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West Suburban YMCA Recognizing Board Chair at Annual Gala

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West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci (left) and Board of Directors Chair Ned Morse. The following announcement was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA will host its Annual Gala on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, a special event that will recognize retiring board chair Ned Morse’s six decades of involvement with the Y while raising vital funds that support the nonprofit organization’s many programs and services. Morse, the gala’s Special Guest of Honor, started as a camper and staffer at the Y’s Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, built long-lasting relationships while working out in the Y’s gym, and served for many years on the Board of Directors. Morse, a retired attorney who worked in health care, leading the state’s nursing home trade association, will soon complete his second term as board chair this fall. His first term was in the 1990s when the Y embarked on a major capital campaign to add a gymnasium and pool. “Not many people go from camp counselor to board chair, but that arc exemplifies Ned’s lifelong dedication and service to our Y community,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “We are excited to show our appreciation for Ned at the Annual Gala as we celebrate our achievements and come together for our largest fundraising event of the year to support our mission.”

The Y has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for the 2022 gala. Guests are encouraged to wear flapper dresses, jazz suits and other festive period attire to match the “Roaring Twenties” theme.

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LETTER: Thank You Watertown, and an Invitation to Get Involved

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Dear Watertown Citizens,

I’d like to thank those citizens of Watertown who have taken the time and effort to stay involved in City issues and governance. It takes some effort to get on this swiftly moving train, as I’ve learned in the past six months. I invite you to get involved. For starters, pick something small. You might even find it gratifying!

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Recycle Styrofoam, Plastic Lids & Caps, Drop Off Dehumidifiers and More

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

There will be a Watertown Recycling Event on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10 AM-2 PM at 57 Stanley St, in the parking lot of the Jewish Day School. Please bring a Watertown ID or proof of residency. 

Dehumidifiers

Watertown is partnering with Mass Save to recycle old and energy inefficient dehumidifiers. Residents can bring dehumidifiers for FREE drop off and will receive a $30 rebate in the mail. 

Learn more. Textiles

Watertown is partnering with Helpsy to recycle and repurpose old textiles and clothes. Clean out your closet before the winter and donate clothing and textiles.

Around Town

Longtime Owner of Meat Spot Retiring, Passing on Business

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Charle BreitroseDick Ucuz, who has owned The Meat Spot for 32 years, will be retiring soon. He has sold the business and the new owners will keep the deli and butcher shop going. For more that three decades, Dick Ucuz has served up sandwiches, cut fresh meat, and provided other edible delights from The Meat Spot. This week is one of his last at the business that has been in Watertown Square for more than a century. Fans of The Meat Spot can be comforted that the business has been sold to new owners who will continue to serve the same favorites.

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Boys & Girls Club Remembers Those Who Contributed to the Club’s Successful First 50 Years

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As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on Oct. 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to its success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher.

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Watertown to Hold First Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

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Jennifer KavanaughA performance of New Rep Theatre’s “Listen to Sipu” will be part of Watertown’s first Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration. Here Maria Hendricks portrays Sipu during a performance in 2021 at the Arsenal on the Charles. The following announcement was provided by the organizers of Watertown’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration:

Watertown’s first celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day will be held on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at First Parish Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown. The free event will feature Indigenous speakers, a presentation of the New Repertory Theatre play Listen to Sipu, and Indigenous musicians, artists and vendors.  

Geri Barney, member of Navajo nation, will welcome participants with flute music followed by keynote speaker Elizabeth Solomon, representative of the Massachusett tribe.

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LETTER: Developer of Arsenal Yards Commends Watertown Planning Department’s Efforts

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In the nearly 10 years since we purchased the Arsenal Mall to make it a better destination for all, we’ve accomplished much with you and the people of Watertown. Our goal was always to transform the Mall into an accessible space to enjoy with friends, family, and neighbors, to rejuvenate the untapped economic potential of the Arsenal Street corridor, and to be an integral, improved part of the community in many ways. It has not been a short, perfect, or straight line, but we believe it is a very good result at Arsenal Yards. Throughout the years, we’ve had many a spirited debate with various stakeholders, councils, and boards in town, including, of course, the Planning Department. I’ve personally had “robust” dialogues with Steve Magoon and his colleagues in what we see as a productive back-and-forth in which we are constantly improving ideas with better ideas.