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This book was retuned to the to the Watertown Library after being checked out for the better part of a century. (Courtesy of the WFPL)
If you’ve been waiting for that travel guide to Italy, it’s back at the Watertown Free Public Library … after nearly 90 years! “Hill Towns of Italy,” a book by Egerton R. Williams Jr. that was first published in 1903 recently came back to the Library. It was checked out on Jan.
Guests at the Senior Center’s Holiday Lunch check out the raffle items at the event held at the Hibernian Club. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown will be offering its seniors rides when they want them for trips to the doctor, to get groceries and more in a pilot program using a grant provided by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. Currently, seniors have access to rides through a smartphone app, but that has worked for everyone, said Lydia McCoy, Watertown’s Director of Senior Services said at the Senior Center Holiday Lunch on Dec. 15. “Not everyone knows how to use a rideshare app, not everyone has a smart phone and it’s not so easy to always navigate,” McCoy said.
Twenty-eight people have been charged for their involvement with the prostitution ring that used, among several locations, three apartments in Watertown, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. The charges were filed in the Cambridge District Court, but no names have been released by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Along with the three apartments located at Arsenal Yards, the ring also used locations in other parts of Massachusetts, as well as Virginia and California. Levy released the following statement:
“Our office made it clear when we announced charges of a commercial sex ring case on Nov. 8, 2023, that the investigation was ongoing and that there would be accountability for the buyers who fuel the commercial sex industry.
Ari Sky has been named Watertown’s Chief Financial Officer. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment of Ari J. Sky as Watertown’s new Chief Financial Officer effective February 5, 2024. Mr. Sky most recently served as the Town Administrator for the Town of Lakeville. As the Town’s chief administrative officer, Mr. Sky provided strategic and operational direction to the organization, administered the Town’s personnel systems, coordinated communications with the various boards and commissions, oversaw procurement activities and the annual operating and capital budget processes and provided advice and support to the Select Board. Over the course of Mr. Sky’s tenure, he facilitated the development of new processes and recruited key staff to enhance the organization’s ability to respond to growing challenges and to define and maintain a commitment to the Town’s core principles.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Department of Recreation and Council on Aging Snow Shoveling Program Applications for both our seniors, middle school and high school students are included in this communication.
If you are a senior citizen and are requesting shoveling assistance, please fill this form out below. Senior Citizen – Snow Shoveling Application Form
If you are a middle school or high school student from Watertown and are interested in participating in this service, please fill this form out below. Middle School – High School Snow Shoveling Participation Form
Both documents are fillable. Return to recreation@watertown-ma.gov or to the Watertown Recreation Department in the City Hall ground floor at 149 Main Street. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the recreation department at 617-972-6494 or recreation@watertown-ma.gov
Shivani Sharma reaches into her refrigerator, which is more full than was when she was finishing high school. (Photo by Dan Hogan)
A glass of milk and a granola bar, eaten slowly; this is breakfast for 19-year-old Shivani Sharma. On this particular day it’s noon and she actually hasn’t eaten yet. It may not seem extraordinary, but for her, these days, it’s a big improvement in her situation over how she had to live at the end of high school. Sharma shared her story with Watertown News, in conjunction with Watertown Cable Access Television, as part of the series “Watertown’s Hidden Problem: Food Insecurity Among Us.”
The old Watertown High School has been mostly demolished. This photo, courtesy of Watertown Cable, was taken in late November. The following announcement was provided by Vertex:
Exciting progress continues on the Watertown High School project as the existingbuilding is more than 50% demolished and foundation work has started. Please see below forupdates regarding specific project details. Upcoming Work Affecting Traffic Pattern of Common Street
On Wednesday December 20th contractors will be performing work on Common St.
The Department of Public Works facility on Orchard Street will be opening and closing earlier in the day starting the week of Dec. 18. The DPW asked the City Council to make the changes because many contractors start before the old opening time of 8:30 a.m. and wanted to do business with the department. Some councilors asked if residents would be coming over in the afternoon and no longer be able to speak to someone at the DPW front desk. Public Works Superintendent Greg St.