Around Town

LETTER: Missing Russo’s, Striving to Create Food Co-op

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It’s been one year since Russo’s announced they were closing. Over 365 days have passed with our community lacking one of Boston Metro West’s best sources for produce, baked goods, and plants. As I stood in the checkout line on their last day — laden with too much cheese and veggies — my mind raced, thinking of the 200 people who would be without jobs soon, wondering why Watertown needed yet another lab facility for a biotech company instead of a market. My kids would no longer be able to prowl through the Christmas trees stacked up outside each December. My wife would need to find a replacement for the especially spicy maror (horseradish) that would make us tear up at Passover.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Names New Executive Director

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The Watertown Boys & Girls Club new Executive Director, Gary Beatty, and his family. They live in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors:

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors is proud to introduce Gary Beatty as its new Executive Director. The Search Committee of the Board worked with a consultant to cast a wide net for qualified candidates who had, in addition to promising resumes, two intangible qualities: an understanding of and passion for working with youth, and who were the right fit for Watertown. The selection process was lengthy, involving several rounds of interviews, both virtual and in-person, a site visit, and a written response to some Committee questions.

Around Town

Watertown Company Creating Way to Dramatically Cut the Number of Pills Patients Take

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Lyndra TherapeuticsA prototype of Lyndra’s stellate medical platform is placed in a machine to undergo stress testing. A company with headquarters in the East End of Watertown will soon start the final trials for a way of delivering drugs that would allow patients to take just one pill a week instead of seven pills or more. And the company is working on technology that could cut it to just two or even one a pill a month. Lyndra Therapeutics moved to its space on Grove Street in 2017, and employs nearly 130 people there, in Lexington, or who work remotely. The company also helps train the next generation of life scientists by working with students from colleges in the area, and has also started reaching out to classes at Watertown High School.

Around Town

Watertown Farmers Market Offering Opportunity to Get Fresh Produce Over Winter

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Still Life FarmAn example of the produce from Still Life Farm’s Winter CSA. The Watertown Farmers’ Market will soon be over for the season, but devotees can continue to get fresh produce for Thanksgiving, and over the winter through a pair of programs. Those who qualify can get a free bag for Thanksgiving. Live Well Watertown provided the following information:

The Watertown Farmers’ Market season wraps up on October 19th but recently announced two partner programs to offer customers local produce in the off-season. Dick’s Market Farm is offering a one-time Thanksgiving Day Bag for $40 which will include a variety of seasonal produce, including items that can be easily stored. The bag will be delivered free to City Hall (Council Chamber) on Wednesday, November 16th, with pick-up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Customers using SNAP can get the bag for free using their HIP benefit.

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West Suburban YMCA Recognizing Board Chair at Annual Gala

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West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci (left) and Board of Directors Chair Ned Morse. The following announcement was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA will host its Annual Gala on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, a special event that will recognize retiring board chair Ned Morse’s six decades of involvement with the Y while raising vital funds that support the nonprofit organization’s many programs and services. Morse, the gala’s Special Guest of Honor, started as a camper and staffer at the Y’s Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, built long-lasting relationships while working out in the Y’s gym, and served for many years on the Board of Directors. Morse, a retired attorney who worked in health care, leading the state’s nursing home trade association, will soon complete his second term as board chair this fall. His first term was in the 1990s when the Y embarked on a major capital campaign to add a gymnasium and pool. “Not many people go from camp counselor to board chair, but that arc exemplifies Ned’s lifelong dedication and service to our Y community,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “We are excited to show our appreciation for Ned at the Annual Gala as we celebrate our achievements and come together for our largest fundraising event of the year to support our mission.”

The Y has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for the 2022 gala. Guests are encouraged to wear flapper dresses, jazz suits and other festive period attire to match the “Roaring Twenties” theme.

Around Town

LETTER: Thank You Watertown, and an Invitation to Get Involved

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Dear Watertown Citizens,

I’d like to thank those citizens of Watertown who have taken the time and effort to stay involved in City issues and governance. It takes some effort to get on this swiftly moving train, as I’ve learned in the past six months. I invite you to get involved. For starters, pick something small. You might even find it gratifying!