Around Town

Celebrate Local Dining, Community at Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The Charles River Chamber announced that tickets are available for the 27th annual Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns event, which includes restaurants from Watertown, as well as Newton, Needham and Wellesley. See the announcement below. Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns returns to the Newton Marriott on Monday, April 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. The highly anticipated event, now in its 27th year, is hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber in partnership with presenting sponsor The Village Bank. Forty local restaurants from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley will showcase their distinctive cuisine, with beverage exhibitors pouring samples to pair with the delicious bites. Over 500 attendees are expected to attend the event.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Strong Winds This Weekend and Slowly Rising Temperatures

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Expect strong winds throughout the weekend, particularly Friday and Saturday, which could lead to tree and powerline damage, especially in higher terrain areas. The weather will be mostly dry and calm through early next week, with temperatures gradually warming up. While conditions will remain seasonably cool into the weekend, by midweek temperatures will rebound into the low 50s and possibly near 60°F by Wednesday. There will be no significant snow or ice in this period. The march towards spring begins! 

Friday, March 7:Expect sunny conditions, but breezy winds throughout the day, with west winds around 23 mph and gusts up to 41 mph.

Around Town

East End Open for Business During Road Construction, City Has Map of Parking Alternatives

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A map of alternative places to park during construction on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. (City of Watertown)

The roadway through one of Watertown’s major business centers is being reconstructed, but the City reminds residents and customers that Coolidge Square is “Open for Business.” The stretch of Mt. Auburn Street in front of businesses like Artemis Yoga, Olespana, Dunkin’, and 7-Eleven is being torn up, theses businesses remain open.

Around Town

Registration Open for Community Dialogue on Accessory Dwelling Units

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, in partnership with Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), will be hosting an “Accessory Dwelling Units Community Dialogue” on Monday, March 24, 2025. 

The event will be held at The Apartments at Coolidge School, located at 319 Arlington St., from 6 to 8:30 PM, including time at the beginning for attendees to enjoy light food and beverages. The Community Dialogue will include a short presentation, small group dialogues facilitated by WCC, and a subsequent large-group summary. Registration has opened–register here. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes but are not required. 

The Trust plans to use ideas generated during this event to help shape a proposal to the Council for permitting Accessory Dwelling Units. As of February 2, 2025, every city/town is required to allow accessory dwelling units “by right.” In November 2024, Watertown passed an “interim” ADU ordinance.

Around Town

Watertown Housing Authority Hires New Executive Director

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Jaqueline Sullivan was chosen as the new Executive Director of the Watertown Housing Authority. (Contributed Photo)

The Watertown Housing Authority has a new executive director, after the Board of Commissioners voted to hire Jaqueline Sullivan, who had served as the Deputy Director of the WHA. She succeeds Michael Lara, who left to become the Executive Director of the Newton Housing Authority. See the WHA announcement below. On February 12, 2025, the Watertown Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Jacqueline Sullivan as WHA’s new Executive Director.

Around Town

Watertown Man Looking to Turn His Book Into a Movie

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“My Life, My Victory,” by Watertown’s Shant Cimenian (Courtesy Photo)

Watertown’s Shant Cimenian shared his tale of living with an “invisible disease” in his book “My Life, My Victory,” with hopes that it would show others with similar conditions would not feel alone. Now, he plans to turn the book into a film, or even two films.

Cimenian was born with Familial Mediterranean fever, or FMF, a disease that is found in people whose descendants are from that region, according to the National Institutes of Health. When an attack occurs, it can cause fever, and pains in the abdomen, lungs, and joints. When Cimenian has an episode, he said it can be two to three days of constant pain. He was just 9 months old when he had his first episode related to FMF.

Around Town

City Manager Will Give City Update at Watertown Business Coalition Event

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City Manager George Proakis will be providing a City Update at an event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m.

George will provide the most up-to-date information about the City’s priorities for the year to come. There will also be time to network with people from local businesses, non-profits, and more. The event is free and open to WBC members, Watertown residents, and those who work and do business in Watertown.This event will not be live streamed. The Hampton Suites & Inn is located at 25 Bond Street, Watertown (Arsenal Yards). RSVP Here