Watertown News | Page 215 | 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.

School Committee Update: Budget, Fees, Cell Phones in Schools, Special Ed Strategy

By Kendra FoleyChair, Watertown School Committee

The Watertown School Committee has been busy over the last two months tackling budget decisions, discussing policy changes, and reviewing educational data that affects our school community.

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.

More Headlines

Fire Hits East End Home, Residents Evacuated by Alert Witnesses

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

Schools

Perkins School Launches Online Academy for Continuing Education & Professional Development

By Guest Writer | January 16, 2025

The following announcement was provided by Perkins School for the Blind:

Perkins recently launched Perkins Academy, an online continuing education and professional development platform for educators, dedicated to unlocking learning for children with disabilities. The natural extension of Perkins’ mission to help students with disabilities find their place in the world, Perkins Academy will offer remote, on-demand learning opportunities for educators.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Lantern Parade, Unity Breakfast, Gore Family History, Mixed Martial Arts

By Charlo Maurer, Contributor | January 16, 2025

Gore PlaceFind out about Growing Up in the Gore Family during the event at Gore Place on Sunday.

This is a weekend packed with appealing fun activities in town. To start, should you not be working on Friday morning, I suggest starting your weekend’s activities with a creative chat at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. Maybe you will be motivated to use some of your new arts and crafts supplies from last weekend’s swap shop afterwards. Then you will definitely want to head out on Saturday afternoon to watch the 1st annual River Lantern Parade. I can’t wait to see all the beautiful lanterns myself!

Around Town

Wayside Distributed Gifts to More than 50 Families in Watertown

By Guest Writer | January 15, 2025

Some of the many gifts donated for families and children to Wayside in Watertown.

The holiday season at Wayside Youth & Family Support Network was filled with generosity, community spirit, and joyful celebrations as programs across Wayside locations came together to bring warmth and support to local families and youth. As we reflect on these moments, we are reminded of the power of community to bring hope, joy, and comfort to those in need.

Around Town

Mount Auburn Cemetery Seeks Applications for 2025 Artist in Residence

By Guest Writer | January 15, 2025

The Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Artist in Residence Program is turning 10 years old, and applications are being sought for the 2025 residency.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Shoplifter Busted for Multiple Thefts, 2 Checks Rewritten & Cashed

By Charlie Breitrose | January 14, 2025

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Around Town

Artemis Yoga Offering Free Yoga at Upcoming Open House

By Guest Writer | January 14, 2025

See the following announcement from Artemis Yoga:

Artemis Yoga is inviting the local community to an Open House on Saturday afternoon, January 25th from 1 to 3:15 p.m. at their east end location in Watertown. With an afternoon of FREE classes, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover Artemis Yoga, a local independent yoga center that just celebrated its 9-year anniversary, having opened its doors at 639 Mt. Auburn St. in 2015.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn College Honors at Bates, Lasell, Wisconsin, Miami U., and MassBay; One Graduate

By Guest Writer | January 14, 2025

Dozens of Watertown students made the dean’s list and president’s list at Bates College, Lasell University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Miami University, and MassBay Community College. And a student graduated from Fort Hays State.

Around Town

Get Your Questions Ready for the First Watertown Chats of the Year at the Library

By Guest Writer | January 14, 2025

Meet Watertown’s Community Engagement Specialist to ask any questions, or raise concerns or anything else about Watertown during the first Watertown Chats of the year. See more info in the City announcement below.