Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/6/)
Watertown’s young musicians and stage performers will be featured in some upcoming events. Bandarama features musicians from around the district, and Watertown Middle School will present the musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” See details provided by the Watertown Public Schools, below. Watertown Middle School presents “Willy Wonka Jr.” March 6-8, 2026 at the WMS Auditorium.
Parents of Watertown kindergartners in the September are invited to the 20206-07 Kindergarten Information Night on March 4. See the information provided by the Watertown Public Schools, below. Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Your Neighborhood School (Hosmer, Cunniff, or Lowell)
If parents do not know their neighborhood school, they can call 617-972-4216 or email:
Terri Stafford terri.stafford@watertown.k12.ma.us
Janis Gonsales (Portuguese/Spanish Speakers) janis.sorrilhagonsales@watertown.k12.ma.us
The following announcement was provided by the Jewish Watertown Action Network:
Jewish Watertown Action Network (JWAN) invites you to attend our upcoming program, “Antisemitism in Massachusetts: Progress and Path Forward,” on Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library.
This event will feature two members of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Established by Governor Maura Healey, this historic commission—the first of its kind in the nation—was created in response to the alarming rise of antisemitism across the Commonwealth. The Commission’s recommendations, released in December 2025, were unanimously approved by its members and have received strong support from leading Massachusetts officials, including Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Representatives Katherine Clark, Seth Moulton, and Lori Trahan. These recommendations outline meaningful, practical steps to address antisemitism in our schools, communities, and public institutions. We are honored to welcome Rob Leikind, Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee of New England, and David Friedman, Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs of the Boston Red Sox, who both served on the Commission.
Photo by Katherine Patterson
By Katherine PattersonWatertown Resident
On Sunday, January 11th, we were amazed to see a beautiful barred owl sitting on a low branch in our backyard. We live next to Whitney Hill in Watertown, and had been hearing barred owl calls in the evening over the past few weeks (“who cooks for you?!”). After an hour our excitement turned to concern. The owl was now completely still, unbothered by any nearby noises. We tried to reach a wildlife rehabilitator, with no luck.
The Watertown Free Public Library and the Chinese American Association of Watertown will host a Lunar Near Year celebration on Feb. 28. See details provided by the library below. Come to the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Watertown Free Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., at 123 Main Street. The Watertown Free Public Library and the Chinese American Association of Watertown welcome Wu An Martial Arts for a special Lion Dance.
Across the US, we are witnessing ICE violence perpetrated with apparent impunity. On TV and social media, we see lawlessness and general chaos. A functional society needs the rule of law — built on stable precedents, clear processes, and established procedures to ensure the safety of every resident. Currently, that safety is being undermined by a federal administration that shifts rules on a weekly basis, while operating without a transparent strategy or the tactical oversight necessary to protect civil liberties. Americans from across the political spectrum have turned out in droves to demand accountability. Recent polling reflects this growing national consensus: 60% of Americans disapprove of ICE’s conduct, including 68% of independents.
UPDATE, Feb. 23: The Watertown’s Open event on Feb 24 has been postponed. The event is now scheduled for March 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. See the original announcement published on Feb. 17, below.
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Council on Aging, Watertown Cultural Council, Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee, and Traffic Commission. Council on Aging
The Council on Aging identifies, coordinates, and helps carry out programs to meet the needs and interests of Watertown residents age 60+. The Council conducts outreach; Identifies needs, interests, concerns, and strengths of residents age 60+; educates the broader community about these needs; formulates policies; and promotes and implements services and programs, working with professional staff and volunteers who provide a variety of social, health, educational, recreational, advocacy, and support programs.
Watertown Cultural Council
The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC) promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. WCC is funded in large part by the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) and each year distributes this funding to organizations, schools, and individuals to provide initiatives in these areas. Duties of council members include review and discussion of grant applications once a year, administration of funds, record and bookkeeping, and on-going communication with the MCC.