Watertown News | Your Source for Local News

New Head of Perkins School for the Blind Looks to Build on Legacy, Advocate for the Visually Impaired

By Charlie Breitrose | 15 hours ago

Perkins School for the Blind President and CEO David Barth, right, speaks with a student during the White Cane Walk. (Courtesy of Perkins School for the Blind)

David Barth did not take the most direct route to becoming Perkins School for the Blind’s President and CEO, but he told Watertown News that the work helping some of the most vulnerable children get the education, services, and rights that they deserve is something he has done during his whole career.

Unwanted Surprises Drive Up Cost of Renovation of the City’s Parker Annex Building

The Parker Annex Building (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

City officials have learned what it’s like to renovate a 100+ year old building, and the unwanted surprises that come with it. On Tuesday night, the City Council approved a $373,000 budget transfer to cover the cost of unexpected additional repairs, as well as to insulate the Parker Annex.

Students, Families Formed “Bike Bus” to Get to Hosmer School This Spring

A group of Hosmer Elementary School students met at Casey Park on Fridays this Spring to form a Bike Bus and ride to school. (Contributed Photo)

During the spring, a group of students and their families rode their bicycles from the Southside to Hosmer Elementary School, forming what became known as the Bike Bus.

New Watertown High School Nearing Completion — See Photos

The large W adorns the wall of the glass stairwell near the intersection of Common and Spring streets. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a tour of the nearly completed new Watertown High School, a group saw classrooms that look ready to host classes, along with some of the gems of the new building: the gymnasium, the auditorium, and a two-story media center (a.k.a. the library).

More Headlines

Watertown’s Independence Day Celebration Includes, Concert & Light Show

City Manager, Council President Answer Questions About Watertown Square Garage

Young Watertown Cancer Survivor Takes Part in World Cup Pre-Game Ceremony

Sports

Watertown Football Gridiron Club Hosting Golf Tournament, Business Sponsorship Program

By Guest Writer | 20 hours ago

The Watertown Football Gridiron Club has two opportunities for the community to support WHS football.

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Football Gridiron Club:

Long before the first whistle of the fall football season, Watertown High School football players are already hard at work. Through year-round strength and conditioning programs, summer training camp, and preseason scrimmages, Raiders athletes dedicate themselves to becoming stronger teammates, better leaders, and representatives of the Watertown community.

Business

Charles River Chamber Board Welcomes Three New Members

By Guest Writer | 21 hours ago

The Charles River Regional Chamber announced the addition of new members of the Board of Directors. The Chamber serves Watertown, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, and Brookline. See more details in the announcement from the Chamber, below,

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Tipsy Tea Party, a Show at the Mosesian Center, Historic Mansion Tour, Drop into the Makerspace

By Charlie Breitrose | 21 hours ago

(UPDATED: June 25, 3:10 p.m.: the Watertown Children’s production is in July, stay tuned for more information)

The Pride month celebration continues this week with the Tipsy Tea Party on Sunday. The final weekend of a play by a new theater company is at the Mosesian Center. Take a tour of the historic Gore Mansion and learn about the intricacies of the wallpaper in the former governor’s home on Saturday. In the mood to make something, learn how at the Hatch Makerspace on Friday.

Letters

LETTER: Answers and Questions About City Manager’s New Contract

By Guest Writer | June 24, 2026

Hi All,

I read the agenda for last night’s City Council meeting. As I went to the City website and clicked on the City Council agenda, it “beach balled” forever!

Food

Bar ‘Cino Starting Monday Night Supper Club, See What’s on the Menu

By Guest Writer | June 24, 2026

The Monday night Supper Club is coming to Bar ‘Cino in Watertown Square. See the dishes on offer in the announcement from the restaurant, below.

Schools

Watertown Student Delivers Speech at Fontbonne Graduation

By Guest Writer | June 24, 2026

Watertown’s Lily Carpenter received her diploma at the Fontbonne graduation. (Photo by Faith Ninivaggi)

Watertown’s Lily Carpenter graduated from Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston, and delivered a speech about her experience at the school, where she transferred after her previous school closed. See more details in the announcement from Fontbonne, below.

Elections

State Senate Candidates Appearing at Democratic Town Committee Forum

By Charlie Breitrose | June 23, 2026

The candidates for the Suffolk & Middlesex State Senate seat will appear at a forum hosted by the Watertown and Belmont Democratic Town Committees.

Around Town

DCR’s Dealtry Pool Open for the Season, See the Hours

By Guest Writer | June 23, 2026

The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown.

The DCR’s pool off Pleasant Street in Watertown opened for the season and will be open seven days a week through mid-August. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.