Government
Multiple Planning & Zoning Offices Moving Out of City Hall
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The City of Watertown announced that multiple parts of the Planning and Zoning Department will be moving out of City Hall. See more information below.
Restaurants Won’t be Allowed to Automatically Include Plastic Utensils Under New Ordinance
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Restaurants in Watertown will not longer be able to automatically include packets of plastic utensils with takeout or deliver orders. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A new ordinance approved by the City Council prohibits restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils with takeout orders, however customers can request these items when they order or pick up their food.
Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order
City Council President Mark Sideris. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
After receiving questions about and requests to protect immigrants in Watertown in recent weeks, City Council President Mark Sideris emphasized the steps being taken by the City to provide safety and security, but said he does not favor the City Council passing a resolution or executive order regarding immigrants in Watertown.
Watertown Eco Fest will Feature Sustainable Vendors, Demonstrations & Activities for All Ages
The second annual Watertown Eco Fest will feature activities including electric bike test rides, vendors of sustainable products, activities for kids, and more. The event, hosted by the City of Watertown, will also include representatives from City departments and community organizations focused on sustainability.
Robotics Company Builds on Watertown’s History of Manufacturing in Former Mill Building
Tutor Intelligence’s Data Factory 1, which has 100 AI robots performing tasks, is part of the company’s new headquarters at Riverworks in Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A building along the Charles River in Watertown where textiles were once made has a new tenant involved in manufacturing. Tutor Intelligence creates AI robots that are used by companies from coast to coast.
More Headlines
School Committee Update: Budget, Fees, Cell Phones in Schools, Special Ed Strategy
Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution
Police Log: Multiple Shoplifters Arrested, Fake Trial Scam Costs $14K and Illegal Dumpings
Sports
Watertown Residents Can Apply for a Youth Sports Scholarship
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Get Lively hosted a sport equipment rally to raise money for a youth sports scholarship.
The following announcement was provided by Turf and Get Lively:
Turf and Get Lively(R) Health & Fitness Studio hosted the first-annual Pass the Torch: Youth Sports Equipment Rally to get gently used equipment into the hands of local kids. At the end of a very busy and beautiful spring day, we were left with a few items of value, so we headed over to Play it Again Sports in Waltham to trade them for cash. We planned to push the cash back to the community in the form of a recreational scholarship designed to help a family defray some the expense of a program for which their child would like to participate.
Around Town
Watertown Added Communities at High Risk for West Nile Virus
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The following announcement came from the Mass. Department of Public Health:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced Tuesday two additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year, bringing the total number of human cases to four. Both people are males in their 60s. One was exposed in Suffolk County in an area known to be at increased risk. The other was exposed in Norfolk County.
Around Town
Watertown Staff at MAB Community Services Receive $5,000 Maxo Joseph Excellence in Direct Care Awards
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Romil Sanon and Bennett Anyanwu, who work at two different MAB community-based residences in Watertown,each received the 2024 Max Joseph Award.
The following announcement was provided by MAB Community Services:
MAB Community Services, a leading social service agency supporting nearly 2,000 people with visual impairment, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injuries across Massachusetts, has announced the 11 honorees of the 2024 Maxo Joseph Excellence in Direct Care Awards, who received $2,000, $5,000, or $10,000 awards. Romil Sanon and Bennett Anyanwu, who work at two different MAB community-based residences in Watertown, each received a$5,000 award. Two anonymous donors recently contributed a total of $110,000 to support the continuation of this unique awards program.
Schools
Unlike Other Districts, Watertown Prepares to Open School With Nearly Full Staff
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Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston was interviewed by WBZ Channel 4 about hiring teachers. (Screenshot from WBZ)
On Monday, Superintendent Dede Galdston welcomed 42 teachers who are new to the district during the orientation at Hosmer Elementary School. When school opens on Sept. 3, Watertown will be in a position that is enviable to other communities.
Government
City Hires Watertown’s First Director of Community Design
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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
City Manager George Proakis is excited to announce that the City of Watertown has hired Erika Oliver Jerram as the City of Watertown’s new Director of Community Design!
Around Town
Watertown Resident Named 2024-2025 GBH/Becton Fellow
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The following announcement was provided by the WGBH:
Boston public media producer GBH has awarded fellowships to eight outstanding producers, recognizing excellence, potential, and creativity, including Watertown resident Louise Flannery.
Obituaries
OBIT: Mark Santamaria, 64, Animal Lover, Worked with Special Needs Adults
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Mark Santamaria
Mark Santamaria, age 64, of Watertown, Massachusetts, sadly passed away on June 22, 2024, unexpectedly.