Snow season has arrived, and this winter Watertown residents will be required to shovel snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their homes within 24 hours after the end of the storm. In future years failing to do so could result in a warning and fine, but this year the City will focus on educating rather than ticketing. The City Council approved changes to the Watertown Snow Ordinance in January. City staff planned to use the remainder of the 2023-24 winter to educate residents about how the new residential snow shoveling rules work, but since then the area has not had a significant snowfall. With this in mind, in the winter of 2024-25 the City will once again focus on education, said Tyler Cote, Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist.
Around Town
Giving Tuesday: See Some Local Organizations You Can Support
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Watertown has many worthy organizations to support on Giving Tuesday, whether it is supporting children, the arts, troops overseas, history, and more. Watertown Community Foundation
Giving Tuesday is almost here! How will you give for the greatest impact? Your support of the Watertown Community Foundation can been a force for positive change in people’s lives in Watertown. Your donations have helped:
Feed people
House people
Support and educate kids
Invest in the arts and protect the environment
Build community by bringing people together
You can see your impact here.
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Charles River Chamber Hosting Watertown Business Awards Night
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The Charles River Regional Chamber will celebrate all the great businesses and nonprofit organizations in Watertown at the first annual Watertown Night on Thursday, January 23rd. All ticket proceeds will benefit Watertown Boys & Girls Club. We’ll be recognizing those who have made a significant impact in Watertown through their leadership, innovation, and service in four award categories:
Business Excellence Award
Recognizes a business that has demonstrated outstanding success, innovation, and a significant contribution to the local economy. Community Leadership Award
Honors an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication to service, creating a lasting and positive impact on the Watertown community. Customer Service Award
Awarded to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and fostering strong customer relationships in Watertown. Nonprofit Impact Award
Celebrates a nonprofit organization that has made a significant difference in the lives of others through its programs, initiatives, and advocacy.
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Watertown Veterans’ Services Holding Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony
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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:
Please join Watertown Veterans’ Services on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. for the Pearl Harbor Ceremony on the wharf in Watertown Square, behind the Hood Rubber monument along the river. Attendees arriving by vehicle should park on Charles River Rd.
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City Hosting Info Session on Heat Pumps, Seeks Coaches and Ambassadors
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The City of Watertown’s Sustainability Team will be hosting a session where residents can learn about heat pumps for their homes, and the City also seeks residents to become heat pump coaches and ambassadors. See more information in the announcements from the City. Heat Pumps 101
Save the date for Heat Pumps 101 on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 11-12:30 pm at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. Come join Steve Breit, co-founder of HeatSmart Alliance, in a discussion around fundamentals of heat pumps systems. You will also have the chance to learn about the Mass Save program. Together, we will outline key factors homeowners should consider when deciding to upgrade their HVAC systems.
Heat Pump Coaches and Ambassadors Wanted
The City of Watertown Sustainability Team is inviting talented and caring residents to join us to promote heat pump installations in town!
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Half a Dozen Homes Sold in Watertown This Week
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Watertown’s home sales include three condos, a pair of two-family homes, and a townhouse. 19 Templeton Pkwy. #2, 5 bedroom 2 bathroom 1,840 sq. ft. Condo, Sold: $825,000
220 Sycamore St., 4 bedroom 3 bathroom 2,547 sq.
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Watertown to Fund Temporary Paving of Mt. Auburn Street
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The following update about the Mt. Auburn Street project was provided by the City of Waterotwn:
Temporary Paving Expected to be Completed Next Week
The City of Watertown has initiated work to temporarily level and pave the remainder of Mount Auburn Street next week while we await the completion of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. Originally not anticipated to receive any temporary paving as part of the project, the City has stepped in to fund this work to ensure one of Watertown’s busiest roads is paved for safer, smoother travel in 2024 ahead of the winter season. This work is being accelerated beyond the scope of the ongoing Mt.
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Watertown Company’s Annual Thanksgiving Meal Donation Has Grown to Help 85 Families
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The Watertown Police Department’s Whooley Foundation delivered 85 Thanksgiving meals to families in town this year. Akian Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning started the program three years ago and this year donated the majority of the meals. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Once again this Thanksgiving, the Watertown Police Department’s Whooley Foundation teamed with a local business to provide dozens of meals to families who would struggle to put on dinner for the holiday. Three years ago, Steve and Alex Akian, the owners of Akian Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, donated 10 Thanksgiving meals to help people in Watertown. This year they provided dozens of meals, and were joined by the Watertown Community Foundation Outreach, Bob Airasian, Watertown Youth Hockey, Doug Orifice/Arsenal Financial, and East Cambridge Savings Bank to provide 85 meals.
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More Than 1,200 Runners Take Part in the 19th Annual Donohue’s Turkey Trot, See the Photos
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One of the participants in the 2024 Donohue’s Bar & Grill Turkey Trot came dressed for the occasion. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The 19th Annual Donohue’s Bar & Grill Turkey Trot welcomed more than 1,200 runners and walkers, some with kids in strollers, others with dogs, and a more than a few in turkey gear on Thursday morning. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Proceeds from the 5K race go to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The fastest runner in 2024 was Glenn Bell who finished the course in a time of 16:02. Michael Stent was second in a time of 16:16, and Benjamin Morris finished two seconds later in third.