Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/319/)
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Watertown author Robin Bernstein’s book was honored in the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards. (Contributed Photo)
Watertown author and cultural historian Robin Bernstein’s book “Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder That Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit,” was honored during the Massachusetts Book Awards.
Full trash bins during the recently-ended trash strike. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown City Manager George Proakis sent out the following piece on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.
As we end the first week of fall and reflect upon the summer that saw our regular trash and recycling services disrupted by the labor strike between Republic Services and their unionized workforce, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the community for their continued understanding and the members of City staff for their hard work.
Watertown hired a new Veterans Services Officer, who is a Navy and Army National Guard veteran with experience in frontline medical care, and most recently worked in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. See the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
A Google Map with the pedestrian path shown in green.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to get from Arsenal Street to Walnut Street through private property after the City Council approved an easement agreement with the owners of the property.
Watertown Square
Part 10: Change is Inevitable. Growth is Optional. (John Maxwell)
By Linda ScottWatertown Resident
Soapbox Alert:
There are different definitions for the word “Growth.” In its simplest terms, it means getting bigger. But there are other, less quantitive and more qualitative definitions, more subtle meanings to the word.
Last year there was a lot of confusion on Election Day at the polls because of a Massachusetts Statute. In Watertown, many enrolled voters were marked “INACTIVE” including State Rep. Lawn. In Massachusetts, when you do not send back the city/town census, you are marked “INACTIVE” on the election roll. However, many Watertown voters did send back the city census, but the business vendor sent them to the wrong place. City Hall did not receive them.
The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:
The Vets for Peace describe the Climate Crisis and Militarism Project as part of the world-wide movement to end the climate crisis and promote climate, environmental, racial, and economic justice.
Check out all the properties hosting open houses over the weekend around town.
The Old Bridge, Galen Street Bridge 1906 before its demolition (Photo courtesy of the Watertown Free Public Library)
By Linda ScottWatertown Resident
Part 9: There’s a New Bridge in Town
According to Maud Hodges, in Crossroads on the Charles: “The new bridge was designed by Wilbur Learned, the Town engineer, and it combined strength, utility and beauty. The new structure was a broad, wide arch of concrete with a ninety-foot span …. The bridge was faced with granite blocks cut in Deer Isle, Maine. The road bed was 80 feet wide, spreading out at both ends to provide access for vehicles. Mt. Auburn Street was extended to meet it.”
It was the beginning of a radical new look for the Square.
Colleen Doyle has been hired as Watertown’s first Human Resources Director. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)
The City of Watertown hired the new, and first, director of the Human Resources Department. The department replaces the Personnel Department.
The Armenian Museum of America is offering a series of events on September 23-24 including a panel discussion on “The Image as Disruption and Identity.” (Courtesy of Armenian Museum of America)
The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:
The Armenian Museum of America will host a series of programs the weekend of Sept. 23-24 highlighted by an artist panel discussing Ara Oshagan’s “Disrupted, Borders” exhibition currently showing in the Museum’s contemporary galleries.