Small Saves’ Coach Deals with the Media in This Week’s Comic

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.”

Council President & City Manager to Present Annual State of the City Address in September

Watertown’s annual State of the City address will take place on Sept. 4, 2024. The first one was held last August. The event is required to be held annually with the changes to the City Charter were approved by voters in 2021. The City of Watertown provided the following information:

The Watertown State of the City address will be broadcasted live from WCA-TV’s studio on September 4, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. City Council President Mark Sideris and City Manager George Proakis will deliver the State of the City together, before transitioning to Q+A and answering resident-submitted questions. 

Watch live online, or on Comcast 22 and RCN 13.

Residents Can Apply to Attend Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

Massachusetts State House

The following announcement was provided by Sen. Will Brownsberger:

Senator Will Brownsberger invites constituents to apply for the Fall 2024 Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS), a free Senate program that educates the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. The seminar is on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30. 

Nominees from this office must be residents of Senator Brownsberger’s district and be able to attend both days of the seminar. The CLS, offered twice a year, aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. The curriculum includes the history of the legislature, the legislative process, the state budget, and a simulated legislative hearing and a simulated Senate Session held in the Senate Chamber where participants use what they have learned to actively experience the legislative process. Presentations are made by Senators and Senate staff.

Celebrated Boston Area Artists Will Speak at Watertown Library

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

On Tuesday, September 10, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) invites you to join in conversation with celebrated Boston area artists about their work, creative processes, collaborations, and experiences with WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT, a project and movement directed by fine art photographer and Watertown resident Archy LaSalle. Joining LaSalle for this dialogue are artists Jay Lamour, JaPix Belmer, Maddie Lam, Jules Cleo, Craig Bailey, DaNice D. Marshall, George Annan Jr., Grace Ramsdell, Olivia Slaughter, and Jake Stout. WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT is a grassroots organization whose mission is to bring attention to and help art institutions rectify past injustices of underrepresenting Black and Brown artists in their permanent collections. Founder Archy LaSalle states that, “WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT is committed to ensuring that all Black and Brown artists have the freedom to pursue their creativity in all ways, regardless of their family history and culture. Celebrating the art of all artists and particularly the younger generation of Black and Brown artists, WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT will continue to stay vigilant and committed to the importance of access and inclusion to the permanent collections of our art institutions.”

Listen in and join the conversation on Tuesday, September 10 at the Watertown Free Public Library, 6:30–8:30 PM.

Mosesian Center Has Comedy, Kids Arts Classes, Seeks Artists

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

As the summer and our 2023-24 season of programming near their ends, we have one more performance from MCA Improv to keep you laughing! It’s also time to sign up for fall classes! And don’t miss the call for art for another exhibition—this one based on arts and science! Come see, learn, and experience it all at Mosesian Arts! MCA IMPROV | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 | 7:00 PM

Don’t miss MCA’s adult improv class in a showcase performance of games and scenes! Our battle-worn improvisers are takin’ their fight to the streets in a show called Sad Max: Furry Road.$10 General Admission ticket proceeds support MCA’s improv program and other arts education programming. If you can’t provide the suggested amount, please reach out to tickets@mosesianarts.org.

Watertown Summer Basketball Finals Game 3 Moved to Aug. 20

More Than Different faces New Day in the third and final game of the 2024 Watertown Summer Basketball League Finals Tuesday night at Saltonstall Park. (Courtesy of Watertown Recreation)

The Papas Elite Finals Game Three between No. 4 More Than Different and No. 7 New Day will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at Saltonstall Park.

Watertown Cooperative Nursery School Closing After 70 Years, Farewell Event Planned

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cooperative Nursery School:

We are very sad to share the news that Watertown Cooperative Nursery School (WCNS) is closing after more than 70 years. Due to low enrollment, the Board of WCNS has determined that it will not be possible for the school to sustain itself financially. The school will be closing permanently as of August 23. It’s heartbreaking to have to do this. We know how many of you helped the community thrive for so long.

LETTER: State Legislature Should Go Back Into Session and Pass Multiple Bills

I was excited this year for our state to finally have a Democratic governing trifecta, with a Democrat leading in all three offices of Governor, Senate, and the House. However, this trifecta has been much less productive in passing legislature than I expected. As has become the norm on Beacon Hill, the House and Senate ran out the clock on many important priorities, adjourning on the morning of August 1st with a long list of unfinished business. After the hottest summer on record, they didn’t manage to pass a climate bill. Several other bills, among them economic development bills and bills to address the Steward crisis, are stuck in potentially dead-end negotiations, and that’s not to mention all the common-sense bills that never even made it that far.