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.

Around Town

Dogs Reported Off-Leash in City Parks, Could Cause Hazard to Users of Fields & Athletic Facilities

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City of WatertownThe Watertown Health Department reminds people that dogs are not allowed in City Parks except for designated dog park areas. The Watertown Health Department has received reports of loose pets in City parks, in violation of City rules. Dogs that relieve themselves outside the dedicated dog parks can create a hazard for people, said Watertown Health Director Larry Ramdin. “We have been observing several pets loose outside of our dog parks in the grassed areas in the parks reserved for sports,” Ramdin said. “Dogs defecating in those parks poses a secondary risk to children who use the parks for recreation.”

Schools

Superintendent Gets Good Grades in Annual Review

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Superintendent of Schools Dede Galdston. Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston received good marks on her annual performance evaluation from the School Committee. The School Committee discussed their job review for the leader of the Watertown Public Schools on Monday night. On the overall performance, Galdston received two “exemplary” evaluations (the top mark) and five “proficient” (second highest), said School Committee Chair Kendra Foley. “This is a very positive evaluation.

Police/Fire

Fire on Gore Place Property Doused by Watertown Firefighters

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ContributedFlames from a blaze on the Gore Estate can be seen from the back of a home on Edward Road. Watertown firefighters doused a blaze on the property of Gore Place which the Fire Department believes was started by illegal fireworks. On Saturday, July 23 at about 10:30 p.m. the Watertown Fire Department received a report of a fire on the Gore Estate property. The fire occurred near homes on Edward Road, according to Acting Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. “We believe it was caused by fireworks, due to some remnants, but it is difficult to determine because illegal fireworks are set off frequently in that area,” Nicholson said.