Around Town
See How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree
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Watertown residents can put their Christmas trees out for pickup through Jan. 19. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
Watertown City Officials Join State Reps. on Beacon Hill to Ask for Residential Tax Relief
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Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.
City officials from Watertown joined state representatives on Beacon Hill to request an extension to a bill that allowed Watertown to shift more of the property tax burden from residential properties to commercial properties. The shift would allow a 50/50 split, instead of the current requirements of state law to have 61 percent of the tax levy coming from residential properties.
Mainstay Eatery in Watertown Square Closing After 27 Years
Longtime dining destination, Not Your Average Joe’s, will be closing after more than a quarter century in Watertown Square.
Police Log: Resident Discovers $135K Fraudulent Charge, Man Slapped at Car Wash During Argument
The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Retiring Planning Director Looks Back on His 17 Years in Watertown
Steve Magoon
Steve Magoon has seen the transformation of large sections of Watertown, and played a major role in the creation of some of the City’s most important planning documents during his time working for the City. Magoon will retire at the end of January after more than 17 years as director of the Department of Community Development and Planning.
More Headlines
Watertown Cancelling Contract for Flock License Plate Reading Cameras
Snow Cleanup & Removal in Watertown Will Continue Through This Week
School Committee Adopts Resolution Supporting, Protecting Immigrant Students & Families
Real Estate
Four Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week
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Three condos and a two-family house were sold this week.
Letters
LETTER: Watertown’s Trash Pickup is Broken
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The New Trash Pickup Rules Don’t Work
Three years ago, Watertown significantly changed the rules around trash pickup. Previously, we could get rid of most things easily by putting them out with the trash. Now, the system is to call Republic to schedule a pickup for bulky “burnables” such as old furniture, and they charge a variable amount per item determined by Republic based on size and shape. They won’t take them otherwise. Similarly, so-called “white goods” such as electronics and small appliances must also be scheduled with Republic, and mattresses need to be scheduled with yet another different service. On top of that there is a means-tested discount on pickup fees available to some subset of households if they provide sufficient documentation (for trash pickup??!?).
Entertainment
COMIC: See How Mom Gets Small Saves Out of Bed
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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.
Government
City Council, School Committee Bid Farewell to Departing Members
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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.
Real Estate
2 Open Houses in Watertown Over the Weekend
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A pair of homes will hold open houses over the first weekend of 2026.
Obituaries
UPDATED: Joint Services Planned for Two Family Members Killed in Car Crash in Watertown
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Anie Manoushagian and Arie Orchanian.
The Funeral Services for Funeral services for Anie Manaushigian and Arie Orchanian — who were killed in a car crash in Watertown on Dec. 23 — will be held on Jan. 5, 2026. Separate burials are planned. They have been moved to the First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave in Belmont.
Entertainment
Mosesian Center for the Arts Announces Inaugural Artist-in-Residence Cohort for 2026
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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.