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

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.

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

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.

OP-ED: Using Our Noggins — AI and Meme Coin

Dear Editor,

Several weeks ago, a Microsoft update included an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software called CoPilot. In teletype fashion, Copilot depicted itself as being my personal AI Assistant. My first thought was a virus had taken over my laptop. I am familiar with help from Geek Squad where, depending on the service required, you must approve access to your computer. I may have overlooked a message; however, I did not recall seeing a prior message regarding implementation of Copilot. The Chat between Copilot (AI) is very similar to the exchange in purchasing an item online. My first communication or formal interaction was typing a question asking what is Copilot.

LETTER: Watertown Library Trustee Will Not Seek Re-election

Barbara Biacnone (Sara’s mother), Library Trustee Sara Keary, and Tim Whelan (Sara’s step-father); This photo was taken in early September 2022 days after Sara’s mother and step-father moved from Pennsylvania to Watertown. Sara had accompanied them to get their library cards from WFPL. (Photo by Carey Conkey-Finn)

To the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees, Library Staff, and Community Members,

After much reflection, I’ve decided not to seek re-election to the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees. The past four years have been challenging and transformative-both personally and in my role as a trustee. Early in my term, the board faced a difficult leadership transition following the retirement of our long-time director.

LETTER: Chamber Supports Increasing City Council Compensation

Dear President Sideris,

The Charles River Regional Chamber supports the Blue Ribbon Commission’s proposal to increase City Councilor and Council President compensation. Public service is demanding, often thankless work. If we want to continue attracting talented, diverse, and committed civic leaders, especially those who may not be independently wealthy or retired, we must offer compensation that at least begins to reflect the time, energy, and responsibility these positions require. Most importantly, improved compensation reflects the value of public service and strengthens our democracy by broadening the pool of individuals who can realistically serve. The commission’s recommendation is the result of a thorough data-driven examination of peer communities, taking into account the city’s budget and core responsibilities.

UPDATE – LETTER: City Council Should Pass Resolution in Support of Harvard

UPDATE, June 7, 2025: Clyde Younger has started a resident’s petition to submit to the City Council. The petition is attached at the bottom of the letter. The letter was originally posted on May 29, 2025. Dear Editor,

Upon employment by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), my Supervisor in Los Angeles would quote, “an education can never be taken from you.” This occurred during a period when the U.S. Government did not undertake actions to prevent the general public from pursuing their educational interests.

LETTER: Thank You to the Community for Joining Watertown Helps Out

Dear Editor,

The Watertown Community Foundation sends a big THANK YOU to the Watertown Community! You are amazing! Thank you to the more than 350 community and corporate volunteers who volunteered during the 11th annual Watertown Helps Out (WHO), a month of community service organized by the Watertown Community Foundation. We got a lot of stuff done this month! Together, we removed invasive plants on the Bike Greenway, picked up trash on the river and the Sculpture Walk, filled potholes and did outdoor spring clean-up at the Watertown Housing Authority.

LETTER: Disability Commission Doing ADA Study in Watertown

Dear Editor,

Last Wednesday, the Disability Commission heard the results from the ADA study which was funded by a grant. The Commission engaged KMA, LLC in Newton to conduct the study and recommendations. 105 residents responded to the survey which is exceptional for a municipality and this study type. City properties comply with a lot in the ADA. However, there are areas needing improvement, such as fixing elevators, resurfacing parking lot and having signage. The Phillips School and Senior Center needed addressing. The non-school polling places were part of the study and there’s room for improvement there. School use in elections will be studied later. The good news is that many improvements can happen programmatically by adding “request for accommodations can be made” to agendas and applications, for example. Advertising accommodation aides would also be helpful An audit of city aides will be performed. It would be beneficial to know what locations have a Meeting Owl for hybrid meetings.