LETTER: Short-Term Planning for Watertown Senior Center

Dear City Councilors and School Committee Members,

At the most recent Council on Aging monthly meeting, City Manager, George Proakis discussed some of the capital projects he is recommending for funding approval by the City Council. The complete report was shared on January 27, 2026, and this letter will focus only on the short-term recommendations as outlined in the document labelled “Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program” (CIP) which directly impact the Watertown Senior Center. The Council on Aging recognizes that there are many competing capital projects in Watertown. Among the projects funded by the capital budget are the upkeep, replacement and renovations of all city owned buildings and other property. Residents are well-aware that Watertown recently either replaced or significantly renovated the three elementary schools and is nearing completion of the new high school.

Duo Bringing Music from Memphis to Senior Center

On Wednesday, March 4 at 2 p.m., the Retro Polatin Duo will be presenting this show at the Watertown Senior Center. See details provided by the duo, below. Memphis has a rich and influential musical history. Its musical legacy is exciting, diverse, and extremely significant in the history of American culture. It’s often called the “Home of the Blues” and “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” 

In this one hour entertaining and educational program, the Retro Polatin Duo (Jill Goldman and David Polatin) will discuss, sing and play guitar and bass on songs from Memphis artists.

New Year Week Hours for Watertown City Hall, Library and Senior Center

The New Year is approaching fast, and Jan. 1 won’t be the only day when Watertown City department hours are impacted. See details about City Hall, the Senior Center, the Library, and other office hours this week in the announcement from the City of Watertown. New Year Holiday Hours

Please be aware of the New Year Holiday hours for City of Watertown Buildings and Departments. On December 31, 2025, the Department of Public Works offices will be closed at 11 a.m., City Hall, Parker Building, and Senior Center, closed at 12:30 p.m. (the Inspectional Services and Zoning and Code Enforcement offices at the Parker Building will be closed at 11:30 a.m.).

See the Thanksgiving Hours for City Hall, the Library & the Senior Center

City buildings will close early on Wednesday and will remain closed through the Thanksgiving. Some will be closed on Friday, as well. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown. Watertown City Hall, Parker Building*, and Senior Center will be closed from 12:30pm November 26 through November 28, 2025. * Inspectional Services, and Zoning and Code Enforcement will be closed from 11:30am November 26 through November 28, 2025.

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

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.

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

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.

Watertown Holding Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon at Senior Center

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.

Vendors Wanted for Watertown Senior Services’ Annual Health Fair

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.