Around Town

Watertown Restaurants Concerned About Impact of Question 5

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A Vote No on Question 5 T-shirt worn by an employee at Donohue’s Bar & Grill (Contributed Photo)

Local restaurants have spoken out against Question 5 on the State Election ballot, saying that if the ballot measure passes servers and bartenders would make less money, and diners would see higher prices to cover the $15 per hour wages. Employees at Donohue’s Bar & Grill have been wearing T-shirts saying “Protect Tipped Workers: Vote No on Question 5.” Branch Line sent out a letter to customers urging them to vote no on the ballot measure entitled “Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers.” The Watertown Business Coalition and the Charles River Regional Chamber also announced they support voting No on 5. Passage of the ballot measure has been endorsed by Progressive Massachusetts and Progressive Watertown.

Around Town

Fitness Studio Hosting Halloween Community Celebration

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The following announcement was provided by Fly Together Fitness:

Get ready to unleash your inner show ghoul! Join us at Fly Together Fitness – Watertown (100 Parker Street) for a Halloween Community Celebration bash with tricks and treats! Check out performances from our students and staff and take a FREE mini class or two!⁠

Whether you want to dance with the undead or just support your local dance community there’s something for everyone. Come as you are or come in costume to add to the experience!  ⁠All attendees are entered into a raffle and will have the opportunity to take advantage of special offers only for those at the event!

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Watertown Square Zoning Discussion Will Include Accessory Units, Household Definition & Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning

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(Updated Oct. 29: ADUs are limited to single family properties in districts that allow them by right.)

When the zoning changes proposed to make the Watertown Square Area Plan a reality were presented last week, the City Council and Planning Board didn’t get to dig down on a few areas, including accessory dwelling units (i.e. in-law units), what constitutes a household for residential units, and the new Neighborhood Mixed Use zones. City Council President Mark Sideris said he would like to have more discussions about those areas when the public hearing on the Watertown Square zoning continues on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Another area that Sideris wanted to have discussion about is what happens when a property falls in two different zones including one of the new Watertown Square zones.

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Watertown Organizations to Celebrate Disability Awareness

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library, World in Watertown and the Commission on Disability:

On Saturday, November 2, World in Watertown, the Watertown Free Public Library, and the Watertown Commission on Disability invite the community to join in celebrating disability awareness. This is a great opportunity to hear from Watertown residents with disabilities, learn about their lives and experiences in Watertown, and meet local disability organizations serving our diverse community. “Celebrating Disability Awareness: Voices & Perspectives” runs from 2:30 PM – 4 PM on Saturday, November 2 in the Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room on the 1st Floor. Registration is not required.

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Fall Leaves and History to be Featured at Walk N Talk Around Mount Auburn Cemetery

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(Courtesy of Mount Auburn Cemetery)

Enjoy the fall foliage and hear about the history of the Mount Auburn Cemetery during the Walk N Talk co-sponsored by the Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown. The WBC provided the following announcement about the event on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.:

We will be joined by the Mount Auburn Cemetery President and CEO Matthew Stephens. During the WALK N TALK we will hear a few stories about those buried on the grounds, discuss the history of the Cemetery as well as discuss new initiatives! Arrival: arrive via our Mount Auburn Street Entrance (580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge).

Around Town

Kids Can Trick-or-Treat at Watertown City Hall

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Children are invited to head down to City Hall and do some trick-or-treating. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown children are invited to come Trick-or-Treat at City Hall, located at 149 Main Street, on Tuesday October 29, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is a free event. Come see how different staff members have decorated on their office doors and collect candy the departments will be handing out. You might also see some staff in costumes. 

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Who Benefited from Psychedelic Medicines Supports Question 4

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Dear Editor,

I am a grandmother and a retired elementary school teacher, and I have twice benefitted from taking psychedelic plant medicines. That is why I’m voting Yes on Question #4. 

I don’t fit the stereotype, but I was desperate for help. I have a life second to none, but it unfortunately includes dealing with a serious health issue as well as PTSD. Therapy and anti-depressants have been essential tools, but they aren’t a quick fix and don’t work well for all. Research at Johns Hopkins, Mass General, Dana Farber, and many others gave me the courage to try the unusual treatment.