Elections

LETTER: Lifelong Watertown Resident Joe Ganno Running for School Committee Candidate

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Joe Ganno

Providing a Voice for Families. Helping to Create a Shared Vision for the Future

Hi neighbors! I’m Joe Ganno, a lifelong Watertown resident, graduate of Watertown Public Schools, a father of two current Watertown students, and someone who deeply values fairness and community. I’m running for School Committee because I want to help develop the leaders of tomorrow today, by supporting every student, advocating for every family, and building on the progress the School Committee has made over the last few years. Our community and our children deserve leaders who listen, lead with integrity, and never stop trying to improve the services offered by the Watertown Public Schools.

Elections

LETTER: Meet Council-At-Large Candidate Theo Offei

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Theo Offei

I feel lucky to live in Watertown. Five years ago, my wife and I moved our family here, to her childhood home, looking for connection, community, and a place to put down roots. We found all of that in abundance. From the start, I felt welcomed into this diverse, close-knit, and deeply engaged city. I’m running for Councilor At-Large to build on Watertown’s positive trajectory and add a fresh, underrepresented perspective to its leadership.

Letters

LETTER: Support an Affordable Housing Overlay to Keep Watertown Strong

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​The City of Watertown’s Draft 2026-2030 housing plan puts grim numbers on what we all see everyday. Over the last 5 years, the number of Watertown households that qualify for income-restricted Affordable housing has increased by 23 percent. Roughly 2 out every 5 Watertown households have an income low enough to qualify for Affordable Housing in Watertown, yet there isn’t nearly enough affordable housing for those who need it. 

To be sure, many factors influence the cost of construction and the potential for affordable housing. Interest rates and federal trade policy play major roles, here and across the country. But we also have tools at our disposal here in Watertown. It’s time to take a hard look at the policies we do control — particularly our current zoning. 

The reality is that in most places across the city, our zoning — the rules that dictate what can be built, where, and by what process — makes it impossibly difficult and expensive for new affordable housing projects to be built. In the few places where our zoning is more permissive, like in Watertown Square, along Arsenal Street, and along Pleasant Street, our policies force non-profit affordable housing developers to compete with well-funded national developers for scarce land.

Around Town

Wayside Multi’s Staff Member Helps Empower Youth, Works on Substance Use Prevention

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The following information was provided by the Wayside Multi-Service Center:

Staff Spotlight: Youth Engagement Specialist Christina Lupica. Since first joining the Wayside Multi, Christina has been a vital part of the Watertown community. She is dedicated to empowering youth through peer leadership, wellness groups, and programs focused on positive coping strategies as an alternative to substance use. Christina oversees the WYC and Peer Leadership Program, and she is also a member of W2B2 Youth Wellness Coalition and Watertown Anti-Bias Coalition. Additionally, she runs life-skills groups for 12-22 year olds in Watertown and Waltham through Community Innovations program.

Entertainment

See What’s Coming to the 2025 Faire on the Square on Saturday

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Watertown’s biggest celebration, the 2025 Faire on the Square, will be at Saltonstall Park on Saturday, Sept. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. See the highlights below. Over 120 local non-profit and business booths plus “Meet Your City” (see full list of participants at https://www.faireonthesquare.com/)

Free guest experiences: 

live DJ

face painting with Watertown’s Public Arts and Culture Committee

 photo booth

airbrush tattoo applications

WHS Robotics Team demonstrations

balloon artist

popcorn sponsored by Watertown Savings Bank

Animal Adventures show at 1pm

Enjoy lunch and dessert at the Food Court and check out this year’s new Cooking Competitions! Battle of the Bowls: Restaurant Chili Cook-Off presented by Roche Bros. at Arsenal Yards – free chili samples provided by Roche Bros while supplies last!

Elections

Chamber Hosting Virtual Debate for District C City Council Candidates

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Candidates for the City Council District C seat will appear in a debate hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Chamber provided the following information:

Join us for the virtual debate between the candidates, Vincent Piccirilli and Andres Guzman, competing in Watertown’s November 4th citywide election for the open District C seat. Our focus will be on issues related to economic development, housing, workforce, supporting our nonprofits, and the environment, but more general topics may be discussed as well. Questions from the business community in advance are welcome. This event will be recorded and shared later.

Entertainment

Good News Gus! Brings Music, Magic & Puppets to the Mosesian Center for the Arts

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The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts invites families and community members of all ages to enjoy Good News Gus!, a lively and interactive puppet show led by the multi-talented performer Harry Lacoste. The event takes place Sunday, September 21 at 1 p.m. at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. Harry Lacoste – singer, magician, puppeteer, and all-around joy-bringer – brings his lovable puppet pal, Gus, to the stage for an afternoon filled with music, magic, and heartwarming laughs. With years of experience entertaining children across the country, Harry infuses each performance with creativity, energy, and genuine joy. Good News Gus!