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Watertown’s Wayside Multi-Service Center Had a Scare with Threatened Cut of Federal Grant

By Charlie Breitrose | 12 hours ago

The Wayside Multi-Service Center is located on North Beacon Street in Watertown. (Courtesy of Wayside)

The Wayside Multi-Service Center momentarily saw one-third of its budget disappear, with the removal of a federal grant. While the grant was restored within days, Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Program Director for Wayside Multi-Service Center, said it was both a stark reminder and a heartening response.

Council Roundup: Councilor Elected Head of Statewide Board, DPW Equipment Funded, Contracts Approved

Watertown District B Councilor Lisa Feltner was elected president of the Mass. Municipal Councillors’ Association.(Photo by Krista Photography | Krista Guenin)

The City Council had a full agenda on Jan. 27, with votes to approve equipment purchases by the Department of Public Works, approval of contracts for multiple City unions, and a Watertown City Councilor was elected head of a statewide board. Also, the date for the Skip the Stuff Ordinance to be considered was announced.

Watertown’s Shana Gozansky Directing “Little Women” at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Director Shana Gozansky (center, left) addresses (from left) Aislinn Brophy, Chloe McFarlane, Olivia Fenton, and Kaila Pelton-Flavin in rehearsal for Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “Little Women.” (Photo courtesy of Actors’ Shakespeare Project)

A modern adaptation of “Little Women” will hit the stage at the Mosesian Center for the Arts from Feb. 5 to March 1. The Actors’ Shakespeare Project production is being directed by Watertown’s Shana Gozansky.

Watertown City Officials Join State Reps. on Beacon Hill to Ask for Residential Tax Relief

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.

More Headlines

Mainstay Eatery in Watertown Square Closing After 27 Years

Police Log: Resident Discovers $135K Fraudulent Charge, Man Slapped at Car Wash During Argument

Retiring Planning Director Looks Back on His 17 Years in Watertown

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Cello Concert, Yoga Open House, Armenian Winter Ball, Landscapes Exhibit

By Charlo Maurer, Contributor | January 29, 2026

You might all be feeling the need for some meditative time this weekend after last weekend’s doozy of a snow storm. If so, head over to Artemis Yoga on Saturday afternoon for a few free introductory classes. They can help you work out the kinks in your back from too much shoveling. Taking in an exhibition of art with the theme Contemporary Landscapes, might also be calming. The opening reception is on Thursday, but the show will be up until March, so it will be there for your enjoyment this weekend. Saturday night there is a Winter Ball at St. James Armenian Church with the Yerakouyn Band, an opportunity to dress in your best and get out to hear music. Sunday afternoon there is more music to be heard. The library winter concert series is presenting Francesca McNeely, a virtuoso cello player in a solo concert. There’s no need to leave town (in case your car is still snowed in) for fun this weekend.

Government

Watertown Cancelling Contract for Flock License Plate Reading Cameras

By Charlie Breitrose | January 28, 2026

Watertown will cancel the contract with Flock Safety to install license plate reading cameras in the City, and City Manager George Proakis told the City Council he wants to continue to have discussions about when it is appropriate for the Watertown Police to use technology in its investigations.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: A Tough Hockey Doubleheader for High School, Semi-Pro Teams

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | January 28, 2026

The John A. Ryan isn’t the only rink around that gets used with the frequency that matches Massachusetts drivers running red lights, but it sure feels that way. This past Saturday at 4 p.m. Watertown/Wayland was faced with the challenge of trying to end a drought dating back to Dec. 23 — as in the last (and only) time they won a hockey game, and they had to do it versus the sixth ranked Spy Ponders of Arlington. Up next would be the Boston (nee Watertown) Gold Kings of the Senior Power Play Hockey League as they welcomed the first place and undefeated Hudson Valley (as in New York State Hudson Valley) Reapers to the JAR. Six periods of hockey on a Saturday on the eve of a predicted whopper snowstorm.

Around Town

Snow Cleanup & Removal in Watertown Will Continue Through This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | January 28, 2026

Charlie BreitroseA truck plows a Watertown street.

Watertown Public Works crews will be busy this week continuing efforts to dig the City out after the heavy snow on Sunday and Monday, said City Manager George Proakis.

Around Town

Hear from a Multidimensional Entrepreneur at the Next Creative Chats

By Guest Writer | January 28, 2026

The following announcement was provided by Creative Chats’ host Matt Hanna:

You’re invited to Creative Chats! The event is a way to gather creative people face-to-face to mingle, hear a featured conversation on the topic of creativity and the creative life, and then engage in the conversation themselves in small groups.

Schools

School Committee Adopts Resolution Supporting, Protecting Immigrant Students & Families

By Charlie Breitrose | January 27, 2026

On Monday, the School Committee adopted a resolution which states that the Watertown Public Schools have a “strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrant students and their families.”

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Friday Night Hoops Doubleheader vs. Burlington is a Split-Decision for Watertown

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | January 27, 2026

Doubleheader nights are always a cool experience. The pep-band often is on hand, as they were on this night. And, by the way, under the direction of Spencer Klein, they are superb!

Entertainment

Artists Explore Landscapes from Traditional to Contemporary Approaches at Mosesian Arts Exhibit

By Guest Writer | January 27, 2026

“Winter Wonderland of Winnings” by Eliza Brown is on display at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Contemporary Landscapes: From Observational to Symbolic Dates will be on display at the Mosesian Center for the Arts from Jan. 23 to March 6, 2026. See more info in the announcement from the MCA, below.