Watertown to Hold Day of Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

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

Community Preservation Committee Will Hear About Proposed Projects

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.

State Sen. Will Brownsberger Seeks Applications for Summer Internships

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Rabies Clinic Available for Watertown Residents

The City of Watertown provided the following information:

There is a Watertown/Belmont Rabies Clinic on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beech Street Center Community Room at 266 Beech St. in Belmont. The Rabies Clinic is open to residents of Watertown and Belmont. Proof of Residency Required. Cost: $10.00. Please bring your pet’s last rabies certificate with you.

Watertown Senior Center Trips and Events for Week of March 7

Watertown Senior CenterThe Watertown Senior Center is ready for St. Patrick’s Day. The following information was provided by the Watertown Senior Center:

Watertown Senior Center Programs for Week of March 7, 2022. Some programs are offered on Zoom and some are in-person at the Senior Center. Please call us at 617-972-6490 to pre-register for all in-person programs to reserve your spot.

Watertown Studio Starting Music Classes for Kids This Spring

The following information was provided by Move & Groove Watertown:

Move & Groove Watertown is now offering a fun music class for kids during our 9 week spring session! 

Rockin’ Kids Music Class (Saturdays at 3:00pm, 30 minutes, ages 20 months & up and an adult). Does your kiddo like to rock out to tunes? Our Rockin’ Kids music class is a fabulous way to bring your child into the world of rhythm and music! You and your kiddo will march to the beat, use different musical instruments such as jingle bells, rhythm sticks, and shakers, and connect the rhythm to your feet! Explore the world of music with your kiddo today! For ages 20 months & up & their adult.

Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up for our Rockin’ Kids Music Class today at movegroovewatertown.com/rockin-kids!