Around Town

Bricks from Old High School Available, Lane Closing for Project

By |

The old Watertown High School has been mostly demolished. This photo, courtesy of Watertown Cable, was taken in late November. The following announcement was provided by Vertex:

Exciting progress continues on the Watertown High School project as the existingbuilding is more than 50% demolished and foundation work has started. Please see below forupdates regarding specific project details. Upcoming Work Affecting Traffic Pattern of Common Street

On Wednesday December 20th contractors will be performing work on Common St.

Business

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

By |

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

Entertainment

Small Saves Gets Distracted in Class in This Week’s Cartoon

By |

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

Watertown Church Holding Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

By |

The following announcement came from Grace Chapel Watertown:

December finds us looking up. The skies are dark, and the night feels long—until the angels appear to tell a weary world once more: There’s glory all around us, and a peace no conflict can take away. Come and hear the story of the greatest reconciliation humanity has ever known, and the hope it offers each of us—here, on earth. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services are a beautiful blend of new and traditional, creative and timeless. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, everyone is welcome at Grace Chapel.

Around Town

Kids & Parents Martial Arts Classes at the Watertown Library

By |

The following announcement was provided by Coach Sean Martial Arts Fitness:

Sean Stefaniak, owner of Coach Sean Martial Arts and Fitness, will be hosting free martial arts classes for children and their parents at the Watertown Free Public Library. On Saturday, Dec. 30. Children ages 4-7 will have class at 9:30 a.m. and children ages 8-12 will be at 10:15 a.m. Parents will accompany their children during class. There is no registration required, however there is limited space available so it is better to show up early.

Around Town

OBIT: Douglas Thompson, 50, Worked at Johnson Controls, Coached Kids’ Hockey Teams

By |

Douglas Maxwell Thompson

Douglas Maxwell Thompson, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, on August 31, 1973, Doug was the son of William and Lynda Thompson. Even as a child his curiosity and independence gave glimpses of the tenacious spirit Doug would carry throughout his life. He attended public schools in Sudbury and was a talented youth and high school hockey player, developing a lifelong love of the game. Doug always had an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring him to own and operate a successful landscaping company throughout high school and college.

Schools

Watertown Preschool’s Online Auction Features Local Eateries and Experiences

By |

Handmade Russell acorn and squirrel ornaments by alumni parent and artist, Kate Martens. The following announcement was provided by Russell Cooperative Preschool:

Bid for your chance to win gift cards and experiences from local Watertown businesses! Every December, Russell Cooperative Preschool hosts its annual online silent auction. Held in conjunction with its Winter Gala, the auction is the preschool’s largest fundraising event of the year. Last year’s event raised over $7,000 for Russell’s hands-on, play-based programs for students ages 2.9 to 5.

Around Town

Watertown Housing Advocacy Group Receives Award

By |

Housing for All Watertown members Daniel Pritchard, Rita Colafella, Sam Ghilardi, Amy Plovnick, and Josh Rosmarin, flanked by AHMA staff Kassie Infante and Jesse Kanson-Benanav with the “Rookie of the Year” award. (Photo by Grainy Daze Studios)

The following announcement was provided by Housing for All Watertown:

On Nov. 30, a local housing advocacy group was honored at Abundant Housing Massachusetts’s First Annual Celebration of Abundance. Housing for All Watertown (HAW), a grassroots resident-led group founded in early 2023, received a “Rookie of the Year” award from the Massachusetts pro-housing nonprofit. “There are so many local community groups like ours who are working to create more housing access and address the region’s urgent housing crisis, so it’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts here in Watertown,” said Jacky van Leeuwen, a member of the HAW Steering Committee.