Letters

OP-ED: Impacts of Cuts to Federal Funding of Science Research

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By Kristen DeAngelisProfessor of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst & Watertown High School Class of 1993

I joined the Watertown High School Biology Club for the same reason everyone else did: the week-long scuba diving field trip to Bonaire. Never mind that I couldn’t clear my ears at the bottom of the pool, failing my initial scuba test. I went anyway, with my snorkeling gear. We spent hours identifying fish in their coral reef habitats and swimming at pristine beaches. But I also got to see a scientist, my high school biology teacher, Mr. Buckley, in action: collecting specimens, leading discussions on how reef systems work, and giving research presentations to the locals in exchange for our club to get a sunset ride on their catamaran. 

Today, as a research scientist and professor at UMass Amherst, I have a renewed appreciation for programs like our Biology Club and how critical they are to young people’s futures.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project Will Impact Arlington/Grove Intersection This Week

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The construction on Mt. Auburn Street continues with more drainage installation during the week of June 23-27, and work will also take place at the intersection of Arlington and Grove streets. See where the traffic impacts will be in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Beginning Monday, June 23, 2025, Newport Construction will resume drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Kimball Road and Lloyd Road. Additionally, Newport Construction will be eliminating the existing telephone manhole and installing a new telephone manhole located at the intersection of Grove Street and Arlington Street. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will remain on Mount Auburn Street.

Obituaries

OBIT: Sandra B. Roberts, Beloved Mom, Nana, Real Estate Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

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Sandra Roberts

Sandra B. Roberts, of Wellesley, died peacefully on the morning of June 16th. She was 86 years old. Born Sandra Louise Brown on May 26th, 1939 in Boston, “Sandy” was the only child of Frederick Brown, a professional musician and band leader, and his wife Christine (Peyton), a realtor. Sandy grew up on Harnden Avenue in Watertown, Massachusetts, and graduated from Watertown High School in 1957, where she was a Cheerleader and an active member of the WHS Theater, Glee Clubs and Chorus. A talented pianist, Sandy spent a year studying at the Boston University School of Music before transferring to Boston College where she majored in Education.

Entertainment

Summer Doldrums for Small Saves 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.”

Business

Discover Coolidge Square: Events, Specials & More from June 25-28

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Coolidge Square may be under construction, but the heart of the East End is open for business. The City of Watertown has joined with local businesses, groups, and elected officials to celebrate the business center in East Watertown. See the events and specials planned for Discover Watertown, provided by the City of Watertown Economic Development division. Wednesday, June 25 @ 2:30 p.m. Meet Your Councilor and State Rep! District A Councilor Nicole Gardner and MA Rep. Steve Owens will host joint office hours at Dunkin Donuts (635 Mt Auburn) from 2:30-3:30 p.m. All are invited to stop by!

Letters

LETTER: Group to City Council: Voters Want Action on Housing Affordability

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Dear City Councilors,

We write to share compelling evidence that voters in our community — and across the state — are ready for bold action to make housing more affordable. Recent polling reveals that clear majorities of voters support the action needed to build more homes that people can afford, even when that choice is put up directly against protecting neighborhood character from change. In fact, when asked to choose, 71% of voters prioritized building affordable homes over preserving traditional neighborhood character. 

The community acceptance of necessary change is widespread. Housing has emerged as voters’ top concern, ranking above cost of living, immigration, or taxes. And remarkably, this pro-housing sentiment crosses all demographic lines, spanning age, race, income, education, and homeownership status. These results come as Watertown considers new plans and priorities that can make a meaningful difference in housing affordability in the coming months.

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.