Around Town

First Phase of Redevelopment of Watertown Mall to be Discussed at Community Meeting

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A view of one of the buildings in the Watertown Mall Transformation Project viewed from the Community Path from the project documents. The following announcement was posted on the City of Watertown’s website:

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (“ARE”) will be hosting a Public Information Meeting in keeping with the Watertown Zoning Ordinance. This notice is for the community meeting required prior to formal application to the Watertown Planning Board. The presentation will include an update, review and discussion of plans relating to the first phase, Phase 1, of the approved Master Plan of the Watertown Mall Transformation Project. The purpose of this meeting is to update the community as to Phase 1 of the Master Plan which provides a collaborative and innovative campus including life science, retail, residential, and community uses, as well as publicly accessible open spaces and streetscape improvements.

Around Town

DCR Hosting Public Meeting About Future of Watertown Dam

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, will share its plans for studying the options for the future of Watertown Dam. Recently, the DCR studied the area around the Dam as part of its Removal Alternatives Analysis to develop conceptual design alternatives for the Dam.

Around Town

City Seeks Artists to Create Mural about Armenian Artist from Watertown

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The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee seeks mural artists to submit qualifications to develop a proposal and install a mural along the Watertown Cambridge Greenway under Grove Street. The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC) is collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to commission a mural along the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway that commemorates the life and work of Arshile Gorky, who, notably, forged the birth of Abstract Expressionism in the United States. The mural is an extension of a larger project by a Watertown working group to memorialize Gorky’s time in Watertown, MA, and his contribution to modern art, led jointly by resident Jack Dargon and the Public Arts and Culture Committee with support from The Armenian Museum of America, Mosesian Center for the Arts, and the Historical Society of Watertown. This project is supported by generous contributions from Mount Auburn Cemetery, the Watertown Community Foundation, the Watertown Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Artist selection for the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky mural has two phases.

Around Town

Watertown Company Hosting Public Pop-Up Market with Food Trucks, Artisans & Activities

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A pop-up market will be hosted by Addgene at the Linx Building in Watertown. (Courtesy of Boylston Properties)

The public is invited to attend a pop-up market with artisans, food, and family activities. The following announcement was provided by Addgene:

Addgene to Host SummerFest at Linx on Friday, July 12th 

Addgene’s second pop-up market is set to take place on Friday, July 12th from 2 to 6 p.m. at 490 Arsenal Way. This event is open to the public and will feature local artisans, food trucks, and activities for the whole family.

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Watertown Senior Center has Free Medical Equipment Available

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Free walkers and canes are among the free items available at the Watertown Senior Center. The Watertown Senior Center announced that it has some canes, walkers and other medical devices available for free. See the announcement below. We have a number of walkers, canes, a wedge, and assistive devices for visually impaired and hard of hearing. They are out in the lobby please stop in cool off and see what you can use.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards $110K in Grants to 19 Non-Profits

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

In the largest grant cycle of the year, the Watertown Community Foundation has provided financial support to non-profits and programs across the city, so all Watertown’s residents continue to thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community. The Foundation awarded a total of $110,000 to 19 non-profit organizations and the City of Watertown. Funds will support the ongoing work of many local non-profit organizations, as well as specific programs, that prioritize work to address the needs of vulnerable residents, support public arts and culture, invest in environmental sustainability, promote youth development, and foster a sense of welcome and belonging for all who live and work in Watertown. Forty percent of this year’s funding went to support organizations working to meet the needs of some of Watertown’s most vulnerable residents. “We know residents in Watertown are struggling and continue to need support for basic needs including housing, food, mental health, emergency assistance and learning English.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Kids Week, Registration Open

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The following announcement was provided by Grace Chapel:

Join the Fun at Grace Chapel’s “Start The Party” Kids Week! Grace Chapel Watertown is thrilled to invite your children to an exciting week of fun, learning, and friendship at our “Start The Party” Kids Week! We believe that children are beloved and treasured by God, and so, it is a core value of the church to care for kids and provide safe and exciting spaces for kids to thrive. Check out this video recap of last year’s Kids Week! What to Expect: Interactive Crafts: Each day, children will make fun and simple crafts that will engage their creativity and artistic expression.