Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/38/)
Greetings Councilors,
By now, I anticipate most residents have received, or seen, the City’s HomeWorks Energy communications. Receipt would have been on, or about Monday, June 23rd. The signatory of the documents is George J. Proakis, Watertown City Manager. Many of you are aware; I do not rent-out the second unit of my East End family property. Therefore, I am very “house poor”.
The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:
Republic Services, Watertown’s trash and recycling contractor, has informed the City of Watertown that they were unable to reach an agreement with their employee union before the deadline on June 30, 2025, resulting in a labor strike beginning today, July 1, 2025. As a result, Republic Services is unable to provide curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup on July 1, 2025, and the Watertown Recycling Center will be closed. The City’s composting program run by Black Earth remains on schedule. We remain in constant contact with Republic Services about contingency plans and we expect to make an announcement later today, July 1, 2025, with updates regarding tomorrow’s schedule. While this dispute is between a contractor and their employee union, we understand the impact this can have on our community and are remaining in contact with Republic Services and will be sharing an update today on the City’s website, social media, and the Everbridge Emergency Alert system.
Aliana de la Guardia
The Mosesian Center for the Art’s Board announced the hiring of the next Executive Director in an email on June 27. Aliana de la Guardia will take over for interim Executive Director Roberta Miller. See the MCA’s announcement below. Dear MCA Community,
I am delighted to share with you that Aliana de la Guardia will be our new Executive Director beginning July 14, 2025! Aliana is a visionary arts and culture leader who knows the power of building community and belonging through the arts.
Marshall Home Fund celebrated its 20th anniversary. (Courtesy of Marshall Home Fund)
The following information came from the Marshall Home Fund:
Marshall Home Fund’s 20th anniversary celebration took place May 15, 2025. Participants included community members who have contributed to both the Marshall Home and Marshall Home Fund’s success. Board members, ex-officio board members, new grantees, returning grant recipients, public servants, friends and family attended. The celebration was shared with the 2025 grant recipients. (Courtesy of Marshall Home Fund)
The event included a video which featured the Marshall Home, dating back to 1903, as well as the people who keep Marshall Home Fund vibrant and effective helping those 55 years and older living in the city of Watertown.
Roadwork continues this week around town, impacting Mt. Auburn Street, Arsenal Street, Main Street and North Beacon Street. See information below about the Mt. Auburn Project provided by the City of Watertown and manhole replacement projects provided by Eversource. Mt.
The Watertown Police Department ran a saturation patrol on Thursday focusing on stores often hit by shoplifters. The operation was one of a series of stings focused on shoplifting going back to April 2024. The WPD sent out the following announcement:
On June 26, 2025, Watertown Police conducted a saturation patrol operation at Arenal Yards and the Watertown Mall in an effort to prevent shoplifting. The operation resulted in four individuals being taken into custody on shoplifting-related charges, while one person was issued a trespassing order. The Watertown Police were assisted by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force, and store loss prevention personnel.
Watertown Resident Roberta Miller was nominated to be a Commonwealth Heroine by State Rep. Steve Owens. (Courtesy of Rep. Owens’ Office)
The following announcement was provided by State Rep. Steve Owens’ office:
Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Elected officials are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news. This year, the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. “I’m honored to nominate Roberta Miller as a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine,” said State Rep. Steve Owens.
James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”