Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/8/)
Caspian Persian Cuisine opened Jan. 1, 2026, on Bigelow Avenue. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A new restaurant has joined the eating scene in East Watertown, with a familiar team behind it. Caspian Persian Cuisine opened at 72 Bigelow Ave. on Jan. 1, 2026 led by the former owners of Molana, the eatery that operated in Watertown Square for more than a quarter century.
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.
A view of 108 Water St., the 52-unit residential project approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Eaglebrook Capital)
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the planned 52-unit residential building at 108 Water Street on Wednesday night after designers made changes to exterior design of the building, along with some other alterations to the first plan presented in November.
John A. Ryan Arena remains the place to go locally to catch hockey action. Blink your eyes and one game is over and another begins. On Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. Woburn came to town, coming off a season-opening loss to Wakefield last Saturday. Watertown/Wayland (W/W) found themselves in the same place after losing at Belmont, also on Saturday, 4-1. Two teams therefore eager to get their first win played hard, but Woburn was simply better on this afternoon on the way to a 4-0 victory.
Watertown Recreation Department’s Winter 2026 Programs are here! See details from the Recreation Department, below.
This weekend’s solstice marks the point where days stop getting shorter and begin gaining sunlight. Hoorah! We are also in the middle of Chanukah, and Christmas is on its way, in case you hadn’t noticed. These December days are perfect for going to see art, especially if you want to procrastinate on your gift shopping. If you haven’t seen the Gorky show at the Armenian Museum, head on over this weekend. Another art exhibit is the art of Watertown High School students in the second floor gallery of the library. It’s available anytime the library is open. If you are free on Friday midday, Gore Place is offering free tours of the mansion. (It usually costs $16.) It will be decorated for Christmas and their gift shop might be a good place to do some holiday shopping. If you are in the mood for some holiday music, go to the Residence in Watertown Square for a musical Christmas celebration on Saturday afternoon.
Watertown Boys Basketball has enjoyed a rich history the past 31 years, all under the stewardship of Head Coach Steve Harrington. Three State Titles (’07, ’09, ’18), as well as appearances in five title games and nine Final Fours. Beyond those numbers are the many young men who have passed through the program and accomplished great things on the Watertown hardwood, and quite often beyond. There is never a time when Watertown basketball goes into a season expecting anything less than competing for the Middlesex League title and a trip to the MIAA Div. 3 Tournament.
Dave MartinA view down the Charles River from the Bridge on North Beacon Street.
The City Council sent a letter to the MWRA opposing allowing sewage overflow from being released into the Charles River and returning to the days when the river was a “dumping ground for sewage.”
Boston College High School announced the first quarter honor roll, and eight students from Watertown made the grades. See the announcement from BC High, below.
The American Red Cross and the Watertown Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold the final blood drive of the year at Hibernian Hall on Dec. 27. The event is also a food drive for the Watertown Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry.