Schools

Watertown Assistant Superintendent Heading to Marblehead to be Interim Superintendent

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Watertown Assistant Superintendent Theresa McGuinness will be leaving Watertown after eight years to take a position in Marblehead. (Courtesy of Watertown Public Schools)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

Dr. Theresa McGuinness, Watertown’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, has accepted an offer to become the Interim Superintendent of Marblehead Public Schools. During her 8 years in Watertown, Dr. McGuinness demonstrated a relentless focus on the inclusiveness of instruction, valuing high expectations and equity for all students and staff members. Dr. McGuinness, like so many educators and administrators in Watertown, has worked tirelessly to create a fully inclusive, strong, and welcoming school district. “Watertown is a special school district and a microcosm of the world in many ways,” said Dr. McGuinness.

Around Town

Mosesian Center for Arts Seeks to Fill Void Left by New Rep’s Closing

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The Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown. (Courtesy Photo)

For nearly two decades, the Mosesian Center for the Arts and the New Repertory Theatre went together hand in hand, but that relationship comes to an end this year after New Rep’s announcement that it will be closing. Since the Mosesian Center opened its doors in 2005 — known then as the Arsenal Center for the Arts — New Rep has been the primary user of the stages at the arts facility located in the Arsenal on the Charles. “They were the resident theater company . They have been since the Arts Center opened in September 2005 — an 18-year history,” said Mosesian Arts’ Executive Director Darren Farrington.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Who Used Sleight of Hand to Take Money ID’d, This Week’s Incidents

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Watertown Police identified a man wanted for stealing $2,400 from Best Buy by using sleight of hand to pocket some cash while paying with the help from across the pond. An arrest warrant has been issued for Nelson Adam, 22, of New York, for the incident that took place on Sept. 26, 2023, according to Watertown Police Sgt. Ken Swift. The WPD put a photo of the man on a network used by law enforcement agencies to share information, and seek assistance.

Entertainment

Armenian Museum of America Presents “Early Recordings of Armenian Classics” by Ara Dinkjian

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Musician and composer Ara Dinkjian will play Armenian recordings made over 100 years ago and share vintage photographs from that time period. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is elated to present “Early Recordings of Armenian Classics” featuring the eminent musician and composer Ara Dinkjian, on Nov. 9, 2023, at 7 p.m. In this distinctive event, Ara Dinkjian will discuss early recordings of well-known Armenian songs, play recordings made more than 100 years ago, and share historic photographs. “We invite music enthusiasts from all backgrounds, both Armenian and non-Armenian, to join us for this unique exploration,” says Jason Sohigian, AMA’s Executive Director. “Our Sound Archive, a digital repository of rare historic recordings, offers an auditory journey through time.

Around Town

20 Years of Making a Difference Toasted at Watertown Community Foundation’s Celebration

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The founding board members of the Watertown Community Foundation. (Courtesy of Watertown Community Foundation)

Nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate two decades of the Watertown Community Foundation, and the people who built the organization that has distributed millions of dollars to make Watertown a better place. Board members, former executive directors, donors and more gathered for the WCF’s Celebrating 20 Years of Impact event at Branch Line on Oct. 5. The original members for the Community Foundation’s board received a legislative resolution from State Sen. Will Brownsberger and State Rep. Steve Owens, as well as an award.

Around Town

WHS Students Get Hands-On Experience with Biotech Professionals at New CoLAB Club

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Eric Perkins of Addgene works with Watertown High School students during CoLAB Club. (Courtesy of CoLAB)

The following piece was provided by CoLAB:

CoLAB, a not-for-profit organization connecting high school students with Watertown life science companies recently launched the first ever “CoLAB Club” at Watertown High School. CoLAB Club, one of the newest school organizations, is designed to provide hands-on science experience under the guidance of school faculty and employees of life science companies. The club meets after school once a month over dinner, providing a forum for students and professionals to work together to solve research-based scientific experiments. “We are thrilled with the turnout to our first meeting,” said Liz Munday, Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher at Watertown High School, and lead for the CoLAB Club.

Around Town

Hundreds Turn Up for Kick Off of Watertown Square Redesign, Designers Want to Make Area More Walkable

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Urban designer Jeff Speck spoke about making Watertown more walkable in during the Watertown Square Plan kickoff meeting. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Hundreds of people packed a room to find out about plans for the future of Watertown Square. They saw a lot of transformations of downtowns around the United States and in other countries, but both City officials and members of the planning team gave a message that it is up to you, the public, to decide what Watertown’s center looks and feels like. Many have been looking forward to the chance to improve how the Watertown Square intersection operates traffic-wise, and make it a destination for shoppers, diners and others, said City Council President Mark Sideris. “This is an important time for us.

Entertainment

UPDATED: Watertown’s New Rep Theatre Announces it Will be Closing Down

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After 40 years and more than 300 productions, New Repertory Theatre announced that it will be closing its doors. The company has been located for many years at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, and it expanded beyond the walls of the theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts to put on a pair of moving plays during the Pandemic, Listen to Sipu and the Charles W. Lenox Experience. The company Pandemic also brought financial woes for New Rep, and it suspended operations for nine months beginning in July 2021. In 2023, the company’s season included three plays, including Tony winners. However, those will be the final productions for New Rep.

On Oct.