Around Town

Vendors Wanted for Watertown Senior Services’ Annual Health Fair

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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

By |

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.

Around Town

Longtime Watertown Senior Center Employee Retiring

By |

Rae Grassia, second from right, is retiring after working for the City for 23 years, including most recently at the Senior Center. (Courtesy of Watertown Senior Center)

The Senior Center will be saying goodbye to longtime employee Rae Grassia, who has worked in the City of Watertown for nearly a quarter century. Before going to work with Watertown’s older adults, she worked at the Commander’s Mansion. The Senior Center included the following tribute in the January 2025 Senior Services Newsletter (read the whole newsletter by clicking here). Celebrating Rae’s Retirement!

Around Town

See Info About New Years Hours for City Departments Trash Delays

By |

The New Year holiday will impact hours at City facilities, including City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center. Also, some residents will have trash and recycling pickup delays. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, and Senior Center will be closing at noon on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024. The Department of Public Works Office will be closing at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Around Town

See the Lineup for the Watertown Senior Health and Wellness Fair

By |

The Department of Senior Services revealed the schedule for the Health and Wellness Fair taking place on Nov. 14. See details below. Reminder! The Department of Senior Services is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 12:00 – 3:00PM at the Hibernians Hall, located at 151 Watertown St.