Government

Watertown Group Seeks to Rename the Delta in Watertown Square, Remove Columbus’ Name

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Pigsgusset Initiative:

On Thursday, Dec. 2nd at 3:30 P.M., members of the Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, will deliver petitions to the City Council requesting a name change for the area now called “Columbus Delta.” 

The delivery will be made by Mishy Lesser, Learning Director of Upstander Project and co-founder of the Pigsgusset Initiative, along with other Pigsgusset members and local youth, to the office of the Clerk of the City Council who is responsible for accepting the signatures. The petitioners are requesting that the City Council begin a process of reconsidering the name of the delta in Watertown Square, whose official name is the Columbus Delta. The goal is to initiate a process that will generate a new name that is more inclusive of all members of our community and the history of the place we all call home. Eighty years ago, the Selectmen of Watertown voted to name the delta, which today is the public meeting place where hundreds of diverse neighbors often gather for a variety of reasons.

Government

Council Approves Creation of Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

By |

Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The City of Watertown will have a trust dedicated to the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households with the Council’s approval of the ordinance creating the trust. Along with approving the ordinance, the Council’s vote on Nov. 23 also dissolved the Watertown Housing Partnership, which led Watertown’s efforts to create affordable housing for many years. The Housing Trust will have powers and abilities beyond what has been possible through the City’s efforts to create affordable housing or the Housing Partnership’s efforts, said Watertown Senior Planner Larry Field. “The Housing Partnership has been a great asset to the city for many years,” Field said.

Around Town

Some Watertown Organizations to Donate to on #GivingTuesday

By |

Nov. 30, 2021 is Giving Tuesday, a day when people are encouraged to donate to groups and organizations doing work to help the community. Here are some local groups to consider supporting. Watertown Boys & Girls Club

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received a donation of a $1,000 from PhPMA and it has been requested that this donation be used as a matching gift In Memory Of Billy O’Brien, a longtime Club member and Watertown resident. Our goal for this event is to match the $1,000 in Memory of Billy O’Brien.

Government

City Council Sets its Budget Policy Guidelines for Next Year’s Budget

By |

The Council’s priorities for next year’s budget have been approved, including supporting the school building projects, improving streets and sidewalks, and a study of Watertown’s Personnel Department. The Budget Priority Guidelines for the Fiscal Year 2023 were approved unanimously at the Nov. 23 Council meeting. The Council’s Budget & Fiscal Oversight Committee reviewed the proposed guidelines submitted by Councilors and voted on which to add to the list of guidelines. Other items were considered were not approved.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center Hosting Holiday Classic — Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

By |

Dick Terhune stars in “A Christmas Carol” at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following information was provided by Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The first theatrical production of A Christmas Carol took place in London just six weeks after the story’s publication in 1843. In 1853, Dickens began to perform the story himself, playing each character without individual props or costumes for each role. In a performance at Mosesian Arts this week, actor Dick Terhune returns to the origins of this holiday tale with a solo turn inspired by Charles Dickens himself. Terhune’s solo performance has been called “mesmerizing … breathtaking … brilliant … unforgettable … a wonder to behold.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Shoplifter Caught With Bag Full of Merchandise, Catalytic Converter Stolen

By |

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

Nov. 16, 1:02 p.m.: Security at Home Depot spotted a man put multiple items into a duffle bag and walk out of the store. Police were given a description and they located a man fitting the description near the parking garage near Home Depot. He had a duffle bag with items from Home Depot.

Around Town

More Than 1,000 Come Out for 16th Annual Donohue’s Turkey Trot, See Photos from the Race

By |

Charlie BreitroseRunners head off on the 5K course during the 2021 Donohue’s Turkey Trot. More than 1,000 people joined in the 16th annual Donohue’s Bar & Grill Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, an event that raised money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. Charlie BreitroseMany of the more than 1,000 participants dressed up for the Donohue’s Turkey Trot. Some serious runners came suited up in their running gear, while others donned turkey headwear or costumes. Charlie BreitroseA hat fitting for the occasion worn by one of the runners.

Sports

Watertown Feasts on Belmont During Shutout Win in the Thanksgiving Game

By |

Charlie BreitroseWatertown senior Nathan Master celebrates after the Raiders defense stopped Belmont during the Thanksgiving Game. Senior Mason Andrade set the tone for Watertown by pancaking a Belmont blocker on the opening kickoff of the annual Thanksgiving Day football game. The Raiders continued to pound the Marauders all game, emerging with a 25-0 win over their rivals. Watertown improved to 7-4, winning four of their last five games, and snapped a two-game losing streak to Belmont. The game was not played last year.