Watertown Shows Off Its Talent at Community Foundation Event

Performers took to the stage at Arsenal Yards for the Watertown Community Foundation’s Watertown’s Got Talent. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The second annual Watertown’s Got Talent drew singers, dancers, and musicians of all ages this week. The Oct. 24 event raises money for the Watertown Community Foundation and was held at a stage on the River Green at Arsenal Yards. And the winners are ….

Main Street Residential & Retail Project Approved by Zoning Board

The project planned for 104 Main St. was approve by the Zoning Board of Appeals. This is a view from Main Street. (Courtesy of O’Connor Capital Partners)

Developers of the project at 104 Main St. knocked a story off the project and widened the public walkway from Main Street to Pleasant Street, and received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Pair Who Robbed Watertown 7-Eleven Arrested and Arraigned

Watertown Police announced Thursday that they identified and charged a man and a woman as suspects in the robbery of the 7-Eleven in East Watertown. Theresa Brown out of Somerville and David Walker out of Boston were arrested Wednesday night tonight in Somerville without incident and charged with armed robbery, according to Watertown Police. They were arraigned Thursday morning at Waltham District Court on a charged of armed robbery with a mask. The robbery took place on Oct. 16 at 3:15 a.m. when two suspects threatened a store employee saying they had firearms. They stole merchandise and money from the store, the Watertown Police announcement said.

Residents to Get a Tax Break, ARPA Proposals to be Heard, Complaints Aired About Roads

Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

Watertown homeowners should see a reduction in their property tax bills in the next Fiscal Year, City Manager George Proakis shared with the City Council Tuesday night. The Council also heard about the dates when they will hear the proposed uses of the City’s ARPA funds, and complaints about a pair of road projects. Property Taxes

The Fiscal Year 2024 tax rates will be presented by the Town Assessor on Nov. 14, but Proakis provided a preview on a key highlight of the presentation at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting: a reduction of about 10 percent for the average Watertown residential property tax payer.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.