Watertown Woman Appearing at Author Event, Walk in Memory of Her Significant Other

Debra Smith will be speaking about her first book at an event in Harvard Square on Sept. 28. Watertown’s Debra Smith will be participating in a pair of events in memory of John R. Hope as part of Suicide Prevention month. Smith worked closely with Hope, and was his significant other for 10 years. “John was a caring, bright and kind elder law and estate planning attorney in Watertown, who donated his time to our community speaking at the senior centers, helping me at library events that I organized and was on the board of the Marshall Home Fund,” said Smith said.

Removal of Pavement on Mt. Auburn St. Begins This Week

The process of removing the old asphalt to prepare for the repaving of on Mt. Auburn Street will begin this week. Also, hydrant installation and sidewalk pouring will take place in the East End. See details in the City of Watertown’s announcement, below. Sidewalk Concrete Installation and Excavation

Sidewalk concrete installation and pouring will take place on the westbound side of Mount Auburn Street, between Belmont Street and Prentiss Street from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concrete pouring is scheduled to take place between Belmont Street and Prentiss Street on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Meet Sara Nović, Author of True Biz, at the Watertown Free Public Library

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

DEAF, Inc. and the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) are thrilled to welcome award-winning, NYT bestselling author, translator, and Deaf rights activist Sara Nović to the Library! Nović will visit WFPL on Tuesday, September 30, for an author talk and book signing. ASL and CART services will be provided. Books will be available for purchase from All She Wrote Books. Nović is the author of the instant New York Times Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants.

Wayside Multi’s Staff Member Helps Empower Youth, Works on Substance Use Prevention

The following information was provided by the Wayside Multi-Service Center:

Staff Spotlight: Youth Engagement Specialist Christina Lupica. Since first joining the Wayside Multi, Christina has been a vital part of the Watertown community. She is dedicated to empowering youth through peer leadership, wellness groups, and programs focused on positive coping strategies as an alternative to substance use. Christina oversees the WYC and Peer Leadership Program, and she is also a member of W2B2 Youth Wellness Coalition and Watertown Anti-Bias Coalition. Additionally, she runs life-skills groups for 12-22 year olds in Watertown and Waltham through Community Innovations program.

Young Entrepreneur Starts Business Selling Freeze-Dried Candy

Kai Pope, middle, sold freeze-dried candy at a pop-up at 1st Yard Market, which is owned by Omar Omolade, left. Also pictured is Kai’s mother, Lizz. An 11-year-old Watertown boy puts a spin on candy favorites and has started selling them at pop-ups and will be at the Faire on the Square. Kai Pope started Kandy by Kai, and sells freeze-dried candy, said his mother, Lizz. The freeze drying process puffs up the candy.

Gore Place Hosting Farm to Table Dinner

The following announcement was provided by Gore Place:

Sunday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m. Come celebrate the Farm at Gore Place and the end of summer! Gather with guests from across Greater Boston for a seasonal, chef-curated meal celebrating local agriculture, sustainability, and community. In case of rain, dinner will take place in our spacious and modern Event Tent. Tickets are now available at goreplace.org. Dinner will be supervised by Chef Ian Davey.

Entrants Wanted for Chili Cook-Off at Faire on the Square

This year’s Chili Cook-Off at the Faire on the Square will be for restaurants and professional cooks from Watertown. There is still time to enter the contest, which will be judged at the Faire on Sept. 13, 2025. See the information provided by the City Events Team, below. The “Battle of the Bowls” contest is being organized by the City of Watertown’s Events Team.