Mass. Politicians, Armenian Leaders Condemn Attacks by Azerbaijan

This week, Armenia celebrated 31 years of independence, but it also faced renewed attacks from neighboring Azerbaijan in a contested region. Armenians in the United States and politicians condemned the attacks, and called for steps to be taken against Azerbaijan. The Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church wrote an editorial condemning both Azerbaijan and Turkey for their roles in the current conflict, and historic ones, including the Armenian Genocide. The Watertown-based Armenian Weekly ran a column about the geopolitics of the conflict, saying that it goes beyond Armenia and Azerbaijan, and how it relates to the situation in Ukraine and the Russian invasion. Massachusetts Sen. Edward J. Markey, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined several Senate colleagues in calling to prevent any U.S. security assistance from going to Azerbaijan until Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a permanent, lasting resolution to ensure peace and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Meet” John Adams at Event Hosted by the Historical Society

George Adams will recreate President John Adams during an event hosted by the Historical Society of Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown and The Watertown Free Public Library present “Meet John Adams — A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with the Second President” on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022 at 2 p.m.

The event will be at the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room, 123 Main St., Watertown. Join the Historical Society of Watertown & the Watertown Free Public Library for a live presentation by George Baker portraying John Adams, dressed as the Second President of the United States 1797-1801. John Adams talks about his life and times in a humorous and inspiring performance and discusses many incidents in his life.

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Hosting Gala, to Give Awards in Celebration of 50th Anniversary

Watertown Boys & Girls ClubA photo taken at the foundation of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club in 1972. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Gala event, “Celebrating Gold” on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown. This special evening marks a half-century of dedication and commitment to the youth of Watertown and will honor the accomplishments of Club members, staff, volunteers and everyone in the community who have inspired and empowered youth to build great futures. The evening program will recognize community members, Mr. John Airasian and Mrs. Kelley MacDonald with two special awards for their instrumental roles in the growth and sustainability of the Club.

LETTER: Former Councilor Does Not Like Idea of Illuminated Sign

Dear Honorable City Councilors:

For comparison purposes: take a look see at the attached photograph that depicts a simple, tasteful, understated, illuminated sign at the Encore Boston Harbor [Casino] in Everett, MA. Refer to the sign with any number of adjectives; it’s still an elevated, rooftop illuminated sign. Is this what we want intruding on the tranquil skyline of Watertown’s 4.17 square miles? In my opinion: NO. Encore BostonA view of the Encore Boston casino.

Watertown Restaurant Serving Special Menu Items for Indigenous Food Week

The following information was provided by the Pigsgusset Initiative:

On Monday, Oct 10, 2022, Indigenous Peoples Day will be celebrated for the first time in Watertown with speakers, theatrical performances, cultural presentations, Indigenous artisans and musicians plus information tables. The celebration will take place at First Parish of Watertown located at 35 Church St. from 2-5 p.m. and is supported by a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation to Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment. As part of Indigenous Peoples Day, Pigsgusset Initiative is partnering with Branch Line restaurant in Watertown where Chef Ivan Conill is collaborating with award-winning Wampanoag Chef Sherry Pocknett around the preparation of Wampanoag dishes that will be featured on Branch Line’s menu from Friday, Sept. 30 until Monday, Oct.

Grants Available from Watertown Cultural Council

The following announcement came from the Watertown Cultural Council:

Have a great idea for a public project in the arts, humanities or sciences but need some advice in turning your idea into a winning proposal? The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC) will hold a public meeting on Zoom, Monday Oct. 3, 2022 at 7 p.m. for anyone interested in applying for a WCC grant. We will answer your questions about writing the proposal and/or uploading the proposal onto the the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) web site:

Application Process

Join our Zoom meeting: Oct. 3 meeting at 7 p.m. Just log on:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82098336596?pwd=OENIdUhvSWo3UERHcUtkYWJpY2J2Zz09

Meeting ID: 820 9833 6596

Passcode: 045902

Completed online applications for 2023 WCC-funded projects or performances are due by 11:59 pm on October 17.

Longtime Watertown Restaurant Sold, Will Keep Current Concept

Conley’s Pub & GrilleConley’s Pub & Grille on Belmont Street has been sold. Watertown’s Conley’s Pub & Grille has been sold, but the new owners will reportedly keep the same concept at the Belmont Street restaurant. After 21 years, the owners of East End restaurant said “That’s a wrap.” on the Conley’s Facebook page on Sept. 18.