THE DISH: Ritcey East’s Max Ritcey Talks About Fish Taco, Lending a Helping Hand & More

Ritcey East owner Max Ritcey presents a fan favorite: fish tacos. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Dish is a new collaboration between Watertown News and the Little Local Conversations podcast which takes a deep dive into a favorite dish from a local restaurant and beyond. Watertown’s Ritcey East has become a favorite place for people looking for comfort food, a cocktail, and enjoy it in a laid back, fun atmosphere. One of the most popular menu items, the fish tacos, also harkens back to owner Max Ritcey’s culinary roots, and has strong family ties. Ritcey’s fish tacos are simple, but burst with complex flavors.

Town Wide Yard Sale Coming in June, See How to Participate

The 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale is Saturday, June 13 and Sunday June 14, 2026! See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below. For one fee of $10, you can schedule your yard sale on Saturday, June 13, Sunday, June 14, or both days! We’ll do the advertising, provide a list of addresses to buyers and make it a community event for all to enjoy!!! 

See the 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale Flyer. and the 2026 Town Wide Yard Sale Registration Form.

Watertown Walks in May Include Strolls Focused on Art, the River & the Library’s Project Literacy

The City’s Watertown Walks series continues in May with a variety of themes from fitness, to the Library’s Project Literacy program, the Community Sculpture Walk, and a stroll along the Charles River. See details provided by Live Well Watertown, below. Moving more is an easy way to improve health and walking with a group builds community. Watertown Walks

NOTE NEW TIME

Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 281:00 pm – 2:00 pmMeetup at lower Saltonstall Park, next to Watertown City Hall

May 7th – City Happenings / Project LiteracyTake a Walk with Janet Saied, Watertown’s Project Literacy Director and learn more about Watertown’s diverse population and how you can get involved. The walk will provide a deeper appreciation for the people and programs that make Watertown vibrant and learn about the history of Project Literacy and the variety of volunteer opportunities, from tutoring and classroom support to helping facilitate conversation groups.

Plans for Passive Park to be Discussed at 2nd DCR Meeting on Former GSA Site

The Department of Conservation and Recreation will host the second virtual public meeting about a proposed Charles River Reservation passive park at the former 13 acre “GSA site” in East Watertown. The DCR’s design team will present early (25%) plans for a passive park between Coolidge Avenue and Arsenal Street, including paths, seating, improved bike/pedestrian access, accessible features, and ecological upgrades. See the slide presentation by clicking here. When: Thursday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.Register: Please follow this linkQuestions: email mass.parks@mass.gov | 617-626-4973

You can share feedback during the meeting, and a recording will be posted afterward. Additional comments are accepted on this public comment portal through May 21.

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting Member Appreciation Social at Donohue’s

The Watertown Business Coalition will host a Member Appreciation Social at Donohue’s Bar & Grill on Wednesday, May, 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to members and non-members. See more details in the information from the WBC, below:

Join us for a fun night as we celebrate YOU – our members, friends and WBC Community! We wouldn’t be here without your constant support, we’re so grateful you’re part of this growing community! Hear about the WBC’s 2026 so far and updates on exciting member benefits we’re rolling out in May. Come, bring a friend (or two), and learn how to get the most out of your membership.

Watertown Group Hosting May Screening in Palestinian Film Series

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment:

The Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment will be showing the film PALESTINE 1920: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PALESTINIAN STORY produced by Al Jazeera Arabic in 1922. Please join us for a post film discussion led by Hani Murad, a Palestinian American. The Palestine Committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment is offering a series of documentary and feature films that explores the history and culture of the Palestinian people and provides a picture of their life under Israeli occupation. “Palestine 1920” relies on historical research, witness accounts and archival material to challenge the notion that Palestinian-Jewish relationship in the early 20th century reflected “a land without a people and a people without a land.”

Our work is supported, in part, by Survival Education Fund, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY MAY 10. 2026

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 

                    9 Russell Ave, Watertown, MA 02472

ADMISSION: Free

MORE INFORMATION: watertowncitizens@gmail.com

* The church is located at the corner of Russell Ave & Mt.

Watertown Playground Named for Soldier Killed in Vietnam Will be Upgraded

Drawings of plans for renovating the Lt. Paul Sullivan Playground. (Source: City of Watertown)

A playground named in honor of a Watertown man who died in Vietnam will be getting an update, with new play structures and paving. The City Council received a report on the Sullivan Playground project at the April 28 meeting. The playground located at the corner of Mt. Auburn and Arlington streets was dedicated in honor of Lt. Paul Sullivan in 1969, a year after he died in Vietnam where he served in the U.S. Army Rangers.

DPW Saves Family of Ducks from Storm Drain in Watertown

A distraught mother duck was reunited with her ducklings with a helping hand from the Watertown Department of Public Works. On April 29, the City’s Animal Control office received a call from two residents on Arsenal Street who spotted the duck pacing around and calling for help, according to the report on WBZ Radio. The ducklings had fallen into a storm drain, according to the City of Watertown’s social media post. “DPW and Animal Control responded and, after some effort, were able to remove the drain cover and rescue all 13 baby ducks! They rejoined mom and waddled away,” the City’s social media post said.