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

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.

Groups Participating in Memorial Day Parade Can Now Register

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.

Clothes of Any Condition to be Collected at Watertown Recycling Event

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.

Watertown Business Community Town Hall Being Hosted by Charles River Chamber

The Charles River Chamber of Commerce will host a Watertown Business Community Town Hall on Wednesday, March 22 from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. The event is free for members & non-members. The Chamber sent out the following information:

Watertown has experienced a remarkable period of growth and change that’s projected to continue in the coming years. By 2031, the city is expected to add more than 6,000 jobs, mostly in the research and development sectors. A positive impact of this economic development is that it will increase the non-residential tax base.

Blood Drive Being Hosted by Residence Inn in Watertown

A Watertown Community Blood Drive sponsored by the Residence Inn by Marriott will be held on March 30. The blood drive will take place in the East End Watertown Room at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 570 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Watertown to schedule an appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. Come give in March and get a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email. PLUS, get a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card to help with gas or grocery expenses!

Watertown Savings Assures Customers the Bank is Safe, Secure and Insured

In the wake of the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, Watertown Savings’ President and CEO Brett Dean sent out a message to customers saying that the local bank is “safe, secure and insured.” See the email sent by the bank below:

Dear WSB Customer,

The recent events starting with Silicon Valley Bank and the ensuing market volatility have understandably raised concerns about the banking industry. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that all of your deposits at Watertown Savings Bank, in any amount, are fully insured through both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF) for all deposits above $250,000. This means that you can find comfort and peace of mind knowing that all of your funds are fully protected at WSB. As a 153 year old community bank, Watertown Savings Bank has had a longstanding commitment to our customers and the communities we serve.

LETTER: The Watertown Community Fridge Needs Your Help

The Watertown Community Fridge is an outdoor refrigerator and small food pantry located at the Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St., near Watertown Square. It is maintained solely by volunteers. Operating on the principle: Take what you need, give what you can, the Fridge provides free food to anyone in need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no questions asked. In this time of high inflation, many people in our community are experiencing food insecurity, and are not able to afford basic necessities, like food and personal hygiene products.