Business

Nine Watertown Organizations Named Winners in WSB Annual Customer Choice Awards

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All the 2026 winners of Watertown Savings Bank’s Customer Choice Awards. (Photo from Watertown Savings Bank)

Watertown Savings Bank hosted the winners of the 2026 Customer Choice Awards, and handed out $100,000 to non-profits from Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, Newton, Arlington, and beyond. See details in the announcement from WSB, below. On Tuesday, May 5, Watertown Savings Bank distributed $100,000 amongst 34 local non-profit organizations chosen by its banking customers and local residents, at their 27th Annual Customer Choice Awards Night held at the Sons of Italy Hall in Watertown. St.

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.

Obituaries

OBIT: Henrietta Parrott Light, Cared for Greenhouses at Lyman Estate, Helped Start Chemical-Free Garden Tours

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Henrietta Parrott Light

Henrietta Parrott Light of Watertown, MA, died peacefully at her home on May 2, 2026. Henrietta (Penny) was born in Dayton, Ohio on Oct. 8, 1930, to Robert Ferguson Light and Henrietta Clunet Light, who raised her with a lifelong love of gardening and the natural world, literature, music, and friendship. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in early childhood education, which she applied to a year of teaching at Ruggles Street Nursery School in Roxbury before dedicating her energies to raising her four children and cultivating her interests in music and horticulture. Later, she attended the Horticulture Program at Mass.

Charity

Patrick’s PALS to Host 30th Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament May 30

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Patrick’s PALS will host the 30th annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament fundraiser on May 30. Watertown-based Patrick’s PALS is in its 30th year, raising money for research into Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. A 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser will be held at the TRACK at New Balance. See more details provided by Patrick’s PALS, below. For 30 years, Patrick’s PALS has brought together athletes, families, and the Greater Boston sports community to raise awareness and critical funding for Fragile X Syndrome – the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities worldwide – with 100 percent of proceeds supporting FRAXA Research Foundation and its mission to develop effective treatments and ultimately a cure.

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.