Watertown News | Page 186 | Your Source for Local News

Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution

By Charlie Breitrose | 22 hours ago

Watertown officials celebrated the new historical marker in honor of General Lafayette. From left, Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli, Council President Mark Sideris, Marilynne Roach of the Historical Society, City Manager George Proakis, Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail, Joyce Kelly from the Historical Society, and City Councilor Caroline Bays. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a drizzly, cool morning, a small crowd of Watertown history buffs came out to celebrate a Frenchman who played an important role in winning the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Watertown’s newest historical marker was unveiled, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a general in the American Army.

Police Log: Multiple Shoplifters Arrested, Fake Trial Scam Costs $14K and Illegal Dumpings

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

JIM’S VIEW: Boston Renegades Beep Baseball Team Plays At Fenway Park For The First Time

The Boston Renegades, who practice in Watertown, got to play at Fenway Park for the first time on April 12. The beep baseball team has members who are visually impaired and others who are not, all of whom wear blindfolds. (Photo by Jim Vershbow)

BOSTON — Bravery. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Among the bravest, in my opinion, are those individuals who are forced to live their lives visually impaired. Sight is a precious thing, and not having it is one of the cruelest things you could inflict on any human being. Yet, over the years so many incredible techniques and equipment have been devised and developed to allow the visually impaired community to do things that those of us with sight take for granted. One of those things is the opportunity to play the great sport of baseball, more commonly known to the visually impaired community as Beep Baseball.

Fire Hits East End Home, Residents Evacuated by Alert Witnesses

Watertown Firefighters put out a fire at a home on Kimball Road. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown Firefighters doused a house fire on Kimball Road Tuesday morning. Residents were not hurt thanks to alert employees of a Coolidge Square business.

More Headlines

BOSTON MARATHON: See How the 39 Watertown Runners Fares in the 2026 Edition

Watertown’s Bob Hall, First Boston Marathon Wheelchair Champ & Advocate for Access, Has Died

Watertown School Bus Fees Increasing, District May Buy Electric Buses

Around Town

Watertown Restaurants to be Featured at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns

By Guest Writer | March 19, 2025

Cha Yen Thai Cookery is one of several Watertown Restaurants that will be serving their dishes at the Charles River Chamber’s Spring Seasonings event. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown’s vibrant restaurant scene will be on full display at Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Our Towns, happening on Monday, April 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Newton Marriott. Hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber and presented by The Village Bank, the event brings together top culinary talents from across the region.

Around Town

Mosesian Center for the Arts Searching for New Executive Director

By Guest Writer | March 18, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Dororthy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts (MCA) is searching for a new Executive Director. Since September 2024, former Executive Director, Roberta Miller, has been serving in an interim capacity pro bono. The MCA, like most community arts organizations, is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Roberta’s return in a pro bono capacity has been essential to the re-stabilization of the organization.

Police/Fire

Fallen Watertown Firefighter Remembered Eight Years After Dying in House Fire

By Charlie Breitrose | March 18, 2025

Watertown Fire DepartmentFirefighter Joseph Toscano, a 21-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department, died on March 17, 2017 after collapsing during a fire.

St. Patrick’s Day is a somber one for the Watertown Fire Department. Each year since 2017 Watertown Firefighters pay tribute to Joe Toscano, who lost his life fighting a fire on Merrifield Avenue.

Government

City Council Newsletter: CIP Approved, City Logo Update, Victory Field Lights, ADA Evaluation

By Guest Writer | March 18, 2025

Watertown City Hall

The City Council information approved the five-year capital plan, heard an update on the use of lights at Victory Field, an update on the City Logo, and the City’s American Disabilities Act self-evaluation. See the newsletter provided by the City of Watertown:

City Council Newsletter

Please see below for the city council’s newsletter for its meeting on March 11, 2025. You can view the video recording of the meeting here. Capital Improvement Plan approved

The City Council voted unanimously to approve the FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan as discussed and amended by the Budget & Fiscal Oversight Committee over the course of three separate meetings. Total capital spending for FY26 will be $38,049,000, which is 17.9% of the total projected FY26 budget.

Police/Fire

Registration for Middlesex Sheriff’s Youth Public Safety Academy Opens Soon

By Guest Writer | March 18, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian is pleased to announce registration for the 2025 Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Around Town

Hear About the Watertown Printer Who Played an Important Role in the American Revolution

By Guest Writer | March 18, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown & the Watertown Free Public Library Presents: “The Press and the American Revolution and Watertown’s most famous printer, Benjamin Edes,” a slide show and talk by Gary Gregory.

Around Town

FY26-30 Five Year Capital Plan Includes Funds for Middle School Project, Roads, and Renovating Victory Field

By Charlie Breitrose | March 17, 2025

Watertown’s five-year capital plan for Fiscal Years 2026-30 by the has 51 items, including replacing Watertown Middle School, road repair, and renovating parts of the Victory Field complex. The City Council voted to recommend the budget be included in City Manager George Proakis’ Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget.

Around Town

Registration for Watertown Recreation’s Spring & Summer Programs Opening Soon

By Guest Writer | March 17, 2025

Registration will open on March 19 for Watertown Recreation’s spring and summer programs, including the Pequossette Summer Program.