Around Town

More Drainage Work on Mt. Auburn Street This Week

By |

Construction crews will continue installation on drainage on Mt. Auburn Street during the week of June 16. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, Newport Construction will resume drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Kimball Road and Lloyd Road. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will remain on Mount Auburn Street.

Entertainment

See Who’s Playing at the 2025 Summer Concert Series; Join the WaterTunes Project

By |

The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:

The City of Watertown is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its annual Summer Concert Series at Saltonstall Park (149 Main St.), kicking off on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. This beloved community event promises ten weeks of free, diverse musical performances, taking place every Wednesday throughout July and August from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, immediately following the popular Watertown Farmers Market. This year’s lineup features an exciting array of local and nationally recognized talent, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy:

July 2: Classic Groove – Led by Steve Tashjian, Classic Groove will kick off the series with their versatile repertoire spanning R&B, Top 40, Smooth Jazz, Latin, Country, Swing, Middle Eastern, Show Tunes, Blues, and Motown. Special guest vocalist Concetta will join them. July 9: Lightning Rising – A Watertown-based classic rock band, Lightning Rising will bring the best of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music with expert musicianship and layered harmonies.

Entertainment

Small Saves Shakes Off a Tough Game in This Week’s Comic

By |

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.”

Letters

OP-ED: Using Our Noggins — AI and Meme Coin

By |

Dear Editor,

Several weeks ago, a Microsoft update included an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software called CoPilot. In teletype fashion, Copilot depicted itself as being my personal AI Assistant. My first thought was a virus had taken over my laptop. I am familiar with help from Geek Squad where, depending on the service required, you must approve access to your computer. I may have overlooked a message; however, I did not recall seeing a prior message regarding implementation of Copilot. The Chat between Copilot (AI) is very similar to the exchange in purchasing an item online. My first communication or formal interaction was typing a question asking what is Copilot.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards Inaugural Community Engagement Grants

By |

The recently unveiled Arshile Gorky mural received two years of funding from the Watertown Community Foundation. (Photo by WCF)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation awarded $53,185 to support 21 programs in the inaugural cycle of the Community Engagement Grant Program. Funded programs will strengthen community connections, increase access to programs and services, and foster intercultural communication and understanding in Watertown. An additional $15,000 was awarded to MetroWest Collaborative Development and Watertown Cable Access TV for operational support in the final grant cycle of the Institutional Grant Program. “This first call for Community Engagement grants was extremely competitive, and the program ideas were top-notch,” said Mary Ann Mulligan, Board Co-President and Grants Committee Chair.

Entertainment

Celebrate Summer SOLSTICE: A Day of Healing, Creativity & Connection at Mount Auburn Cemetery

By |

Mount Auburn Cemetery provided the following announcement:

Join Mount Auburn Cemetery on Saturday, June 21 for Summer SOLSTICE — a free, daylong celebration of healing, creativity, and connection. Enjoy a vibrant mix of free and low-cost wellness and art experiences, from sound meditation and outdoor yoga to hands-on workshops like flower crown making and herbal healing rituals — all set within Mount Auburn Cemetery’s inspiring landscape. Summer SOLSTICE is a one-of-a-kind seasonal gathering that invites people of all ages to reconnect with themselves, with community, and with the natural world. The day also features the Watertown Public Library Bookmobile, horticulture walks, poetry readings, live music in unexpected spaces, and much more.  

All events are free or low-cost.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Summer Kickoff at Donohue’s

By |

Donohue’sDonohue’s Bar & Grill opened 20 years ago, and has grown and changed over that time. The Watertown Business Coalition will host an after hours networking event at the patio at Donohue’s on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The WBC sent out the following information:

The Watertown Business Coalition invites you to the annual Summer Kick Off on the patio at Donohue’s Bar & Grill. 

Attendance is FREE and is open to Watertown Residents, local businesses & employers as well as those who come to work in Watertown for the day.  We’d love to see you! RSVP here

Entertainment

Children’s Author, Newbery Award Honoree Grace Lin to Visit Library to Kick Off Read About Town

By |

The Watertown Free Public Library provided the following announcement:

Summer reading is for everyone! This year, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is inviting all ages to Read About Town and complete reading challenges inspired by Watertown landmarks.For younger readers ages 5 – 11, there’s also a chance to get a book signed by Newbery Honoree Grace Lin! Here’s a look at everything the Library has planned:

Read About Town

June 16 – August 22 | All Ages | Children, teens, and adults invited to pick up a Read About Town map at the Library and complete reading challenges inspired by our local community! While getting familiar with some Watertown landmarks, you’ll collect stickers for your map and earn raffle tickets for fabulous prizes at the library. Play solo, play as a team, or play as a family.