Around Town

Registration Open for Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy

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Children interact with local first responders during the Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy. The following information was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

Registration for the 2022 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) has opened and a limited number of spots remain available for youngsters between the ages of 8-12. Following two years of virtual sessions, YPSA will return in-person on July 11 and run through the first week of August. Due to continuing COVID-related considerations, restrictions and requirements, this year’s YPSA will contain some changes, including a reduction in the total number of cadets that will be able to attend. The camp has also been shortened from six weeks to four. “We’re excited to welcome cadets, their families and our public safety partners back for another tremendous summer of YPSA,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.

Around Town

Watch Out for Home Repair Scams, City Officials Warn

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

A busy home repair season is once again upon the City of Watertown. And with that comes the return of predatory home repair contractor practices. There can be various approaches – a knock on the door unannounced and an offer of cheap services or perhaps information that your home is in dangerous disrepair and needs work done right away. Or they may let you know that they have just finished a job in the area and have extra materials and will happily do a quick project for you. 

They will emphasize that they must start immediately and will sort everything out later. And they will want a deposit – frequently, a sizable deposit.

Around Town

Council to Consider Changing Name of Columbus Delta in Watertown Square

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Charlie BreitroseThe grassy area in Watertown Square, known as the Columbus Delta, is under consideration by the City Council to be renamed. City Councilors decided to look at possibly changing the name of the grassy area in the middle of Watertown Square, which has been named for Christopher Columbus since 1940. The Council received a petition from resident Mishy Lesser, on behalf of the Pigsgusset Initiative which seeks to “generate a new name that is more inclusive of all members of our community and the history of the place we now call home,” the petition reads. On Tuesday night, City Council President Mark Sideris told the packed Council Chamber and those on Zoom, that the process is just beginning. “The council is not going to be renaming anything tonight, please understand that what’s in front of us is do we want to continue in the process,” Sideris said.

Around Town

Gore Place Hosting Jane Austen Garden Party

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The following information came from Gore Place:

Gore Place presents the Jane Austen Garden Party on the grounds of our beautiful 19th-century estate—a site fit to be the setting for one of the celebrated author’s famous novels. The event will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. 

Your event ticket includes an individual showcase box with sweets and savories from our catering partner and a bottle of lemonade (add a mini bottle of wine for $10 more.) There will be lawn games and a viewing of the ground floor of the fabulous Gore Mansion. Regency Period dress encouraged! The party starts under the spacious Century Tent. Tables and chairs will be provided, but you may bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets if you wish.

Around Town

Marshall Home Fund Surpasses $1 Million Granted with 2022 Awards

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Marshall Home FundThe 2022 Marshall Home Fund Grant recipients at the Grant Award Ceremony inmate May 26, 2022. The following information was provided by the Marshall Home Fund:

The Board of Directors of the Marshall Home Fund is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2022 round of program grant awards. This spring, the Board of Directors pledged $75,600 to local organizations that benefit residents of Watertown who are aged 55 and older through programs that provide group services or emergency individual assistance. In awarding its 2022 grants, the MHF exceeds a total of $1 million awarded over a 17-year period for the benefit of older adults in Watertown. 

The 2022 grant recipients include:

Carroll Center for the Blind: Services for Seniors with Low Vision or Blindness provides evaluation, recommendations, and training on independent living to older adults in Watertown with vision loss. 

Mass. Assoc. for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Wraparound Vision and Rehabilitation Services will assist residents of Watertown 55+ with low vision or blindness in their access and use of technology.

Around Town

New Stone & Tile Store Open in Watertown; Does Kitchens, Bathrooms and More

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Charlie BreitroseUltimate Stone Surfaces opened on Mt. Auburn Street in late May. Ultimate Stone Surfaces recently opened a showroom in Watertown where customers can take a look at samples and get help envisioning their dream kitchen or bathroom. Paul Pereira and Douglas Goncalves have been installing countertops for years, but recently decided to start their own business, said Juliana Freitas-Silva, who runs the showroom located at 694 Mt. Auburn Street.