Letters

LETTER: Experience at Jewish Voices Critique the Antisemitism Commission Event

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“Jewish Voices Critique the Antisemitism Commission” — That was the title of the meeting at the Watertown Library on May 21. It tells you things could have gotten ugly. Thanks to careful planning and skilled moderation, even though the event was tense, it mostly remained civil. The topic was urgent and divisive. In December, 2025, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism released its policy recommendations.

Entertainment

Watertown Library Hosting MIT Immersive Documentary Pop Up

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The following announcement was provided by MIT Open Documentary Lab:

The MIT Open Documentary Lab and IXRDC are bringing Immersive Documentary Pop-Ups to Watertown Library on Thursday, May 28, from 4–7 PM. Visitors can drop in to experience a curated collection of virtual reality works by artists exploring climate change, identity, immigration, indigeneity, racial injustice, disability, memory, and civic life. This is part of Libraries as Immersive Storytelling Hubs, a civic research initiative by the MIT Open Documentary Lab exploring how public libraries can become spaces for immersive storytelling, community engagement, and new ways of knowing. Featured projects include:

• Ice Sailors• Less Than Five Grams of Saffron• Travelling While Black• You Destroy. We Create.

Around Town

Resistance and Inspiration — Watertown Citizens’ Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment:

Resistance and Inspiration is the theme of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment’s 47 th Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner that will take place on Sunday, May 31 at the First Parish of Watertown at 35 Church St. in Watertown. The potluck will begin at 5 p.m. and our program will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Watertown Citizens members and supporters came together last year to build community and support each other in difficult times. The challenges we faced then have only grown – increasing attacks on our civil liberties and on immigrant and marginalized communities; continuing cuts in funding for basic needs – affordable housing, healthcare, and education; destruction of environmental protections and the expansion of fossil fuels; and unabetted illegal military actions causing death and injury to hundreds of thousands. Fortunately, the past year has also been marked by larger and larger mass demonstrations throughout the country, at state houses, and in local communities.

Letters

LETTER: History of Memorial Day

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Dear Editor,

A fact I did not know until today pertains to establishment of Memorial Day.  The information is in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. As we know Memorial Day is the day our nation pauses to honor the service and sacrifice of our military heroes who gave their lives to secure our freedoms.

However, overlooked is the earliest commemoration of what would later become Memorial Day was organized on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, S.C., at a former Confederate prison camp known as the Martyrs of the Race Course Cemetery. The memorial service was established by over 1,000 newly freed African Americans, U.S. Colored Troops and a small group of White Charlestonians. This group came together to honor the 257 Union soldiers who died as a result of the poor conditions of the Confederate prison camp during the war. They exhumed the soldiers from a mass grave that the Confederates made and created proper burial grounds for the Union soldiers.

Entertainment

Earfull Series Returns to Branch Line in June Featuring Authors & Musicians

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Earfull combines authors and musicians for a night of entertainment. In June, the series will be held in Watertown. See more information from Earfull, below. Earfull, Tuesdays in June Series 2026, on the Branch Line Restaurant Patio, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown. Doors at 6 p.m. Showtime 7-9 p.m. Free parking in the garage

It’s still cold out (except when it’s really hot), but we’re thinking ahead to June and our friends at the beautiful and delicious Branch Line Restaurant Patio where we’ll be hosting our Earfull Tuesdays in June Series 2026!

Schools

MassBay Community College Launches Associate Degree in Sonography

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The following announcement was provided by MassBay Ccommunity College:

MassBay Community College is launching an Associate in Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) to educate students in this highly skilled and in-demand field of ultrasound technology, helping address the growing need for diagnostic imaging professionals in the region. The DMS program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice and supervised clinical experiences to prepare students for careers in medical imaging. Students can enroll now for classes that begin Sept. 8, 2026. “We know that skilled medical professionals are in high demand in MetroWest, and this program will train health care workers who will make an immediate impact,” said David Podell, MassBay President.

Entertainment

Award-Winning Children’s Author Melissa Stewart will visit Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

On Sunday, June 14, children of all ages are invited to the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) to kick off summer reading and get a book signed by a famous author! Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 200 science books for children. She has always been fascinated by the natural world and is passionate about sharing its beauty and wonder. Also this summer, children, teens, and grownups are invited to complete a garden-inspired summer reading game and earn prizes along the way! Summer Reading Kickoff with Melissa Stewart

Sunday, June 14 | 2 PM | All Ages | at WFPL | Want to inspire a young reader in your life?