Letters

OP-ED: Using Our Noggins — AI and Meme Coin

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Dear Editor,

Several weeks ago, a Microsoft update included an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software called CoPilot. In teletype fashion, Copilot depicted itself as being my personal AI Assistant. My first thought was a virus had taken over my laptop. I am familiar with help from Geek Squad where, depending on the service required, you must approve access to your computer. I may have overlooked a message; however, I did not recall seeing a prior message regarding implementation of Copilot. The Chat between Copilot (AI) is very similar to the exchange in purchasing an item online. My first communication or formal interaction was typing a question asking what is Copilot.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards Inaugural Community Engagement Grants

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The recently unveiled Arshile Gorky mural received two years of funding from the Watertown Community Foundation. (Photo by WCF)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation awarded $53,185 to support 21 programs in the inaugural cycle of the Community Engagement Grant Program. Funded programs will strengthen community connections, increase access to programs and services, and foster intercultural communication and understanding in Watertown. An additional $15,000 was awarded to MetroWest Collaborative Development and Watertown Cable Access TV for operational support in the final grant cycle of the Institutional Grant Program. “This first call for Community Engagement grants was extremely competitive, and the program ideas were top-notch,” said Mary Ann Mulligan, Board Co-President and Grants Committee Chair.

Entertainment

Celebrate Summer SOLSTICE: A Day of Healing, Creativity & Connection at Mount Auburn Cemetery

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Mount Auburn Cemetery provided the following announcement:

Join Mount Auburn Cemetery on Saturday, June 21 for Summer SOLSTICE — a free, daylong celebration of healing, creativity, and connection. Enjoy a vibrant mix of free and low-cost wellness and art experiences, from sound meditation and outdoor yoga to hands-on workshops like flower crown making and herbal healing rituals — all set within Mount Auburn Cemetery’s inspiring landscape. Summer SOLSTICE is a one-of-a-kind seasonal gathering that invites people of all ages to reconnect with themselves, with community, and with the natural world. The day also features the Watertown Public Library Bookmobile, horticulture walks, poetry readings, live music in unexpected spaces, and much more.  

All events are free or low-cost.

Around Town

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Summer Kickoff at Donohue’s

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Donohue’sDonohue’s Bar & Grill opened 20 years ago, and has grown and changed over that time. The Watertown Business Coalition will host an after hours networking event at the patio at Donohue’s on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The WBC sent out the following information:

The Watertown Business Coalition invites you to the annual Summer Kick Off on the patio at Donohue’s Bar & Grill. 

Attendance is FREE and is open to Watertown Residents, local businesses & employers as well as those who come to work in Watertown for the day.  We’d love to see you! RSVP here

Entertainment

Children’s Author, Newbery Award Honoree Grace Lin to Visit Library to Kick Off Read About Town

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The Watertown Free Public Library provided the following announcement:

Summer reading is for everyone! This year, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is inviting all ages to Read About Town and complete reading challenges inspired by Watertown landmarks.For younger readers ages 5 – 11, there’s also a chance to get a book signed by Newbery Honoree Grace Lin! Here’s a look at everything the Library has planned:

Read About Town

June 16 – August 22 | All Ages | Children, teens, and adults invited to pick up a Read About Town map at the Library and complete reading challenges inspired by our local community! While getting familiar with some Watertown landmarks, you’ll collect stickers for your map and earn raffle tickets for fabulous prizes at the library. Play solo, play as a team, or play as a family.

Government

Sen. Brownsberger’s Office Has Job Opening for a Counsel

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger announced that his office is hiring a Counsel. See more information in the announcement sent out by Brownsberger’s office. I am looking for an experienced individual to serve as Counsel in my office. A summary job description appears below:

The Counsel is a senior member of the Senator’s team and is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the Senator on complex policy issues and conducting in-depth research on specific legislative and policy concepts. They are the office’s legal expert and point person on specific legislative matters in their field of expertise.

Business

MBTA General Manager Speaking at Charles River Chamber Event

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Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA 71 bus. The Charles River Chamber’s Annual Transportation Forum will feature MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. See details provided by the Chamber. Tbe event will be on Tuesday, June 17, 12:30 p.m., program begins at 1 p.m. at Tripadvisor HQ, 400 1st Ave, Needham. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

Around Town

Watertown Housing Authority Hosts Successful Community Day

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The Watertown Fire and Police departments came out to the Community Day at WHA. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Housing Authority:

The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) Resident Services Department proudly hosted its annual resource fair, now renamed as “Community Day at WHA.” This much-anticipated event brings together WHA residents and the broader community by connecting families to important local, regional, and state resources — right in their own neighborhood. Over 150 residents and neighbors joined in the celebration, which featured a wide range of community partners, including MassHire, LiveWell & Farmers Market, the City’s 311 and Recreation Departments, Watertown Boys & Girls Club, Wayside Multi-Service Center, and the Watertown Family Network. These organizations provided information, tools, and opportunities to support resident well-being and strengthen community ties. 

The Watertown Housing Authority hosted Community Day at WHA on June 9.