Around Town

Our History: A Look Back at the Flu Pandemic of 1918 in Watertown

By |

This is the first of a series of stories on Watertown history that originally appeared in the Historical Society of Watertown’s newsletter:

The following story was written by David J. Russo, for the January 2012 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier”. At the time, David was the Historical Society Recording Secretary and Chair of the Watertown Historical Commission. Watertown’s Flu Pandemic of 1918

This fall we’ve been reminded to get our annual flu shot. Our public health officials advise that the minimal inconvenience and pain of the shot is far better than the malady itself. As one who has had both a flu shot and the flu, I would heartily agree.

Around Town

Small Saves Checks Out His Highlights in This Week’s Comics

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

Unity Breakfast Hosting Music, Art & Community Event Saturday

By |

Charlie BreitroseA closeup of the section of the Kingian Nonviolence Mural featuring Martin Luther King on the back of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. The following announcement was sent out by the Watertown Unity Breakfast:

Get Ready for the MLK Breakfast with Art and Music! As the community prepares to celebrate Martin Luther King, Junior Day this year, the Unity Breakfast Planning Committee will host an afternoon of music and art at the Cunniff School on Saturday, January 7 from 4 to 6 pm. Watertown youth, family, and other residents are invited to enjoy music by the Cunniff Choir and Berklee musicians that celebrates the Black experience. In addition, participants can contribute to an art mural, and learn about the six principles of nonviolence.

Around Town

Restaurant Closing After More Than 2 Decades Serving Italian Dishes in Watertown

By |

Porcini’s restaurant will close in mid-January after over 20 years serving diners in Watertown. The owners for the restaurant on School Street put up a “Closing Letter” on the restaurant’s website announcing the decision. They cited difficulties of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons for the decision, in which they thanked their loyal customers and dedicated staff. The letter reads: “It saddens us to have to announce today that Porcini’s Italian Restaurant will be permanently closing our doors after 23 years of service on Saturday, January 14, 2023.” The past 3 years have been devastating to our business, as we have struggled through the results of the COVID pandemic.

Around Town

Watertown Community Conversations Hosting Facilitator Trainings

By |

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Community Conversations:

Do you work together with others for the good of the Watertown community? Have you wondered how to bridge differences to keep good ideas flowing and dialogue going? 

Then this training is for you! Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), watertownconversations, a community leader working to increase understanding through the use of dialogue, will host its next Facilitator Training for Small Group Dialogue on January 27th (2 hours) and January 29th (day), 2023 here in Watertown. This training will prepare you to work with WCC as a volunteer, small group dialogue facilitator. You will learn the basic methods and skills needed to facilitate small group discussions in a variety of professional or volunteer settings.

Around Town

Watertown Rec Offers Pickleball, Community Sports & Games, Open Forum

By |

The Watertown Recreation Department sent out the following announcements:

Happy New Year:

Well wishes to you and your family for a prosperous, healthy, and happy 2023

Pickleball

Based on demand, the Recreation Department has added two more sessions of pickleball beginning Thursday, January 5 at the Hosmer School.  If interested, please registered today. Here are the details. Program:       

Adult Pickleball

Who:              

Adults 18+

When:

Thursday

January 5 to February 9

Time:            

Session I: 6:30 to 7:45

Session II: 7:45 to 9:00

Where:          

Hosmer School

Fee:               

$35.00        

Description: 

The adult pickleball program is designed to provide exercise and fun for participants 18 years and older. Players will have the chance to build agility and hand eye coordination while still getting a good workout. The program offers indoor court time to enjoy both leisurely and competitive play in a recreational setting.