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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 Boy Who Beat Cancer to be Featured at Make-A-Wish Gala

By Guest Writer | April 6, 2021

Young cancer survivor Noah McManus thanks the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works for putting on a parade outside his home on Friday.

A Watertown boy who beat cancer will be featured by Make-A-Wish during an online event. Noah McManus recently received a drive-by parade with vehicles from the Watertown Police, Fire Department and Department of Public Works to celebrate his bill of good health (see details here).

Schools

MassBay College Gets Grant to Help Subsidize Full Cost for 30 Students

By Guest Writer | April 6, 2021

The following information was provided by MassBay Community College:

MassBay Community College is pleased to announce it has been awarded $79,990 from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) for the Training Resources and Internship Network (TRAIN) grant program. This grant is designed to support long-term unemployed, under-employed, and new entrant adult workers who seek to enter and reenter the workforce and address regional workforce shortages. MassBay will use these funds to subsidize all costs for 30 students to attend MassBay’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program.

Around Town

COVID-19 Update, Free Testing Extended, New Groups Eligible for Vaccine

By Charlie Breitrose | April 5, 2021

COVID-19 cases rose for the second straight week in Watertown, as did the rate of positive tests. Some new groups of people are now eligible to receive the vaccine, including people age 55 and older.

Basketball

Watertown Boys Basketball Player Named All-Scholastic, Girls Player Makes Honorable Mention List

By Charlie Breitrose | April 5, 2021

Watertown senior Gabe Spinelli scored 39 points in the Raiders’ win over Lexington in the Middlesex League Tournament.

Watertown senior basketball player Gabe Spinelli made the Boston Globe’s All-Scholastic team, and junior Taylor Lambo made the paper’s honorable mention All-Scholastic list.

Government

LETTER: Open Message to the Watertown Charter Review Committee

By Guest Writer | April 5, 2021

To the Honorable Members of the Charter Commission;

I’m writing to share thoughts on the current Charter Review.

Around Town

Registration Open for Watertown Recreation’s Spring Programs

By Guest Writer | April 5, 2021

The Watertown Recreation Department has a variety of programs this spring. See the descriptions below.

Government

LETTER: Should Watertown Change Its Government & History of the Charter’s Creation

By Guest Writer | April 4, 2021

Greetings East Enders and Community-at-Large:

Forty years have come and gone since the Town Election on May 5, 1980 to vote on the ballot question to approve the Council-Manager form of government for the City Known as the Town of Watertown. Should the management of Watertown’s affairs continue as written in the Watertown Home Rule Charter (Charter)? Do we have transparency and accountability to the electorate? Do we need minor or major changes; or none at all?

Charter Review

Town Manager or Mayor?: Meeting Tuesday Could Change the Direction of Watertown’s Government

By Charlie Breitrose | April 4, 2021

A vote that could make a major change in the way that Watertown’s government works will be taken at a meeting on April 6 at 6 pm.