Refined Design for Walker Pond to be Presented at Community Meeting

See the refined conceptual design for Walker Pond at the third and final community meeting on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Day School, at 57 Stanley Ave. See details provided by the City of Watertown, below. At this meeting you will learn about all the incredible feedback we received from the community, dive deep into the details of a single refined concept design with the community, answer questions, and more! If you missed the first two meetings, please visit the Walker Pond page to learn more about the project, the community feedback, the concept designs presented at meeting #2, and more!

Webinar on the Nuclear Disarmament Resolution: Why Now & Why It’s a Local Issue

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

The Watertown  Citizens for Peace and Common Security Committee is holding a webinar on the Nuclear Disarmament Resolution in order to better inform the public about this issue which is on the City Council calendar for February 10, 2026. Join us for an informative discussion about the Nuclear Armament Resolution on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 4-6 p.m. The Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment’s, Peace & Common Security Working Group along with co-sponsors, Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility & Disarmament Working Group, & Massachusetts Peace Action will all have speakers representing their respective groups, as well as, Students for Nuclear Disarmament. The Zoom link for the webinar is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89831190874?pwd=iYFPOM63RBTp4FfajbGazNOKNlF3EM.1#success

Watertown Human Rights Commission Hosting Workshop on Building Effective Community Conversations

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will team with Human Rights Commissions in the area to host an online workshop on Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations in March. See details about the workshop and how to register in the announcement from the HRC below. We are excited to help further productive dialogue in our community, and invite you to a free, virtual workshop, Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations. 

The workshop will be held over two Sundays: March 1st and March 8th, from 3-4:30 p.m. Attendance at both sessions is strongly encouraged. More details about the workshop are included below. To register, please complete this form by January 31. /Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations

Flyers – Building Connections Effective Tools for Community Conversations.pdf – Google Drive

Please select the “Watertown” self identification option on the registration form. 

Background

This workshop is the product of conversations between eight Human Rights Commissions (or equivalents) in Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Sudbury, and Watertown.

Poet Laureate Speaks at Packed Unity Breakfast; Award Given to Group Monitoring Immigrant Enforcement

Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson recited several of his poems at the 2026 Unity Breakfast. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate inspired the crowd at the 26th annual Unity Breakfast. During the event on Monday, awards were presented to a group monitoring immigration enforcement and supporting immigrants rights in Watertown, and a man who has been a big part of keeping the Unity Breakfast going through the Pandemic. The Unity Award at the 2006 Watertown Unity Breakfast went to the Rapid Response Network, while the Sue Kuder Unsung Hero Award went to Chuck Dickinson. Poet Laureate

Before the presentation of the awards, Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Regie Gibson, recited several of his pieces related to Dr. King and the struggles of today.

Artemis Yoga Welcomes Community with Free Classes at January Open House

The following announcement was provided by Artemis Yoga:

Artemis Yoga is inviting the local community to an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at its Watertown studio. The afternoon will feature a series of free in-studio yoga classes, along with raffles, giveaways, local treats, and special in-studio offers. Located at 639 Mt. Auburn St., Artemis Yoga is a locally owned, independent yoga studio that recently marked its 10th year in Watertown, having opened its doors in 2015.

No Snow Emergency, But Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Still in Effect

The City of Watertown will not declare a snow emergency for the storm that began Sunday, Jan. 18, but on-street parking is prohibited overnight. See details in the announcement from the City, below. In preparation of the incoming winter storm, the City of Watertown would like to share a few key updates to the community. The City of Watertown will not be declaring a snow emergency due the incoming snow fall happening on January 18, 2026.