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Watertown Boys & Girls Club Hosting Gala, to Give Awards in Celebration of 50th Anniversary

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Watertown Boys & Girls ClubA photo taken at the foundation of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club in 1972. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Gala event, “Celebrating Gold” on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown. This special evening marks a half-century of dedication and commitment to the youth of Watertown and will honor the accomplishments of Club members, staff, volunteers and everyone in the community who have inspired and empowered youth to build great futures. The evening program will recognize community members, Mr. John Airasian and Mrs. Kelley MacDonald with two special awards for their instrumental roles in the growth and sustainability of the Club.

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LETTER: Former Councilor Does Not Like Idea of Illuminated Sign

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Dear Honorable City Councilors:

For comparison purposes: take a look see at the attached photograph that depicts a simple, tasteful, understated, illuminated sign at the Encore Boston Harbor [Casino] in Everett, MA. Refer to the sign with any number of adjectives; it’s still an elevated, rooftop illuminated sign. Is this what we want intruding on the tranquil skyline of Watertown’s 4.17 square miles? In my opinion: NO. Encore BostonA view of the Encore Boston casino.

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Watertown Restaurant Serving Special Menu Items for Indigenous Food Week

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The following information was provided by the Pigsgusset Initiative:

On Monday, Oct 10, 2022, Indigenous Peoples Day will be celebrated for the first time in Watertown with speakers, theatrical performances, cultural presentations, Indigenous artisans and musicians plus information tables. The celebration will take place at First Parish of Watertown located at 35 Church St. from 2-5 p.m. and is supported by a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation to Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment. As part of Indigenous Peoples Day, Pigsgusset Initiative is partnering with Branch Line restaurant in Watertown where Chef Ivan Conill is collaborating with award-winning Wampanoag Chef Sherry Pocknett around the preparation of Wampanoag dishes that will be featured on Branch Line’s menu from Friday, Sept. 30 until Monday, Oct.

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Grants Available from Watertown Cultural Council

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The following announcement came from the Watertown Cultural Council:

Have a great idea for a public project in the arts, humanities or sciences but need some advice in turning your idea into a winning proposal? The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC) will hold a public meeting on Zoom, Monday Oct. 3, 2022 at 7 p.m. for anyone interested in applying for a WCC grant. We will answer your questions about writing the proposal and/or uploading the proposal onto the the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) web site:

Application Process

Join our Zoom meeting: Oct. 3 meeting at 7 p.m. Just log on:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82098336596?pwd=OENIdUhvSWo3UERHcUtkYWJpY2J2Zz09

Meeting ID: 820 9833 6596

Passcode: 045902

Completed online applications for 2023 WCC-funded projects or performances are due by 11:59 pm on October 17.

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Longtime Watertown Restaurant Sold, Will Keep Current Concept

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Conley’s Pub & GrilleConley’s Pub & Grille on Belmont Street has been sold. Watertown’s Conley’s Pub & Grille has been sold, but the new owners will reportedly keep the same concept at the Belmont Street restaurant. After 21 years, the owners of East End restaurant said “That’s a wrap.” on the Conley’s Facebook page on Sept. 18.

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19 Watertown Residents Joining Jimmy Fund Walk, Teen Serving as “Walk Hero”

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Nineteen residents from Watertown will participate in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, October 2.  

David Morris, Garry Nolan, Cheryl Ramhorst, Anna Nolan, Michelle Sloan, Evelyn Krache Morris, Catherine Durkee, Thomas Opar, Lisa Soo Hoo, Rosina Lucibello, and nine Watertown residents along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in the iconic annual event that will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised more than $155 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 33-year history. Watertown’s Kate Morris, will be a Walk Hero for the 2022 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Kate Morris, age 14, will participate as a Walk Hero for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. Heroes are matched with Jimmy Fund Walk teams to give participants an opportunity to connect with patients. Kate was diagnosed with early T-cell precursor (ETP) lymphoblastic lymphoma.

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LETTER: Advocate for “Dark Sky Lighting” Urges Denial of Illuminated Sign

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Dear Watertown, Community,

I have been advocating for Dark-Sky lighting standards across our community for many years. As a follow-up to Jon Bockian’s very thoughtful letter and citizens’ comments, here’s some additional info for your review. According to the International Dark-Sky Association (darksky.org) research, “The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light – known as light pollution – can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate. Components of light pollution include:

Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort

Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas

Light trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed

Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources

Light pollution is a side effect of industrial civilization. Its sources include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues.

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LETTER: Allowing Illuminated Sign on Arsenal Yards Building Would be a “Very Bad Idea”

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Dave MartinA view down the Charles River from the Bridge on North Beacon Street with the 100 Forge (or Building G) building at Arsenal Yards in the distance. An illuminated sign has been proposed to go near the top of the building. To the Editor,

Boylston Properties is requesting a zoning change to allow it to place a large, illuminated sign at the top of the 130 ft. high Building G in Arsenal Yards. This is a very bad idea for the following reasons:

1.  It constitutes a “branding” of Watertown.