Letters

LETTER: Concerns About Redesign of Mt. Auburn Street

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Greetings Councilors:

Are you aware of the many resident concerns being voiced about the excessive size of the sidewalk bump outs along the Mount Auburn Street Corridor? Someone is certainly monitoring the negative feedback. Note the most recent Mount Auburn Street Project Updates for the week of Aug. 3rd. The City’s Project Team clearly places the onus of the design concept on the 07/10/2018 endorsement vote of the Town/City Council.

Around Town

Free Salsa Dance Lessons, August Watertown Walks

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This month, Live Well Watertown is hosting free dance lessons on four Tuesdays, and the Watertown Walks series continues. The following information was provided by Live Well Watertown, a program of the City of Watertown:

Thrive in Motion Class: Salsa in Saltonstall Park! Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 257 – 8:15 p.m. NO REGISTRATIONNO CLASS IF RAINING

Thrive in Motion: Dance & Wellness SeriesMove your body, lift your mood, and connect in community!  This series blends energizing dance fitness with conversations about stress relief, wellness, and resilience in a welcoming environment. No dance experience needed — just come as you are.What to bring: A water bottle, a towel (for use during class and to sit on during outdoor sessions), and comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for ease of movement.

Around Town

Watertown Rotary Club Hosting Annual Senior Citizen Cookout

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The 2026 Rotary Club Senior Citizens Cookout will take place on Sept. 13, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Rotary Club invites seniors to the annual Senior Citizen Cookout on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at the Sons of Italy Hall. The following information was provided by the Watertown Rotary Club:

The event free of charge, and is sponsored by the Rotary Club, Watertown Savings Bank, and Rockland Trust.

Environment

City Awarded Grant to Help Expand Residential Heat Pumps

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The City of Watertown was one of the groups receiving a grant from the Mass Clean Energy Center. The funds will be used to help renters and lower-income households access clean, energy-efficient heat pumps through coaching, outreach, and financial support. See more information from the Mass Clean Energy Center, below. On July 30, the Mass Clean Energy Center announced more than $2.9 million in awards through the EmPower Massachusetts program to support community-driven projects that break down barriers to clean energy adoption and reduce energy costs for residents across the state. The funding will support innovative projects that connect historically underserved populations with the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy.

Entertainment

Taking Things Too Far in This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Check out Small Saves’ website at smallsaves.com 

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

Elections

Learn About the Candidates in a Pair of Upcoming Live Events

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Watertown groups will host candidate nights for two races on the Sept. 1 State Primary ballot on Aug. 4 and 5. On Tuesday, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear on a live broadcast debate. The following night, the candidates for the 5th Congressional District have been invited to an online candidate forum.