Watertown Tab Ending Print Edition, Continuing Online

A screenshot from the Watertown Tab’s website on wickedlocal.com

Watertown’s lone remaining print newspaper, the Watertown Tab, will cease printing newspapers, and leaves the City with no print newspaper for the first time since (at least) the late 1800s. Subscribers to the Tab’s email news briefing received the following noticed Thursday morning. “The Watertown Tab will cease publishing a print newspaper and will instead exclusively offer news online at www.wickedlocal.com/watertowntab, on social media, via digital newsletters and other platforms.” The parent company, Gannett, made similar announcements about the Newton Tab and Needham Times. The Watertown Tab & Press is the amalgamation of some of Watertown’s historic newspapers.

Watertown Community Foundation Introduces New Board Members

The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announces the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the board are Watertown residents Eileen Hsu-Balzer, Felicia Sullivan, and Donna Tuccinardi. “We are delighted to welcome our newest board members and partners as we broaden our reach into the community. Each brings experience, energy, and dedication to our mission of building and sustaining a vibrant, close-knit community,” said David Siegel, WCF co-president. Eileen Hsu-Balzer is a long time Watertown resident with deep ties and commitment to the community, including as a current board member of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club and Springwell, a 24 year tenure as a Watertown School Committee member, Co-founder and past-Producer of the Summer Concert Series and more.

Watertown Police Fun Run Returns in 2022, See How to Join

The Watertown Police Department announced the return of the WPD Finish Strong 5K after a two-year break. The event will be held on Sunday, May 22. There will be a few changes, including the location of the start/finish line. This year it will begin at one of the new eateries at Arsenal Yards. The Watertown Police sent out the following announcement:

Calling all runners, walkers, and spectators.

Young Professionals Invited to Networking and Whiskey Tasting Event

The Watertown Business Coalition is hosting a Young Professionals Networking and Whiskey Tasting on Thursday, March 24. The event is from 6-8 p.m. at Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors in Arsenal Yards, 92 Arsenal Yards Blvd. Sample some whiskey and enjoy snacks provided by Roche Bros. Recent grads, new residents/employees are all welcome! 

The event is free, but space is limited and tickets are required. RSVP by clicking here.

YardArt 2022 is Here, Join a Walking Tour of the Exhibits

The Deluxe Town Diner is taking part in YardArt 2022. The following information was provided by YardArt:

The YardArt 2022 exhibition is now open for viewing! Beginning March 4, neighbors throughout Watertown are displaying a variety of artful projects on their front yards and porches. Take a walk, ride a bike with friends, or stroll with family to see some of the ‘homegrown creativity’ in Watertown. The citywide exhibit runs through April 3rd.

Armenian Women’s Welfare Association Expands Senior Leadership

The following announcement was provided by the AWWA:

The Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), a nonprofit health care organization dedicated to serving elders locally and internationally, and the sponsor organization of the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, today announced an expanded senior leadership team at the top-rated skilled nursing center with the appointment of two experienced administrators: Greg Messina, Chief Operating Officer, and Jessica Brigham, Executive Director. Messina and Brigham each bring more than a decade of health care experience to the 83-bed, nonprofit provider of high-quality long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. Messina will guide the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s strategic and planning initiatives, including the development of new services and programs, oversight of finances and collaboration with key health care partners. Brigham will lead the day-to-day operations, including the clinical care of patients and residents, management of staff, and communication with families. “With these important leadership appointments and our continued commitment to strengthen our programs, we are well positioned to grow our mission of providing high-quality, person-centered care to the communities we serve,” said Martha Mensoian, President of the AWWA Board of Directors. “Greg and Jessica bring new ideas and a record of success in running a long-term care center, which will serve us well in these quickly evolving times.”

Messina previously served as a regional administrator for Whittier Health Network, a group of acute rehabilitation hospitals and subacute rehabilitation and nursing homes in Massachusetts.  Prior to becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, he had a career in business and marketing. Messina earned a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Boston. “I am thrilled to join a nonprofit organization with such a rich history in serving its beneficiaries both locally and internationally, and a strong tradition of collaboration in health care with Boston’s world-renowned medical centers,” Messina said. “I look forward to bringing my experience in managing multiple skilled nursing facilities and helping our team build toward the future.”

Brigham has served as the licensed nursing home administrator for several nursing homes in Greater Boston, most recently as executive director of Brighton House Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Prior to these leadership roles, she worked for many years as a nurse and nursing director in health care and in long-term care centers. Brigham earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Simmons University in Boston and is a registered nurse. “I am excited to return to a nonprofit health care setting and to guide the high quality care and services that the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is well known for providing,” said Brigham.

New Watertown Restaurant Hosting Hiring Fair

A restaurant coming to Arsenal Yards will be hosting a hiring fair, and is offering signing bonuses. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar sent out the following information:

New Restaurant Opening – Kura Revolving Sushi Bar – Arsenal Yards, 130 Arsenal St., Watertown. Hiring Fair Monday, March 14 through Saturday, March 19

Hiring for all positions: Servers, BOH – Line Cooks, and Dishwashers

Competitive Pay + Tips! Hiring on the spot! $750.00 Sign on bonus!

Watertown Library Now Offering Pickup from Lockers 24/7

Watertown LibraryWatertown Library staff show off the new lockers available to patrons. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:

Lockers at the Library? That’s right. The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is launching a new outdoor pickup option which will make it easier for anyone to pick up materials twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.