Around Town

5K4Kids Run/Walk Raising Money for Wayside Youth & Family Support Network

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Watertown’s Wayside Multi-Service Center will enter at team into the 5K4Kids Run/Walk on Oct. 21 in Framingham. People can register to join the team, or donate to Wayside Youth & Family Network. The 5K4Kids Run/Walk features a 5-kilometer race, a family fun-run, and a vibrant family-focused festival with an array of activities, food, and enjoyment for all ages. “Your contribution to our cause, no matter the scale, makes an immense difference in the lives of young individuals who rely on our support.

Around Town

Hundreds Turn Up for Kick Off of Watertown Square Redesign, Designers Want to Make Area More Walkable

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Urban designer Jeff Speck spoke about making Watertown more walkable in during the Watertown Square Plan kickoff meeting. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hundreds of people packed a room to find out about plans for the future of Watertown Square. They saw a lot of transformations of downtowns around the United States and in other countries, but both City officials and members of the planning team gave a message that it is up to you, the public, to decide what Watertown’s center looks and feels like. Many have been looking forward to the chance to improve how the Watertown Square intersection operates traffic-wise, and make it a destination for shoppers, diners and others, said City Council President Mark Sideris. “This is an important time for us.

Around Town

Missed the School Committee Candidate Forum? See it Here

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The candidates for School Committee appeared at a forum at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Oct. 16. (Courtesy of WCA-TV)

The five hopefuls for the three seats on the School Committee in the Nov. 7 Watertown Election appeared at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Monday night. If you missed it, or want to rewatch the event, check out the video produced by Watertown Cable Access Television.

Entertainment

UPDATED: Watertown’s New Rep Theatre Announces it Will be Closing Down

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After 40 years and more than 300 productions, New Repertory Theatre announced that it will be closing its doors. The company has been located for many years at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, and it expanded beyond the walls of the theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts to put on a pair of moving plays during the Pandemic, Listen to Sipu and the Charles W. Lenox Experience. The company Pandemic also brought financial woes for New Rep, and it suspended operations for nine months beginning in July 2021. In 2023, the company’s season included three plays, including Tony winners. However, those will be the final productions for New Rep.

On Oct.

Around Town

Council Approves Funding for A/C at Middle School, Printers for City Clerk’s Office

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The basement and first floor of Watertown Middle School will be getting air conditioning after the City Council approved funding last week. Over the last few years the Middle School’s HVAC system has been updated floor by floor, and the basement and first floor are the final areas to be upgraded, said City Manager George Proakis. On Oct. 10, the Council approved borrowing $315,000 which will be used by the Public Buildings Department to design and complete the work by the spring of 2024. There was already $72,000 in funding for the project in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Police/Fire

Former Watertown Lieutenant Sworn in as Stoneham Police Chief

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Former Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor is pinned as Stoneham Police Chief by his father, James. (Courtesy of Stoneham Police Department)

A former member of the Watertown Police Department has become the Police Chief of the Stoneham Police Department. Watertown-native, and longtime WPD officer James “Jamie” O’Connor was sworn in as the Stoneham Police Chief on Oct. 10. He was a lieutenant when he left Watertown.

Sports

Youth Hockey Players Can Enter to Participate in Boston Bruins Foundation Clinic

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Watertown Recreation Director Peter Centola announced that young hockey players can enter to be part of a hockey clinic put on by the Boston Bruins Foundation. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:

On behalf of the City of Watertown, the Watertown Department of Recreation, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, it is my privilege to formally invite you to our Court Dedication Ceremony at PFC Richard Moxley Field. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 25 at 4 p.m. at 31 Westminster Ave in Watertown. As part of this Dedication and Celebration, there will be a hockey clinic offered by the Boston Bruins Foundation. The Watertown Recreation Department are looking for 30 participants who love hockey, ages 8, 9, 10 and 11 and will be able to make a commitment on October 25 from 3:30 to 5:30.