Around Town

New Marker Recalls Former Home of First Jewish Dairy Farmers in Watertown and the State

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Charlie BreitroseHistorical Society of Watertown member Bob Bloomberg glances at the new historic marker near the former location of the Shick House. The marker was dedicated on June 26. A shiny, new blue sign with gold lettering now sits feet away from where a farmhouse stood for about 170 years. The historical marker is the only reminder of the home owned by the family that ran the first Jewish-owned dairy in Massachusetts and of Watertown’s rich agricultural history. The Historical Society of Watertown unveiled the new marker for the Shick House on Sunday afternoon.

Arrests

Police Log: Man Arrested for Driving Recklessly, Safe Stolen from Home

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

June 13, 3:34 p.m.: A car was forced into a parked car by another driver, who fled the area. A Honda SUV was driving east on North Beacon Street near the Toyota dealership. A Volkswagen tried to pass her and went over the double yellow line. Another vehicle was coming the other direction, so the VW swerved back and collided with the Honda, forcing it into a parked Lexus sedan.

Entertainment

Farm Life Captured in Photo Exhibit at Watertown Library

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Patricia Sampson-Weiler”Picking Tomatoes, Gaining Ground, Concord, MA”

Watertown photographer Patricia Sampson-Weiler spent the last few years capturing life at farms around Massachusetts, and her images will be on display at the Watertown Free Public Library. “Farm Photos” featuring photographs of local farm life in Concord, Lincoln, Acton, and other places. The exhibit can be seen from July 2 to 30, 2022 in the Library’s T. Ross Kelly Family Art Gallery. The library is located at 123 Main St. in Watertown.

Government

First Two Community Preservation Projects Approved; Will Rehabilitate Park, Restore Historic Paintings

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Designs for the improvements to Irving Park. The project was recommended by Community Preservation Committee for approval from the City Council, which did so on June 21. A park in Watertown will get a face lift and paintings in City Hall that are showing their age will be refurbished in the first two projects in Watertown approved to use money from the Community Preservation Act funds. On Tuesday night, the City Council unanimously approved the two projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. Community Preservation Committee Chair Mark Kraczkiewicz thanked the groups that brought forward the projects.

Around Town

Council to Consider Changing Name of Columbus Delta in Watertown Square

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Charlie BreitroseThe grassy area in Watertown Square, known as the Columbus Delta, is under consideration by the City Council to be renamed. City Councilors decided to look at possibly changing the name of the grassy area in the middle of Watertown Square, which has been named for Christopher Columbus since 1940. The Council received a petition from resident Mishy Lesser, on behalf of the Pigsgusset Initiative which seeks to “generate a new name that is more inclusive of all members of our community and the history of the place we now call home,” the petition reads. On Tuesday night, City Council President Mark Sideris told the packed Council Chamber and those on Zoom, that the process is just beginning. “The council is not going to be renaming anything tonight, please understand that what’s in front of us is do we want to continue in the process,” Sideris said.

104 Main Street

City Council Votes Down Consideration of Creating Historic District on Main Street

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

An effort to create a historic district in the area of Main Street near City Hall and the Library ended Tuesday night when the City Council voted down the proposal in the citizen-submitted petition. The effort was started as a way to prevent a proposed project in the area. The Council was not convinced that the area, which also includes a block of commercial buildings across the street, has historic significance. The decision was unanimous. Had the vote been favorable, the City would have started the process to create a historic district, which could have taken up to two years, and would require a study by the Historic District Commission as well as hearings by the Planning Board and City Council.

Around Town

New Stone & Tile Store Open in Watertown; Does Kitchens, Bathrooms and More

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Charlie BreitroseUltimate Stone Surfaces opened on Mt. Auburn Street in late May. Ultimate Stone Surfaces recently opened a showroom in Watertown where customers can take a look at samples and get help envisioning their dream kitchen or bathroom. Paul Pereira and Douglas Goncalves have been installing countertops for years, but recently decided to start their own business, said Juliana Freitas-Silva, who runs the showroom located at 694 Mt. Auburn Street.

Arrests

Police Log: Moped Thief Caught Nearby, Driver Faces OUI Charge After Striking Hydrant & Tree

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

June 6, 12:34 a.m.: A vehicle went off the road on Pleasant Street and struck a street sign, a fire hydrant, and a tree. Police responded and found a 2002 Honda Accord on a grassy area near the Watertown Mews apartments. The only occupant of the vehicle was standing outside the car. He was checked for injuries but had none.