Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Remembers Fallen Firefighter Six Years Later

By |

Watertown Firefighters honored their fallen colleague, Joe Toscano, who died fighting a fire on March 17, 2017. Friday, the Watertown Fire Department marked the sixth anniversary of losing one of their own in the line of duty. On March 17, 2017, Firefighter Joseph Toscano died during the aftermath of a fire on Merrifield Avenue. On Friday, Watertown Firefighters stood at attention and observed a moment of silence during a brief ceremony at the intersection that now bears Toscano’s name — Merrifield and Bigelow avenues. Joe Toscano

Toscano served as the aid to retired Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn during the time Quinn was a deputy chief.

Government

Deadline Approaching to Take Comprehensive Plan Survey

By |

The City of Watertown released the draft Comprehensive Plan update in late February and held an open house on March 9. Those who did not have a chance to comment on the plan then can still do so by filling out an online survey. The deadline to fill out the survey is Friday, March, 24. The survey also covers the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan. “Your participation will help the City better understand your interests and incorporate your ideas in the plans and their implementation,” the City’s announcement said.

Around Town

State Climate Bill to “Make the Polluters Pay” Kicked Off in Watertown

By |

Charlie BreitroseEnvironmental activists from around Massachusetts gathered at the Commander’s Mansion to celebrate the filing of the Polluters Pay Bill in the State Legislature on Friday. Environmental advocates gathered in Watertown to celebrate the filing of a new bill in the Massachusetts State House that would make the companies that produced the oil that created greenhouse gases pay for the impact on the climate. The event took place at the Commander’s Mansion, which is located in a former Federal Superfund Site — the U.S. Army’s Watertown Arsenal — because co-sponsors liken the legislation to a Climate Change Superfund. The bill is known as the Polluters Pay Bill, said Watertown State Rep. Steve Owens, who is a co-sponsor along with State Sen. Jamie Eldridge. “The principle of the Polluters Pay Bill is very simple: those who made the mess should be the ones to clean it up,” Owens said.

Around Town

Jon Taffer in Town to Visit His Restaurant, Sees Area as Strong Market

By |

Charlie BreitroseJon Taffer meets patrons at Taffer’s Tavern in Watertown. TV host turned restaurateur Jon Taffer recently stopped by the eatery in Watertown that bears his name: Taffer’s Tavern. Just five months after opening, the restaurant in Arsenal Yards has been doing well, as is the Boston area, he said. The host of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue has fond memories of the Boston area, having run a nightclub and bar convention from an office in Newton. “I have always loved this city.

Around Town

Groups Participating in Memorial Day Parade Can Now Register

By |

Charlie BreitroseWatertown Girl Scouts march in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Groups planning to participate in Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade can now register. The parade will take place on Monday, May 29, 2023. Watertown Veterans Agent Patrick George sent out the registration form, on which participants can sign up in one of three categories: Business, Civic/Non-Profit, or Neighborhood. More information is available on the Registration Form that can be viewed below.

Around Town

Clothes of Any Condition to be Collected at Watertown Recycling Event

By |

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm, the City of Watertown will host a clothing drive in collaboration with Helpsy. Collections will take place during the Recycling Event at Boston’s Jewish Community Day School at 57 Stanley Ave. in Watertown. The event also includes styrofoam collection, mattress disposal, dehumidifier collection and more. Helpsy, the city’s partner for clothing reuse and recycling, will collect clothing in a range of conditions — used and unused — at the recycling event.