Around Town

Toyota of Watertown Collecting Toys for Whooley Foundation

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The following announcement was provided by Toyota of Watertown:

Toyota of Watertown has teamed up with the Watertown Police Department and the Whooley Foundation for the annual toy drive. Former Sergeant John “Sonny” Whooley began the tradition over 30 years ago. After he died, the Police Department decided to keep his spirit of giving alive and established the Whooley Foundation in Sonny’s honor. Toyota of Watertown is collecting donations of new unwrapped toys, gift cards, and monetary donations to assist with 100 different family’s in our community. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Toyota of Watertown at 149 Arsenal St., Watertown.

Around Town

Historic Paintings Removed from City Hall to be Restored Using Community Preservation Funds

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Charlie BreitroseEmployees from Maquette Fine Arts Services prepare one of the historic paintings in City Hall’s lobby to be removed from the wall for restoration. Stephen Munroe of Maquette, center, speaks with art preservationist Louise Orsini, right. Friday morning a quiet sense of anticipation filled the lobby of Watertown’s City Hall. The marble covered atrium was filled with history lovers and art preservationists waiting to see what secrets are held by a pair of paintings dating back to the early 1930s. The towering paintings have been inset into the walls of Watertown’s Town Hall (since 2021 City Hall) since it opened in 1932.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Introduces New Executive Director

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Board of Directors of Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) proudly announces the appointment of Athelia A. Tilson (Tia) as its next Executive Director. Tia is a seasoned, strategic leader, community activist, and fundraiser with over 20 years’ experience identifying and developing partnerships to strengthen non-profits, and deep work in the city’s community organizations.  

Tia has managed significant development efforts for major health, scientific, educational, and human services organizations, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Ariadne Labs, Pathfinder International, MIT, The Home for Little Wanderers, and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. “Tia brings extraordinary knowledge and understanding of how life sciences and research entities can collaborate with community partners to create opportunities for both to thrive, and we are thrilled she will be our next Executive Director,” said David Siegel, former WCF Co-President who chaired the Search Committee. 

Tia will formally join WCF in her new role on Jan. 2, 2023.

Around Town

Holiday Fun at Commanders Mansion’s Whoville Jubilee & Tree Lighting

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Charlie BreitroseA crowd gathered for the tree lighting outside the Watertown Commander’s Mansion on Saturday night. Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion shone with lights and welcomed hundreds of families for the 2022 Whoville Jubilee and Tree Lighting on Saturday. Visitors entered through an arch of lights, and were welcomed to the event by the Mayor of Whoville (City Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli). Charlie BreitroseVisitors to the Whoville Jubilee entered through an arch of lights. Food trucks served up goodies to hungry visitors, and free hot cocoa and cookies were provided for those feeling a bit peckish.

Around Town

Watertown High Basketball Teams Hosting Raiders Hoop Night

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown’s boys basketball reached the MIAA Div. 3 Final in 2022. This year’s team will be introduced at Raider Hoop Night. Both of Watertown High School’s 2022-23 varsity basketball teams will be introduced on Raiders Hoop Night. Youth players are invited to take part in skill stations and games with varsity players and coaches.

Around Town

LETTER: Former Councilor’s Shares Letter on Development from 2016

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In response to recent projects being approved and proposed in Watertown, former District A Councilor Angeline Kounelis sent out a letter she submitted to Planning Board and City Officials in December 2016 regarding the property at 485-615 Arsenal St. (Arsenal Yards) and the Master Plan Special Permit. She added that she voted against the 2015 Watertown Comprehensive Plan and the 2016 Regional Mixed Use District. Greetings,

SHADOWS FROM THE PAST – 12/14/2016

For many years; many of us have been advocating for: “…balance…for viable development that will blend with less consequence on our community and its residents.” Although some of the then proposed site specifics for Arsenal Yards have changed; the location remains: “a city within a city with amenities galore for its prospective residents.”

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Watertown Holding Household Sharps Disposal & Collection Day

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The Watertown Health Department will be collecting needles, syringes and other household sharps on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall. The Health Department provided the following information. Syringes may be discarded by bringing them to the Household Sharps Collection days. Follow these tips (PDF) while handling syringes.