Watertown News | Page 136 | Your Source for Local News

Student Cell Phone Ban During School Day Approved by School Committee

By Charlie Breitrose | 3 hours ago

The School Committee approved a Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy that prevents students from using or having access to a device — such as a cell phone or tablet — during the entire school day, including during lunchtime and breaks.

Watertown Playground Named for Soldier Killed in Vietnam Will be Upgraded

Drawings of plans for renovating the Lt. Paul Sullivan Playground. (Source: City of Watertown)

A playground named in honor of a Watertown man who died in Vietnam will be getting an update, with new play structures and paving.

Noah Kahan References Watertown in a Song on His New Album

Noah Kahan, from his Facebook page.

Watertown got a shoutout in Noah Kahan’s latest album “The Great Divide.” The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter said he enjoyed the time he spent living in town.

City Hall Annex at Parker Building to Temporarily Close

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City’s Parker Building at 124 Watertown Street will be temporarily closed from May 2-12, 2026, to undergo electrical service upgrades in the building.

More Headlines

School Officials Outline Strategies to Improve Watertown’s Special Education Program

Restaurants Won’t be Allowed to Automatically Include Plastic Utensils Under New Ordinance

Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: ABBA Spectacle, Yoga, Plant Swap, Album Release, Italian Dinner

By Charlo Maurer, Contributor | July 17, 2025

Your weekend might kick off on Friday evening with a lively show at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, called Gimme Gimme. It is described as a sapphic ABBA disco spectacle, including burlesque, drag and aerial performances. Wake up on Saturday, have a relaxing morning and then head over to Artemis Yoga if you have a handy young person to do yoga play with. Their family yoga hour looks quite fun. Once well stretched out, check out the plant and seed swap on the library patio. Plant swaps are the best. You get plants for free, usually pesticide free, and you can learn so much about the plants from the fellow gardeners. Sunday evening there is a special fixed menu at Bar ‘Cino (actually every Sunday), and then a performance of the choral group called Sanctuary Boston back at the Mosesian. Start and end the week at the Mosesian. We are so lucky to have this arts center in our city!

Around Town

Visit Businesses South of the Charles River During Walk N Talk

By Charlie Breitrose | July 17, 2025

Charlie BreitroseThe Charles River from Watertown Square

The Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown will host a Walk N Talk of Watertown Square, south of the Charles River.

Sports

Watertown Hosts Mid-Summer Basketball Interleague Classic

By Guest Writer | July 16, 2025

The following piece, and all the photos, were provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:

For the first time, three premier summer basketball leagues met on the Saltonstall Court on Wednesday, July 2. Watertown Recreation hosted the Portsmouth (N.H.) Serious Summer League and the Honan League, of Allston-Brighton for a pair of friendly interleague contests.

Around Town

City Manager Talks About Trash Strike; Contract Negotiations Have Stalled

By Charlie Breitrose | July 16, 2025

Trash bins in Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

City Manager George Proakis spent more of his vacation than expected talking about trash, the strike, and how to deal with collection while Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 negotiate a contract.

Entertainment

Families Invited to Teddy Bear Picnic for Games, Crafts, a Raffle & More

By Guest Writer | July 16, 2025

The following information was provided by Brigham House and Watertown Families Together:

Brigham House Assisted Living is teaming up with Watertown Families Together to host a Teddy Bear Picnic on July 31 at 10 a.m.

Around Town

City Holding Hearing for Proposed Removal of 8 Trees

By Charlie Breitrose | July 16, 2025

Watertown’s Tree Warden will be holding a Shade Tree Removal Hearing f0r the proposed removal of eight trees on Keith Street.

Letters

LETTER: Praise to DPW for Response to Trash Strike, Concerns About Utility Work Notifications

By Guest Writer | July 15, 2025

(This letter was sent to Department of Public Works Director Tom Brady)

Hi Tom,

Thanks for following through and getting our garbage collected on Saturday! We were one of the first streets to be “struck” and then one of the last streets to be picked up. I have to tell you, it made a big difference in the quality of life around here!

Around Town

2025 Watertown Election Includes Races for City Council, School Committee & Library Trustees

By Charlie Breitrose | July 15, 2025

Candidates pulled papers to challenge for seats on the Watertown City Council, School Committee, and Board of Library Trustees in the 2025 Watertown City Election. At least one incumbent on each of the boards will not be running, and there will be new faces on all three.