Around Town

LETTER: ‘Tis the Season to Thank the City of Watertown

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Dear Editor,

It’s our ninth Thanksgiving in Watertown since we purchased the Arsenal Mall back in August 2013. And, ‘tis the season to reiterate again and again our thanks to Watertown as we approach completion of the base-building construction at Arsenal Yards. (Yes, the end of construction is near…)

When we bought the Mall, frankly, we had much smaller plans to revitalize the property. But as conversations occurred with the many smart people that make up this town, the “Arsenal Project” plans expanded into a more attractive, more comprehensive, and much more special project: Arsenal Yards. So, we thank you, to the many City Officials and Residents for the many, many conversations, ideas, input and meetings (lots of meetings) in the early years.

Around Town

Learn About the Surprising History of a Historic House in Watertown

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Find out the surprising history of the Gilbert Payson House in Watertown. The Historical Society of Watertown announced it will host “The Gilbert Payson House: A Watertown Reinvention Story,” a slideshow lecture by David J. Russo, on Sunday November 21, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Watertown Library. Built in 1882 and designed by the noted firm of Van Brunt & Howe, the Payson House hasa significant and surprising history that includes housing, schools and even a library. Learnthe compelling survival story of how this building evolved to meet the demands of the changing environment around it. David J. Russo, J.D. is passionate about Watertown history and architecture.  He becameinterested in one of Watertown’s most famous native sons: Charles Brigham.

Around Town

Watertown Rotary Club Hosting 50/50 Raffle to Raise Money for Senior Cookout, Scholarships & More

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The following information was provided by the Rotary Club of Watertown:

This is your chance to win big (right in time for the holidays!) AND help the Rotary Club do good in Watertown! 

Join us for our Holiday Celebration and Raffle Drawing on Tuesday 12/7 from 6pm – 7:30pm at Donohue’s (87 Bigelow Ave., Watertown)! The Rotary Club of Watertown is part of Rotary International, a global network of volunteers who share a passion for enhancing communities and improving lives around the world. The Rotary Club here in Watertown was chartered in 1925 and our members participate in an array of service projects that address community needs at home and abroad. Some of our favorite local service projects & donations include:

– Our annual Senior Citizen Cookout where we treat over 200 Watertown senior citizens to a BBQ lunch and entertainment from local dance studios

– Partnering with Operation American Soldier to pack care packages that are sent to US Soldiers serving around the world

– In 2017, the Rotary Club launched Food for Thought, a program focused on ending childhood hunger and food insecurity in Watertown and allowing kids to come to school with full bellies and the ability to focus on learning. Each week, bags of food are packed and distributed to participating kids so that they will have access to enough food over the weekend.

Around Town

Join Shop Watertown Week and Support Local Businesses During the Holidays

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The first Shop Watertown Week will take place from Nov. 26 to Dec. 5, and will feature local businesses, restaurants and service providers. Sponsored by the Watertown Business Coalition, the event will showcase the stores, restaurants, salons and other businesses. Business Owners: Join Shop Watertown Week by offering a discount or special and be added to the list of participating businesses! Join by filling out this form.

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Watertown Scouts Running Food Drive for Local Food Pantry on Nov. 20

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Troop 30Watertown Troop and Pack 30 will be collecting items for the Watertown Food Pantry on Nov. 20. The following announcement was provided by Troop 30:

Shopping for Thanksgiving? Put a few cans aside for the scouts, who are again running Watertown Food Pantry’s biggest food drive. 

On November 20 BSA scouts are collecting food for the Watertown food pantry. You can help by dropping off shelf-stable toiletries and food, noon-3 p.m., at 80 Mt.

Around Town

Latest Details for Mt. Auburn St. Redesign Include “Road Diet,” Moving Bus Stops; Public Input Wanted

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MassDOTCross sections of Mt. Auburn Street with the “road diet” that removes one lane of traffic each way and ads turn lanes and bike lanes. The redesign of one of Watertown’s major roadways will include some significant changes to the look of the road, as well as improvements that state officials said would improve the road for motorists, transit users, bicyclists and pedestrians. The repaving and improvement of Mt. Auburn Street has been discussed for many years and officially got started by Watertown officials in 2009.

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Recreation Department Running December Vacation, Sports for Kids & Adults, Skiing & More

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Sign ups have started for Watertown Recreation Department’s Winter Programs, which include a variety of programs for children and adults. The Rec Department will run a December Vacation program from Dec. 27-30 at Watertown Middle School for students in grades K-8. Sports programs are available for children and teens beginning at age 3 and running through high school. Some sports include basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, wrestling, as well as programs with a variety of sports.

Around Town

Nominations Sought for the Watertown Unity Award to be Presented at MLK Day Breakfast

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Charlie BreitroseA mural created by Watertown High School students for the 20th annual Unity Breakfast. Dear Members of the Watertown Community,

We are pleased to announce that we are seeking nominees for this year’s Unity Award. The Unity Award is given each year at Watertown’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Breakfast to honor individuals or groups who are making significant contributions to civic life in Watertown. We seek to honor community members who are furthering Dr. King’s vision of racial, social and economic justice in our community in concrete ways. We particularly encourage nominations of individuals and groups who identify as people of color or are led by people of color.