Around Town

A Look Back at the First 50 Years of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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Watertown Cable

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club turned 50 years old in 2022, and during that time the club has faced its share of challenges to continue its mission of serving the youth of the community. On Oct. 28, the Club hosted a 50th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the people who made the first half century possible, and asked for support to continue serving Watertown. Watertown came together to build the clubhouse on land on Whites Avenue, near the then-Town Hall, now City Hall. The first step was to get approval to use the land, recalled Allen Gallagher, who served as Executive Director from 1991 to 2012.

Government

Charles River Groups Urges Removing Watertown Dam, Protection for Private Trees

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. Members of the Charles River Watershed Association appeared before the City Council last week to state their case for removing the Watertown Dam, and also encouraged the City to take other steps for climate resilience, including expanding tree protection to those on private property. Along with the recommendation to remove the Watertown Dam, CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton also recommended that the City: adopt a robust tree ordinance including considering protecting trees on private property, adopt a stormwater utility, and strengthen wetlands ordinance to better prepare and respond to climate change. Dam Removal

The CRWA met with residents and officials a year ago during a tour of the Watertown Dam site.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Fall Fest Features Local Vendors & Food

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Join the Watertown Business Coalition for Fall Fest on Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion. Bringing together Watertown residents and the business community and kicking off Shop Watertown! Several local businesses, artists and others will sell items on the second floor of the mansion to kick off Shop Watertown (including Eastern Clothing, BLING and others). A coupon to use with the vendors will be included with the price of the ticket.

Government

Watertown Voter Information for the 2022 Mass. State Election

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The Massachusetts State Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters will be asked to choose candidates for elected office, as well as to weigh in on four ballot questions. Ways to Vote in the November Election

You can:

Early vote by mail

Early vote in-person

Absentee ballot (must meet certain requirements)

In-person voting on Election Day

Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. is the last day to register to vote or update party affiliation for this Election. The City Clerk’s Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on October 29 to facilitate registration. Voter Information & Links

Check your Voter Registration StatusFind out where you are registered to voteRegister to Vote Online

View Sample Ballots

Precincts 1 – 8

Precincts 9 – 12

View Ballot Question Information

Question 1:  Additional Tax on Income Over One Million Dollars

Question 2:  Regulation of Dental Insurance

Question 3:  Expanded Availability for Licenses for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

Question 4:  Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses

Early Voting by Mail

To request an early vote by mail ballot:

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot was Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM.Your ballot request must be signed by the applicant in order to process your request.Your ballot will be mailed to the address you put on the application.

Around Town

City Planner Shows Possible Idea for Watertown Square That Includes Roundabouts

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Jeff SpeckA concept for Watertown Square drawn up by city planner Jeff Speck, on the right, with an aerial photo of the area as it exists now. How to make Watertown Square a calmer, more efficient, and inviting place to be is a complex puzzle, which City Manager George Proakis plans to take on in his first year on the job. A well-known city planner took a stab at the problem and drew up a redesign with roundabouts on two ends of the main intersection in town. The drawing was the product of a quick analysis by Jeff Speck, in a talk about making cities more walkable, as well as places where businesses thrive. He presented it during his presentation at the Charles River Chamber of Commerce Fall Business Breakfast in Newton on Oct.

Football

Watertown Football Gets Playoff Rematch with Dover-Sherborn

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Charlie BreitroseOnce again Watertown will battle Dover-Sherborn in the MIAA Div. 5 football playoffs. Pictured is running back Mason Andrade fighting for yards against D-S in 2021. Last season Watertown High School took on Dover-Sherborn in the first round of the MIAA Div. 5 football tournament, and once again in 2022 the two teams will face off in the playoff opener.

Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates 50th Years of Serving the Youth of Watertown

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Charlie BreitroseGov. Charlie Baker speaks to Watertown Boys & Girls members Heloisa Breder and Sophia Torres, who introduced him at the Club’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club opened its doors 50 years ago, and has been a place for the youth of the town to have fun, learn, and inspire them as they look to the future. The people who founded the Club, guided it through tough times, and built its solid foundation were honored at Friday night’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The Hellenic Cultural Center welcomed friends and family of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, including some of the earliest members. The audience of distinguished guests included former board members, board presidents, and executive directors, along with the Governor of Massachusetts.

Homepage Featured

Police Log: Car Goes Through Yard & Damages 2 Vehicles, Shoplifters Stopped After Hitting 2 Stores

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

None

Incidents 

Oct 17, 2:15 p.m.: A vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at the light on Galen Street at Watertown Street heading toward Newton. The suspect went around the vehicle that had been struck and headed toward Newton. It was an older-model Honda Pilot. The bumper of the vehicle that was hit sustained damage that will cost about $800 to repair.