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Armenian Women’s Welfare Association Expands Senior Leadership

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The following announcement was provided by the AWWA:

The Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), a nonprofit health care organization dedicated to serving elders locally and internationally, and the sponsor organization of the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, today announced an expanded senior leadership team at the top-rated skilled nursing center with the appointment of two experienced administrators: Greg Messina, Chief Operating Officer, and Jessica Brigham, Executive Director. Messina and Brigham each bring more than a decade of health care experience to the 83-bed, nonprofit provider of high-quality long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. Messina will guide the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s strategic and planning initiatives, including the development of new services and programs, oversight of finances and collaboration with key health care partners. Brigham will lead the day-to-day operations, including the clinical care of patients and residents, management of staff, and communication with families. “With these important leadership appointments and our continued commitment to strengthen our programs, we are well positioned to grow our mission of providing high-quality, person-centered care to the communities we serve,” said Martha Mensoian, President of the AWWA Board of Directors. “Greg and Jessica bring new ideas and a record of success in running a long-term care center, which will serve us well in these quickly evolving times.”

Messina previously served as a regional administrator for Whittier Health Network, a group of acute rehabilitation hospitals and subacute rehabilitation and nursing homes in Massachusetts.  Prior to becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, he had a career in business and marketing. Messina earned a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Boston. “I am thrilled to join a nonprofit organization with such a rich history in serving its beneficiaries both locally and internationally, and a strong tradition of collaboration in health care with Boston’s world-renowned medical centers,” Messina said. “I look forward to bringing my experience in managing multiple skilled nursing facilities and helping our team build toward the future.”

Brigham has served as the licensed nursing home administrator for several nursing homes in Greater Boston, most recently as executive director of Brighton House Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Prior to these leadership roles, she worked for many years as a nurse and nursing director in health care and in long-term care centers. Brigham earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Simmons University in Boston and is a registered nurse. “I am excited to return to a nonprofit health care setting and to guide the high quality care and services that the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is well known for providing,” said Brigham.

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New Watertown Restaurant Hosting Hiring Fair

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A restaurant coming to Arsenal Yards will be hosting a hiring fair, and is offering signing bonuses. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar sent out the following information:

New Restaurant Opening – Kura Revolving Sushi Bar – Arsenal Yards, 130 Arsenal St., Watertown. Hiring Fair Monday, March 14 through Saturday, March 19

Hiring for all positions: Servers, BOH – Line Cooks, and Dishwashers

Competitive Pay + Tips! Hiring on the spot! $750.00 Sign on bonus!

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Watertown Library Now Offering Pickup from Lockers 24/7

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Watertown LibraryWatertown Library staff show off the new lockers available to patrons. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:

Lockers at the Library? That’s right. The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is launching a new outdoor pickup option which will make it easier for anyone to pick up materials twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

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Watertown to Hold Day of Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

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The lights on the trees on the Columbus Delta in Watertown Square will shine blue and yellow on March 13 in honor of the Day of Solidarity for the People of Ukraine. The City Council approved the proclamation on March 8 supporting Ukraine and said that the Russian military forces and President Vladimir Putin violated international law by invading the country. The proclamation reads, in part: “As the Ukrainian People face this unprovoked invasion of their country, we commend their strength, courage, and bravery in their fight for freedom; and, Watertown stands and offers support and solidarity to our neighbors with Ukrainian roots.” 

See the details below:

Proclamation 

WHEREAS: Ukraine has been a sovereign and independent country since the collapse of the former Soviet Union; and, 

WHEREAS: The United States and Ukraine share common values, including freedom, democracy, and the rule of law; and 

WHEREAS: At the direction of President Vladimir Putin, Russian forces have invaded Ukraine in violation of international law; and 

WHEREAS: As the Ukrainian People face this unprovoked invasion of their country, we commend their strength, courage, and bravery in their fight for freedom; and, 

WHEREAS: Watertown stands and offers support and solidarity to our neighbors with Ukrainian roots; and, 

WHEREAS: Furthermore, the good people of Watertown hope for a swift end to this senseless violence in Ukraine whose people want to live their lives peacefully; and, 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED: That the City of Watertown hereby proclaims Sunday, March 13, 2022, as 

DAY OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINEAnd further, the trees in the heart of Watertown will illuminate with the colors of Ukraine, Blue and Gold. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto set our hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of Watertown to be affixed on this 8th day of March 2022 

Mark S. Sideris, Council President

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Community Preservation Committee Will Hear About Proposed Projects

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Designs for the proposed improvements to Irving Park. The project will be presented to the Community Preservation Committee. The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is evaluating project applications for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding and applicants are presenting their projects to the Committee in the areas of outdoor recreation and community housing. 

The Irving Park improvements will be presented on March 16, and the next day the affordable housing for people with special needs on Nichols Avenue will come before the CPC. View the Irving Park project application and proposed design. Join the presentation on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 7PM.

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger Seeks Applications for Summer Internships

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. The following information was provided by State Sen. Will Brownsberger:

The Office of Senator Will Brownsberger is accepting applications for part-time, unpaid, summer 2022 internships. All applicants must have a permanent residence or attend school in the 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex District (which includes all of Watertown). 

Legislative internships offer a variety of professional experiences, including policy research, constituent services, and legislation and budget analysis. Daily seminars on different aspects of state government are scheduled by the Senate. Internships require a commitment of 8-20 hours a week for a minimum of five weeks, with possible added research work outside of scheduled hours.

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Watertown’s Eliza Dushku Attends White House Signing of Bill That Ends Forced Arbitration in Sexual Assault, Harassment Cases

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FilmBuffEliza Dushku, left, from the 2015 movie “Jane Wants a Boyfriend,” which co-starred Louisa Krause. Watertown’s Eliza Dushku visited the White House last week to attend President Biden’s signing of a bill that ends forced arbitration in cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace and to allow survivors to file lawsuits in court against perpetrators. Dushku has been outspoken about issue since she went public with her experience on the set of the CBS show Bull, where she said she was sexually harassed by the show’s star. In November 2021, she was one of several women who testified before the House Judiciary Committee. After the signing, Dusku sent out a Tweet saying: “FORCED arbitration FOR sexual harassment & assault is officially OVER!”

When she testified before Congress, Dushku said that now when her name is brought up, it is not for her acting, producing or other work.

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Freedom Garden Planned to Honor Veterans, City Puts Out Call for Sign to Mark Spot

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Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. Watertown veterans will be honored with a new garden to be planted next to the Commander’s Mansion, and the City has put out a call for bids to create a sign to go with the garden. The garden includes not just flowers and plants, but also memorial bricks to honor veterans, and a sign. Watertown Public Arts & Culture Planner Liz Helfer put out a call for bids to create a sign for the new garden. “The city’s first call for public art is live!