Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on Multiple City Boards & Committees

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

Are you interested in serving on a City of Watertown Board, Commission or Committee? Apply to serve on City of Watertown Boards, Commissions and Committees

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following City Boards, Commissions and Committees with appointment dates in February 2023 in accordance with Ordinance # 2007-46, an Ordinance on the Timing and Process of Appointments to City Boards, Commissions and Committees. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to Citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. Board/Commission: Board of Health

Vacancy/Term: One Member, Three Year Term.  Description: Provide for fulfillment of its duties under M.G.L. 111:5, 26-33 and other sections including enforcement of the state Sanitary and Environmental Codes, reporting diseases dangerous to the public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations.

Around Town

Historic Paintings Removed from City Hall to be Restored Using Community Preservation Funds

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Charlie BreitroseEmployees from Maquette Fine Arts Services prepare one of the historic paintings in City Hall’s lobby to be removed from the wall for restoration. Stephen Munroe of Maquette, center, speaks with art preservationist Louise Orsini, right. Friday morning a quiet sense of anticipation filled the lobby of Watertown’s City Hall. The marble covered atrium was filled with history lovers and art preservationists waiting to see what secrets are held by a pair of paintings dating back to the early 1930s. The towering paintings have been inset into the walls of Watertown’s Town Hall (since 2021 City Hall) since it opened in 1932.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Introduces New Executive Director

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Board of Directors of Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) proudly announces the appointment of Athelia A. Tilson (Tia) as its next Executive Director. Tia is a seasoned, strategic leader, community activist, and fundraiser with over 20 years’ experience identifying and developing partnerships to strengthen non-profits, and deep work in the city’s community organizations.  

Tia has managed significant development efforts for major health, scientific, educational, and human services organizations, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Ariadne Labs, Pathfinder International, MIT, The Home for Little Wanderers, and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. “Tia brings extraordinary knowledge and understanding of how life sciences and research entities can collaborate with community partners to create opportunities for both to thrive, and we are thrilled she will be our next Executive Director,” said David Siegel, former WCF Co-President who chaired the Search Committee. 

Tia will formally join WCF in her new role on Jan. 2, 2023.

Around Town

Holiday Fun at Commanders Mansion’s Whoville Jubilee & Tree Lighting

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Charlie BreitroseA crowd gathered for the tree lighting outside the Watertown Commander’s Mansion on Saturday night. Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion shone with lights and welcomed hundreds of families for the 2022 Whoville Jubilee and Tree Lighting on Saturday. Visitors entered through an arch of lights, and were welcomed to the event by the Mayor of Whoville (City Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli). Charlie BreitroseVisitors to the Whoville Jubilee entered through an arch of lights. Food trucks served up goodies to hungry visitors, and free hot cocoa and cookies were provided for those feeling a bit peckish.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Caught Using Multiple Stolen Credit Cards, Suspicious Man Seen in Yard

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

Nov. 22, 2:53 p.m.: A man was stopped at Target after the store got multiple reports from four people out of the area who said someone was using their credit card at the Watertown store. Police were in the store on another matter and security informed them about the man who had been seen on video at the self checkout for more than 35 minutes. Security found that he fraudulently used several credit card numbers which he had loaded onto his Samsung Pay cellphone app.

Entertainment

Perkins School’s Holiday Concert Available Live & Remotely

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Perkins School for the BlindPerkins School for the Blind students will perform two holiday concerts in 2022. The following announcement was provided by Perkins School for the Blind:

As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to invite you and your families to attend one or both of our upcoming holiday concerts this December in person and virtually. Sunday, December 11 at 4:30 p.m. (In person)Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. (In person and virtual)No RSVP is required.Please note that guests are asked to wear a mask and ensure they are not experiencing any of these symptoms before arriving on campus. You can view the full guidelines on our website. We’re delighted to welcome our community back to campus to what’s always been a highly-anticipated and simply awesome annual performance by our students.

Business

Watertown Life Science Company Cuts Staff by Over Half, Replaces CEO

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SQZ Biotechnologies announced a reduction of more than half the company’s staff, and appointed a new CEO after the resignation of its previous one. The company’s research focuses on cell therapies. The company based in Watertown, announced on Nov. 30, 2022, that Armon Sharei has step down from his role as chief executive officer and the Board of Directors. The Board appointed Howard Bernstein, former Chief Scientific Officer and current director, as interim CEO.

Schools

Perkins Students Show Some Bruins a Thing or Two About Goal Ball

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Charlie BreitroseBoston Bruins players Tomas Nosek, left, and Pavel Zacha, shake hands with one of the Perkins School for the Blind goal ball players. Two members of the Boston Bruins got a lesson on what it’s like to play a sport designed for people who are blind or vision impaired on Thursday afternoon. Pavel Zacha and Tomas Nosek each donned a pair of goggles that blacked out their vision, and had to defend a goal that was about 30 feet wide. On the other end were three experienced members of the Perkins School for the Blind goal ball team. Charlie BreitroseBoston Bruins player Pavel Zacha rolls the goal ball in the exhibition game against students from Perkins School for the Blind.