Around Town
Creating Community, One Micro-Forest at a Time
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The following announcement was provided by Trees for Watertown:
Come to a FREE Workshop on Saturday May 23 at the Watertown Free Public Library, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Veterans Services Being Run by Human Services Director as City Seeks to Fill Position
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Watertown veterans presented the colors during the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Watertown currently lacks a dedicated veterans services officer, but while the City works to fill the opening the Director of Human Services has taken on most of that role.
Porchfest 2026: People Pour Into the Streets of Watertown to Catch More than 200 Bands
Populace closed out the day at a venue on Main Street during 2026 Watertown Porchfest. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The combination of free concerts, the a warm spring day, and the hopes of seeing a Grammy nominated singer made Watertown Porchfest 2026 a huge community celebration.
Incident in East Watertown Cemetery “Not Criminal in Nature”
The gate to the Catholic Mount Auburn Cemetery was blocked by police tape Friday as law enforcement investigated an incident (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
An incident that drew dozens of police from multiple agencies was “not criminal in nature,” according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.
Human Services Department Adding Van, Staff to Help Meet Needs of Residents
The Parker Annex Building, home to the Watertown Food Pantry and soon of the Human Services Department. (Courtesy of City of Watertown)
Less than a year old, the Watertown Human Services Department has plans to add new programs, such as a van to deliver meals and other services, and boxes with life-saving medicine for people overdosing.
More Headlines
Setback in Effort to Bring Post Office Back to Watertown Square
Watertown Police Could Get Drone; Department is Nearly Fully Staffed; Officer’s Will Get AI App
Third Watertown Porchfest is Bigger Than Ever With 200+ Performances
Letters
LETTER: About Our Post Office
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By Linda ScottWatertown Resident
A long-time resident and respected Watertown businessman wrote a response to my recent Watertown News letter on the proposed 4 or 5 story parking garage to replace the CVS open air parking lot. He wrote about Watertown Square not being a destination: “We don’t even have a post office anymore which I consider a must have convenience which attracts people to any City Center.“
Entertainment
Artist Diana Markosian’s ‘Father’ to Make U.S. Debut at Armenian Museum of America
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Diana Markosian, “The Cut Out,” one of the images by Diana Markosian that will be featured in the Father exhibition running May 29- Sept. 13 at the Armenian Museum of America.
The Armenian Museum of America will host Diana Markosian’s “Father” from late-May to mid September, and a Member Preview featuring a conversation between artist Diana Markosian and curator Anahit Gasparyan takes place on May 28. See more details in the announcement from the museum, below.
Letters
LETTER: City-Owned Land an Opportunity for Mixed-Income Housing
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Watertown is a Mixed-Income City, City Land Should Prioritize Mixed-Income Housing
This coming Wednesday, May 20 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the City will host an open house at 9 Galen Street where residents will have an opportunity to better understand the proposed Watertown Square Demonstration Project, ask questions, and weigh in on our visions and priorities.
Charity
Watertown Community Foundation Awards Inaugural Education & Youth Development Grants
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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation has awarded $39,475 in the inaugural Education and Youth Development grant cycle. This new grant program creates access to opportunities for Watertown youth that foster skill-building, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience, while creating pathways for all young people to thrive.
Around Town
Mt. Auburn Construction: Expect Sidewalk and Parking Restrictions This Week
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Sidewalks will be torn out and reset on parts of Mt. Auburn Street and Arlington Street this week as part of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. Construction on Mt. Auburn Street will take place on four days this week. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.
Real Estate
A Quartet of Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week
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A single family, a townhouse, and two condos were sold this week.
Around Town
Watertown Pride 2026: Parade, Performances, Food & Other Festivities
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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Pride Committee:
Watertown Pride returns for its fifth year on Saturday, June 6, featuring a parade that kicks off at Moxley Park at 11 a.m. and culminates in a festival at Saltonstall Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music, drag, a circus performance, food trucks, family-friendly activities, public health resources, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQIA+ neighbors and allies. As always, Watertown Pride is free and open to all.