts with the caption IN PACE CONDITA, “FOUNDED IN PEACE”. The iterations of the Logos I have seen are uninspiring. What is symbolic of them?

Around Town

Field at East End Park to be Closed for Multiple Months

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The City of Watertown announced that one of the fields at an East End Park will be closed to let it recover from high use. The City sent out the following announcement:

The Watertown Department of Public Works (DPW) and Recreation Department have concluded that the Filippello (Grove) Field should be shut down due to poor field conditions. Due to overuse and weather the turfgrass went into winter in rough condition and will not recover unless it is allowed to rest. There is extreme wear on the east end of 11 v 11 soccer layout caused by shading of trees, which prevents area from drying out after rain events. We will take an aggressive approach to renovation (aeration/seeding/fertilization/topdressing) over the next 3 months and expect the field to fully recover for Fall ’24 sports.

Around Town

LETTER: Reaction to the City Council’s Decision to Reject Short Term Rentals

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Dear Editor and Residents,

Last week, a proposal to regulate Short Term Rentals (STRs) went before the City Council. It was rejected 6-3. 

Now, the city attorney has been asked to draft a proposal to ban STRs. So it would seem this is moot. I went to the meeting advocating for the regulation, hoping that the councilors would deliberate and amend the imperfections away. I advocated for the regulation because STRs serve a different market, and the supplier is different from other small service providers, such as landlords, bed & breakfasts or home offices. The supplier is a resident who needs a very low barrier to entry. He/she is trying to age in place, has a variable income or has experienced a sudden price hike or loss of income. The demand comes from those who need an affordable place to stay for less than 30 days. They come here to see a graduation or medical care professional, attend a wedding or funeral, to see off a deployed family member, to provide palliative care, or clear out the estate of a loved one. And yes, they come for the Marathon, the regatta, playoffs and concerts. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2024/04/11/council-votes-down-proposal-for-short-term-rentals-in-watertown

I understand why councilors voted against the regulation.

Around Town

A $3 Million House Among This Week’s Watertown Open Houses

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A six-bedroom single family house in Watertown with an asking prices of $3 million will have open houses this weekend. 19 Garfield St., $3,000,000, 6 bedroom 6 bathroom 6,274 sq. ft. Single Family, Open houses: Saturday, April 20 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Sunday, April 21 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

172-178 Summer St., $1,699,000, 8 bedroom 4 bathroom 3,816 sq. ft.

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A Dining Fixture Near Watertown Square is a Hidden Treasure to be (Re)Discovered

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Courtesy of MolanaMolana has been serving Persian food in Watertown since 1999. A dining destination that has attracted hungry people from around New England for a quarter century is a hidden gem in Watertown, but the owners want locals to discover — or rediscover – their restaurant. Molana can be found on Spring Street, steps from the Watertown Square intersection. Owners Mohsen Tehrani and Hadi Eghbali started restaurant, the first one serving Persian cuisine in New England in 1999, and word spread among the Iranian community around the region. “People come from Hartford, Stamford, Connecticut.

Around Town

Watertown Touch-a-Truck Features DPW, Fire & Police Vehicles + Bookmobile

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Calling automobile enthusiasts of all ages! Watertown Department of Public Works is hosting a Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 124 Orchard St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Guest experiences will include a Road Sign Maze as well as a Planting Station where participants can plant seeds in a paper cup to take home. Free popcorn and giveaways for children will be available while supplies last. You can plan to see DPW vehicles and others from around the city, including Watertown police and fire, the library’s bookmobile, plus recycling and compost trucks!