Around Town
Watertown Has 15 Open Houses Over the Weekend
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See the open houses in town this week.
In 2nd Year, Civics Academy Will Teach Residents Even More About How Watertown’s Government Works
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Watertown’s first Civics Academy drew such good reviews that in its second year it will be even longer so that participants can learn even more about how local government works and city departments function.
Watertown Remains a Bright Spot for Life Science, Chamber to Host Forum on the Industry
Life science clusters in Watertown in 2025. The image appears in Watertown Bio’s 2025 Life Science Industry Report.
The biotech industry, while slowed, still has some life in Watertown, according to a recently published study. The City boasts the third most life science firms of any community in Massachusetts, the fourth most venture capital investmentd, and 20 new firms came to town in 2025.
City Manager Clarifies Watertown’s Role in Immigration Enforcement
Questions about immigration enforcement in Watertown are something that City Manager George Proakis has heard a lot recently, and he provided some information about the role of the Watertown Police and what they can and cannot do when federal agents are operating in town.
Watertown Wrestler Repeats as Section Champ, Several Prepping for State Meet
Watertown senior Fahad Kahn, on the top step, won the 106 pound class MIAA Div. 3 North Sectional Meet for the second year in a row. (Watertown Athletics)
Several Watertown High School wrestlers extended their season by finishing well in Saturday’s MIAA Div. 3 North Sectional Meet in Dracut. One repeated as section champ.
More Headlines
Police Log: Man Arrested for Using Counterfeit Notes, 2 Stolen Cars Reported
City Issued Parking Tickets & Shoveling Warnings After January Snowstorm; Winter Parking Ban May be Extended
See Why the City Council Narrowly Rejected a Nuclear Disarmament Resolution
Government
Five Year Capital Plan Includes Middle School Project, Other Projects Pushed Back
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Rebuilding Watertown Middle School is the largest addition to Watertown’s five-year capital plan, and funding the $84 million project will require moving other projects to future years. The plan also includes projects that occur year after year, such as street and sidewalk repairs.
Entertainment
WEEKEND FUN: Rock Climbing, Pole Flying, Hockey Cancer Fundraiser, Kid’s Concert & More
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What a range of activities Watertown is offering this weekend! Yes, it’s Super Bowl weekend, but there’s so much more. There’s a great mix of opportunities to get out and be physically active, a rock climbing competition on Friday evening and adult and child pole flying on Sunday morning. Take in a hockey cancer benefit presented by the Boston Gold Kings on Saturday evening. If you’d like to stretch your vocal chords a little bit, head to the library on Saturday morning with your young child or grandchild for a singalong with Matt Heaton. A local gallery will hold a reception for its new show featuring works inspired by Maine and New Mexico.
Around Town
Snow Storm Closes Schools, Some Facailities in Watertown Others Remain Open
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The City of Watertown sent out the following information:
Due to the expected snow and icy conditions, the following Watertown facilities and activities will be closed on February 6, 2025.
Schools
Pair of Watertown Educators Running 2025 Boston Marathon For Causes Close to Them
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Watertown educators Cheryl Wermer, left, and Maureen Murphy — pictured with her four children — will run the 2025 Boston Marathon.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISER: Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio in Watertown will host a fundraising workout class for Boston Marathon runners Maureen Murphy and Cheryl Wermer’s charities. Also, Whiting Pond, will provide free charcuterie cups for all guests. All proceeds will go to Children’s Hospital and FamilyAid. The workout class Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
(See the original story from Jan. 15, 2025 bel0w)
Two Watertown Public School employees have set their sites on the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Copley Square this year, and each will raise money for causes close to their hearts.
Around Town
Watertown Receives Municipal Website Award from Statewide Organization
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A screenshot of the City of Watertown’s website.
The City of Watertown received a Municipal Website Award at the recent Massachusetts Municipal Association conference.
Around Town
LETTER: Councilor’s Statement on Winter Parking Ban Petition
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By Tony PalombaCouncilor at Large
The Citizen Petition to Help Our Neighbors
On Tuesday, January 21 the City Council held a public hearing about a Citizen Petition (CP) that would amend the Watertown Winter Parking Ban (Ban) so that it is put into effect only when a significant snow or ice storm is forecasted or when there is a significant accumulation of snow or ice. The CP was initiated by Watertown Citizens for Better Parking and was submitted to the City Clerk with over 800 signatures. (Our Charter only requires 150 signatures of registered voters.) I played a role in helping to move this effort forward and below you can see the statement I read, in part, on Tuesday night when the members of the Council were allowed to address the CP.
Entertainment
Artist’s Works from Maine and New Mexico on Show at Watertown Gallery
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The following information was provided by Storefront Art Projects:
Storefront Art Projects will host Lois Tarlow: Works on Paper from Maine and New Mexico beginning Feb. 8.