Watertown Housing Group Hosting HAW-Lidays Cookie Exchange

Housing for All Watertown will host the second annual HAW-lidays Cookie Exchange. See more information in the announcement below. Housing for All Watertown is hosting its Second Annual HAW-liday Cookie Exchange on Tuesday, December 17 from 4-6pm at the First Parish of Watertown (35 Church St). All are invited – come meet your neighbors, discuss housing, and share your favorite baked goods. Sign up here and bring your family or a friend!

Take a Polar Plunge with the Watertown Police to Raise Money for Special Olympics

Members of the Watertown Police Department will be taking a chilly dip in February and they invite others to join them to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Watertown Police Officer Michael Scafidi will be organizing the Polar Plunge, which will take place at Arsenal Yards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m.

“There’s plunges going on all across the state and we decided to get onboard and do one here in Watertown. We are going to do it right in Bond Square in Arsenal Yards,” Scafidi said. Special Olympics will bring its mobile pool for the Polar Plunge, which is like a swimming pool on wheels.

Dog Grooming Salon and Spa Opening Location in Watertown

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, a premier dog grooming salon, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Watertown! Known for its professional grooming services, premium doggie spa treatments, and convenient membership options, Splash and Dash is bringing its trusted brand to Watertown to cater to pet parents who want only the best for their furry companions. 

Located at Arsenal Yards (539 Arsenal Street), the Watertown salon offers the same high-quality grooming services and customer care that Splash and Dash has become known for, including:

Signature “Unlimited Monthly Bath Memberships” – making it easier than ever to keep your dog fresh and clean year-round. Professional Grooming Services tailored to fit your pet’s unique needs. Pampering Spa Treatments for the ultimate in pet luxury. Retail Boutique stocked with eco-friendly, pet-safe products.

LETTER: Time for City to Rein in Spending to Stabilize Property Taxes

Greetings Councilors:

Today’s fragile economy cannot adhere to atax and spend mentality. Rein in spending to stabilize real estate taxes. Does every elected Watertown City Councilor understand the concept of working in the best interest of the electorate? Does everyone scrutinize the financial consequence on residents of Watertown, prior to, unanimous votes of approval? Or, is there a rubber stamp given to the Administration?

Watertown’s New Director of Public Works Seeks to Get DPW Accredited

Watertown has a new Public Works Director. Find out more about him in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown. Watertown City Manager George Proakis is excited to announce the hiring of Thomas Brady as the new Director of Public Works! Mr. Brady returns to Watertown after 23 years with the Town of Brookline where he served as a key member of the Brookline Department of Public Works (DPW) team in the role of Urban Forestry Manager, Tree Warden and Town Arborist. Tom has overseen forestry operations, coordinated storm responses, provided oversight for utility projects, and represented Brookline on the extensive Muddy River Restoration Project – a 20-year $70 million public works improvement on the Boston/Brookline line that served the combined roles of addressing flood control, water quality improvement, conservation and historic preservation.

Palestinian Violinist Brings Traditional Music to Watertown

The following announcement was provided by the concert organizers:

On Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., musicians from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and the U.S. will gather in Watertown to celebrate the beauty of Palestinian music. Proceeds will support Anera, a U.S.-based nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations. Anera provides humanitarian aid to families in Gaza. Palestinian violinist and composer Lina Malshy is serving as artistic director. “This concert is about shining the light of Palestine on all marginalized people,” Malshy shared.

Historical Society of Watertown Gift Shop Open for Holiday Sale

The Edmund Fowle House & Museum with our 2022 Yard Art exhibit on display. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The Historical Society of Watertown announced that its gift shop at the historic Edmund Fowle House will be open on Sunday for a holiday sale. See details below. The gift shop will be open Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00. The Historical Society has many wonderful books and other items related to Watertown history available for sale to the public.

UPDATED: Watertown Weather: Brief Sunny Break Between Snow and Rain

(UPDATED on Dec. 9 at 9:20 a.m.)

The forecast period will bring a mix of weather conditions that will impact outdoor activities and travel. Expect chilly temperatures and mixed precipitation, with rain and snow on Thursday, followed by clear but cold weather on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will offer a brief break with sunnier skies, but temperatures will remain low, especially at night. There will be an increased chance of rain and snow showers early next week, particularly Tuesday through Wednesday, bringing the possibility of slick conditions on roads and sidewalks.