Elections

LETTER: Importance of Local Elections, Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 24

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As first-time candidates running for Library Trustee, School Committee and City Council in Watertown’s 2025 November Election, we are often asked, “What does that role do?” It’s a fair question, and it gets to the heart of why local elections — and your vote, in particular — matter so much. Local government is where decisions are made that directly affect our daily lives: who leads our public library and schools, what priorities are funded by resources, how our public spaces are maintained, and what values guide city decisions. The work of each elected official, from councilor to school committee member, has a real and lasting impact on our neighborhoods. That’s why exercising your right to vote in local elections is so important. In reality, turnout rates for municipal elections tend to be low, especially among younger voters and newer residents.

Around Town

Watertown Cable Hosting 20th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cable Access TV:

Watertown Cable Access Corporation (WCA-TV) is proud to announce its 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser, taking place on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at WCA-TV’s studio. This special evening will celebrate two decades of empowering local voices, fostering creativity, and strengthening the Watertown community through media. The event will feature a variety of engaging activities and showcases that highlight WCA-TV’s impact and evolution over the years. Guests will enjoy a reception with a step-and-repeat photo area, raffles and a silent auction, and an opportunity to meet and talk with staff, board members, and volunteers who make WCA-TV such a meaningful part of the Watertown community.

Around Town

Diwali Celebration at Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center

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The Brahma Kumarís Meditation Center in Watertown invites the public to a Diwali celebration on Oct. 25, 2025 from 4-6 p.m.

Highlights

Interactive Exhibits

Artistic Expressions

Spiritual Insights

Experiential Moments

Following the program, dinner will be served. Brahma Kumarís Meditation Center is located at 75 Common St., Watertown, MA 02472

Register at bit.ly/lightofhope2025

For More Information call 617-926-1230 or go to bknewengland.org

Elections

LETTER: Library Trustee Candidate Introduces Herself

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Dear Editor, and Watertown neighbors,

I’m writing to introduce myself, Pia Owens, and ask for one of your three votes for Library Trustee in our upcoming election on Nov. 4th. As trustee, I will aim to keep our library vibrant, inclusive, and committed to intellectual freedom. I’ve lived in Watertown for 20+ years with my husband Steve and our two kids who attended Watertown Public Schools. I used to visit the East Branch library, and now we have a brick with our names on it in front of the library in Watertown Square.

Around Town

Sidewalk Excavation & Trench Installation This Week on Mt. Auburn Street

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More sidewalk excavation this week on Mt. Auburn Street, and trench installation for drainage and trees are also planned. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Sidewalk Excavation Continues At Cambridge Line

Excavation of the eastbound sidewalk and curbing on Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and Arlington Street will continue on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about travel and parking impacts below. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

The eastbound sidewalk will be closed for excavation starting on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. A bypass sidewalk on the eastbound side will be opened up while this work is being completed.Traffic on Mount Auburn Street will be narrowed and you can expect lane shifts, however traffic will be maintained in both directions. Entrances to driveways and parking lots will be maintained.

Letters

OP-ED: Housing Advocate Urges Watertown Renters to Attend Fair Housing Training

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Thursday, October 23 – 6 to 7:30 pm – FAIR HOUSING: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Training Session

Kudos to City staff for a laudable effort to get the word out about this session. As a housing advocate, seeking solutions to ease the housing affordability crisis, I am talking to many residents and providers. I often hear we need a local place to go for information and support when people have questions about or have experienced discrimination. Please consider attending in person or by Zoom. I believe this is a great start for Watertown City staff and elected and appointed officials to learn more about these experiences and for renters to get the support and information they deserve.

Entertainment

Armenian Museum Hosting Exhibition of Arshile Gorky’s Work, Many Never Shown Publicly

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Arshile Gorky, “Self-Portrait,” 1923–1924, will be part of the MA–The Armenian Museum of America’s exhibition, “Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections.” The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America recently announced the opening of a landmark exhibition, Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections, on December 11, 2025. This is the first exhibition of Gorky’s work in an Armenian museum, and it caps off a series of programs initiated by the “100 Years of Arshile Gorky” Committee in the City of Watertown. The exhibition is curated by Kim S. Theriault, author of Rethinking Arshile Gorky published byPenn State University Press, and it is sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation. “We aimed high in the planning of this show dedicated to an Armenian artist who immigrated to Watertown in the aftermath of the Genocide, like so many of our compatriots,” explains Executive Director Jason Sohigian.

Entertainment

Small Saves Makes Some Big Saves in This Week’s Comic

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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.”