Around Town

Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence, Free Community Event Features Sheriff, Legal Experts

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Panelists for Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence, clockwise from top left: Wendy Murphy, Peter Koutoujian, Rita Cleary, and Lauren Nackel. Domestic violence can strike any community, illustrated recently by the double murder/suicide in Watertown that took the lives of a young mother and an elderly friend. The community is invited to a free Domestic Violence Awareness Month event in Watertown. The event aims to break the silence and create a safe space for education, dialogue, and access to resources and support. See more details in the announcement from the Armenian Relief Society Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter and the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Armenian Relief Society Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter and the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center are joining forces to host a free community event Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence: Awareness, Understanding, and Resources on Monday, Oct.

Elections

Poll Workers Wanted for Watertown’s November Election

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The Watertown City Clerk’s office seeks poll workers for the upcoming Nov. 4, 2025 election. See more details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Are you interested in being a Poll Worker? Poll workers perform election duties under the direction of the Warden/Clerk, including but not limited to assisting with preparing the voting location for opening; hanging signs in accordance with legal requirements; counting ballots; checking voters in and out; providing assistance to voters with disabilities, assisting in removing signage; packing up election materials; and helping check counts at the end of the day.

Elections

LETTER: Importance of Local Elections, Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 24

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As first-time candidates running for Library Trustee, School Committee and City Council in Watertown’s 2025 November Election, we are often asked, “What does that role do?” It’s a fair question, and it gets to the heart of why local elections — and your vote, in particular — matter so much. Local government is where decisions are made that directly affect our daily lives: who leads our public library and schools, what priorities are funded by resources, how our public spaces are maintained, and what values guide city decisions. The work of each elected official, from councilor to school committee member, has a real and lasting impact on our neighborhoods. That’s why exercising your right to vote in local elections is so important. In reality, turnout rates for municipal elections tend to be low, especially among younger voters and newer residents.

Around Town

Watertown Cable Hosting 20th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Cable Access TV:

Watertown Cable Access Corporation (WCA-TV) is proud to announce its 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser, taking place on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at WCA-TV’s studio. This special evening will celebrate two decades of empowering local voices, fostering creativity, and strengthening the Watertown community through media. The event will feature a variety of engaging activities and showcases that highlight WCA-TV’s impact and evolution over the years. Guests will enjoy a reception with a step-and-repeat photo area, raffles and a silent auction, and an opportunity to meet and talk with staff, board members, and volunteers who make WCA-TV such a meaningful part of the Watertown community.

Around Town

Diwali Celebration at Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center

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The Brahma Kumarís Meditation Center in Watertown invites the public to a Diwali celebration on Oct. 25, 2025 from 4-6 p.m.

Highlights

Interactive Exhibits

Artistic Expressions

Spiritual Insights

Experiential Moments

Following the program, dinner will be served. Brahma Kumarís Meditation Center is located at 75 Common St., Watertown, MA 02472

Register at bit.ly/lightofhope2025

For More Information call 617-926-1230 or go to bknewengland.org

Elections

LETTER: Library Trustee Candidate Introduces Herself

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Dear Editor, and Watertown neighbors,

I’m writing to introduce myself, Pia Owens, and ask for one of your three votes for Library Trustee in our upcoming election on Nov. 4th. As trustee, I will aim to keep our library vibrant, inclusive, and committed to intellectual freedom. I’ve lived in Watertown for 20+ years with my husband Steve and our two kids who attended Watertown Public Schools. I used to visit the East Branch library, and now we have a brick with our names on it in front of the library in Watertown Square.

Around Town

Sidewalk Excavation & Trench Installation This Week on Mt. Auburn Street

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More sidewalk excavation this week on Mt. Auburn Street, and trench installation for drainage and trees are also planned. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Sidewalk Excavation Continues At Cambridge Line

Excavation of the eastbound sidewalk and curbing on Mount Auburn Street between Belmont Street and Arlington Street will continue on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 7:00 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 20, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. A bypass sidewalk on the eastbound side will be opened up while this work is being completed.Traffic on Mount Auburn Street will be narrowed and you can expect lane shifts, however traffic will be maintained in both directions. Entrances to driveways and parking lots will be maintained.

Letters

OP-ED: Housing Advocate Urges Watertown Renters to Attend Fair Housing Training

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Thursday, October 23 – 6 to 7:30 pm – FAIR HOUSING: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Training Session

Kudos to City staff for a laudable effort to get the word out about this session. As a housing advocate, seeking solutions to ease the housing affordability crisis, I am talking to many residents and providers. I often hear we need a local place to go for information and support when people have questions about or have experienced discrimination. Please consider attending in person or by Zoom. I believe this is a great start for Watertown City staff and elected and appointed officials to learn more about these experiences and for renters to get the support and information they deserve.