DCR Hosting Public Meeting About Future of Watertown Dam

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, will share its plans for studying the options for the future of Watertown Dam. Recently, the DCR studied the area around the Dam as part of its Removal Alternatives Analysis to develop conceptual design alternatives for the Dam.

City Seeks Artists to Create Mural about Armenian Artist from Watertown

The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee seeks mural artists to submit qualifications to develop a proposal and install a mural along the Watertown Cambridge Greenway under Grove Street. The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC) is collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to commission a mural along the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway that commemorates the life and work of Arshile Gorky, who, notably, forged the birth of Abstract Expressionism in the United States. The mural is an extension of a larger project by a Watertown working group to memorialize Gorky’s time in Watertown, MA, and his contribution to modern art, led jointly by resident Jack Dargon and the Public Arts and Culture Committee with support from The Armenian Museum of America, Mosesian Center for the Arts, and the Historical Society of Watertown. This project is supported by generous contributions from Mount Auburn Cemetery, the Watertown Community Foundation, the Watertown Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Artist selection for the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky mural has two phases.

Watertown Company Hosting Public Pop-Up Market with Food Trucks, Artisans & Activities

A pop-up market will be hosted by Addgene at the Linx Building in Watertown. (Courtesy of Boylston Properties)

The public is invited to attend a pop-up market with artisans, food, and family activities. The following announcement was provided by Addgene:

Addgene to Host SummerFest at Linx on Friday, July 12th 

Addgene’s second pop-up market is set to take place on Friday, July 12th from 2 to 6 p.m. at 490 Arsenal Way. This event is open to the public and will feature local artisans, food trucks, and activities for the whole family.

Watertown Senior Center has Free Medical Equipment Available

Free walkers and canes are among the free items available at the Watertown Senior Center. The Watertown Senior Center announced that it has some canes, walkers and other medical devices available for free. See the announcement below. We have a number of walkers, canes, a wedge, and assistive devices for visually impaired and hard of hearing. They are out in the lobby please stop in cool off and see what you can use.

Watertown Community Foundation Awards $110K in Grants to 19 Non-Profits

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

In the largest grant cycle of the year, the Watertown Community Foundation has provided financial support to non-profits and programs across the city, so all Watertown’s residents continue to thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community. The Foundation awarded a total of $110,000 to 19 non-profit organizations and the City of Watertown. Funds will support the ongoing work of many local non-profit organizations, as well as specific programs, that prioritize work to address the needs of vulnerable residents, support public arts and culture, invest in environmental sustainability, promote youth development, and foster a sense of welcome and belonging for all who live and work in Watertown. Forty percent of this year’s funding went to support organizations working to meet the needs of some of Watertown’s most vulnerable residents. “We know residents in Watertown are struggling and continue to need support for basic needs including housing, food, mental health, emergency assistance and learning English.

Watertown Church Hosting Kids Week, Registration Open

The following announcement was provided by Grace Chapel:

Join the Fun at Grace Chapel’s “Start The Party” Kids Week! Grace Chapel Watertown is thrilled to invite your children to an exciting week of fun, learning, and friendship at our “Start The Party” Kids Week! We believe that children are beloved and treasured by God, and so, it is a core value of the church to care for kids and provide safe and exciting spaces for kids to thrive. Check out this video recap of last year’s Kids Week! What to Expect: Interactive Crafts: Each day, children will make fun and simple crafts that will engage their creativity and artistic expression.

Residents Wanted to Serve on Cable Access Board of Directors

City Manager George J. Proakis announced he is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application. Board/Commission/Committee:  Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors

Description:  The Watertown Cable Access Corporation (WCA-TV) is a non-profit corporation established to ensure access to cable television channels and facilities; provide public education and training regarding the use of facilities and channels; assist in the development of educational, cultural, and informational programming, including working with local institutions and organizations to share their resources; and to operate channels and programming space. The WCA-TV mission is to provide coverage of local events, City meetings, and news, as well as access to our equipment and facility to engage our community and amplify their voices. City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Cable Access Corporation – Board of Directors.

Join Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist for a Chat

The following announcement was provided by the City of Waterotwn:

Join Watertown Community Engagement Specialist, Tyler Cote for the first in a series of sit-down coffee hours, at Watertown Chats. Tyler will be at Tresca’s Eating Place, at 25 Church Street on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9:30am-11am for anyone to stop by and chat with him about Watertown. Whether you have a question, an idea, concern, or just looking to speak with a member of the City, you can stop by anytime between 9:30am and 11am and meet Tyler. To learn more about the Chats and to keep up to date on the schedule, visit watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats