Around Town

Community Preservation Committee Recommends Funding Affordable Housing Project

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A rendering of the proposed Willow Park Housing development. An affordable housing project got a boost from the Watertown Community Preservation Committee, which voted to recommend that Community Preservation Act money be used to help fund the project in East Watertown. CPA funds come from a surcharge on Watertown property tax bills, and the money can be used for historic preservation, open space and outdoor recreation, and affordable housing projects. See details in the announcement from the CPC, below. At a special meeting on Dec.

Around Town

See What Title the Library Selected for the 2025 One Book, One Watertown

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The Watertown Free Public Library revealed the title for this year’s One Book, One Watertown. See the announcement below. What happens when we study delight? This year’s One Book, One Watertown selection, Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights, invites us to do just that. We hope you’ll take part in the Watertown Free Public Library’s annual community read! Ross Gay is many things – a New York Times bestselling poet and writer, a winner of prestigious awards, a teacher, a gardener, a skateboarder, a Midwesterner, a partner, a friend, a son, a pick up basketball player, a loiterer, a lover of high-fives, and a student of delight.

Around Town

Diaper Drive Being Held for Watertown Housing Authority Families

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The Watertown Housing Authority seeks donations of diapers to assist residents of families in WHA housing. Watertown Housing Authority social worker Maeve Kennelly said she has seen a need for diapers since she arrived in September. “Throughout my time here it has been brought to my attention that many WHA families are seeking resources for diapers, and although there are many diaper banks in surrounding areas, there are few resources readily available for our residents,” Kennelly said. “To better serve our residents and help them meet their immediate needs, we will be hosting a diaper drive for the month of January.” WHAT: Watertown Housing Authority Diaper Drive

DATE: January 6, 2025 – January 31, 2025

LOCATION: WHA Main Office Lobby, donations can be dropped off M-Th 8:30-4:30

WHAT’S NEEDED: New, unopened diaper packs (any sizes welcome)

Around Town

Watertown Day Care Trying to Preserve Historic Building as it Creates a New Home

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The University Prints Building on Boyd Street has much history, and is now home to First Path Day Care. (Courtesy of First Path)

The new home of a Watertown day care center will be in a building off Galen Street that’s full of history, from the architecture to the former uses, which includes being a cookie factory to a printer of textbooks and one of the nation’s largest providers of checks. First Path Day Care Center moved to 13 Boyd St. in November after many years sharing the Watertown Boys & Girls Club facility. When First Path learned it would need to find another location, the search led them to purchase the building on the Southside of Watertown in 2017.

Around Town

Longtime Watertown Senior Center Employee Retiring

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Rae Grassia, second from right, is retiring after working for the City for 23 years, including most recently at the Senior Center. (Courtesy of Watertown Senior Center)

The Senior Center will be saying goodbye to longtime employee Rae Grassia, who has worked in the City of Watertown for nearly a quarter century. Before going to work with Watertown’s older adults, she worked at the Commander’s Mansion. The Senior Center included the following tribute in the January 2025 Senior Services Newsletter (read the whole newsletter by clicking here). Celebrating Rae’s Retirement!

Around Town

Stress Management Classes, Winter Warmer Meals and More from Live Well Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown’s Live Well Watertown:

Live Well offers a variety of free programs to enhance well-being, inspire an active lifestyle, and strengthen community connections. We are committed to providing opportunities that support, promote, and encourage physical, social/emotional, and community wellness.*

Registration is open for the January Mind-Body Health class series! 

~ Community Wellness Programs & Resources ~ 

2025 Mind-Body Monthly Series

Each month, we’ll offer a free 4-week class series to support your mind-body health. Classes will focus on reducing stress, developing strength and balance, enhancing social-emotional wellbeing, and more. Classes will be held at 12:00pm in the Savings Bank Room of the Watertown Public Library. January ~ 3-Body Qigong for Stress ManagementJanuary 7 through 28thTuesdays, 12:00 – 1:00pmWatertown Public Library, Savings Bank RoomRegister HERE

February ~ Smart Strength & BalanceWatch for registration in mid-January

March ~ Vitality Yoga 

April ~ Dancing into Wellness Coming late spring/summer ~ Yoga and Qigong in the Park

Warm Winter Meals 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025Watertown Public Library6:30 – 8:00pmRegister HERE (registration opens on January 15, 2025)

Join us for our annual winter program, featuring seasonal soups, stews, and other warm meals! This year’s program will be in collaboration with members of Watertown Community Gardens. Registration is required. ~ in collaboration with the Watertown Public Library.