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.

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.

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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

Around Town

Watertown Police Hosting Polar Plunge to Raise Money for Special Olympics, Participants Wanted

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The Polar Plunge will return to Watertown on Feb. 7, 2026, and the Watertown Police seek to raise even more this year fro the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Participants will take a cold dip into the mobile plunge tank that will be set up in Bond Square at Arsenal Yards, said Watertown Police Officer Michael Scafidi. “Last year we had just over 50 participants and raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics of Massachusetts,” Scafidi said. “This year we are aiming for ’26K in ’26’!”

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City of Watertown Thanks All for Successful Community Food Drive

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Food collected from multiple locations across the City during the Community Food Drive in November and December. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the entire Watertown community – residents, businesses, volunteers, and more – for supporting the community food drive hosted through November and December 2025. Thanks to everyone’s efforts together, thousands of food items were collected to support our pantries, community fridge, and directly to families in need. This community food drive was organized by the City of Watertown, with support from the Watertown Community Foundation, in early November when federal SNAP benefits were delayed and over 1,600 Watertown households were unsure if the assistance they rely on each month would come through. Jenna Bancroft, Watertown’s Director of Human Services, was amazed by the way the community stepped up and supported their neighbors.