Efforts to Start Local Food Co-op Reaches Key Milestone

The Charles River Food Co-op surpassed the 500 member mark recently, and continues to work toward opening somewhere in or around Watertown. Progress has been encouraging for Nick Quaranto, president of the Co-op’s board of directors. “I haven’t seen other co-ops get to 500 as fast as we have, so I think we are really onto something,” Quaranto said. “People really understand what we are tying to do, which is great. but we are going to need more.”

Watertown Doctor & Singers Carol for Patients at Local Hospital on Christmas

The Cardiotonics performed for patients at Brigham & Women’s Hospital on Christmas. Among those sharing the cheer was Watertown’s Dr. Thomas Michel, who played his accordion. Patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital received some Christmas cheer this year when a group of carolers paid them a visit, including a doctor from Watertown. Thomas Michel is a familiar face, and voice, to visitors of the Watertown Free Public Library in warmer months. He often gathers fellow musicians on his porch (which overlooks the parking lot) on weekends for a good song.

Former Basketball Star Tells WHS Students How Drugs Ruined His Career & His Work to Prevent Substance Abuse

Charlie BreitroseFormer basketball star Chris Herren spoke to Watertown High School students about the pitfalls of drinking and drug use. The entire student body recently squeezed into the Watertown High School gymnasium to hear the story of a basketball superstar from Massachusetts whose career was derailed by his need to drug use problems.

Chris Herren starred at Durfee High School in Fall River before heading to Boston College and Fresno State. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets, and then was traded to his hometown team: the Boston Celtics. But while it appeared his career was on the rise, his personal life was crashing. Now Herren spends 220 days a year visiting schools, sports teams, and other groups to tell his story, and the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.

Gore Place Hosting a Tour in Honor of Edgar Allan Poe

Gore Place announced they will host an Edgar Allan Poe tour of the mansion on Jan. 20, 2023, at 8 p.m.:

Visit Gore Place for a (sort of) creepy tour in honor of the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, who was born in Boston on Jan. 19, 1809 (the same year Christopher Gore was Governor!)

This evening tour will lead you through the historic rooms of the 1806 Gore Mansion, where you will interact with storytelling elements inspired by Edgar Allan Poe while learning about life in the early 19th century. Tickets cost $21 per person. This tour is designed for adults and is not recommended for children.

Hatch This Month: Sewing Intro, Vision Boards, Soldering & More

The Hatch Makerspace offers a variety of classes for people looking to learn how to make, do, and create, and in January there are a variety of classes including sewing, soldering, and making vision boards. Hatch sent out the following information:

Hatch Makerspace is located at 20 Summer Street in Watertown, MA. An extension of the Watertown Free Public Library, we are a free public workshop with space, equipment, and materials available for your use. Events

“Made at Hatch” Display11/1 – 2/26, Watertown Free Public Library,First Floor Lobby

Be sure to check out our showcase of art, electronics, tools, toys, sewing, and other projects made by Hatch staff and volunteers! Introduction to the Sewing MachineMonday 1/9,  5-7pm

Learn how to use a sewing machine.

Dog & Watertown Woman Being Reunited on Christmas

Kobe HenroKoke will be delivered from Israel to a Watertown woman by a Sudbury non-profit on Christmas morning. A Watertown woman will get a special delivery from the Holy Land on Christmas, not from Santa but from a Massachusetts-based charity. A dog named Koke was discovered by a Watertown woman on a recent trip to Israel, according to a report by WBZ Radio. The pooch was found with a litter of newborns on the side of the road. The woman, not named by WBZ, wanted to bring Koke home, but ran into issues.