Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/)
During the week of Aug. 17-21, detours will be in place at Mt. Auburn and Chauncey streets due to the reconstruction of Mt. Auburn Street. Sidewalk work will continue near School and Arlington streets, and between Upland and Hillside roads.
I am writing to share that I have changed my endorsement in the Democratic primary for State Senate. I previously endorsed Sen. Will Brownsberger, but I will now be voting for and supporting Daniel Lander. I want to begin by saying that I have tremendous respect for Sen. Brownsberger and am grateful for his many years of service to our community. This is not a decision I have made lightly, nor is it a repudiation of Sen. Brownsberger’s years of service. I initially supported Sen. Brownsberger because I know he is an engaged, thoughtful, and responsive legislator.
MBTA buses operating in Watertown Square. (Photo by Mark Pickering)
The MBTA announced three pilot programs that will cut the rate of Express buses, provided unlimited transfers, and provide free rides for riders over age 75. See more details in the announcement sent out by the City of Watertown, below. The MBTA is launching three new fare pilot programs in September 2026, and all of them can benefit Watertown residents. These include:
Express Bus Fares: Currently $4.25, this pilot will bring express bus fares down to local buses: rates of $1.70.
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.”
Check out Small Saves’ website at smallsaves.com
Watertown’s Girls on the Run group at the 2025 5K. (Photo by Hailey Poe)
The Girls on the Run program returns this fall. Participants build up to participate in a 5K event. The program is open to all girls in grades 3-5 from Watertown. See details provided by Watertown Girls on the Run, below.
The Charles River Regional Chamber’s State Senate primary debate with Will Brownsberger and Daniel Lander on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 1-2 p.m.
The Chamber sent out the following details:
This debate was originally scheduled for Aug. 10, but has been postponed to Thursday. Aug 20 at 1 p.m. Your registration will roll over. Our focus will be on economic development, housing, workforce and non-profit issues, but more general topics may also be discussed.
The Massachusetts State Primary will take place on Sept. 1, 2026. Democrats will have several races in which they can cast their vote, and Republicans can select the candidate for governor. You don’t have to wait until election day to vote, see the early voting times, and how to vote by mail. Deadlines
Voter Registration Deadline is Saturday, Aug.
The 2026 semifinals of the Watertown Summer Basketball League began at Saltonstall Park on Wednesday night. Pictured is the tip off of the 2024 Finals. (Courtesy of Watertown Recreation)
On the first night of semifinal play at Saltonstall Park, the top two teams lived up to their seedings and prevailed in each of their best-of-three Papas Elite Basketball League series. See details provided by the League organizers. No.