Around Town

Watertown Police Holding Rape Aggression Defense Classes

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The following information came from the Watertown Police Department:

The Watertown Police Department is offering the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Women’s Self-Defense Program from June 8-11, 2026, at 5:30-8:30 p.m.

This program is open to women ages 18 and older and includes hands-on self-defense training focused on risk awareness, prevention, and realistic physical defense techniques. Participants will learn practical tactics and concepts designed to build confidence and personal safety awareness. Registration is now open! To register, call 617-600-1306 or email WPDtraining@police.watertown-ma.gov

Around Town

Herring Festival 2026: A Fish Migration Celebration

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The migration of herring and other fish up the Charles River will be celebrated at the Charles River Watershed Association’s Herring Festival. The event will take place near the Watertown Dam at 64 Pleasant St. on Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. See more details at in the announcement from the CRWA, below. Each spring, the Charles River becomes a vital spawning ground for diadromous fish species such as the Alewife, Blueback Herring, American Shad, and Rainbow Smelt. These fish are key players in the local ecosystem and are a historical representation of Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural ways of life. Join us for our annual celebration of fish migration to honor the herring with an afternoon of free, family fun! 

This year, we are also premiering a community artwork titled “River Run”, developed in collaboration with muralist Sophy Tuttle.

Around Town

Residents of Assisted Living Facility Get Access to The RIDE, Learn Details from Local Legislators

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger discusses the MBTA’s The RIDE with a gathering at The Residence at Watertown Square. (Contributed Photo)

The following piece was provided by The Residence at Watertown Square:

Residents at The Residence at Watertown Square recently gained direct access to transportation resources during an on-site event featuring Sen. William Brownsberger, State Rep. Steven Owens, and representatives from the MBTA and its “The RIDE” program. The Residence at Watertown Square offers a variety of transportation services to its residents, but is always striving to promote greater independence and mobility. For many older adults, navigating public transit options and application requirements can present a significant barrier to mobility and independence. To help address this challenge, Sen. Brownsberger’s team, Rep. Owens, and The RIDE partnered with The Residence at Watertown Square to bring additional transportation resources directly into the community, making it easier for residents to learn about and enroll in available programs.

State Rep. Steve Owens tells residents of the Watertown assisted living facility about The RIDE.

Around Town

Sidewalks & Curbs Will be Under Construction in East Watertown This Week

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Sidwalk removal will take place at a major intersection in Coolidge Square this week, and curbs will be removed and replaced on the far eastern end of Mt. Auburn Street. See how the road and sidewalk work this week will impact road and pedestrian traffic in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Sidewalk Removal

Excavation of the eastbound sidewalk on the corner of Mount Auburn Street and Arlington Street, and on Arlington Street and Grove Street. This work will start on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about travel and parking impacts below.

Around Town

THE DISH: Ritcey East’s Max Ritcey Talks About Fish Taco, Lending a Helping Hand & More

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Ritcey East owner Max Ritcey presents a fan favorite: fish tacos. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Dish is a new collaboration between Watertown News and the Little Local Conversations podcast which takes a deep dive into a favorite dish from a local restaurant and beyond. Watertown’s Ritcey East has become a favorite place for people looking for comfort food, a cocktail, and enjoy it in a laid back, fun atmosphere. One of the most popular menu items, the fish tacos, also harkens back to owner Max Ritcey’s culinary roots, and has strong family ties. Ritcey’s fish tacos are simple, but burst with complex flavors.

Around Town

Town Wide Yard Sale Coming in June, See How to Participate

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The 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale is Saturday, June 13 and Sunday June 14, 2026! See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below. For one fee of $10, you can schedule your yard sale on Saturday, June 13, Sunday, June 14, or both days! We’ll do the advertising, provide a list of addresses to buyers and make it a community event for all to enjoy!!! 

See the 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale Flyer. and the 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale Registration Form.

Around Town

Watertown Walks in May Include Strolls Focused on Art, the River & the Library’s Project Literacy

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The City’s Watertown Walks series continues in May with a variety of themes from fitness, to the Library’s Project Literacy program, the Community Sculpture Walk, and a stroll along the Charles River. See details provided by Live Well Watertown, below. Moving more is an easy way to improve health and walking with a group builds community. Watertown Walks

NOTE NEW TIME

Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 281:00 pm – 2:00 pmMeetup at lower Saltonstall Park, next to Watertown City Hall

May 7th – City Happenings / Project LiteracyTake a Walk with Janet Saied, Watertown’s Project Literacy Director and learn more about Watertown’s diverse population and how you can get involved. The walk will provide a deeper appreciation for the people and programs that make Watertown vibrant and learn about the history of Project Literacy and the variety of volunteer opportunities, from tutoring and classroom support to helping facilitate conversation groups.

Around Town

Plans for Passive Park to be Discussed at 2nd DCR Meeting on Former GSA Site

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The Department of Conservation and Recreation will host the second virtual public meeting about a proposed Charles River Reservation passive park at the former 13 acre “GSA site” in East Watertown. The DCR’s design team will present early (25%) plans for a passive park between Coolidge Avenue and Arsenal Street, including paths, seating, improved bike/pedestrian access, accessible features, and ecological upgrades. See the slide presentation by clicking here. When: Thursday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.Register: Please follow this linkQuestions: email mass.parks@mass.gov | 617-626-4973

You can share feedback during the meeting, and a recording will be posted afterward. Additional comments are accepted on this public comment portal through May 21.