Around Town

See Photos from Watertown’s 2022 Memorial Day Parade

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown veterans marching in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade took place on Monday for the first time since 2019, and took a different route this year from City Hall to Victory Field, via Waverley Avenue. A ceremony was held after the parade to honor those veterans who have been lost, and to mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Victory Field. (Click here to see more from the ceremony). Charlie BreitroseWatertown Savings Bank handed out American Flags.

Arrests

Police Log: Man Pulled Knife on Co-Worker, Woman Busted Twice for Same Crime

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

May 17, 4:39 p.m.: At about 2:45 a.m., an officer patrolling near Casey Park spotted a door propped open at the office building in the former Parker School. The officer waited for more officers to arrive, and they checked the building but could not locate anyone. At 6:43 a.m., a 911 call came from the building, but the caller was a bit incoherent and said “all was OK,” and then hung up. Police went to the building, but once again found no one inside.

Business

Watertown’s Express Tire Looks to Bring Back Old Time Gas Station

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Darren CummingsExpress Tire & Auto has given the gas station next door a new look. There’s a new feel at a Watertown gas station, where the new owners want to bring back the experience of an old-time fill-up station. Express Tire & Auto took over the gas station next door on Main Street in ealy May, and owner Darren Cummings gave it a makeover and a new attitude. “I’m trying to bring back the old-fashioned gas station feel,” Cummings said. “You pull in, a gas attendant is there, he is going to wash your windows, greet you with a smile, be accommodating, fill your washer fluid no charge.

Around Town

Watertown Hosting First Pride Extravaganza Featuring Parade, Music, Crafts & More

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Community members are invited to don colorful outfits, and come out and enjoy a parade, music, dancing, crafts, games, and more during Watertown’s first Pride Extravaganza. The celebration of Pride Month will take place on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. The all-ages event is hosted by the Watertown Free Public Library and the City of Watertown, and will have something for everyone, said Marissa Monteiro, the Library’s Outreach Librarian. “There will be music, there will be frivolity, there will be dancing, there will be bubbles, there will be kazoos, there will be flags,” Monteiro said. “I really hope that everybody comes in their most colorful outfits because I feel like during Pride Month it is not just about showing your true colors, it is about showing every color!” 

Teen Librarian Carey Conkey-Finn said she hopes people will come and have a good time.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Captain to Serve as Provisional Chief

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Watertown PoliceThomas Rocca has been named the Provisional Police Chief beginning June 4, 2022. The City of Watertown announced the appointment of a provisional Police Chief who will lead the department after Chief Michael Lawn retires until a new chief is appointed. The City sent out the following statement:

“Congratulations to Captain Thomas F. Rocca for being appointed to the position of Provisional Police Chief, effective Saturday, June 4, 2022, until such time as a Permanent Police Chief is selected.”

Around Town

George Proakis Appointed Watertown’s Next City Manager

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Watertown Cable Access TVCity Manager Finalist George Proakis. The City Council unanimously voted to appoint George Proakis as Watertown’s next City Manager on Tuesday night. He will succeed Michael Driscoll, who retired in January after 29 years in the position. The selection of Proakis was no surprise, with a majority of the Councilors indicated they favored him over the two other finalists after interviewing them on May 12. Proakis will be coming from the City of Somerville, where he has been the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development for the past 3.5 years, and was the director of Planning and Zoning for nearly 9 years.