Around Town

Watertown Human Rights Commission Hosting Workshop on Building Effective Community Conversations

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The Watertown Human Rights Commission will team with Human Rights Commissions in the area to host an online workshop on Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations in March. See details about the workshop and how to register in the announcement from the HRC below. We are excited to help further productive dialogue in our community, and invite you to a free, virtual workshop, Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations. 

The workshop will be held over two Sundays: March 1st and March 8th, from 3-4:30 p.m. Attendance at both sessions is strongly encouraged. More details about the workshop are included below. To register, please complete this form by January 31. /Building Connections: Effective Tools for Community Conversations

Flyers – Building Connections Effective Tools for Community Conversations.pdf – Google Drive

Please select the “Watertown” self identification option on the registration form. 

Background

This workshop is the product of conversations between eight Human Rights Commissions (or equivalents) in Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Sudbury, and Watertown.

Around Town

Poet Laureate Speaks at Packed Unity Breakfast; Award Given to Group Monitoring Immigrant Enforcement

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Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson recited several of his poems at the 2026 Unity Breakfast. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate inspired the crowd at the 26th annual Unity Breakfast. During the event on Monday, awards were presented to a group monitoring immigration enforcement and supporting immigrants rights in Watertown, and a man who has been a big part of keeping the Unity Breakfast going through the Pandemic. The Unity Award at the 2006 Watertown Unity Breakfast went to the Rapid Response Network, while the Sue Kuder Unsung Hero Award went to Chuck Dickinson. Poet Laureate

Before the presentation of the awards, Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Regie Gibson, recited several of his pieces related to Dr. King and the struggles of today.

Around Town

Artemis Yoga Welcomes Community with Free Classes at January Open House

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The following announcement was provided by Artemis Yoga:

Artemis Yoga is inviting the local community to an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at its Watertown studio. The afternoon will feature a series of free in-studio yoga classes, along with raffles, giveaways, local treats, and special in-studio offers. Located at 639 Mt. Auburn St., Artemis Yoga is a locally owned, independent yoga studio that recently marked its 10th year in Watertown, having opened its doors in 2015.

Weather

No Snow Emergency, But Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Still in Effect

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The City of Watertown will not declare a snow emergency for the storm that began Sunday, Jan. 18, but on-street parking is prohibited overnight. See details in the announcement from the City, below. In preparation of the incoming winter storm, the City of Watertown would like to share a few key updates to the community. The City of Watertown will not be declaring a snow emergency due the incoming snow fall happening on January 18, 2026.

Around Town

Drainage Work on Mt. Auburn Street This Week, No Construction Monday

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While the majority of the Mt. Auburn Street Project has paused for the winter, drainage work continues on small portions of the roadway. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Work is not scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, due to the holiday. 

Drainage Installation

Crews will perform drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Richards Road and Oakley Road. 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 be maintained on Mount Auburn Street.

Around Town

Registration Open for Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Club Adventure Summer Camp —11 Weeks of Action-Packed Fun

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

Watertown Boys & Girls Club is delighted to announce that registration is now open for its 2026 Club Adventure Summer Camp, a full-day summer camp program providing fun, safe, and enriching programming for youth ages 7–12 years. This year’s summer camp program is slated to open on June 22 and will run for 11 weeks total, including the final week of summer vacation from Aug. 31–Sept. 4, 2026, just ahead of the Labor Day holiday. 2026 Club Adventure Summer Camphttps://watertownbgc.org/wbgc-programs/summer/

Club Adventure Summer Camp provides a fun, supportive environment where children build confidence, make lasting friendships, explore new activities, and enjoy memorable experiences under the guidance of trained and caring staff.

Around Town

Keeping the Charles Clean: A Conversation on Stormwater Innovation in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Watershed Association:

Join CRWA staff and City of Watertown officials for an in-depth conversation about stormwater — what it is, how stormwater pollution impacts the Charles River, and the major challenges municipalities face in managing it. Learn how Watertown is implementing innovative solutions and leading the way in stormwater management within the Charles River watershed. Where: Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown

When: Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Link to event page: https://www.crwa.org/events/keeping-the-charles-clean-a-conversation-on-stormwater-innovation-in-watertown

Link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/j8j77de