Around Town

Historical Society Showing Video on Armenians of Hood Rubber, Holding Annual Meeting

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The Historical Society of Watertown will host its Annual Members Meeting with Election of Board Members on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. Immediately following: Screening and discussion of the documentary, “Destination Watertown: The Armenians of Hood Rubber” by Roger Hagopian. Come join the Historical Society and the Watertown Free Public Library for this compelling program! Watertown Free Public LibraryWatertown Savings Bank Meeting Room123 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

The 65-minute documentary “is a timeless and universal story of immigrants escaping genocide and persevering through the hard life of factory work in America in the early decades of the 20th century.” The film contains interviews with stories and reflections of former employees of Armenian descent and East Watertown Residents, interspersed with personal and historic photographs, maps, documents, artifacts, and images of remnants of the old factory, once the largest of its kind in the world. A history lover since his youth, Roger is a graduate of the University of Mass. at Boston, where he received his degree in music.

Around Town

OBIT: Tom Neylon, Taught English at WHS, Played Piano in Multiple Bands

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Tom Neylon

By Richard Scafaldi

Tribute to a Friend: Tom Neylon, 1943-2023

Those of you who knew me in the Boston area will remember ‘Professor’ Tom Neylon. Tom played piano with me in our band, The RPM’s for about 15 years, which I think is a record for ‘years served’. I can sincerely say that every minute was a pleasure.  

The story of how we came to play together is somewhat amusing. Tom was a voracious record collector who liked to order records from the Down Home catalog, which-back in the 1980’s-had import records that you could not get in the USA. And he had great taste in music, from 50’s Rock & Roll, to straight out Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues, and Blues of all varieties.

Around Town

Bicycle Collection in Watertown for Community Development at Home and Abroad

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The following information was provided by the organizers of the local Bike Not Bombs event:

A bicycle collection for Bikes Not Bombs will take place on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown, rain or shine. All types and sizes of bikes will be accepted, as well as bike parts, accessories, tools, and cycling clothing. A voluntary donation of $20.00 per bike will be requested to help defray the cost of finding a new home for your bike. Bikes Not Bombs is a local non-profit organization that uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change. Reclaiming thousands of used bicycles each year, Bikes Not Bombs creates local and global programs that provide skill development, jobs, and sustainable transportation for youth and adults.

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City Will Distribute $10.5M in ARPA Funds, Several Groups Have Ideas for How to Spend It

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The kitchen at the Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church — the site of the Watertown Food Pantry, needs upgrading. The church is applying for some of the City of Watertown’s ARPA funds, with which Pastor Gary Richards hopes to create a space open to the community. Photo by Maya Shwayder. Watertown has $10.5 million to spend, and the clock is ticking! The City Council will be the ones divvying up the dollars, but Councilors will have to choose from a long (and growing) list of proposals:

The Department of Public Works needs around $5 million to replace Watertown’s crumbling water and sewer infrastructure.

Around Town

Meditation Center Hosting “Spiritual Insights for Uncertain Times”

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Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace

The Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center will host an event called “Spiritual Insights for Uncertain Times; Cultivating Clarity, Peace and Stability.” The May 17 event featuring Roberta Baskin, an investigative reporter for ABC, CBS and PBS, and Sister Jayanti, Administrative Head Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. It begins at 6:454 p.m.

The event announcement reads:

“Through their conversation, and guided by Sister Jayanti’s vast experience as a spiritual teacher, we will learn to use this wisdom to navigate the chaos of the current moment, thereby bringing clarity, peace and inner stability to our everyday lives.” Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace is located at 75 Common St. in Watertown. Click here to register and for more info.

Around Town

One of Watertown’s Oldest Houses Has Quite a History

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Charlie BreitroseThe Edmund Fowle House has been in Watertown for 251 years, though not always at its current spot on Marshall Street. It played a role in the American Revolution, including the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts (re-enacted here in 2016) and was where the first treaty was signed by the United States. It is now home to the Historical Society of Watertown which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Living in a house dating back to the time of the American Revolution can be an adventure, with bouncy floors, water coming through the ceiling, and evidence of superstitions of times past. Former Historical Society President Paul Brennan recalled his years spent living in the Edmund Fowle House on Saturday when he returned for the Society’s 100th anniversary and the celebration of 251 years for the home that played a role in the American Revolution.

Around Town

Outdoor Fitness Series Returns to Arsenal Yards

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The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

With warmer weather just around the corner, Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End, is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Outdoor Fitness Series “Fitness in the Park.”

In partnership with Arsenal Yards’ fitness studios, Pure Barre, Rumble, and F45, residents of Watertown and Greater Boston are invited to enjoy unique outdoor experiences led by certified fitness professionals. Guests and residents can visit the Arsenal Green in Arsenal Park every Wednesday for a variety of free classes from May through June 7th. Registration is available via Eventbrite one week prior to the date of each class, and all classes must be reserved online. “We’re so excited to partner with our AY studios to bring back our outdoor fitness series, which has been a popular summer offering over the past few years,” said Jessica Peterson, Marketing Director at Arsenal Yards. “With so many fitness offerings at Arsenal Yards and more to come soon, we couldn’t think of a better time to invite the community to get their hearts pumping out on the Arsenal Green, embrace the warm weather, and cool down after at one of the many outdoor dining venues our neighborhood has to offer! Available classes are below, and participants are encouraged to check out the Arsenal Yards Events Calendar for additional details:

Wednesday, May 3rd at 5:30 PM with Pure Barre

Wednesday, May 10th at 5:30 PM with Rumble

Wednesday, May 17th at 5:30 PM with F45

Wednesday, May 24th at 5:30 PM with Pure Barre

Wednesday, May 31st at 5:30 PM with Rumble

Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30 PM with F45

To check in, guests can enter through the River Green (in between Buttermilk & Bourbon and Shake Shack) and head towards the sign for Arsenal Park. Guests should bring their own mat and water. Parking is available in the free red or purple parking garage, along with the surface parking area near City Works. For more information about Arsenal Yards, visit www.arsenalyards.com.