Around Town

Hear High Schoolers’ Perspectives & Experiences at Community Forum

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment:

Come engage with students from Watertown High School in a community forum focusing on student perspectives and experiences. Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment will be featuring student voices at our next quarterly meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank room at the Watertown Free Public Library.  

The forum’s focus is to promote dialogue between high school students and community members. Students will highlight what is working for them in Watertown as well as what can be improved. The key question is “How can adults in Watertown support our youth?” Other questions that will be addressed include: What challenges/issues/concerns are young people facing in Watertown? How does Watertown provide support for young people? What do you want community members to know about youth today?  

Participants will be able to engage with students in small discussion groups. Community members are encouraged to register in advance and to include any questions for the students with your registration. Registration is encouraged, not required. The evening is free and open to all interested community members. Refreshments will be served. Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment (WCPJE) is a non-profit, community-based organization that works to protect the environment, promote sound environmental practices, oppose war and aggression, cultivate peace and security, and advocate for social and economic justice. For more information about WCPJE visit our website: https://watertowncitizens.org/.

Elections

State Senate Candidate Receives State House Staff Union Endorsement

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by The Lander Committee:

Daniel Lander announced his state senate campaign was endorsed by IBEW 2222 this week, marking his support for organized labor and for State House unionization efforts. In addition to representing thousands of workers across Greater Boston, IBEW 2222 represents State House employees organizing a staff union. 

“IBEW 2222 is proud to endorse Daniel Lander for MA State Senate, a candidate committed to supporting organized labor, and the only candidate in this race supporting the right of Legislative Staffers to organize,” said Kevin Holland, president of IBEW 2222. “We believe Daniel Lander will be a strong advocate for working people in the State Senate.”

Since they began organizing the union in 2019, State House staff have been working to improve low pay, lack of training, and a history of discrimination and harassment on Beacon Hill. Despite a majority of support from Senate staff, current Senator Will Brownsberger has consistently blocked efforts to voluntarily recognize the state house union. 

“I am proud to stand with legislative staff and with IBEW 2222 in their efforts to unionize the State House,” said Daniel Lander, Candidate for State Senate. “As a long time public servant and former union member, I recognize the vital role that staff play.

Business

New Dining Option with a 20+ Menus Hosting Grand Opening Celebration in Watertown

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Wonder will celebrate the grand opening of its Watertown location on March 19. (Courtesy of Wonder)

Wonder, which has been called a virtual food hall, will mark the opening of its new Watertown location with a grand opening celebration on March 19 with samples, giveaways, and activities. See the announcement from Wonder, below. Marking the official opening of its new location in Watertown, Wonder will host a grand opening celebration featuring live music, giveaways, and surprises from local partners, along with free samples of popular chef-inspired menu items. 

A ribbon cutting will be held at 4:30 p.m. on March 19, followed by the Grand Opening Celebration from 5 t0 7 p.m. Wonder is located at 541 Arsenal St., Watertown (in Arsenal Yards near Poke Works, Chip City, and ButterBird). Please note: Wonder will operate during usual business hours on grand opening day (open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

The first 100 guests will receive special swag bags, including a tote bag featuring custom artwork by Julia Emiliani, as well as a Wonder branded hat and a limited edition Julia Emiliani sticker sheet.

Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Has Ended

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The City of Watertown announced that the overnight ban for on-street parking has ended. The City sent out the following announcement on Wednesday morning:

“The Winter Parking Ban has been lifted effective immediately, today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.” In November, Proakis announced that Watertown would have a shortened Winter Parking Ban for 2025-26, from Jan. 1 to March 1. However, due to the size of the snow banks left after the major snow storms in January and February, City Manager George Proakis said that the overnight parking ban would continue into March.

Entertainment

Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis Brings Dynamic Jazz to the Mosesian Center for the Arts

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Nicole Zuraitis

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts continues its acclaimed Chords and Cocktails jazz series with a powerhouse performer whose voice and songwriting have captivated audiences worldwide. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., Grammy Award-winning vocalist, pianist, and composer Nicole Zuraitis takes the stage in the Charles Mosesian Theater for an unforgettable evening of bold, contemporary jazz. Zuraitis, winner of the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, is widely recognized as one of today’s most compelling jazz artists. A fearless bandleader and magnetic live performer, she blends jazz, soul, pop, and singer-songwriter sensibilities into a sound that is both virtuosic and deeply personal. Her performances have electrified audiences at venues and festivals including Birdland, Newport Jazz Festival, and major stages across the country.

Government

State. Sen Will Brownsberger Hosting Online Town Hall Meeting

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Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger will host a virtual town hall meeting on March 15. See information below. Ask me anything — Sunday, March 15, 3:30 to 5:00PM

Stop by online for an informal town hall meeting. Bring your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Sunday, Mar 15, 2026, 3:30  —  5:00PM

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85474864156?pwd=drJz4JrXADs2E4UBi6KanwaQrLoIKH.1

All are welcome.

Letters

LETTER: Watertown Grieves Civil Rights Leader Bernard Lafayette Who Helped Spread Dr. King’s Teachings to Town

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Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Watertown Kingian Nonviolence Trainer Holly Cachimuel, who is a former Watertown teacher.(Photo by Chuck Dickinson)

The death of legendary civil rights icon Dr. Bernard Lafayette on March 5 resonates deeply throughout the city of Watertown. “Doc” first came here for several days in 2016, at the behest of former Watertown Middle School teacher Ruth Henry. Henry had trained in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Resolution under Dr. Lafayette. Lafayette had promised Martin Luther King, Jr. before his 1968 assassination that he would spread King’s nonviolence teaching and practice around the world. Later that same year, Watertown hosted Dr. Lafayette for a two-week long Trainers’ Institute, organized by then Superintendent Dr. Jean Fitzgerald.

Business

Chamber Hosting LGBTQIA+ Morning Meetup in Watertown

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will host an LGBTIA+ Morning meetup on Friday, March 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Fly Together Fitness in Watertown. The event is free and open to LGBTQIA+ members and non-members. See more information provided by the Chamber below. Rise and connect! Our popular LGBTQIA+ Networking Series is switching things up — trading the evening cocktails for morning coffee and heading back to one of our favorite community spaces.Join us at Fly Together Fitness, a proudly LGBTQIA+-owned pole and dance studio in the heart of Watertown, for a morning dedicated to LGBTQIA+ professionals looking to make real business connections across industries.Complimentary coffee provided.