Letters

LETTER: Hardware Chain Sharing License Plates from Flock Cameras with Law Enforcement

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To the Editor:

Dozens of Home Depot Stores in Texas are sharing parking lot surveillance camera license-plate scans — through the Flock network — with the Johnson County, Texas, Sheriff’s office. This is according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation and 404 Media. 

Visitors to those stores are unaware that they are being tracked. 

I think, until I hear otherwise, that I will limit my hardware shopping to our local friends at Coolidge Hardware. 

William BeckettWatertown Resident

Business

Chamber’s Real Estate Forum Focuses on What’s Next in the Fight for Housing

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The Charles River Regional Chamber will host the Annual Real Estate Forum: What’s next in the fight for housing on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 9-11:30 a.m. at UMass Amherst Charles River Campus, Newton (formerly Mount Ida). See the announcement from the Chamber below. When the MBTA Communities Act became law in 2021, it marked the most significant zoning reform in Massachusetts in decades — opening the door to new housing production across eastern Massachusetts. But no one believed it would solve the housing crisis on its own.Four years later, the pressure hasn’t eased.

Business

Learn How to Boost Your Brand, Get a Headshot at the WBC’s January Event

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Watertown Business Coalition’s first event of 2026 focuses on rebranding your business or organization. The event at Atelier Sociale includes and opportunity to get your headshot taken by a professional photographer. See more details in the announcement from the WBC and the City’s Events Team, below. Start the new year strong with the WBC! Ready to refresh your online presence?

Entertainment

Paul Jost and Jim Ridl Bring Soulful Jazz Storytelling to the Mosesian Center for the Arts

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

The Mosesian Center for the Arts brings its relaunched jazz series, Chords and Cocktails, into the new year with an evening of soulful storytelling and virtuosic musicianship. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., acclaimed vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Paul Jost is joined by pianist and composer Jim Ridl for an intimate and compelling performance in the Charles Mosesian Theater. Hailed as “one of the most soulful jazz vocalists of his generation,” Jost is known for his passionate delivery, inventive phrasing, and deeply expressive approach to song. A multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer, he has performed at leading venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the 55 Bar, SMOKE Jazz Club, and major international festivals worldwide.

Around Town

City of Watertown Thanks All for Successful Community Food Drive

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Food collected from multiple locations across the City during the Community Food Drive in November and December. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the entire Watertown community – residents, businesses, volunteers, and more – for supporting the community food drive hosted through November and December 2025. Thanks to everyone’s efforts together, thousands of food items were collected to support our pantries, community fridge, and directly to families in need. This community food drive was organized by the City of Watertown, with support from the Watertown Community Foundation, in early November when federal SNAP benefits were delayed and over 1,600 Watertown households were unsure if the assistance they rely on each month would come through. Jenna Bancroft, Watertown’s Director of Human Services, was amazed by the way the community stepped up and supported their neighbors.

Business

Triangle Co Cafe Opens in New Building at 66 Galen Street

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Triangle Co cafe is now open in 66 Galen. (Elisif Photography)

The following announcement was provided by The Davis Companies:

The Davis Companies (Davis) and Boston Development Group (BDG) today announced the opening of a new community café and social spot, Triangle Co, on the ground floor of 66 Galen Street in Watertown, serving both building tenants and the broader Watertown community. With existing locations in Boston and Washington, D.C., Triangle Co is known for its specialty, in-house coffee, teas and made-to-order food offerings. Now, it will bring an experience to the heart of Watertown that is unique from other café locations around the city. Patrons will enjoy a soaring mid-century inspired 360-degree fireplace and café seating, creating an updated yet welcoming place to focus on remote work, meet with colleagues, or stop in to relax with a specialized food or drink offering.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosts Vigil in Memory of Renee Good

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People came out for a vigil for Renee Good, the woman killed in Minneapolis by an ICE agent. (Photo, copyright by Joshua Touster)

The following information was provided by Indivisible Progressive Watertown:

On Saturday morning, Jan. 10th, Indivisible Progressive Watertown hosted an emergency vigil in memory of Renee Nicole Good who was murdered by ICE agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 7th. 

Indivisible Progressive Watertown’s vigil on Watertown Square on Jan. 10.

Entertainment

Annual River of Light Lantern Parade Returns to Mosesian Center for the Arts

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The Mosesian Center for the Arts will host the annual River of Light Lantern Parade — a celebration of light in the heart of the winter. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Join us for the River of Light Lantern Parade on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, located at 321 Arsenial St. Celebrate creativity, community, and light.