Obituaries

OBIT: Mary Barry, 89, Devoted Volunteer, “Matriarch” of Her Neighborhood

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Mary Barry

Mary E. (O’Connor) Barry, 89 years young, of Watertown, MA, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Edward F. Barry Jr. Loving mother to Edward F. Barry III and his wife Marjorie (Marguerite) of Windsor Locks, CT, Patricia A. Barry of Atyrau, Kazakhstan, Patrick C. O’Connor and his partner Eileen Collett of Watertown, Nancy E. Barry of New York, NY, and Susan M. Barry of Arlington, MA. Dearest Nana to Matthew M. Barry of Windsor Locks, CT, and Charlotte Hannah Barry of Brooklyn, NY. Mary is the cherished sister to John J. O’Connor and his wife Ellen, of Newton, MA, Robert J. O’Connor of Palmetto Bay, FL, and Edward P. O’Connor of Pinecrest, FL. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews and many cousins here and abroad.

Entertainment

Celebrate Community, History, & Pride at the Commander’s Mansion This Summer

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Charlie BreitroseThe Commander’s Mansion in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the City’s Events Team:

The historic Commander’s Mansion is the place to be this summer with two unforgettable 21+ ticketed events. Whether you’re toasting to 160 years of local history or raising a glass at a fabulous Pride brunch (or both!), there’s something special waiting for everyone at 440 Talcott Ave. WATERTOWN PRIDE PRESENTS: THE RETURN OF A TIPSY TEA PARTY

Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:30PM

440 Talcott Avenue, Watertown, MA

Back by popular demand, it’s the entertainment announcement you’ve been waiting for! Watertown Pride’s Tipsy Tea Party returns to the Commander’s Mansion with a dazzling day of drag performances, brunch, and lively celebration.  Hosted by the fierce and fabulous Killah Croc, this electrifying event also features show-stopping performances by Izzy Ready and Hazel Afrodite.

Government

Watertown Community Preservation Committee Holding Annual Public Meeting

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Join the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for a Public Hearing — your chance to stay informed, get answers to your questions, and help shape the future of Watertown! When: Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Where: Watertown City Hall, Lower Hearing RoomOr join us via Zoom: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/91525442843

What’s Happening:

Project Updates: Get the latest news about the Walker Pond and Saltonstall Park projects. Learn about newly approved Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects. Have a great idea? Find out how you can apply for CPA funds to make it happen! Questions?Reach out to Lanae Handy, Community Preservation Coordinator at lhandy@watertown-ma.gov or visit www.watertown-ma.gov/cpc for more details.

Around Town

Watertown Group Will be Removing Invasive Plants That Harm Monarch Butterflies

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Charlie BreitroseA monarch butterfly

The following information was provided by Watertown Community Gardens:

Do you have Black Swallow Wort (BSW) on your property? Are you interested in removing and learning more about BSW? Come join us on June 22, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.! One of the many actions as part of the 2025 Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is to continue invasive species removal efforts that will support the re-establishment of native habitat for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The invasive plant of interest is the Black Swallow-Wort (BSW), which is poisoning Monarch caterpillars across Watertown.

Around Town

Discover Coolidge Square in the June WBC Walk N Talk

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Discover Coolidge Square in the next Watertown Walk N Talk hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition and Live Well Watertown. See more details in the announcement provided by the WBC below. The June Walk N Talk will visit Coolidge Square Businesses and see some of the gems that make Coolidge Square a destination. 

Stay tuned for information about which businesses we will visit and where it will begin. The Walk N Talk, co-sponsored with Live Well Watertown, provides an opportunity to engage with fellow community members, support local Watertown businesses and participate in physical activity. Whether you’re looking to relax, network, or enjoy the outdoors, these walks offer a perfect blend of recreation and community engagement.

Entertainment

Creative Chats With Arto Vaun of the Project Save Armenian Photo Archive

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Arto Vaun

The following announcement was provided by Matt Hanna, the host of Creative Chats:

Little Local Conversations Presents Creative Chats!: With Guest Arto Vaun – Last event of the season! You’re invited to Creative Chats! The event is a way to gather creative people face-to-face to mingle, hear a featured conversation on the topic of creativity and the creative life, and then engage in the conversation themselves in small groups. Friday, June 20th, 8:30-10 a.m.Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St

Come to get inspired, to reflect, and connect. All people interested in creativity are welcome!

Around Town

Water Customers Can Access City’s Water Meter Customer Portal

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Residents can now check on their water usage on the City’s Water Meter Customer Portal. See more details provided by the City of Watertown below. Watertown’s Water Meter Customer Portal is LIVE! Residents can now track their water usage every day on the customer portal, where you can set usage thresholds and receive alerts.All you need to sign-up is your email address, water meter account number (which can be found on your most recent water bill), and a cell phone number if you wish to receive alerts (optional)! Visit the Water Meters page to learn more and sign-up. This portal is accessible for those with the new smart water meters that were installed as part of the City’s water meter replacement project, which began in 2023.Sign up today with your water account info to easily stay on top of your water usage.For questions about the new portal, your water meter account number, or how to sign-up, please call 311 in Watertown, or 617-715-8660.

Around Town

DCR Opening Dealtry Pool Soon, Offering Learn to Swim Program

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The Dealtry Pool on Pleasant Street in Watertown will be opening for the season on June 21. More information about pool hours, the learn to swim program and lifeguard openings can be seen below. Pool Opening

The City of Watertown sent out social media posts saying that, according to the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) website, the Dealtry Memorial Swimming Pool in Watertown will be open from Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Sunday, August 17, 2025, between 11:15 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.

If you have questions about the pool, please contact the DCR Community Relations team at mass.parks@mass.gov or 617-626-4973. Learn to Swim, Life Guard Openings

The DCR sent out the following information:

As part of the agency’s ongoing work to promote water safety at state beaches and pools, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation (DCR) is once again offering free swim lessons to children at DCR pools across the state through its Learn to Swim program.