Around Town

Watertown Savings Employees Prepare Backpacks to Send to Troops Via Operation American Soldier

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Employees from Watertown Savings Bank put together more than 130 backpacks for troops at Operation American Soldier. (Contributed Photo)

Recently employees from Watertown Savings Bank helped out at Operation American Soldier, and filled backpacks to send to American servicemen and women. The volunteers went to the Watertown-based non-profit and put together more than 130 backpacks to send to troops, said Wendy Rocca, co-founder of Operation American Soldier. Each pack also included a handwritten note. The backpacks included a note to the serviceman or woman who will receive it.

Around Town

Wayside Multi’s PSA Debuts on Cable, Focuses on How the Program Meets Residents’ Needs

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A screenshot from the Wayside Youth and Family Network Multi Service Center’s PSA. The Wayside Youth and Family Support Network Multi-Service Center recently debuted a public service announcement on Watertown Cable Access TV, featuring Program Director Sophia Suarez-Friedman. She spoke about the increasing stress among Watertown residents as they struggle to meet basic needs. Through Wayside, residents can be connected to housing assistance, food, and more services. Wayside provides a variety of services, including outreach, counseling services, and substance use prevention.

Around Town

Charles River Chamber Launches New Campaign to Support Local Artists, Cultural Non-Profits this Holiday Season

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching a new seasonal initiative to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally for art and support the creative economy across Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. The new Support Local Arts & Culture campaign provides downloadable, ready-to-share graphics and language designed to highlight the contributions of local artists, makers, galleries, and cultural nonprofits during the peak holiday shopping period. The campaign centers on “10 Ways to Support Arts and Culture,” highlighting various ways to engage with local arts groups and artists. This effort builds on the chamber’s long-standing “Support Local” campaign by shining a spotlight on the region’s thriving arts and culture sector — a sector made up of small businesses, independent creators, and nonprofits that offer everything from handcrafted gifts to performances, exhibitions, and community programs.

Download the campaign graphics here.Visit the campaign’s new webpage at charlesriverchamber.com. “People have many ways to give during the holidays,” said Jon Rufo, local artist and co-chair of the chamber’s Arts and Culture Committee.

Around Town

Local Man Seeking Kidney Donors to Help Himself and Others Needing One

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James Pagounes, second from right, seeks an organ donor before his kidneys fail. He is shown here with his family: wife, Joanne, and sons Othon, Kimon, and Iraklis. (Contributed Photo)

James Pagounes first learned he had polycystic kidney disease 16 years ago, which creates cysts on the kidneys until they no longer function. Now he is in dire need of a kidney donation. Pagounes, who lives in Waltham and has attended Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Church in Watertown for many years, has been looking for a kidney for some time, and now his kidneys are in such bad shape that he has to go to dialysis three times a week.

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State Engineers to Discuss Options for Future of Watertown Dam, Including Removing It

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Watershed Association:

The Watertown Dam on the Charles River is owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has engaged an engineering consultant to perform a dam removal alternatives analysis study for potential future actions at the Watertown Dam. Join the community meeting this Thursday, November 20, where the DCR project team will present findings from the study and possible future design alternatives for modifications to the dam, including potential dam removal.

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Community Preservation Committee Hearing 2025 Project Applications

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Watertown’s Community Preservation Committee will see the presentations for an affordable housing redevelopment project at Willow Park, and rehabilitation of the Commander’s Mansion. See information from the City of Watertown, below. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is evaluating project applications and requests for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding and applicants are presenting their projects to the Committee in the areas of historic preservation and community housing. 

View the Willow Park Redevelopment request for additional funds and the original application.  

View the Commander’s Mansion Building Envelope Rehabilitation and Elevation Modernization project application. 

Join the presentations on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. in person at City Hall, 149 Main St., in the Lower Hearing Room or via Zoom.

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Watertown Hibernians Hosting Turkey Shoot to Benefit Sonny Whooley Fund

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 14, Watertown, MA is hosting our Annual Turkey Shoot to benefit the Sonny Whooley Fund. See details provided by the Hibernians, below. During the Turkey Shoot 40 Turkeys, 40 Bags of Vegetables, 40 Pies, and 40 Gallons of Cider will be raffled off. The event takes place Friday, Nov. 21 at Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown St., Watertown, MA.