Around Town

Sold Out Watertown Concert Raises Thousands for Humanitarian Aid

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The Light of Palestine concert raised thousands of dollars for humanitarian aid. (Contribute Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the concert organizers:

The Light of Palestine concert that took place at First Parish of Watertown on December 18 raised $8,800 for humanitarian aid to people in Gaza. The funds supported Anera, a U.S.-based nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations. Anera will use the funds to provide meals, water, shelter, and medicine to those affected by the ongoing war. The concert was sold out, and access to the livestream was purchased by more than thirty households. 

Artistic director Lina Malshy selected a program of songs from her native Palestine and neighboring countries, ranging from traditional folk tunes like “Ala Dal’ona” to present-day popular songs such as “Mawjou Qalbi.”

Malshy confessed, “This concert was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I’ve had as an artist and director.

Around Town

New England Patriots Honor Longtime Perkins School Volunteer as a Difference Maker

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Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots Robert Kraft takes a group photo with the 2024 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week. (Photo courtesy of David Silverman/New England Patriots). The New England Patriots honored volunteers on Jan. 5 during a ceremony honoring the 2024 Patriots Difference Makers, including a woman who had volunteered at Perkins School for the Blind for two decades. See details in the announcement from the New England Patriots Foundation below.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Cold Conditions Extending Through the Week

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Watertown residents can expect a stretch of cold, winter-like weather, with mostly sunny to partly cloudy days and chilly nights. Strong northwest winds will make it feel colder than the actual temperatures, especially during the day. With clear to partly cloudy skies at night, temperatures will drop into the low to mid 20s, making for brisk evenings. The persistent cold and gusty winds will keep outdoor activities cool and require warm layers. Be prepared for a crisp and quiet winter week ahead.

Around Town

Watertown Library’s Hatch Makerspace Celebrating 10 Years With Open House

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The Watertown Library invites the public to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Hatch Makerspace. See the details in the announcement below. The Watertown Free Public Library’s Hatch Makerspace turns 10 this month! The Library invites you to join us in celebrating a decade of community creativity! Founded in 2014, Hatch Makerspace marked its official opening in January 2015 at the Arsenal Mall in Watertown.

Around Town

LETTER: Library’s Survey Missing a Key Language in Watertown

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Letter to the Editor:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s efforts to gather community input for its 2026–28 Strategic Plan are commendable and reflect a genuine desire to serve the needs of residents. However, as a former resident of Watertown, I was surprised and disappointed to see that Armenian is not among the survey’s available languages (“Watertown Library’s Survey Will Help Plan for the Future,” Jan. 6, Watertown News). Estimates suggest that Armenians make up around 20 percent of Watertown’s population, making Armenian one of the most widely spoken minority languages in the town. The Armenian community has been vital to Watertown’s cultural and social fabric for decades, contributing to its unique identity.

Around Town

Major Watertown Street Closed Tuesday Due to a Water Emergency

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One of Watertown’s major roadways will be closed to do emergency repair work, according to an announcement from the City of Watertown sent out at 9 a.m. Tuesday. The announcement reads:

Due to emergency water repairs, Pleasant Street is closed in both directions from Myrtle Street to Cross Street today, January 7, 2025.