Watertown News | Page 356 | Your Source for Local News

State of the City Remains Strong Even as Dark Economic Clouds May be on the Horizon

By Charlie Breitrose | 15 hours ago

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

Watertown’s Parents Helping Parents Receives $500K Grant

By Guest Writer | June 20, 2023

Parents Helping Parents Celebrates Receiving a grant from the Cummings Foundation.

The following announcement was provided by Parents Helping Parents:

Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Watertown-based organization was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $500,000 over 10 years.

Entertainment

Watertown Summer Concerts Open This Week with Folk Duo

By Charlie Breitrose | June 19, 2023

90-Mile Portage90-Mile Portage, made up of pianist/composer Ben Cosgrove and singer/songwriter Jamie Kallestad, will perform on Aug. 10 in Watertown’s free Saltonstall Park Concert.

A concert by folk duo Jamie Kallestad and Ben Cosgrove, known as 90-Mile Portage, will kick off Watertown’s Summer Concert Series.

Around Town

Armenian Culture Connection Holds First Events, More Planned

By Guest Writer | June 19, 2023

The Armenian Culture Connection put on a performance at First Parish Church of Watertown. (Photo by ACC)

The following information was provided by the Armenian Culture Connection:

The Armenian Culture Connection (ACC) was founded six months ago in Boston. “Our mission,” says founder Ms. Izabella Djevalikian, “is to connect with Armenian and other cultural organizations in Greater Boston to promote Armenian Art and Culture to the public at large.”

Around Town

Gore Place Hosting Jane Austen Themed Garden Party

By Guest Writer | June 19, 2023

The following announcement was provided by Gore Place:

On Sunday, July 9 at 2 pm, you can have a bit of Regency splendor during the Jane Austen Garden Party on the grounds of beautiful Gore Place — a site fit for one of the celebrated author’s famous novels. There will be drinks and a box lunch, live music, and lawn games! Stroll through the elegant Gore mansion and imagine yourself back in the Romantic Era of Austen!