Around Town

Watertown Housing Authority Hosts Successful Community Day

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The Watertown Fire and Police departments came out to the Community Day at WHA. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Housing Authority:

The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) Resident Services Department proudly hosted its annual resource fair, now renamed as “Community Day at WHA.” This much-anticipated event brings together WHA residents and the broader community by connecting families to important local, regional, and state resources — right in their own neighborhood. Over 150 residents and neighbors joined in the celebration, which featured a wide range of community partners, including MassHire, LiveWell & Farmers Market, the City’s 311 and Recreation Departments, Watertown Boys & Girls Club, Wayside Multi-Service Center, and the Watertown Family Network. These organizations provided information, tools, and opportunities to support resident well-being and strengthen community ties. 

The Watertown Housing Authority hosted Community Day at WHA on June 9.

Around Town

Watertown Group Completes 5K as Part of Girls on the Run Program

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The group of Watertown runners who took part in the Girls on the Run 5K. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Girls on the Run:

After a few-year hiatus, Girls on the Run made a triumphant return to Watertown this spring, thanks to the partnership between Watertown Recreation and the Hosmer School. The eight-week program, which began on April 2, at the Hosmer School, culminated in a celebratory 5K on the Boston Common on May 31. 

Twenty-six girls in grades 3 through 5 participated in the program on Wednesdays and Fridays after school to run, learn, and grow. Over the span of the 8 weeks, they not only built stamina and running technique but also learned valuable life skills like goal-setting, positive self-talk, and teamwork; all parts of the Girls on the Run curriculum. Seven dedicated coaches comprised of community volunteers, a Hosmer School teacher, and a Hosmer parent led the girls through the program. Their commitment to both physical training and personal encouragement helped participants develop confidence and form strong bonds not only with each other, but with the coaches as well.

Obituaries

OBIT: Emma (D’Amico) Gaeta, 95, Former Head of Watertown High School Cafeteria

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Emma Gaeta

A Mass of Christian Burial for Emma Florence (D’Amico) Gaeta will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Patrick Church, Watertown. Emma was born and raised in Watertown, Massachusetts, to the late Francesco and Teresa (Zaccagnini) D’Amico. A proud lifelong resident of Watertown, she passed away peacefully,surrounded by her loving family, on June 8, 2025, at the age of 95. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Anthony Gaeta, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Obituaries

OBIT: Paul Connolly, 77, Longtime Hibernian, Musician, Worked at Shipley Co.

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Paul Connolly

Paul G. Connolly, age 77, of Watertown, died on June 4, 2025 at New Horizons in Marlborough after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Born in Polrevagh, County Galway, Ireland in 1947, he immigrated to the United States in the 1960’s, where he worked at The Shipley Company for several decades, initially in Newton Lower Falls and later in Marlborough. Paul recorded two albums with his brother’s band (“Mike Connolly’s Celticaires”) in the 1980’s and later went on to become a DJ for many years. He spent the majority of his free time with his friends at The Hibernians, where he also worked as a bartender and rental hall agent. An accomplished accordion player, Paul was a fan of Boston’s professional sports teams and listening to Irish music. He was the beloved husband of Rosemary (Murphy) Connolly. Loving father of Tom Connolly and his wife Laura & Paul Connolly. Dear brother of Julie Higgins and the late Mary, Ann, Peter, Mike, and John.

Government

Watertown Hires Director of City’s New Human Services Department

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown is excited to introduce Jenna Bancroft, LICSW, as the City’s first Human Services Director! Jenna joins Watertown after over four years with the City of Newton, where she most recently served as the Director of Human Services. During her time there, Jenna was a key figure in the City’s on-going efforts in providing case management to residents in need of food access, financial assistance, housing, and other supports. Jenna also facilitated the Newton Coalition for Community Wellness, where she delivered community-based wellness, education, and resources about substance use to residents. The Human Services Director position and Department are newly created in Watertown after being a primary recommendation in the Health and Human Services Assessment project the City undertook in 2023 and 2024.

Schools

Watertown Students Will Learn About Nutrition, Agriculture in Former Freight Containers

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Watertown Public Schools educators look inside the Freight Farm indoor growing system that was built inside a former freight container. The following piece was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

Watertown Public Schools is expanding its educational opportunities for students with the addition of a new Freight Farm, a converted shipping container outfitted to grow food year-round. The 40-foot container allows for food and crops to be grown in a controlled, self-contained environment by utilizing vertical farming techniques and a closed-loop system. The Freight Farm will be used to expand course offerings at Watertown High School while also increasing food production for Watertown’s school cafeterias. “After many years of planning, preparation, and securing funding, we are thrilled to welcome the arrival of our Freight Farm,” said Superintendent Dede Galdston.

Letters

LETTER: Watertown Library Trustee Will Not Seek Re-election

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Barbara Biacnone (Sara’s mother), Library Trustee Sara Keary, and Tim Whelan (Sara’s step-father); This photo was taken in early September 2022 days after Sara’s mother and step-father moved from Pennsylvania to Watertown. Sara had accompanied them to get their library cards from WFPL. (Photo by Carey Conkey-Finn)

To the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees, Library Staff, and Community Members,

After much reflection, I’ve decided not to seek re-election to the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees. The past four years have been challenging and transformative-both personally and in my role as a trustee. Early in my term, the board faced a difficult leadership transition following the retirement of our long-time director.

Letters

LETTER: Chamber Supports Increasing City Council Compensation

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Dear President Sideris,

The Charles River Regional Chamber supports the Blue Ribbon Commission’s proposal to increase City Councilor and Council President compensation. Public service is demanding, often thankless work. If we want to continue attracting talented, diverse, and committed civic leaders, especially those who may not be independently wealthy or retired, we must offer compensation that at least begins to reflect the time, energy, and responsibility these positions require. Most importantly, improved compensation reflects the value of public service and strengthens our democracy by broadening the pool of individuals who can realistically serve. The commission’s recommendation is the result of a thorough data-driven examination of peer communities, taking into account the city’s budget and core responsibilities.