Angeline Kounelis

LETTER: Former Councilor Opposes Change of Voting Places in East End

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(Update on Aug. 10: the City Council Adopted a different plan for voting locations, which will not move precincts 1 and 3. To see more click here.):

Dear Honorable City Councilors:

Within this email, please view official communication, as received on 08/01/2022 from the City of Watertown, specific to Voting and Polling locations. Notation should be made of the finite statement: “Please be aware that changes have been made to some of the Polling Precincts.” There is no mention of pending consideration by the City Council, or opportunity for comments from the electorate.

Armed Robbery

Man Wanted for Armed Robbery in Watertown Caught in New Hampshire

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Jose Robles, a homeless man who last lived in Taunton, faces charges of armed robbery of Hardy’s Spa in Watertown. He was arrested in New Hampshire after holding up a convenience store. A man who held up a store in Watertown with a weapon was arrested by authorities in New Hampshire after a chase and a hostage situation. On July 29 at 9:23 p.m., a clerk at Hardy’s Spa on Belmont Street called police after a man robbed the store with what appeared to be a handgun, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor

“The suspect threw a brown paper bag at him demanding the clerk to put the money in the cash register into it,” O’Connor said. “At this time the suspect showed the victim a black handgun.

Around Town

See When Bar Rescue Star’s Restaurant Taffer’s Tavern Will Open in Watertown

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Bar Rescue star Jon Taffer will open Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown on Aug. 31, 2022. The following announcement was provided by Taffer’s Tavern:

Taffer’s Tavern, the innovative, full-service restaurant concept founded by leading hospitality expert and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer, has announced that it is now accepting reservations for its first Boston area location in Watertown at Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood located along the Charles River. The restaurant will open to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 31 with a Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Jon Taffer on Sept.

Around Town

Watertown Resident Expands Efforts to Curtail Use of Plastics

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Joshua TousterWatertown’s Eileen Ryan, founder of Beyond Plastics Greater Boston, advocated for legislation to limit plastic in front of the State House. Several years ago, Watertown’s Eileen Ryan pushed for Watertown to pass a plastic shopping bag ban, and now she has expanded her efforts statewide. In April, she founded Beyond Plastics Greater Boston, a local chapter of the national group Beyond Plastic. “After we passed the ban (in 2016) we all patted ourselves on the back and thought we did a great job. We really noticed that there are fewer plastic bags in the river, in trees around Watertown,” Ryan said.

Election 2022

Watertown Voting Places May Move in 2022 Elections

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Many Watertown voters may not be voting at their usual polling places during the Massachusetts State Primary on Sept. 6. The primary will nominate candidates for the general election on Nov. 8 in several elected positions, including: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, Congress, the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, and the Governor’s Council. Watertown has proposed using five voting locations for the City’s 12 precincts.

Around Town

Ayr Wellness Opens Medical & Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary in Watertown

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Ayr WellnessAyr Wellness opened a cannabis dispensary on North Beacon Street in Watertown, where it will sell medical and adult-use marijuana. Watertown’s third, and final, cannabis dispensary opened for business in early July, offering both adult use and medical marijuana products. Ayr Watertown opened for business at 48 North Beacon St. in Watertown on July 12 for adult use marijuana (also known as recreational) sales, and in late July received approval to sell medical products to patients with Massachusetts medical marijuana cards. The dispensary turned the former Anthony’s Florist building into a bright, open space for its customers and patients.

Around Town

Watertown-based Residential Counselor Honored for Work with Adults with Disabilities

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MAB Community ServicesMarie Jocelyn, right, won $10,000 in recognition for her outstanding work caring for residents in our residential home in Watertown. The following information was provided by MAB Community Services:

MAB Community Services (MAB) has just honored 11 of the best direct care staff in the Adult Disability Services division with Maxo Joseph Excellence in Direct Care Awards. Marie Jocelyn, who has served as a MAB Residential Counselor since 2009 and works at the Edenfield Avenue residence in Watertown, was unanimously nominated for a Maxo Joseph Award and one of two $10,000 cash awards for her outstanding care for the participants’ health, safety, and well-being. These awards are part of MAB’s efforts to create a welcoming and supportive work environment. Nominated by coworkers, supervisors, and the families of the people they support, 11 team members are annually recognized at a special luncheon and receive a total of $50,000 in awards. 

“I see MAB as a family,” Marie said when she accepted her award.

Entertainment

See What’s Happening at the 2022 Watertown Arts Market

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Arts Market returns to Arsenal Park in 2022. The following information was provided by the Watertown Arts Market:

The Watertown Arts Market returns to Arsenal Park on Saturday, Aug. 13th, noon-5 p.m. Rain date of Aug. 14. Over 120 artists and organizations who live or work in the area will be there – we hope you will be too! 

The Watertown Arts Market is an initiative of the Watertown Business Coalition, this year in partnership with the City of Watertown.