Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/)
Most of the roadwork on Mt. Auburn Street has stopped for the winter, but there will be some smaller projects during the off-season. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown. As the construction season has come to a close, off-season work will primarily focus on drainage improvements. This work will continue along Mount Auburn Street toward Watertown Square.
The Community Read: Works by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 at the Watertown Free Public Library. See the announcement provided by the Unity Breakfast organizers. Please join us for a Community Read on Sunday, January 11 from 2:00-3:30 in the MasterangeloRoom of Watertown Public Library. Together we will be reading aloud a work by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and discussing its message and relevance for today.
The Watertown Free Public Library. (Courtesy of WFPL)
Cooking enthusiasts are wanted to join the Watertown Free Public Library’s cooking group. See details in the announcement from the Library, below. The 2025 Cook the Books group celebrated a delicious year of recipe swapping with a cookie exchange at the Watertown Free Public Library!
Once a month, the Cook the Books Group meets in the Library café to share favorite cookbooks, recipes, and food. Members share cooking tips and tricks while bonding over great food and great company.
The results of the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey will be discussed at a community forum hosted by the Watertown Youth Coalition and the Watertown Public Schools. The Watertown Youth Wellness Community Forum will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Learning Commons at Lowell Elementary School, 123 Lowell Ave. The announcement from the Watertown Youth Coalition said:
“We will present and discuss the findings from the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and work together to explore how data relates to: Youth Belonging, Youth Connections with Trusted Adults, Youth Perception of Substance Use Prevelance.” Light refreshments will be served.
Watertown residents can put their Christmas trees out for pickup through Jan. 19. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be picking up Christmas trees through the week of Monday, January 19, 2026. To ensure your tree is collected, remove all ornaments, lights, and decorations and place it on the curb on your designated trash and recycling day.
Anie Manoushagian and Arie Orchanian. The Funeral Services for Funeral services for Anie Manaushigian and Arie Orchanian — who were killed in a car crash in Watertown on Dec. 23 — will be held on Jan. 5, 2026. Separate burials are planned.
Details of the trash, recycling, and yard waste collection for 2026 are available in the Department of Public Works’ calendar. The calendars were mailed to homes and are available online. See details in the announcement sent out by the City of Watertown, below. 2026 Trash and Recycling Calendars
Please be aware that the 2026 Trash and Recycling Calendar will be arriving in your mailbox soon. In addition to the calendar showing which days your trash, recycling and yard waste will be picked up, there is also useful information about composting, how to dispose of mattresses, furniture, clothing and TVs, the hours and location of the Recycle Center and what you can bring there, and a guide to what materials are and are not recyclable.
The Winter Parking Ban will be in effect starting on January 1, 2026. The City has options for off-street parking in municipal owned lots. See information provided by the City of Watertown, below. From January 1, 2026 (January 2, at 1:00AM) to March 1, 2026, the City’s overnight parking restriction is strictly enforced, unless an updated start and end date is announced by the City. The regulation reads in part; “No vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. all days of the week”.
Watertown residents can begin registering for the Recreation Department’s Pequossette Summer Program beginning on Jan. 1. See more details in the announcement from the Rec. Department, below. We’re excited to share that planning has officially begun for the 2026 Pequossette Summer Program, and we have some important updates for families — including extended camp hours and new registration options!
