Around Town

East End Open for Business During Road Construction, City Has Map of Parking Alternatives

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A map of alternative places to park during construction on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. (City of Watertown)

The roadway through one of Watertown’s major business centers is being reconstructed, but the City reminds residents and customers that Coolidge Square is “Open for Business.” The stretch of Mt. Auburn Street in front of businesses like Artemis Yoga, Olespana, Dunkin’, and 7-Eleven is being torn up, theses businesses remain open.

Around Town

Watertown Man Looking to Turn His Book Into a Movie

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“My Life, My Victory,” by Watertown’s Shant Cimenian (Courtesy Photo)

Watertown’s Shant Cimenian shared his tale of living with an “invisible disease” in his book “My Life, My Victory,” with hopes that it would show others with similar conditions would not feel alone. Now, he plans to turn the book into a film, or even two films.

Cimenian was born with Familial Mediterranean fever, or FMF, a disease that is found in people whose descendants are from that region, according to the National Institutes of Health. When an attack occurs, it can cause fever, and pains in the abdomen, lungs, and joints. When Cimenian has an episode, he said it can be two to three days of constant pain. He was just 9 months old when he had his first episode related to FMF.

Around Town

City Manager Will Give City Update at Watertown Business Coalition Event

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City Manager George Proakis will be providing a City Update at an event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m.

George will provide the most up-to-date information about the City’s priorities for the year to come. There will also be time to network with people from local businesses, non-profits, and more. The event is free and open to WBC members, Watertown residents, and those who work and do business in Watertown.This event will not be live streamed. The Hampton Suites & Inn is located at 25 Bond Street, Watertown (Arsenal Yards). RSVP Here

Government

Get a Look at the Inner Workings of City Government at the New Watertown Civics Academy

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Watertown residents can get an in depth look into how the City’s government works, and even get a chance to see how they would deal with some real-world situations during a new program offered by the City. The City of Watertown recently announced the first Watertown Civics Academy, and residents can apply now through March 21. “Civics Academy is a 6-week program, meeting on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. from May 8 to June 12, 2025. Each session will cover a different theme and topic within Watertown’s government, from the City Council, to our Public Works Department, to the way the City approaches Climate resiliency, and much more – all directly from the Watertown City Staff!,” the City’s announcement said. The idea for the Civics Academy came from Watertown City Manager George Proakis, according to Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist, who is helping to plan the sessions.

Sports

WHS Sports: 2 Wrestlers Headed to New Englands, Boys Hockey Battles Triton in Round of 16

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Watertown senior Tessa Master is heading back to the New England Championships after finishing third at the All-State Wrestling Meet. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s wrestlers made more history this week as two athletes placed at All-States and will move on to the New England Championships. The Watertown-Wayland boys hockey team skated in a close game at Triton in the Round of 16 of the State Tournament. Wrestling

For the first time, two Watertown wrestlers will compete at the New England Wrestling Championships, and for the first time a Raider will be in the boys’ bracket. On Saturday, Watertown’s Tessa Master finished third at the All-State Wrestling Meet in Methuen.

Government

City Will Add New Position of Human Services Director

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City of WatertownThe Parker Annex Building is the recommended home of the City’s new Health and Human Services Department. A new position will be added to the City government, the director of Human Services, after the City Council approved implementing the recommendations of the Health and Human Services Assessment report. On Tuesday, the Council unanimously approved the recommendations, and the Human Services Director position has been posted on the City’s Employment webpage. The Council also approved transferring $38,000 from the Council Reserve to fund the new position for the rest of the fiscal year. Rob Buchanan, Principal at Health Management Associates (HMA), presented the recommendations of the assessment to the City Council’s Committee on Human Services at a meeting on Feb.