Government
Reorganization of City Government Includes Changes to Planning, DPW and Other Departments
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When the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, they also approved a reorganization of Watertown’s municipal government.
State of the City Remains Strong Even as Dark Economic Clouds May be on the Horizon
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City Manager George Proakis, left, and City Council President Mark Sideris presented the State of the City on Sept. 30, 2025. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Despite an uncertain economic future, Watertown remains on solid ground, City Manager George Proakis said during Monday’s State of the City Address. He and City Council President Mark Sideris went into depth about the economic factors impacting the City during the annual address.
Council to Weigh Changes to Rules for City Boards and Committees, City Departments
Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall
The City Council will be weighing in on a 39-page document that sets the rules for how Watertown’s appointed committees and municipal departments operate. Some changes proposed include changing the length of terms for some committees, who appoints members of certain committees, and how to remove members of committees.
Hear from the Candidates in Watertown’s Election at Upcoming Forums
As the Nov. 4 Watertown Municipal Election approaches, Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV will host a series of candidate forums for the local races, including the City Council and School Committee.
Watertown Author’s Book Honored in Mass. Book Awards
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.
More Headlines
City Manager’s Reflection One-Week After the End of the Trash Strike
Police Log: Threatening Flyer Left at Home, Suspected Organized Crime Scam Used at Nike, Shoplifters Busted
Watertown Hires New Veterans Services Officer, Who Will Also Serve as the ADA Coordinator
Around Town
Find Out What Happened in Watertown on July 18 & 19 at a Historical Society Event
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Photo by Charlie BreitroseBob Childs of the Historical Society of Watertown reads the Declaration of Independence in 2016 from the same spot it was first read in 1776, the second floor of the Edmund Fowle House. This year’s event will be at the Senior Center
The Historical Society of Watertown’s celebration of Treaty Day returns in-person in 2023, with an event at the Senior Center on July 18.
Entertainment
Watertown Cable Show Celebrates Popeye’s 90th Anniversary
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The following information was provided by Fred Grandinetti:
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Popeye the Sailor’s animated cartoon debut in July 2023 Drawing With Fred will be airing Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba’s Forty Thieves.
Around Town
Watertown Preparing to Form a Human Rights Commission, Working on Details of Group’s Role
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Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall
Watertown is on the verge of a milestone as it moves closer to establishing its first-ever Human Rights Commission. After a vote in the Subcommittee on Rules & Ordinances on June 5th, a final draft of the Human Rights Commission ordinance passed out of the committee and will move to a final vote in the Council. No one, it seems, expects it to meet much blow-back.
Around Town
Watertown Girl Representing Mass. at JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress
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Watertown’s Kate Putnam will be a Massachusetts delegate at the JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress. Pictured are the delegates from the 2019 conference. (Photo courtesy of JDRF).
The following information was provided by JDRF:
Kate Putnam, age 14 of Watertown, MA, was chosen by JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, to join a delegation of her peers and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C., this summer at JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress from July 9-11.
Around Town
Wayside Youth & Family Network Appoints New President, CEO
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The following announcement was provided by Wayside Youth & Family Network, which has locations around Eastern Massachusetts, including in Watertown:
After an extensive search process, Sara McCabe, LICSW was unanimously appointed by the Board of Directors to be Wayside’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, replacing long time CEO Eric L. Masi, Ed.D as he retires.
Around Town
Learn New Skills at Workshops at Watertown’s Hatch Makerspace
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Watertown’s Makerspace has plenty going on in July, including sewing and bookbinding classes, along with drawing and collaging.
Around Town
RMV Accepting Applications for Low Number Plate Lottery
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The following announcement was provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles:
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing applications for the 2023 Low Number Plate Lottery will be available online at myRMV Online Service Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023. To be eligible, applicants must apply for this year’s lottery by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Winners will be notified by mail if selected for a low number plate.