LETTER: Loss of Russo’s Hurts, But Watertown Still Has Many Gems

To the Editor:

Reports of culture’s demise in Watertown are greatly exaggerated. Is there a way for Watertown to avoid losing a gem like Russo’s, some have asked? (https://www.watertownmanews.com/2021/08/16/letter-is-there-a-way-for-watertown-to-avoid-losing-a-gem-like-russos/) The simple answer is no. There isn’t any one shop that can replace Russo’s in Watertown. That’s gone; like so many of gentrified Boston’s mainstays such as No Names, Durgin-Park, soon-to-be closed Kowloon, Circle Pizza, Jimmy’s Harborside, Anthony’s, and so many more.

Watertown Comes Out to Celebrate the Town’s Creative Talents at First Arts Market

Charlie BreitroseVisitors at the first Watertown Arts Market had a variety of tables to visit. People strolling around Arsenal Park on Saturday got a glimpse of the artistic creativity that Watertown has to offer during the first Watertown Arts Market. More than 70 artists and crafters and community groups set up tables along the oval path that rings the field at Arsenal Park. The event attracted painters, quilters, ceramic sculptors, authors, jewelry makers, and more. The east end of the park featured a series of bands, and grab a bite to eat.

Trash Collection Delayed Due to Tropical Storm Henri

Watertown DPWTrash and recycling pick up in Watertown will be delayed by a day during the week of Aug. 23-27. Trash and recycling collection in Watertown will be delayed by a day due to Tropical Storm Henri. The Watertown Department of Public Works sent out the following announcement:

“Please be aware that Watertown will be delaying trash pickup one day the week of August 23-27. 2021.

Hurricane Henri Not Likely to Make Direct Hit on Watertown Area

The forecast on Saturday morning shows that Hurricane Henri has shifted will make landfall further west, meaning Eastern Massachusetts will not take the full brunt of the storm. The eye of the storm is now forecast to hit Eastern Long Island, N.Y., at about 2 p.m. Sunday, and continue over Connecticut and the Berkshires early Monday morning, before making a turn east over the southern parts of Vermont and New Hampshire on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service removed the Flood Watch for Eastern Massachusetts, but Worcester County and areas west could still see flooding. Watertown could get between half and inch to an inch of rain on Sunday, according to the NWS. Periods of heavy rain are expected Sunday, and there is a chance of thunderstorms from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Hurricane Henri Forecast to Hit New England Sunday and Monday

WCVB Channel 5The track of Tropical Storm Henri would hit Southern New England and bring heavy rains and strong winds to Watertown. A Hurricane Watch is in effect in Eastern Massachusetts and much of Southern New England as Henri approaches, which could bring heavy rains and powerful winds to Watertown. Tropical Storm Henri will pass off the shore of the Carolinas on Friday, but the National Weather Service expects the storm to strengthen into a hurricane. On Friday morning, the path of the storm predicted the Henri to make landfall in Rhode Island, and bring a strong storm surge to the Cape, the Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts. Flooding and strong winds could impact Eastern, Central and parts of Western Massachusetts, and the NWS forecasts possible Tropical Storm conditions in Watertown from Sunday morning into Monday.

Watertown High School Receives Grant from State for Medical Assisting Program

A state grant of more than $200,000 will help establish the medical assisting program at Watertown High School. On Aug. 16, the Baker-Polito Administration announced it will provide funding for 47 educational organizations through the Skills Capital Grant Program, including WHS. The High School is launching the medical assisting program, which will prepare students to work in the healthcare field. The grant will pay for equipment for the program at the school.

LETTER: Is There a Way for Watertown to Avoid Losing a Gem like Russo’s?

To the Editor:

I just saw on line that Russo’s is closing. This store has been a cherished family-owned retailer for more than 70 years, and we are deeply grateful to Tony Russo and his family and to their wonderful employees for their dedication and hard work – and for all their contributions to our community. We wish Tony and his family a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement. And we wish the Russo’s employees all the best as they face an uncertain future when Russo’s closes. Russo’s is a gem.  What will happen to Watertown when it is gone??!!! I think that all the Russo’s customers — and this includes shoppers from all across metropolitan Boston, not only Watertown — view Russo’s as a unique resource for excellent reasonably-priced produce and fruit, a great bakery, and wonderful source of cheeses and prepared foods — plus plants and gardening supplies and Christmas trees. For many of us, Russo’s is a weekly destination for shopping and for seeing neighbors. Many say that Russo’s has a positive effect on Watertown property values. And I and many others fear that the loss of Russo’s would be a blow to the character of our city.

Marshall Home Fund Seeks to Fill Job

The following announcement was provided by Marshall Home Fund:

Fund Administrator for Watertown Non-profit Foundation

The Marshall Home Fund, a private, non-profit charity that provides grants to benefit Watertown’s older adults, is seeking a part-time Administrator. The Administrator will have the following responsibilities:   

Coordinating the grant application process and supporting grantees Supporting board members and committee chairsPromoting the work of grantees and MHFOffice administration

​Qualifications:

The successful candidate will: 

Possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, as well as Zoom meeting technology;Be knowledgeable in general office procedures and able to take accurate meeting minutes;Demonstrate a high level of maturity as well as discretion, tact, and diplomacy in communicating with grantees, board members and the wider community, verbally and in writing;  Be self-directed, comfortable working independently, and able to prioritize tasks. At least two years of college, with a minimum of three years experience in administrative, computer-related, or similar office work is desired.  A demonstrated interest in the welfare of older people/ and/or experience with human services will be most helpful. ​Salary: $10,000 – $15,000 annually, depending on experience

Start date: October, 2021

Openings: 1 part time position (approximately 7 to 10 hours per week)

​Location:   Watertown, MA

To apply:  Please send a letter of interest and resume to Carole Katz, Co-President, Marshall Home Fund katz.carole@gmail.com. Carole can be reached by phone at 617 285-6143.