Letters

LETTER: More Safety Precautions Needed for Large Gatherings, Like No Kings Rally

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Thanks to our new Councilor Theo Offei, I was able to attend the “No Kings Rally” in Watertown Square this past Saturday, March 28th.  There was over 1,000 people in attendance.  Conspicuously absent was the City Manager George Proakis, Council President Mark Sideris and Public Safety. Police Public Safety; Traffic Details, are common for an event of this size and common sense would tell you that a significant number of residents would be gathering in the Square. 

We have seniors, people with disabilities and residents from the Perkins School for the Blind and there were no safety procedures in place to ensure their safety. Councilor Vinnie Piccirilli had to serve as a traffic monitor, undertaking the task of getting people safely across Galen Street. Watertown is in the final stages of a major study of the Square — an area where current conditions already raise serious safety concerns for residents, pedestrians, and drivers. When a large public gathering takes place in that environment, my question is whether the future is more important than the current safety of people in the Square today? Given the safety concerns, the Town Manager has a responsibility to be physically present during high‑visibility events such as Saturday’s rally.

Entertainment

Project Save Hosting “My Armenia” Photographic Exhibit in Expanded Gallery in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by Project Save:

A new documentary photography exhibition by Arlington-based photographer Winslow Martin, “My Armenia (1999–2008),” traces a deeply personal journey through post-Soviet Armenia and the historic moments he witnessed along the way. Opening April 16 through May 30, the exhibition inaugurates Project Save Photograph Archive’s newly expanded gallery space in Watertown. Project Save is the world’s largest photo archive dedicated to preserving the regional, national and global Armenian experience. Its expansion doubles the group’s space and creates a venue dedicated to exhibitions, public programs, and community engagement opportunities. ABOUT “MY ARMENIA” EXHIBITION

Curated by fellow photo documentarian Nubar Alexanian, the exhibition traces Martin’s unexpectedly life-changing journeys to Armenia that began when he accompanied St.

Around Town

Watertown Group Joined Climate Contingent at No Kings III Protest

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Watertown Faces Climate Change attended the No Kings III Protest in. Boston. (Photo by Joshua Touster)

The following information was provided by Watertown Faces Climate Change:

Watertown Faces Climate Change (WFCC) joined the Climate Contingent at the No Kings III protest in Boston on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. After attending the No Kings Stand Out in Watertown Square dozens of Watertown residents and members of Watertown Faces Climate Change took the 504 Express bus to Copley Square where they joined 100s of members of other climate groups including 350 Mass, Extinction Rebellion Boston, Elders Climate Action, Mothers Out Front, Sierra Club of Massachusetts, Sunrise Boston, Third Act!, Beyond Plastics Greater Boston, and many more. 

Members of Watertown Faces Climate Change joined the Climate Contingent at the No Kings III protest. (Contributed Photo)

With the recent  attacks on democracy the climate crisis has taken a backseat. The Massachusetts Climate Contingent, a loosely organized coalition, decided it was time to elevate the connections between attacks on democracy and the climate emergency and work in solidarity with the groups organizing the democracy protests. Watertown residents and others helped to create artwork at a sign-making event on March 14th at First Parish Watertown all of which was taken to Boston to share. The sign making event at First Parish Church of Watertown.

Entertainment

See When Registration Will Open for the 6th Annual Watertown Arts Market

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The Watertown Arts Market returns to Arsenal Park on Aug. 8, 2026. (Photo by Natalie Nigito Photography)

Registration will open for the 2026 Watertown Arts Market on Wednesday, April 1. See more details in the announcement from the Watertown Business Coalition, below. The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC), in partnership with the City of Watertown, is proud to announce the return of the Watertown Arts Market on Saturday, Aug.

Around Town

Creative Chats Focusing on How Artistic Talents Can Help Your Cause Stand Out

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Joshua TousterWatertown’s Eileen Ryan, founder of Beyond Plastics Greater Boston, advocated for legislation to limit plastic in front of the State House. She will be the featured guest for the next Creative Chats. Matt Hanna, host of Little Local Conversations, will host a discussion with climate and social justice activist Eileen Ryan about how she uses her artistic abilities to help her causes. See more in the announcement provided by Hanna, below. You’re invited to Creative Chats!

Around Town

No Kings III Protest Draws a Crowd in Watertown Square

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One of the more than 1,000 attendees of the the No Kings III protest in Watertown Square on March 28, 2026. (Courtesy of Indivisible Progressive Watertown)

The following information was provided by Indivisible Progressive Watertown:

Approximately 1,300 people of all ages attended the No Kings III Protest in Watertown Square which was sponsored by Indivisible Progressive Watertown. Music was provided by Watertown’s own band “Rosie and the Resisters.” 

Protesters in Watertown Square at the No King III rally. (Courtesy of Indivisible Progressive Watertown)

An inflatable frog, a dinosaur, and an Octopus were all spotted on the Watertown Delta. State Senator William Brownsberger and State Rep Steve Owens as well as several Watertown City Councilors attended the protest. A protester dressed like an octopus at the No Kings III protest in Watertown. (Courtesy of Indivisible Progressive Watertown)

Many creative and thoughtful signs were seen and a lot of support was heard in the form of honks from passing vehicles.

Entertainment

Watertown Cartoonist Celebrating a Milestone for a “Popeye” Character with a Cable Special

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In Celebration of Popeye’s dog’s 90th birthday, “Jeep-Jeep” (1960) will be one of the cartoons shown on the special. Watertown’s Fred Grandinetti has hosted Drawing with Fred for more than three decades, and has been inspired by Popeye cartoons. In April, he will celebrate the 90th birthday of Popeye’s faithful canine companion. See more details in the announcement provided by Grandinetti, below. Eugene the Jeep, Popeye’s Magical Dog will be having his 90th birthday celebrated by a special on The Watertown Channel. Eugene, is a creature from the fourth dimension who can walk through walls, shoot electricity from his tail and predict the future.  

The Jeep’s first appearance in 1936

He was created by E.C. Segar for his comic strip, Thimble Theatre, and first appeared in 1936.  The Jeep has appeared in comic books, several animated cartoons and a lot of merchandise.  Dolls, from the late 1930’s featuring the character are often sold for over $1,000.