Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Unveils Space Where New After School Program for Grades K-3 Will Be Housed

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The public got their first look at the new space at the renovated space at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club recently unveiled the newly renovated space on the bottom level of the clubhouse, which will serve as home to the new KidConnect After School Program. On June 12, the Club welcomed the public to take a look around the space that will be a key space for the Club, said WBGC Executive Director Gary Beatty. “We’ve called it the new foundations, that has been the project that has brought this space to life, because we are in the bottom of our building — it’s the lower levels — but it really is creating a foundation for the future of our organization,” Beatty said. “We have a really proud and storied past, and now we’re looking into the future to decide how we’re going to continue to support the kids in our community, the families in the community who have been so reliant on what we do here at the Boys & Girls Club every day.”

Sports

Watertown High Jumper Leapt to Top Level for Final Year of Her Collegiate Career

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Watertown’s Abbi Peterson competed in the high jump for Boston College this year, after four years at Bridgewater State. (Photo by Cian McCormack)

Watertown’s Abbi Peterson began high jumping in middle school, and her career competing in the event took her through Watertown High School and then to the NCAA Div. III level, where she competed against at nationals. This spring, she completed a bonus year, which she spent jumping at the top college level for Boston College. Peterson excelled while at Watertown High School, placing fifth at the Indoor New Englands in 2019 as a senior, and she made it to the New Balance Outdoor Nationals that spring where she jumped 5-foot-3-inches.

Around Town

Water Customers Can Access City’s Water Meter Customer Portal

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Residents can now check on their water usage on the City’s Water Meter Customer Portal. See more details provided by the City of Watertown below. Watertown’s Water Meter Customer Portal is LIVE! Residents can now track their water usage every day on the customer portal, where you can set usage thresholds and receive alerts.All you need to sign-up is your email address, water meter account number (which can be found on your most recent water bill), and a cell phone number if you wish to receive alerts (optional)! Visit the Water Meters page to learn more and sign-up. This portal is accessible for those with the new smart water meters that were installed as part of the City’s water meter replacement project, which began in 2023.Sign up today with your water account info to easily stay on top of your water usage.For questions about the new portal, your water meter account number, or how to sign-up, please call 311 in Watertown, or 617-715-8660.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center Celebrates 2 Decades of Being Watertown’s Focal Point for the Arts

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Guests decorate a picture of the Mosesian Center for the Arts at the 20th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo by Danielle Drapeau)

It’s been two-decade a rollercoaster ride, but the Mosesian Center for the Arts made it to 20 years in large part to its current interim executive director. Hundreds filled the arts center on May 22 for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, enjoying theater, music, comedy, food, and each other’s company. The idea for an arts center began when the City of Watertown was reimagining what could be done at the former U.S. Army Arsenal. In 2001, the City signed a 99-year-lease for the front part of Building 312, and the Arsenal Center for the Arts opened in 2005.

Government

City Council to Get Raises in 2026, Councilors Approve Most of Blue Ribbon Committee’s Recommendations

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown’s City Hall. The City Council will receive a raise of nearly 70 percent next year after members approved three of four recommendations from a committee of residents that studied Council compensation. The Council considered the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Linda Scott, one of seven residents who served on the Blue Ribbon Committee said that the group considered two basic questions: Is it time for a City Council salary adjustment? And, if yes, what is a fair number?

Government

Council Approves FY2026 Budget, Removes Finance Position & Moves Funds to Fire Department

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The City’s Assistant City Manager for Finance position has been removed from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and the money has been transferred to the Fire Department to help pay to staff a second City-run ambulance. Tuesday night, the City Council approved a change to FY26 budget during the annual Budget Hearing. The Council approved the $223.66 million budget, including a transfer of the $172,555 for the Assistant Manager for Finance’s salary from the City Manager’s Account to the Fire Department Account. City Council President announced his intention to propose the change to the City’s staffing at the June 3 meeting and it was discussed on Tuesday during the public hearing. Multiple residents spoke in favor of the change, noting that the City did not have a job description for the Assistant City Manager for Finance as well as other positions.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Bank Teller Helps Prevent Scam, Shoplifter Arrested, Passport Found

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. May 31: A woman went into Target and took multiple items, including four Lego sets, and went through the self-checkout but didn’t pay. The items had a total value of $210. May 31: A passport was found in Watertown Square on the afternoon of May 31. The Watertown Police can be contacted at 617-972-6500 to claim it.

Schools

Watertown High School Class of 2025 Persisted Through Challenging Conditions to Reach Graduation

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Watertown High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian Nairi Davidian speaks at graduation at Victory Field. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Members of the Class of 2025 endured a lot in their time at Watertown High School, including shifting buildings, the Pandemic, and of course academic challenges. They showed resilience, toughness, and a strong spirit on the way to collecting their degrees on Friday evening at Victory Field. Even the graduation ceremony had its own uncertainty and challenges. With rain a serious possibility, the John A. Ryan Arena was set up to serve as the backup venue, and Principal Joel Giacobozzi thanked all the amateur meteorologists for their advice and forecasts.