Wayside Multi-Service Center Invites Public to Open House

The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)

The public is invited to visit the Wayside Multi-Service Center during an open house. The Multi-Service Center provides prevention, outreach, and counseling services to the diverse populations of Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, and surrounding communities. Among the programs it offers is the Social Service Resource Specialist in Watertown. See more information in the announcement from Wayside, below.

New Historic Marker to be Unveiled, Celebrates Day That Watertown Welcomed a Key Figure in the Revolution

A new historic marker celebrating the visit to Watertown by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1784 will will be unveiled on Sunday, April 19. The public is invited to the unveiling of the Lafayette Trail Revolutionary War Marker. The Lafayette Trail is partnering with the Historical Society of Watertown to host the event which will take place on the green-space triangle by the walking path next to the Halfway Café at 394 Main St., Watertown, on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The new marker was donated to the City of Watertown by The Lafayette Trail, Inc., with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. It is one of 170 markers on the Lafayette Trail, which stretches from West Point to Yorktown and from sites up and down the Mississippi River and Eastern seaboard commemorating Lafayette’s farewell visit 200 years ago, according to the Lafayette250.org website. During the Revolutionary War, the Frenchman served as a general in the Continental Army under George Washington.

Watertown Hosting Community Paddle With Short and Long Courses

Watertown Recreation will host a paddling event on the Charles River open to all ages and abilities. See more details provided by the City of Watertown, below. Join Watertown Recreation on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a morning of community fun featuring an on-water competition and family-friendly shore activities, highlighting the amazing resource that is the Charles River. Choose the Cookie Chase Family Fun Race or the 5-Mile Community Paddle. Boat Rentals: Canoes and kayaks are available to rent through Paddle Boston.

2nd Annual Thomas Tserkrekas Mini Golf Fundraiser to Raise Money for Brain Cancer Research

A mini-golf fundraiser will be held April 18 in memory of Thomas Tsekrekas and the proceeds will benefit brain cancer research. The second annual Indoor Miniature Golf Fundraiser is being organized by Thomas’ son Jimmy, and the Watertown AHEPA Chapter 406. It will take place on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Watertown Greek Church, 25 Bigelow Ave. “We gather to honor the legacy of our past President Thomas Tsekrekas, who was a pillar of strength, a friend to all, and a man whose kindness left a lasting mark on every life he touched. May his Memory be Eternal.

Get Ready to Start Biking at an Event Hosted by Live Well Watertown, Watertown TMA, Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

Live Well Watertown will host a series of bike events, beginning in April with an event focused on getting back on your bike, or getting started biking. See more information provided by the City of Watertown, below. Get Ready to start biking at an event co-presented by Live Well Watertown, Watertown Transportation Management Association, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee

Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m., 123 Main Street – Watertown Savings Bank Room (first floor), Watertown Library

MassBike will lead an informative and beginner-friendly presentation covering:

• The ABCs of biking

• How to choose the best bike for new or returning riders (including rental options)

• The importance of wearing helmets

• And other essential tips to help you ride safely and confidently

We look forward to having you join us! Register Here

About the Community Bike Series:

This program series is free and open to cyclists of all experience levels, including beginners. The series offers safety-focused and practical information for everyday biking, including bike commuting tips, guidance on choosing the right bike, and ways to get started riding for recreation and health.

National Grid to Host Customer Assistance Events in Waltham, Other Locations

National Grid will host an informational meeting about how customers can get help managing their energy bills on April 14 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at McDevitt Middle School, 75 Church St. in Waltham. The meeting is one of dozens around Greater Boston. See details in the announcement from National Grid, below. National Grid will host a series of statewide Customer Assistance events during April 2026, with advocates visiting every region within the utility’s Massachusetts footprint.

Watertown Business Coalition’s Quarterly Coffee Connect Coming to Commander’s Mansion

The Watertown Business Coalition and the City of Watertown’s Events Team will co-host a Quarterly Coffee Connect at the Commander’s Mansion on April 15. See details in the announcement from the WBC, below. Join the Watertown Business Coalition and the City Events Team on Wednesday, April 15th from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Commander’s Mansion for a morning of networking, coffee, a light breakfast generously provided by Panera Bread Catering, and samples from BesTEA. Hear from the City Events Team as they provide a sneak peek at the City’s Events for 2026 including EcoFest, Octoberfest at The Faire and more! We also look forward to hearing from Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, who is our non-profit partner for this event. 

We can’t wait to see you there!

LOCAL MEDIA DAY — Chamber: We’re Lucky — Let’s Not Take it for Granted

April 9 is the inaugural Local Media Day, and the Charles River Regional Chamber reminded members of the role that news sites covering community news provide. Charles River Chamber President and CEO summed it up well in his message in the Chamber’s newsletter on Thursday morning. Watertown has not only the online news source, Watertown News, but also local cable news produced by Watertown Cable Access Television Corp., with newscasts Thursday evenings, along with coverage of City meetings, sports, and other events around town. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch live and on-demand online at wcatv.org. Watertown News depends on the support from advertisers, as well as donations from readers (including Patreon members).