Letters

LETTER: Watertown’s Trash Pickup is Broken

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The New Trash Pickup Rules Don’t Work

Three years ago, Watertown significantly changed the rules around trash pickup. Previously, we could get rid of most things easily by putting them out with the trash. Now, the system is to call Republic to schedule a pickup for bulky “burnables” such as old furniture, and they charge a variable amount per item determined by Republic based on size and shape. They won’t take them otherwise. Similarly, so-called “white goods” such as electronics and small appliances must also be scheduled with Republic, and mattresses need to be scheduled with yet another different service. On top of that there is a means-tested discount on pickup fees available to some subset of households if they provide sufficient documentation (for trash pickup??!?).

Government

City Council, School Committee Bid Farewell to Departing Members

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City Councilor John Airasian, and School Committee member Lily Rayman-Read.

Two Watertown elected officials served their final meetings in December, and each was bid farewell by their colleagues. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian departs the Council after two terms (four years), and Lily Rayman-Read finished two-four year terms on the School Commmittee.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center for the Arts Announces Inaugural Artist-in-Residence Cohort for 2026

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Lyrical Faith was selected as the Mosesian Center for the Arts’ Ignite Fellow, one of the first group of Artists in Residence.

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the selected artists for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program, including the inaugural Ignite Fellow and the newly created Emerging Artist at Mosesian Arts award. This cohort of artists will be in residence during the Winter and Spring 2026 sessions, bringing a wide range of creative practices to MCA’s studios and engaging the community through public programs and events.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Guitarist Performs, Inauguration, Tour of Mt. Auburn Cemetery, New Movie

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It is the first weekend of the new year; many of us may be thinking about simply relaxing at home, reading a book, doing a puzzle or catching up on our laundry. But there are some events of note that could get you to put on your coat and step outside. On Friday evening, there is an inauguration party for all our newly elected town representatives. Let’s go celebrate with them! Saturday afternoon, you could go stretch your legs at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s introductory tour. Even if you have walked there before, the tour can be informative. Head to the library on Sunday afternoon to hear a classical guitar performance by Jhon Alvarado. It’s the start of their winter concert series, and it looks great. Finally, the Majestic 7 theater is showing “Marty Supreme” starting Thursday, and it’s getting good reviews. If you want more family friendly films, there are a lot of good ones there now, including “Wicked: For Good,” “Zootopia 2,” “David,” and the “Spongebob” movie. So put your laundry in to wash and then head out on the town. You can dry it later.