Schools

Watertown Schools Receive Grant to Provide Hands On Learning About Green Buildings

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The Watertown Public Schools received a Student and Young Adult Career Awareness and Training grant of $250,000 from the Mass. Clean Energy Center in the state’s effort to grown Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce. The funds will be used to launch the High-Performance Buildings initiative to deliver clean energy career exposure and hands-on learning opportunities to a broad student population, according to the announcement from MassCEC. The grant was one of 22 awarded in category, with a total amount awarded of $4.7 million in the category and $27 million overall. See more information in the announcement, below.

Business

Charles River Chamber Hosting Immigration Webinar for Businesses

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will host a free Webinar called “How policy shifts may impact your employees and business” on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 3 – 4 p.m. Via Zoom. It is free and open to members and non-members. See more information provided by the Chamber, below. As immigration policies continue to evolve, understanding the impact on your immigrant workforce is essential for business success.

Around Town

Local Podcast Features Jon Hecht, Head of the Mosesian Center, a Documentary Filmmaker, Restaurant Owner & an Author

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The Little Local Conversations podcast focuses on people, places, stories of Watertown, and recently host Matt Hanna sat down with former State Rep. and political activist Jon Hecht, the Mosesian Center for the Arts’ new executive director, and a filmmaker who calls Watertown home. In addition, he spoke with the owner and chef of Ritcey East; and a first time author and long time a community volunteer. He also got the latest local government update. Episode 68: Jon Hecht (Political Activist / Former Town Councilor and State Representative)

Jon Hecht

Meet Jon Hecht! He’s a longtime contributor to the Watertown community from being a town councilor, a state representative for the area, the first president of the Watertown Community Foundation and many other involvements.

Entertainment

Watertown Fourth Grader Performing in Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

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Simone Zupka

A young dancer from Watertown is taking the stage with the Boston Ballet in this year’s production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” See more details in the announcement from the Boston Ballet, below. Simone Zupka, of Watertown, is performing in Boston Ballet’s production of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker in the role of Reindeer. Zupka has been a student at Boston Ballet School for 4 years. The Nutcracker runs Nov.

Entertainment

COMIC: Guess What is Small Saves’ Favorite TV Show

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Obituaries

OBIT: John Strayhorn, 65, Former Raytheon Employee, WHS Hall of Fame Member

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John Strayhorn

A funeral service for John E. Strayhorn of Watertown will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the MacDonald Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home, 270 Main Street, Watertown. John passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2025, at the age of 65. He was the beloved son of the late Milton E. and Lorna M. (Smith) Strayhorn. A lifelong resident of Watertown, John graduated from Watertown High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was especially proud of his achievements on the football field and was honored as a member of the Watertown Football Hall of Fame.

Entertainment

A Day of Christmas Fun is Planned at Grace Chapel’s Jingle Jam

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Grace Chapel Watertown will host Jingle Jam on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m. See details from Grace Chapel, below. Save the Date for this years’ Jingle Jam: A Day of Fun Christmas Activities for the Whole Family!Looking for an exciting, FREE fun-filled evening the whole family will love?Take a break from the hustle and bustle — the baking, the shopping, the never-ending wrapping — and join us for a magical Christmas experience you won’t forget! 

A joyful, interactive family experience including a Live Nativity. Raffle prizes for ALL ages, including a Family Raffle Basket! A perfect opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to prepare their hearts and meet Jesus.

Entertainment

Musical Ensemble to Play 2nd Annual Light of Palestinian Concert in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by Light of Palestine:

On Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., a star-studded ensemble will perform in Watertown’s second annual Light of Palestine concert. Proceeds will support Anera, a U.S.-based nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations. Anera provides humanitarian aid to families in Gaza. Grammy-nominated Palestinian percussionist Tareq Rantisi is serving as artistic director. Originally from Jerusalem, Rantisi has assembled a world-class ensemble:

• 20-year-old star Layan Hawila, oud (lute) and vocals.