Arts Panel Approves $14,000 Recipe Funding Plan

Public Arts and Culture Committee · Meeting of September 28, 2026

WATERTOWN — The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee voted unanimously to spend roughly $14,000 developing new recipes for its Edible Watertown program after the Massachusetts Cultural Council denied the committee's $5,000 grant request amid a record 1,700 statewide applications. Chai Yen Thai Cookery, Boxfish, La Bodega and the Canadian American Club will each develop recipes using seasonal ingredients like corn, pawpaw and berries, with the Canadian American Club developing two drink recipes and hosting an exhibition. The committee gave Red Lentil, Ritsy East and Halfway Cafe until 5 p.m.

Thursday to submit late applications. Committee member Liz Helper said, "We did have five applications," after an initial recommendation review. Outgoing Chair Roberta Miller announced she will step down November 15 ahead of knee surgery; Erin Webb has been nominated to succeed her, with a vote set for October.

Members also voted unanimously to honor longtime Mosesian Center for the Arts staffer Matt Jackola, who worked there 18 years, with a Certificate of Appreciation.

In the full story:

• Call to Order and Administrative Items
• PAC Coordination and Communications Gaps
• Fair on the Square and Watertunes Recap
• Arts and Culture Directory
• Leadership Transition: Chair Roberta Miller Steps Down
• Public Arts Master Plan Update
• Arts Retreat Preparation
• River of Light Festival Planning
• Community Sculpture Walk
• Edible Watertown: Call for Recipes
• Prospect Street Mural Funding
• Recognition of Matt Jackola
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,461 words

Source: the Public Arts and Culture Committee meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.