Around Town

Senior Center Teams with New Veterans Services Officer to Honor Watertown Veterans

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Watertown Veterans Services Officer Jay Terminiello introduced veteran and Council on Aging member Russ Arico, the featured speaker at the Senior Center’s Veterans Luncheon. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Senior Center hosted dozens of veterans and other guests on Monday to pay tribute to Watertown’s current and former military servicemen and women the day before Veterans Day. The featured speaker at the event was a member of the Army Corps of Engineers in the Vietnam War, Russ Arico, who is currently serves on the Watertown Council on Aging. “Watertown residents have served this country from its inception, creating this country and right up until today,” said Arico. He highlighted one Watertown family, the Ovoians, who had members who landed at Normandy in World War II, two brothers who served in Vietnam, and a member of the next generation who took part in the first Gulf War.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Children’s Theater, Author Talk on Revolutionary War Spy, Craft Fair, Veterans Day Luncheon

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This weekend in Watertown starts off with a fundraising event at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. It will be a lively community gathering and set of performances to collect funds in support of children participating in Watertown Children’s Theatre and art programs at the Mosesian. There are door prizes to win too! In anticipation of the holidays, Saturday there will be a crafts fair at Gore Place.  Think about supporting local artists when gift shopping this season! Also on Saturday afternoon, history buffs can enjoy an author’s talk about the trial of a Watertown Revolutionary War spy, presented by J.L. Bell.

Around Town

Watertown Holding Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon at Senior Center

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The City will celebrate Watertown’s veterans on Nov. 10 at a luncheon at the Senior Center. See more information sent out by the City of Watertown, below. Join us in honoring and celebrating our veterans at our Veterans Day Luncheon on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Watertown Senior Center, located at 31 Marshall Street, starting at 12:00 PM. The program includes a catered lunch and a special award ceremony led by our City Manager, George Proakis, as well as feature remarks from COA Board Member, Russ Arico, and Watertown’s Veteran Services Officer, Jerome Terminiello.

Around Town

Vendors Wanted for Watertown Senior Services’ Annual Health Fair

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

We’re calling all local health, wellness, nutrition, home care, fitness, and social service organizations to participate as vendors in this exciting event. This year’s Senior Health & Wellness Fair will focus on Brain Health and Wellness — an engaging and educational afternoon dedicated to understanding, preventing, and supporting brain health across all stages of aging. Vendor Highlights:

• Tables are absolutely free! • You’re requested to bring an engaging activity to delight and educate our seniors and a gift bag to be raffled off at the event — think interactive demos, short games, or 5-minute presentations. • Share your marketing materials, free resources, or product samples to showcase your services.

Schools

Full Middle School Renovation is Off the Table, City Could Turn Focus to a New Senior Center

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Watertown Middle School (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

Watertown cannot afford to totally renovate or rebuild Watertown Middle School, City Manager George Proakis told the City Council this week. At the Sept. 9 Council meeting, Proakis outlined the results of the feasibility study of renovating/rebuilding the middle school. The City budgeted $84.7 million for the middle school project, but the cost estimates for a project that would create a modern school that could accommodate 630 students came in well over $100 million. “I wanted to come here and share with you tonight that after spending a significant time and looking at this from every imaginable perspective, building a $112 million Middle School is not something I feel comfortable recommending that the Council do,” Proakis said.

Around Town

Seniors Hear About Fire Department’s Paramedic Services at Coffee with the Chiefs

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Watertown Firefighters Tony Caruso and Katie Boudreau demonstrate paramedic services at the Coffee with the Chiefs with the Senior City. (Contributed Photo)

By Alison Clapp

As many of you may be aware, there was an effort in the town to approve a second ambulance for the Fire Department. Tuesday, April 29th the City Council’s Committee on Budget & Fiscal Oversight took up the proposal which had strong support from many residents including a broad group of seniors. The case for a second ambulance was based both on the increased demand for the current ambulance based out of the Orchard Street station and response time when waiting for a contracted private ambulance to arrive at calls. The Council approved the request in mid-May which means the addition of eight firefighter/paramedics to staff a second ambulance.

Around Town

Volunteers at the Senior Center Fill 100s of Plastic Eggs for the Brigham House Easter Egg Hunt

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Volunteers filled plastic eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt at Brigham House. Pictured, from left, Mary Ann Di Luzio, Maria Monahan, Theresa Cameron, Jo Balboni, and Paula Mahoney. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Tables full of volunteers at the Senior Center filled pink and yellow plastic eggs with candy in preparation for an intergenerational event at one of Watertown’s assisted living homes. On Monday, about 30 volunteers filled 250 eggs, and with another round on Tuesday, said Arlene Smith, who organized the event. “I enjoy filling the eggs,” said Jo Balboni, a volunteer who has two granddaughters.

Government

Council Approves Taking of Sterritt Lumber Site, Possible Uses Described in Document

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The City of Watertown will purchase the former Sterritt Lumber site at 148 Waltham St. The use has not yet been determined. The City Council approved a “friendly” taking of the former Sterritt Lumber site, with the proposed uses including senior citizen services, education, housing, and operation of utility networks. On Feb. 25, the Council approved allowing City Manager George Proakis to enter into an agreement with the property owners to purchase the 2-acre site at 148 Waltham St.