Around Town

Tour the New Public Art in Coolidge Square During “Open for Business”

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown invites the community to celebrate the intersection of art and commerce at the opening reception for “Open for Business,” a public art initiative featuring two new site-specific installations in the heart of Coolidge Square. The reception will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, experience the completed works, and explore the diverse local businesses that define the character of the square. Launched during the Mount Auburn Street reconstruction, “Open for Business” was designed to maintain the vibrancy of the district and encourage foot traffic during a period of infrastructure transformation. “These installations serve as a beacon, drawing residents and visitors to rediscover our cherished local establishments,” says Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner. “By bringing world-class art to our sidewalks, we are turning a period of construction into an opportunity for discovery.”

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.

Elections

Challenger Officially on the Ballot for State Senate Election

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Daniel Lander. The following announcement was provided by Lander for State Senate Campaign:

Daniel Lander’s campaign turned in one thousand signatures from across the district to qualify for the Democratic Primary ballot on Sept. 1st. This ensures that for the first time since 2012, voters will have a real choice in who represents them in the State Senate. “I am honored that so many people in the district have signed on to ensure voters have a real choice on their ballot on September 1st,” said Daniel Lander, Candidate for State Senate.

Entertainment

SMALL SAVES: A Mother’s Day Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

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.