Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

Snapping Turtle Found in Dead in Watertown from Rodent Poison

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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.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Friday Showers Precedes Pleasant Labor Day Weekend

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A frontal system brings one last chance of showers and storms Friday, followed by a stretch of dry, beautiful weather through the holiday weekend and into next week. Temperatures run slightly below average at first, with crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons, then gradually trend back toward the low 80s by midweek. Humidity stays moderate to low, making for a very pleasant start to September. Friday, August 29 – Showers and storms, then clearing

A cold front moves through the region. The morning begins partly sunny, but showers develop mid- to late morning, with embedded thunderstorms possible by midday into early afternoon.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting the First Annual Pizza Fest

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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.

Transportation

MBTA Will Start Fare Checks, Warnings & Fines in September

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Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA Bus on Mt. Auburn Street. The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced that fare checks as the part of its Fare Engagement Program will soon begin within the subway system. Beginning September 8, Fare Engagement Representatives will begin issuing formal warnings and citations to riders who have not tapped at a fare gate or farebox. More information is available at mbta.com/FareCheck.  

“Our riders deserve a safe and reliable mass transportation system that is available for them when they need it.

Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

Sidewalk Construction Continues on One Side of Mt. Auburn Street

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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.