Around Town

Historical Society Pays Tribute to Two Major Events in U.S. & State History with a Virtual Celebration

By |

Charlie BreitroseAt the 2016 Treaty Day celebration, Bob Childs of the Historical Society of Watertown reads the Declaration of Independence from the same spot it was first read in 1776, the second floor of the Edmund Fowle House. Each July, the Historical Society of Watertown celebrates the anniversaries of two major events which took place in town that played a significant role in the history of Massachusetts and the United States. This year’s Treaty Day celebration is a virtual one. On July 18, 1776, the town played host to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts. The following day, the first treaty made by the newly independent United States with a foreign power was signed in Watertown at the Edmund Fowle House.

Government

Charter Review Group Discusses How Planning, Zoning Board Members are Appointed

By |

The Town of Watertown’s Zoning Map. With development in Watertown being a topic of controversy for the past decade, the Charter Review Committee examined how the two boards overseeing building and development are appointed. At the June 29 meeting of the Charter Review Committee, resident member Marcia Ciro proposed an amendment to the Town Charter, which would change the way the members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals are appointed. Currently the Town Manager makes the nominations for appointment, and the Council votes to confirm, or not, the person. Ciro proposed having the Town Council appoint the members of both boards.

Weather

Effects of Tropical Storm Elsa Expected to be Felt in Watertown

By |

National Weather Service

Tropical Storm Elsa will pass over southern New England on Friday, and Watertown is forecast to get heavy rains and wind from the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tropical Storm Warning at 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021, for southeast Middlesex County, as well as for Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeast Mass. The Warning means that Tropical Storm force winds are expected within the next 36 hours. The storm is expected to kick up winds of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Potential power outages and road closures could result from tree limbs and other items falling on power lines and roadways.

Business

Watertown Advertising Agency Works on Campaigns of Change, Including the State’s COVID-19 Efforts

By |

MORE AdvertisingThe co-owners of MORE Advertising, Managing Partner and President Judi Haber, left, and Founder and CEO Donna Latson Gittens. A Watertown-based advertising agency with a different focus has been in business for nearly a quarter century. Unlike most agencies it does not market products, it works on campaigns of behavior change, including Massachusetts’ COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts. MORE Advertising is a full-service, integrated advertising agency, but there is a major difference from most agencies, said Managing Partner and President Judi Haber. “Traditional advertising agencies sell products.

Around Town

Charter Review Committee Adds Resident Advisory Committee, Decides on Spokesperson in Emergencies

By |

The proposed changes to Watertown’s Charter, which will go to voters for approval in November, include the addition of a committee to work with the Town Manager to recruit and evaluate candidates for town boards and committees. Another addition defines when the Council President can act as the spokesperson during an emergency situation. These were some of the changes discussed at the June 15 meeting of the Charter Review Committee. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 6 at 6 p.m.

Resident Advisory Committee & Diversity

The Charter changes would create a Resident Advisory Committee. The group would help the Manager recruit and evaluate candidates nominations for appointed committees and boards.

Homepage Featured

Police Log: Couple Tries to Scam Autistic Man, Man Wanted on Five Warrants Arrested

By |

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

June 22, 7:51 p.m.: Watertown Police were called to the Inn on Arsenal (the former Super 8 Motel) to check on a man who had not responded to a friend’s calls. They found the man in his room, and he said he had fallen asleep and missed the call. When police were there they found that the man had five warrants for his arrest: one from New Bedford District Court for unarmed robbery; two from Dedham District Court (one for attempting to commit a crime and one domestic-related charge); one from Falmouth District Court for uttering a false check, check forgery, and larceny under $250 from someone over 60 years old; and a domestic-related charge from Malden District Court. Michael J. Perry, 39, of Somerville, was arrested on the warrants.

Charter Review Committee

Council Vice President Term Limits & Council Compensation Discussed by Charter Review Committee

By |

Charlie BreitroseResidents packed the Council Chamber for a Town Council Meeting. The Charter Review Committee tackled a couple of issues impacting the Town Council, including whether the Vice President should have term limits, and when and how the Council should determine its own salaries. At the June 15 meeting, the Charter Review Committee was asked to propose changes that were not already proposed by the consultants from the Collins Center at UMass Boston. Vice President Term Limits

Councilor Tony Palomba proposed a change to the Charter that would have the vice president of the Council to be chosen for a two-year term and not be allowed to serve for more than two consecutive terms. The position, which is currently nominated and voted on by the Council, currently is chosen at the beginning of the two-year term and there are no limits to how many terms someone can serve. Palomba said he believes it is a position where Councilors can learn a lot about how the government works.

Around Town

LETTER: School Mental Health Professional, Mother of 2 Running for School Committee

By |

Jessica Middlebrook announced her run for School Committee. She is shown with her two daughters at Watertown Town Hall. My name is Jessica Middlebrook and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Watertown School Committee. In the wake of the most disruptive and painful school year in living memory, our community needs experienced, empathic leaders who will build connections, foster difficult but important conversations, and work toward creating equitable school cultures where all students feel valued and safe. With my experience as a parent and school mental health professional, my strong progressive values, and my abiding love for our community, I know that I can help our schools work better for all our kids and families.  

My husband, David, and I have been residents of Watertown for the past 12 years. We were drawn here to start our family because of its diversity and caring, engaged community.