See Photos from Watertown’s 2022 Memorial Day Parade

Charlie BreitroseWatertown veterans marching in the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade took place on Monday for the first time since 2019, and took a different route this year from City Hall to Victory Field, via Waverley Avenue. A ceremony was held after the parade to honor those veterans who have been lost, and to mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Victory Field. (Click here to see more from the ceremony). Charlie BreitroseWatertown Savings Bank handed out American Flags.

LETTER: New Flag Pole Dedicated at Catholic Mt. Auburn Cemetery

Bill McEvoyThe new flag pole at the Catholic Mt. Auburn Cemetery can be seen at the Memorial Day Week ceremony held earlier this week. Thank you to the members of the Pvt. Charles J. Shutt Marine Corps League, Watertown Police, and Watertown’s Veterans Service Officer, Patrick George, for rendering honors at twelve locations, today. Well done.

Watertown’s Express Tire Looks to Bring Back Old Time Gas Station

Darren CummingsExpress Tire & Auto has given the gas station next door a new look. There’s a new feel at a Watertown gas station, where the new owners want to bring back the experience of an old-time fill-up station. Express Tire & Auto took over the gas station next door on Main Street in ealy May, and owner Darren Cummings gave it a makeover and a new attitude. “I’m trying to bring back the old-fashioned gas station feel,” Cummings said. “You pull in, a gas attendant is there, he is going to wash your windows, greet you with a smile, be accommodating, fill your washer fluid no charge.

Watertown Hosting First Pride Extravaganza Featuring Parade, Music, Crafts & More

Community members are invited to don colorful outfits, and come out and enjoy a parade, music, dancing, crafts, games, and more during Watertown’s first Pride Extravaganza. The celebration of Pride Month will take place on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. The all-ages event is hosted by the Watertown Free Public Library and the City of Watertown, and will have something for everyone, said Marissa Monteiro, the Library’s Outreach Librarian. “There will be music, there will be frivolity, there will be dancing, there will be bubbles, there will be kazoos, there will be flags,” Monteiro said. “I really hope that everybody comes in their most colorful outfits because I feel like during Pride Month it is not just about showing your true colors, it is about showing every color!” 

Teen Librarian Carey Conkey-Finn said she hopes people will come and have a good time.

George Proakis Appointed Watertown’s Next City Manager

Watertown Cable Access TVCity Manager Finalist George Proakis. The City Council unanimously voted to appoint George Proakis as Watertown’s next City Manager on Tuesday night. He will succeed Michael Driscoll, who retired in January after 29 years in the position. The selection of Proakis was no surprise, with a majority of the Councilors indicated they favored him over the two other finalists after interviewing them on May 12. Proakis will be coming from the City of Somerville, where he has been the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development for the past 3.5 years, and was the director of Planning and Zoning for nearly 9 years.

Italian Eatery With Spots in Brookline & Newport Moving Into Watertown Square

Newport Restaurant GroupBar ‘Cino is slated to move into the space previously occupied by Stellina Restaurant. An Italian restaurant will be taking over the space previously occupied by Stellina Restaurant in Watertown Square. Bar ‘Cino (pronounced “chee-no”) is part of a the Newport Restaurant Group that includes other locations of Bar ‘Cino in Brookline and Newport, R.I., the Papa Razzi restaurants in Wellesley and Concord, as well as the Castle Hill Inn in Newport. The Brookline menu includes pizzas, pastas, entrees, bruschetta, and salads, among other dishes. The restaurant will be located at 47 Main St.

Residents Can Shape Decisions in Watertown by Taking Vision & Needs Survey

The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Watertown is beginning the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan to guide policy and decision-making over the next 10+ years. Citizen engagement and community input will be important throughout the planning process. Please participate in the Vision and Needs Survey to share your thoughts about life in Watertown today and its future by June 3, 2022. 

Click here to find the survey. Find out more about the Comprehensive Plan process by clicking below:

City Wants Input on Comprehensive Plan, Providing Multiple Opporunties