Around Town

Series on Food Insecurity in Watertown Debuts on WCA-TV

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Jan Singer, left, the former Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, discussed how the Foundation responded to food insecurity during the Pandemic with journalists Maya Shwayder and Charlie Breitrose. (Photo by Dan Hogan / WCA-TV)

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cable Access Television:

In cooperation with the Watertown News and thanks to a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Cable News is producing a series of videos chronicling issues of hunger and food insecurity in the community. In part 1 of the series, we talk to a number of different stakeholders in the community from the Food Pantry, Famers’ Market, Wayside, and Community Foundation to find out how many people are struggling and where the gaps in service lie. Accompanying this series are articles written by WCN news anchor and local journalist Maya Shwayder as well as Watertown News Editor Charlie Breitrose. Read the Articles

Part 1: Watertown’s Hidden Problem: Food Insecurity Among Us

Part 2: Hunger Hits Home: A Watertown Teenager’s Struggle to Feed Herself

Part 3: Hunger in Watertown: Task Force Tackles Social Needs, Tries to Fills Gaps Left by State, Local Programs

Part 4: Through Pandemics & Collapsed Ceilings, the Watertown Food Pantry Stays Open

Part 5: Filling the Watertown’s Free Fridge is a Community Effort

Part 6: Food Insecurity in Watertown: Hunger is a Multi-Faceted Problem — It Won’t Magically Go Away

Roundtable Discussion

On February 12th, WCN and the Watertown News produced a live roundtable discussion at the Mosesian Center for the Arts to hear from representatives from the city, Food Pantry, Watertown Housing Authority, and Wayside to dive further into these issues.

Around Town

Turkish Restaurant Serves Traditional Dishes in Longtime Watertown Dining Spot

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Halva Kebabs serves up a variety of grilled meats. (Courtesy of Halva Kebab)

A spot in town that has long been an eating destination is serving hungry diners once again. Halva Kebab opened in the former New Yorker Diner spot near Watertown Square, and is serving up a wide range of kebabs and other Turkish dishes. While the owners are new to the area, they have a long tradition of running restaurants, said co-owner Joseph Dagdelen. “We have another location in New Jersey,” he said.

Around Town

Documentary Film on Plastics to be Screened at Watertown Church

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The following announcement was provided by Beyond Plastics Greater Boston:

First Parish Watertown in collaboration with Beyond Plastics Greater Boston and Oceana will host a free film screening of Rory Fielding’s documentary “We’re All Plastic People Now” on Tuesday, March 19th at 7:00 PM at First Parish Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown. 

The film addresses the global plastic pollution crisis and features Oceana’s Plastics Campaign Director Christy Leavitt and Oceana board member Ted Danson. It also shows the chilling reality of how pervasive plastic pollution is in our lives. Plastic is everywhere from the air we breathe to the water we drink. 

Solving the plastic pollution crisis requires that we curb single-use plastic production and cut off the problem at the source. Reuse and refill systems can move us away from throwaway plastics. The future can include less plastic if we turn off the tap and invest in non-toxic reuse together.

Around Town

Summer Garden Internships Available for Middle & High School Students

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The Public Arts & Culture Committee is pleased to announce the launch the second year of the Summer Garden Internship in partnership with Watertown School Gardens and the Watertown Community Gardens, part of the Edible Watertown project. 

This opportunity is for students entering grades 6-12, enrolled in middle or high school. Required 50 hours between July 8 – August 16, 2024. Summer Garden Interns will take care of the Watertown school gardens. Practical hours in the garden will be supplemented with educational outings to other garden sites as well as sessions with local experts on garden ecology. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a love of the outdoors and a passion for nature.

Around Town

State Looking for Lifeguards for DCR Pools & Beaches, Offering Bonuses

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the agency is accepting applications for lifeguards, swim instructors and other pool and waterfront roles across the state for the 2024 summer season. Qualified candidates, who apply early and work through the end of the season, can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, in addition to a competitive hourly rate of between $22 and $27, dependent on the position and associated certifications. 

“Every summer, we welcome thousands of children and families from all over to our beautiful beaches and pools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hiring qualified and trained lifeguard and water safety staff is critical to ensuring we can provide our residents and visitors with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer.”  

“As a former lifeguard, I know firsthand what a great summer job it is – you’ll get to spend your summer outdoors, make good money, and potentially help save some lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “DCR lifeguards also become leaders in their communities – they are first responders trained to prevent injuries and calmly and efficiently prevent a crisis at our waterfronts and pools.

Around Town

Restoration Underway for Historic Paintings from Watertown’s City Hall

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1930 geographical painting on treatment table at studio, in bottom section of its foam-core box. (Courtesy of the Historical Society of Watertown)

A group from Watertown recently visited the studio of the art restoration specialist hired to refurbish historic paintings that normally hang in the main entryway in Watertown’s City Hall. Joyce Kelly of the Historical Society of Watertown provided the following account:

The geographical paintings that usually flank the foyer at the main entrance to City Hall are currently in the studio of conservator Louise Orsini being refurbished. In 2022, the Historical Society of Watertown received a grant from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the conservation of the two geographical paintings in the foyer of City Hall. The 5.5 x 7.5 foot paintings were installed when the building opened in 1932.

Around Town

Charles River Chamber’s Culinary Extravaganza Returns

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The Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings features food from the four communities it serves, including Watertown. (Courtesy of Charles River Chamber)

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of its most anticipated community event, Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns. After a four-year hiatus, this marquee event promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together the flavors of Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley in one delightful evening. Event Highlights:

What: Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns

Where: Newton Marriott Ballroom2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

When: Monday, April 8, 5:30-8:00 PMTickets: $75 members / $80 non-members, available now at SpringSeasonings.com (no tickets sold at the door)

Discover the Culinary Diversity of Our Communities: Spring Seasonings is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary tapestry of our region. Join us for a unique opportunity to savor the offerings of 40 of your favorite local restaurants all at once.