Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses Candidate for Library Trustee

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I attended last week’s WCA-TV Library Trustee Candidate Forum, and I continue to be impressed with Mr. Xin Peng. In his few years here, I have never seen someone connect so many people so rapidly. He has been instrumental in Pride month, leads World in Watertown and serves on the Human Rights Commission. And now he is running for Library Trustee in the upcoming election. He is passionate about much, but community empowerment ranks at the top. As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen last year, Xin brings a deeply personal understanding of how public libraries can transform lives.

Police/Fire

Former St. Stephen’s School Teacher Faces Charges of Possession & Distribution of Child Pornography

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The following report was provided by The Waltham Times:

By Isabella LaprioreThe Waltham Times

Stephen McDonough, 60, of 251 Ridge Lane, Waltham, pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and distributing material of a child in a sexual act at a Sept. 26 arraignment at Waltham District Court. McDonough was arrested by Massachusetts State Police following the execution of a residential search warrant by the State Police Crime Unit, State Police Crime Scene Service, Middlesex State Police Detective Unit, Waltham Police Department and Watertown Police Department at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. According to the police report, McDonough, a former physical education teacher at St.

Schools

Watertown Resident Named Head of Jackson Walnut Park School, Brings Nearly 30 Years of Corporate Experience

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Patricia Gray. The following announcement was provided by Jackson Walnut Park School:

Jackson Walnut Park School (JWPS), the only institution in the Boston area offering Montessori early childhood education and an elementary Catholic curriculum, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia Lynn Gray of Watertown as its next Head of School. Gray is an experienced administrator with a track record of success in Catholic education and a former Fortune 500 corporate executive. As head of the Newton school, Gray aims to foster community, faculty collaboration, and enhance the curriculum while upholding academic excellence as a faith-based institution. She will also seek to increase enrollment and bridge the Montessori and K–6 programs for a more cohesive educational experience for all students and families.

Around Town

Watertown Hibernian Ladies Hosting Fall Craft Fair

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The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will host the fifth annual Fall Craft Fair on Oct. 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See more information provided by the organizers below. The event includes crafts, food, and raffles. The event will be held at Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown St., Watertown.

Around Town

October Watertown Walks Include Gore Place, Art Exhibit, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Shuttle

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Members of the public walked around Walker Pond, which sits on two parcels, one owned by the City and one by the Bell Watertown apartments. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The following announcement was provided by Live Well Watertown:

Weekly programs will take place every Thursday, from 1-2 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) and include movement, conversation, and opportunities to connect, interact, and explore the greater community. The walking portion of these programs will be approximately 30-40 minutes, and we encourage attendees to walk at a comfortable pace. 

Each month will feature city happenings, health and wellness, arts & culture, and community/business assets (some walks are in collaboration with the Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee and Watertown Business Coalition)

October 9 ~ Walk N Talk / Gore Place / with the Watertown Business CoalitionMeetup:  Gore Place / Carriage House, 52 Gore St., Waltham

Join us as we explore the historic grounds of Gore Place in Waltham & Watertown (yes it is also in Watertown). Please park in the gravel lot beside the carriage house and meet inside.Gore Place website In collaboration with the Watertown Business Coalition 

Register here. October 16 ~ Public Arts & Culture Walk / Reception for “A Pleasant Landscape”Meetup:  Bemis Park, 76 Bridge St. Come join in a walk to the opening reception for “A Pleasant Landscape”, a new public art exhibition featuring six local artists.

Elections

City Council At-Large Candidate Hosting Campaign Kickoff Event

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The following announcement was provided by the Tom Tracy for City Council Campaign:

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Here’s a short video introduction to Tom and why he seeks to serve you/us as Councilor-At-Large. https://youtu.be/UQjzMtYyZfg 

Then come meet and chat with Tom. The event is from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy the good company of folks vested in Watertown and show your support for someone who will be looking out for all of us and is eager to meet all of you. If you’re shy, come anyway. We’ll introduce you to anyone you’d like to meet. 

WHERE: Donohue’s Bar & Grill, 87 Bigelow Ave., WatertownWHEN: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, 6-8 p.m.

Around Town

Sidewalk and Road Work Will Impact Coolidge Square, East Watertown This Week

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The Mt. Auburn Street project continues with sidewalk work from near the Cambridge line to Arlington Street, while drainage work will take place in Coolidge Square. See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown. Sidewalk Excavation Begins At Cambridge Line

Excavation of the eastbound sidewalk and curbing on Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and Arlington Street will begin on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about travel and parking impacts below. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

The eastbound sidewalk will be closed for excavation starting on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 7 a.m. A bypass sidewalk on the eastbound side will be opened up while this work is being completed.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves is Up to 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.”