Around Town

Russell Cooperative Silent Auction to Raise Funds for Preschool Programming

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An acorn painting by Todd Coyne is one of many unique items in this year’s auction. The following announcement was provided by Russell Cooperative Preschool:

Russell Cooperative Preschool invites the Watertown community to participate in its highly anticipated Winter Gala Silent Auction, a cornerstone event that supports the preschool’s annual fundraising efforts. This year’s auction features an array of unique and exciting items for every interest. Highlights include:

A Visit from the Watertown Library’s Bookmobile: Bring the joy of books and reading directly to your neighborhood or school with this exclusive opportunity to host a personalized visit. Gift Cards to Watertown Square Cafés and Restaurants: Including O’some Café and Not Your Average Joe’s.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Mix of Winter and Spring-Like Weather Ahead

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From December 12 to 19, Watertown will experience a mix of winter and spring-like weather. Expect some cold, sunny days with gusty winds that will make it feel chillier than the actual temperature. There will be a brief shift toward milder conditions, with some rain possible, especially toward the weekend. However, winter isn’t done yet — colder temperatures will return, and there’s a chance of snow showers midweek. So, it’ll be a week of fluctuating temperatures, so be ready for both chilly and slightly warmer days, with some wet and possibly slippery conditions to watch out for.

Around Town

Watertown’s Wada Hoppah Shuttle Wins Award for Electric Boat Design

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A drawing of the shuttle boat being designed for Wada Hoppah to take people from Watertown to Boston. (Courtesy of Wada Hoppah)

The boat being designed to be a shuttle from Watertown to Boston along the Charles River won an international award for electric boat design. The Wada Hoppah received the Gussie Award for Electric Commercial Passenger Vessels: In Development. Drew Rollert, the man behind the effort to create a water shuttle, proclaimed the honor on Tuesday. “I’m beyond proud to announce Wada Hoppah was informed today that it has WON the well recognized, international electric boat design award competition called ‘Gussie Awards,'” Rollert said.

Around Town

Affordable Housing Trust Hosting Listening Session, City Will Submit 5-Year Plan

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Watertown’s Affordable Housing Trust will be hosting a listening session to find out the housing needs, and create a strategy to include in the City’s five-year plan. See information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Every five years the federal government asks cities/towns that receive its housing money (like Watertown) to submit a 5-year plan with information about housing needs and strategies. If you want to comment on housing needs and strategies, the City (through its Affordable Housing Trust) will be holding a listening session on December 17, 2024, at 6 PM. The Affordable Housing Trust will take comments from the members of the public on Watertown’s housing needs and strategies at its December 17, 2024, meeting (meeting details at the bottom of this message).

Around Town

Watertown Housing Group Hosting HAW-Lidays Cookie Exchange

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Housing for All Watertown will host the second annual HAW-lidays Cookie Exchange. See more information in the announcement below. Housing for All Watertown is hosting its Second Annual HAW-liday Cookie Exchange on Tuesday, December 17 from 4-6pm at the First Parish of Watertown (35 Church St). All are invited – come meet your neighbors, discuss housing, and share your favorite baked goods. Sign up here and bring your family or a friend!

Around Town

Take a Polar Plunge with the Watertown Police to Raise Money for Special Olympics

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Members of the Watertown Police Department will be taking a chilly dip in February and they invite others to join them to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Watertown Police Officer Michael Scafidi will be organizing the Polar Plunge, which will take place at Arsenal Yards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m.

“There’s plunges going on all across the state and we decided to get onboard and do one here in Watertown. We are going to do it right in Bond Square in Arsenal Yards,” Scafidi said. Special Olympics will bring its mobile pool for the Polar Plunge, which is like a swimming pool on wheels.

Around Town

Dog Grooming Salon and Spa Opening Location in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, a premier dog grooming salon, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Watertown! Known for its professional grooming services, premium doggie spa treatments, and convenient membership options, Splash and Dash is bringing its trusted brand to Watertown to cater to pet parents who want only the best for their furry companions. 

Located at Arsenal Yards (539 Arsenal Street), the Watertown salon offers the same high-quality grooming services and customer care that Splash and Dash has become known for, including:

Signature “Unlimited Monthly Bath Memberships” – making it easier than ever to keep your dog fresh and clean year-round. Professional Grooming Services tailored to fit your pet’s unique needs. Pampering Spa Treatments for the ultimate in pet luxury. Retail Boutique stocked with eco-friendly, pet-safe products.

Around Town

LETTER: Time for City to Rein in Spending to Stabilize Property Taxes

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Greetings Councilors:

Today’s fragile economy cannot adhere to atax and spend mentality. Rein in spending to stabilize real estate taxes. Does every elected Watertown City Councilor understand the concept of working in the best interest of the electorate? Does everyone scrutinize the financial consequence on residents of Watertown, prior to, unanimous votes of approval? Or, is there a rubber stamp given to the Administration?