Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/13/)
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
City Council President Mark Sideris gave his inaugural address on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown’s elected officials face some key decisions that will impact the future of the City, including the future of Watertown Square and whether to build a new Middle School, said City Council President Mark Sideris, who also talked about the keys to successful governing of the City.
City Councilor John Airasian, and School Committee member Lily Rayman-Read.
Two Watertown elected officials served their final meetings in December, and each was bid farewell by their colleagues. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian departs the Council after two terms (four years), and Lily Rayman-Read finished two-four year terms on the School Commmittee.
Lyrical Faith was selected as the Mosesian Center for the Arts’ Ignite Fellow, one of the first group of Artists in Residence.
The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the selected artists for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program, including the inaugural Ignite Fellow and the newly created Emerging Artist at Mosesian Arts award. This cohort of artists will be in residence during the Winter and Spring 2026 sessions, bringing a wide range of creative practices to MCA’s studios and engaging the community through public programs and events.
Simone Zupka
A young dancer from Watertown is taking the stage with the Boston Ballet in this year’s production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” See more details in the announcement from the Boston Ballet, below.
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.
China Rainbow
A fixture on the Watertown eating scene, China Rainbow, will be closing after more than half a century.
John Strayhorn
A funeral service for John E. Strayhorn of Watertown will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the MacDonald Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home, 270 Main Street, Watertown.
More than a dozen Watertown homes will be hosting open houses this weekend.
Grace Chapel Watertown will host Jingle Jam on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m. See details from Grace Chapel, below.
The following announcement was provided by Light of Palestine:
On Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., a star-studded ensemble will perform in Watertown’s second annual Light of Palestine concert. Proceeds will support Anera, a U.S.-based nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations. Anera provides humanitarian aid to families in Gaza.
The Rotary Club and the Watertown Business Coalition will host the fourth annual Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive on Dec. 9. See details provided by the WBC, below.