Business

Preserving Tradition: Watertown Woman Turned Her Family’s Passion for Jams Into a Business

By |

Hanna Opdahl sells her homemade jams and preserves at the Watertown Farmers Market, at other markets, and online. (Contributed Photo)

Jams and jellies run in the family. Or at least, they do for Hanna Opdahl, Watertown resident and owner of Berry Mari and Belle. 

What began as a hobby shared by Hanna and her mother, Marianne, is now a small business that crafts and sells small batch novelty jams, jellies, and marmalades. 

“I grew up jamming, canning, and gardening with my parents and I loved it,” said Hanna. “My mom is an incredible cook and is always coming up with fun experimental recipes and flavors.”  

Originally from Oregon, Hanna relocated to Watertown a little over three years ago after accepting a job offer in Boston. “It was a little bit of a scary jump, but I was very excited to come out here.

Police/Fire

Second Suspect Arrested in Connection to Stabbing of a Man in Watertown

By |

A second man was arrested for being involved in the alleged stabbing that took place in Watertown on Oct. 22, the Watertown Police and Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced. See details from the press release below. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Watertown Chief of Police Justin Hanrahan have confirmed that Omari Cassell, 18, of Newton, has been charged following the alleged stabbing that occurred in the area of Mt. Auburn and Boylston Streets in Watertown.

Around Town

Local Brewery Opening Taproom & Kitchen at Arsenal Yards

By |

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Mighty Squirrel Brewing will be serving its creations at the new biergarten at Arsenal Yards. Beer lovers will soon have a new option when Might Squirrel, which started in Waltham, opens a new location in Watertown. See more information in the announcement provided by Arsenal Yards, below. Arsenal Yards is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. taproom and kitchen at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, MA.

Sports

UPDATED: Undefeated Watertown Field Hockey Team Given Second Seed in 2024 State Tournament

By |

The Raiders seek to lift the MIAA Field Hockey State Championship trophy for the fourth straight year in 2o24. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown High School field hockey team enters the 2024 Div. 3 MIAA State Tournament in the unusual position of being second seeded, despite finishing the regular season undefeated. Watertown will host a Round of 32 game at Victory Field on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m against.

Government

Tweaks to Watertown Square Zoning Map Discussed by Planning Board, Council

By |

The City Council and Planning Board got down to the details of the proposed new Zoning Map for the Watertown Square Area on Tuesday night, suggesting some changes to the proposal including allowing taller buildings in some spots, more modest ones in others, and keeping the Delta “green.” The third night of hearings included an extended discussion of the zoning map by the Planning Board, as well as continuation of questions from the City Council and some public comments. The City Council finished their question time, but the Planning Board will continue its hearing Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m in City Hall with remote participation (Click here for the agenda and links). They will make a recommendation that will be considered by the City Council at its hearing on Nov.

Government

Affordable Housing, Galen Street Among Watertown Square Zoning Topics Debated by Council & Planning Board

By |

The City Council and Planning Board got a chance to dig into the details of some key areas of the proposed Watertown Square Zoning, including affordable housing incentives, the zoning on Galen Street, the definition of a family and a household, and Accessory Dwelling Units. The joint hearing held at City Hall lasted more than three hours on Thursday night. This was the second hearing on the proposed zoning changes. The first one was held on Oct. 16 when the zoning was introduced by the City’s Department of Community Development and Planning, and a third one will be held Tuesday.

Police/Fire

Boston Man Arrested for Alleged Stabbing on Mt. Auburn St.

By |

The Watertown Police and Middlesex District Attorney’s office announced that an arrest has been made in the stabbing that occurred in Watertown on Tuesday. See the press release below. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Watertown Chief of Police Justin Hanrahan have confirmed that Michael McGhee, 19, of Boston, has been charged following the alleged stabbing that occurred in the area of Mt. Auburn and Boylston Streets in Watertown. On October 22, 2024, at approximately 5:15 p.m., police responded to several 911 calls reporting a disturbance in progress at the bus stop in the area of Mt.