Second Empowering Watertown in Women Workshop Features First Responders, a Disability Advocate & Entrepreneurs

The tent at the Commander’s Mansion was full for the second Empowering Women in Watertown in August to hear from female first responders, a librarian and disabilities advocate, and entrepreneurs who started fitness and studios Watertown. During the first panel, Watertown Police Officers Kerry Kelley and Anna Margaryan (and her police dog, Raider), joined with Firefighter/Paramedic Kate Boudreau to share their experiences as women working in male-dominated professions. The workshop also focused on Wellness, Community Action, and Communications. Other presenters included:

• Liz Padula, Founder of Artemis Yoga, will lead an interactive presentation about wellness• Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at Perkins, will share insights on advocacy and community action• Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, will give closing remarks on building relationships and connection

Other presenters were Jan Taylor, who talked about starting Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio in her home and how she grew the business; and Julia Dunoyer, who first started working on the front desk at Artemis and now works full time as the studio’s marketing and client relations manager. Attendees also had the option of getting a professional headshot session with Natalie Nigito Photography, and enjoyed coffee, tea and baked goods provided by O’some Café

View the Empowering Women http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4043?site=1

Women in Business, Non-Profit & City Government Speak at Sold Out Event in Watertown

Dancing With the Watertown Stars Takes the Mosesian Center Stage, Tickets Available

The annual Dancing with the Stars moves to a new location in 2025, and the dancers will strut their stuff on the stage of the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept. 12. The evening will be hosted by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, and features 10 Watertown Stars who will be dancing with pros from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Belmont. 2025 Dancing With the Watertown Stars

Jess Donato, Third-Grade Teacher, Hosmer Elementary School

Ed Megerdichian, Chief Administrative Officer, Sensational Foods

Ryan Seward, Realtor, Coldwell Banker

Cindy St. Clair, PTO Secretary, Cunniff Elementary School

Diane DiMascio Cinar, Realtor, CK Realty Group

Cassidy Pirozzi, Financial Specialist, City of Watertown Treasurer/Collector’s Office

Harrison Ford, Co-Chair, Watertown Pride Committee

Jennifer Chiodo, Spanish Teacher, Watertown High School

Rob Scudder, Co-Anchor, Watertown Cable News

Cookie Ramos, Assistant Branch Manager, Watertown Savings Bank

Along with the dancing, attendees can enjoy appetizers and a cash bar.

This Week’s Mt. Auburn St. Construction Begins After Labor Day

Construction on Mt. Auburn Street will take a day off for Labor Day, and resume with sidewalk and drainage work on Tuesday. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown. Sidewalk Concrete Installation

Sidewalk concrete installation and pouring will take place on the westbound side of Mount Auburn Street, between Belmont Street and Keenan Street from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concrete pouring is anticipated to begin between Belmont Street and Francis Street on Wednesday 9/3/2025. Notices have been provided to the properties directly affected within the pouring area.

First Aid & CPR Training Offered by Watertown’s Public Health Nurse

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Take First Aid & CPR Training and get your certificate with Watertown Public Health Nurse! The training will take place at the Parker Annex, Suite 3H, located at 124 Watertown St. Trainings are offered

• Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 2-6 p.m.• Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 2-6 p.m.• Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 2-6 p.m.

The Fee is $40/person, and the is a maximum of 6 people per class. Registration required. What You’ll Learn:

• How to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants• Basic first aid for injuries and other common emergencies• How to handle choking, cardiac arrests, and more

Please wear loose and comfortable clothing and inform the instructor if you have physical limitation that prevent you from performing the skills. If you have any questions, please call 617-972-6446.

Snapping Turtle Found in Dead in Watertown from Rodent Poison

The snapping turtle found dead from rodent poison. (Photo by Lauren Ulm)

A large snapping turtle was found dead near the bank of Charles River in Watertown, and the cause of death was determined to be from a rodent poison that prevents blood from clotting. The case is the first documented death of a snapping turtle by rodenticide in Massachusetts, according to a wildlife advocacy group. The turtle was found in July and the veterinarian who determined the cause of death, Amanda Leef from Heal Veterinary Clinic in East Watertown, said it is unusual to see a turtle die in that way. Leef has a wildlife rehabilitation license, and does work with Save Mass Wildlife to study sick and dead wildlife.

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting the First Annual Pizza Fest

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Business Coalition:

Calling all pizza lovers! The Watertown Business Coalition (WBC) is thrilled to announce THE FIRST ANNUAL PIZZA FEST! From September 5 to 12, residents are encouraged to head to their favorite pizza spot and experience the great pizza served here in the City! 

Participating restaurants thus far include Bar ‘Cino, Gigi’s Pizza Co., Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Johnnie’s Pizza & Wings, Red Lentil Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant, Stella’s Pizza, Sevan Bakery, Little Family Pizza, West on Main, and Gerry’s Italian Kitchen. 

Participants can visit their favorite spots, and try some new ones, and then vote online. The winner will receive the Golden Slice trophy at the Faire on the Square, on Sept. 13 at Saltonstall Park.

Tour the Businesses of the West End & Victory Field During Walk N Talk

The Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown invite you to join the August Walk N Talk around the West End and also find out about the renovations going on at Victory Field. See more information from the WBC below. Take a look around the businesses of the West End of Watertown, Thursday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.

We will meet at Quebrada Baking, 281 Orchard St. Please park on the street if you are driving.

Sidewalk Construction Continues on One Side of Mt. Auburn Street

Work this week on the Mt. Auburn Street Project includes construction of sidewalks and drainage work in the East End of town. See more information from the City of Watertown below. Curb Installation & Sidewalk Concrete Pouring

Curb installation and sidewalk concrete pouring will take place on the westbound side of Mount Auburn Street, between Belmont Street and Keenan Street, on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Details on travel and parking impacts are provided below. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

The westbound sidewalk will be closed for curb installation and sidewalk concrete pouring starting Monday, August 25, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. A bypass sidewalk on the westbound 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.