Around Town

Wayside Youth & Family Network Appoints New President, CEO

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The following announcement was provided by Wayside Youth & Family Network, which has locations around Eastern Massachusetts, including in Watertown:

After an extensive search process, Sara McCabe, LICSW was unanimously appointed by the Board of Directors to be Wayside’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, replacing long time CEO Eric L. Masi, Ed.D as he retires. Sara began her career at Wayside in 2003 as a residential counselor and teacher at Wayside’s special education school, Wayside Academy. Since then, she’s held many roles including Assistant Director of Wayside Academy, Training and Risk Management Director and Campus Director. In 2017 Sara was promoted to Vice President of Campus Services responsible for overseeing six adolescent residential programs, the Wayside Academy, and the psychiatric day treatment program at the Framingham Campus. In addition to her role as Vice President, Sara also oversaw the Marketing and Development Department and led the Agency’s 2020 Strategic Planning process. In September 2021 Sara was promoted to the agency’s first Chief Operating Officer charged with positioning the agency for continued growth in Central, Eastern and Northeastern Massachusetts.

Around Town

Learn New Skills at Workshops at Watertown’s Hatch Makerspace

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Watertown’s Makerspace has plenty going on in July, including sewing and bookbinding classes, along with drawing and collaging. The following information was provided by Hatch:

Introduction to the Sewing MachineMonday 7/10,  5-7pm

Learn how to use a sewing machine. We will cover the basics of threading a machine, changing stitches, tension, and several tips to get started.All sewing machines and materials will be provided by Hatch. This workshop is designed for sewing novices or beginners who need a refresher. Participants must be age 10 or older. Anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is required.

Around Town

RMV Accepting Applications for Low Number Plate Lottery

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The following announcement was provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles:

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing applications for the 2023 Low Number Plate Lottery will be available online at myRMV Online Service Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023. To be eligible, applicants must apply for this year’s lottery by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Winners will be notified by mail if selected for a low number plate. 

This year, there are 191 plates available through the low plate lottery. Some of the available low plates include 13F, 17V, 28E, Z64, 301, 1999, 4004, 4400, and 8511. Applicants should note that there is no fee to apply for the lottery.

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City Reminds Residents Outdoor Burning Prohibited, Don’t Shoot Off Fireworks

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Courtesy of the City of Watertown

Having an open outdoor fire, except for a barbecue, is prohibited in Watertown, City officials said, and they also reminded residents not to set off fireworks. The City sent out the following announcement:

Did you know that open burning (fire pits, chimineas or outdoor wood burning fireplaces/stoves) is NOT ALLOWED in Watertown? This does not apply to the use of charcoal and propane grills for cooking, that meet all the necessary requirements. Read more here. If you have any questions or concerns regarding open/outside burning regulations, please call the Watertown Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 617-972-6510.

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See How the Fourth of July Will Impact City Facilities & Trash Pickup

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Multiple City-run facilities will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday, and many residents will see their trash and recycling collection pushed back a day. The City of Watertown announced that Watertown City Hall, Library, and Senior Center will closed on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. City officials added that trash and recycling pickup schedule is Monday, July 3, and then a one-day delay for trash and recycling pickup on July 4th, which moves both pickups to Wednesday, July 5 – Saturday, July 8, 2023. The Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Around Town

Our History: Historic Orchard House Preserved

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The Orchard House. Decorative quoining and fluted Doric columns add to the significance of the architecture of the farmhouse (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Historical Society President Marilynne Roach for the April 2013 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier.” Marilynne is also on the board of the Watertown Historical Commission. The Historical Society of Watertown is pleased to report that the principal structure of the circa 1832 Greek Revival farmhouse at 917 Belmont Street will not be demolished 917 Belmont Street, also known as “Orchard House” is currently owned by the Walker Home and School and houses the Beacon High School, a co-educational, therapeutic high school. In July 2012, Beacon High School submitted an application for demolition of the historic house at 917 Belmont Street to make room for, sometime in the future, green space or trailers to house classrooms or some other unspecified structure.

Around Town

Water & Sewer Rates Rising, City Could Use ARPA Funds to Lessen the Impact

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Watertown water and sewer bills will be going up more than 5 percent this year, but the City could soften the blow by using federal COVID relief funds to pay for infrastructure projects. On Tuesday, the City Council approved the water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a 5.5 percent increase for water, and a 6 percent jump for sewer. For an average residential customer who uses 1,800 cubic feet of water a quarter the combined water and sewer bill would go up $16.88 from the current year to $306.76 ($107.56 for water, $199.20 for sewer). City Manager George Proakis said that a study by the City’s water and sewer consultant, The Abrahams Group, found that if the City uses the ARPA funds to pay for the $1.25 million in water and sewer projects from Fiscal Year 2025 to 2028, the rate increase would drop. The City Council has received 32 proposals for how to use the $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from City departments as well as outside organizations.