Free Salsa Dance Lessons, August Watertown Walks

This month, Live Well Watertown is hosting free dance lessons on four Tuesdays, and the Watertown Walks series continues. The following information was provided by Live Well Watertown, a program of the City of Watertown:

Thrive in Motion Class: Salsa in Saltonstall Park! Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 257 – 8:15 p.m. NO REGISTRATIONNO CLASS IF RAINING

Thrive in Motion: Dance & Wellness SeriesMove your body, lift your mood, and connect in community!  This series blends energizing dance fitness with conversations about stress relief, wellness, and resilience in a welcoming environment. No dance experience needed — just come as you are.What to bring: A water bottle, a towel (for use during class and to sit on during outdoor sessions), and comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for ease of movement.

Watertown Rotary Club Hosting Annual Senior Citizen Cookout

The 2026 Rotary Club Senior Citizens Cookout will take place on Sept. 13, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown Rotary Club invites seniors to the annual Senior Citizen Cookout on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at the Sons of Italy Hall. The following information was provided by the Watertown Rotary Club:

The event free of charge, and is sponsored by the Rotary Club, Watertown Savings Bank, and Rockland Trust.

City Awarded Grant to Help Expand Residential Heat Pumps

The City of Watertown was one of the groups receiving a grant from the Mass Clean Energy Center. The funds will be used to help renters and lower-income households access clean, energy-efficient heat pumps through coaching, outreach, and financial support. See more information from the Mass Clean Energy Center, below. On July 30, the Mass Clean Energy Center announced more than $2.9 million in awards through the EmPower Massachusetts program to support community-driven projects that break down barriers to clean energy adoption and reduce energy costs for residents across the state. The funding will support innovative projects that connect historically underserved populations with the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy.

Taking Things Too Far in This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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 

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

Learn About the Candidates in a Pair of Upcoming Live Events

Watertown groups will host candidate nights for two races on the Sept. 1 State Primary ballot on Aug. 4 and 5. On Tuesday, the candidates for 10th Middlesex State Representative will appear on a live broadcast debate. The following night, the candidates for the 5th Congressional District have been invited to an online candidate forum.

Northeast UAW Endorses State Senate Candidate

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

Daniel Lander announced today that his campaign has been endorsed by UAW Region 9A, a union representing thousands of workers across the northeast and right here in this district. The endorsement emphasizes Daniel’s commitment to supporting working people who are strugglingunder the leadership of a state senator that does not stand up for worker’s rights. UAW represents workers across greater Boston, including graduate student workers at Harvard who went on strike this spring after Harvard failed to offer a fair contract. Daniel Lander was proud to join the picket line to support workers fighting for fair benefits, protections from harassment, and a livable wage.