Watertown News | Page 191 | Your Source for Local News

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

By Charlie Breitrose | April 24, 2026

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 Community Foundation Realigns Grant Programs to Focus on Impact

By Guest Writer | March 10, 2025

The Watertown Community Foundation provided the following announcement:

As a result of a year-long strategic planning process, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) has realigned their grant program to focus on three key areas: Essential Needs to support Watertown’s most vulnerable residents; Community Engagement to increase access and engagement to community life and programs in Watertown, and Education and Youth Development.

Letters

LETTER: Questions About What’s Happening in Washington DC

By Guest Writer | March 10, 2025

Dear Editor,

It appears that Americans are no longer seeking domestic tranquility and peace among nations, especially our allies. Certain media is reporting that the U.S. President is or has changed America’s policy and opinion in favor of a Federal, Semi-Presidential Republic under an Authoritarian Dictatorship.

Around Town

Watertown Will be Celebrating 100 Years of Arshile Gorky

By Guest Writer | March 9, 2025

Arshile Gorky painting at his sister Akabi’s house on Dexter Avenue in Watertown, c. 1922. (Unknown photographer. Collection of the Arshile Gorky Foundation).

The City of Watertown will hold several events to celebrate Armenian artist Arshile Gorky, who spent time living in Watertown after emigrating from Europe. See the announcement provided by the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky Committee, below.

Around Town

Weekend Work, Drainage Work, Traffic Signal Installations, and More on Mt. Auburn St.

By Guest Writer | March 9, 2025

The City of Watertown provided the following update about the road construction project on Mt. Auburn Street:

Weekend Work – March 8, 2025 – Pedestrian Signal Electrical Work

Saturday, March 8, 2025 Newport Construction and the City of Watertown will be performing electrical work to relocate pedestrian walking signals to prepare for signal preparation work at the Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street intersection (see map below)

Around Town

A Pair of Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | March 9, 2025

A condo and a single-family home were sold this week.

Government

City Manager’s Thoughts on Winter Parkin Ban, Part 3: Long-Range Planning

By Guest Writer | March 8, 2025

In the third piece on the question of lifting the Winter Parking Ban permanently, Watertown City Manager George Proakis focused on how it would impact the City’s long-range planning.

By George Proakis

Recently a group of Watertown residents signed a petition to seek a public hearing in front of the City Council. The topic of the petition and the hearing was our long-term ban on overnight parking that we enforce each winter. The Council hosted this hearing in January.

Obituaries

OBIT: Daniel Gerado Baldi, 87, Grew Up in Town, Taught for Many Years

By Charlie Breitrose and Guest Writer | March 8, 2025

Daniel G. Baldi

Daniel Gerado Baldi, 87, passed peacefully after a period of declining health on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Entertainment

Small Saves is Going Back to Class in This Week’s Cartoon

By Guest Writer | March 8, 2025

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.