Police/Fire

Four Arrested in by Watertown Police in Shoplifting Sting

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The Watertown Police Department ran a saturation patrol on Thursday focusing on stores often hit by shoplifters. The operation was one of a series of stings focused on shoplifting going back to April 2024. The WPD sent out the following announcement:

On June 26, 2025, Watertown Police conducted a saturation patrol operation at Arenal Yards and the Watertown Mall in an effort to prevent shoplifting. The operation resulted in four individuals being taken into custody on shoplifting-related charges, while one person was issued a trespassing order. The Watertown Police were assisted by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force, and store loss prevention personnel.

Around Town

Watertown’s Roberta Miller Named “Commonwealth Heroine” by State Women’s Commission

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Watertown Resident Roberta Miller was nominated to be a Commonwealth Heroine by State Rep. Steve Owens. (Courtesy of Rep. Owens’ Office)

The following announcement was provided by State Rep. Steve Owens’ office:

Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Elected officials are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news. This year, the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. “I’m honored to nominate Roberta Miller as a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine,” said State Rep. Steve Owens.

Entertainment

Check Out This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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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.”

Around Town

Applicants Wanted to Help Plan Watertown’s 400th Anniversary Celebration

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The City of Watertown will celebrate its 400-year anniversary in 2030! As we prepare to commemorate four centuries of our city and community, we’re inviting residents to help shape this once-in-a-generation celebration by helping plan a year full of events and programming honoring the City. We are now accepting applications for the Watertown 400th Anniversary Advisory Planning Committee. This volunteer committee will help advise City staff and community partners to envision, plan, and guide anniversary events, initiatives, and programs that reflect Watertown’s rich history and vibrant future. We’re looking for residents who are:

Passionate about Watertown’s past, present, and future.

Around Town

Tickets Available for 2025 Mugar Golf Tournament Benefiting the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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The 48th Annual Stephen P. Mugar Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting the Watertown Boys & Girls Club will take place on Monday, Aug. 11, and tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. See more details from the Watertown Boys & Girls Club below. WHEN: Monday, Aug 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM

WHERE: Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA

There are many ways to support the 48th Annual Stephen P. Mugar Memorial Golf Tournament in 2025 as a participant or sponsor. Securing a sponsorship and/or participating in our Tournament makes a direct impact in the communities we serve.

Business

Watertown Fitness Holding Celebration of Five Years in Business

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Watertown’s Nova Fitness is celebrating five years this week. See more information provided by owner Poli Moronari. This Friday morning, June 27, we’re celebrating five incredible years at Nova Fitness in Watertown. It’s a special event exculsively for our amazing members to thank the for their support and dedication. Nova Fitness, located at 222 Arsenal St., is a fitness studio for women.

Letters

LETTER: Former Recreation Director Recommends Changes to Victory Field Phase 2 Plan

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(The following letter was send to the City Council before its meeting on June 24, 2025)

Watertown Leadership,

I hope each of you are well and finding a cool space today. I am expecting the Victory funding to be supported tonight and are hopeful that all the alternates are approved. It is obvious to some of us and will be for the rest of you when Phase II is completed that the Phase II AD HOC plan is lacking in key amenities and / or ignored the core needs of this section of the Victory Field Complex which were clearly identified in the 2014 plan. Not including additional parking (32 spots), including busses, a larger circle for better circulation, a plan to solve the Title IX issue of the field house, ADA violation of the elevator and press box accessibility. Wi-Fi, cameras, phone coverage extenders, appropriately size and located storage units and an artificial turf field is a monumental failure and those responsible for their choice have not acted in the best interest of our residents.

Letters

LETTER: Watertown Should be Proactive, Ban Pet Shops from Selling Commercially Bred Animals

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Currently, Watertown does not have pet shops open for business. However, the large number of new commercial buildings, many with retail space, might be a viable option for a pet shop chain. We are encouraging the city to be proactive and be certain a shop that sells animals cannot open in Watertown. Recently, the City Council asked the Administration to propose policy guidance or an ordinance on limiting pet shop operations. Animal shelters in Massachusetts and nationally are at capacity with dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, rabbits, guinea pigs and other unwanted pets.