Transportation

State Awards Watertown TMA Grant to Analyze Data, Develop New Mobility Alternatives

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The Watertown Transportation Management Association (TMA) received a grant of $159,469   from the Mass Department of Transportation to analyze data on travel patterns and use findings to inform development of new mobility alternatives, all in an attempt to reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting.  See details about the program provided by MassDOT, below. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing the awarding of $3 million in funding for 13 Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), one TMA membership association, and one consulting firm, to support 19 projects which encourage transportation alternatives and expand transportation options in communities across Massachusetts. Awards include funding to operate and publicize shuttles, improve bus stop infrastructure, expand ferry service, and more. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) TMA Grant Program first launched in Fiscal Year 2025 and is now in its second year.  The goals of this grant program are to reduce single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel, reduce emissions, encourage mode shift, and expand mobility.  

“Our investments in community transportation are about connecting people to jobs, schools, and services today and into the future,” said Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The projects supported through the TMA Program are vital to building a more reliable, resilient, and accessible transportation network.

Schools

Watertown Student Earns Interdisciplinary Studies Award from Emerson College

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The following announcement was provided by Emerson College:

Emerson College student Nel Blinman of Watertown earned a Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies Award in spring 2025 at the end of the academic year, recognizing students for their achievements during a ceremony. Blinman, who is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and is a member of the Class of 2027, earned the Robert E. Engel Award. The award, established in 2011 in honor of Bob Engel, a Marlboro faculty member for 36 years, is awarded to a student who demonstrates Bob’s passion for the natural world and his keen powers of observation and inquiry as a natural historian. The Marlboro Institute puts the “I” at the center of Emerson students’ education-one that is Individualized, Interdisciplinary, Inquiry-based, and Integrative in approach with respect to the different liberal arts disciplines on offer and their connectivity to the arts and communication strengths of Emerson College. About Emerson College

Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media throughout the world.

Around Town

Local Photographer Speaking About “Art & Agriculture: Who Grows Your Food?”

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

You may have already seen the stunning new photo triptych on loan in the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) stairwell. On Thursday evening, Sept. 18, the Library invites all community members to hear from the artist that created “Agricultural Panel B” — celebrated photographer and Watertown resident Archy LaSalle. During the program, LaSalle will discuss the vision and work that went into creating this compelling piece, as well as the relationships he made with immigrant farmers from World Farmers featured in it. World Farmers Program and Policy Director Jessy Gill will join us to talk about the organization’s mission and operations.

Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

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

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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.

Elections

LETTER: Outgoing School Committee Member Endorses Candidates in November’s Election

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To the Watertown Community, 

For the past almost 8 years now, I have had the privilege of serving as a School Committee member here in Watertown, most recently as the vice chair. Those past years have seen the start of perhaps the best superintendent in the state, Dr. Deanne Galdston, the turnover of all 5 principalships with amazing new leaders, and the rebuilding/full renovation of 4 out of 5 of Watertown’s school buildings. To put it lightly — we got a lot done. To this day, I remain incredibly proud of how hard the Watertown community pulled together during the pandemic, making our schools and our city a leader in safe, effective education through a perilous time. We leaned on and learned from each other, and so many people across the entire community pitched in their expertise and time to help guide us.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves Prays for in This Week’s 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.”

Entertainment

Performers Wanted for Watertown’s Got Talent 2025

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Watertown’s Got Talent has become an annual event at Arsenal Yards. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The following information came form Arsenal Yards:

Think you got what it takes to be the 2025 Watertown’s Got Talent Superstar? Apply Now! Email us your talent description and video at hello@arsenalyards.com TODAY for a chance to compete! All applications are due by Monday, September 29th.