Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Jewish Voices Critique the Antisemitism Commission

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

The Palestine Committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment is sponsoring an important educational program on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism released its policy recommendations in December 2025 affecting K-12 and Higher Education, Public Safety and Law Enforcement and the Workforce. The Commission’s composition, processes and procedures, and recommendations have been criticized by many Jewish leaders and allies. Their critique centers on the fact that the Commission fails to fully or accurately address anti-semitism and puts free speech at risk. Come learn more!

Around Town

Public Works Hosting Open House with Touch-a-Truck, Info Tables

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Head to the Watertown Department of Public Works to see trucks up close and find out more about the different roles played by the DPW at an upcoming open house. See more information provided by the City of Watertown. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting an Open House on May 19, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at 124 Orchard St. The event will include a Touch-a-Truck event, tables and information about all of the DPW Divisions, and an opportunity to meet the DPW Director.

Around Town

Free Bike Checks, Biking Info, Lawn Games at Event Hosted by City

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The City’s annual Get Out Your Bike event is on May 16th featuring free bike checks. See more information in the announcement from Live Well Watertown. Meet representatives from city agencies and pick up information and resources about healthy living programs, bicycle safety and maintenance, commuting pathways, and more! NEMO bike mechanics will be on-site for free bike safety checks covering the ABCs: Air, Brakes, and Chains.First come, first served. There will also be lawn games offered by the Watertown Recreation staff. WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Rain date May 17)

WHERE:Watertown Square Dock Charles River Road at Galen Street BridgeSponsored by:  Watertown Transportation Management Association (Watertown TMA), Live Well Watertown, the Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee and the City of Watertown and Watertown Recreation.

Around Town

Third Watertown Porchfest is Bigger Than Ever With 200+ Performances

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Porchfest returns to Watertown for the third year on May 16. (Photo from Watertown Porchfest)

The third year of Watertown Porchfest is the biggest yet, with in excess of 200 performances at more than 80 locations around the City on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 6 p.m.

Organizers have published a map with the performance locations and the list of bands on the Watertown Cultural District at watertownmaculture.com/watertown-porchfest. Homes around town will turn their porch, driveways or front yards into stages this year. Joining them are the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, Gigi’s Pizza, Branch Line, and Gore Place. In addition there will be five block parties where the street will be blocked to traffic.

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Watertown Housing Authority Running Annual Diaper Drive

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Housing Authority:

The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) announced last week that they are running their annual Diaper Drive for the month of May, 2026. Community members are encouraged to donate unopened diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 2T-5T Pull Ups. Donations can be dropped off at the WHA’s main office located at 55 Waverley Ave, Watertown AM 20472, on Monday-Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Diapers are given directly to residents of the WHA in need and shared with other local community partners for distribution. For questions, please contact WHA’s Resident Services Manager, Maeve Kennelly at 617-631-7434.

Around Town

Historical Society Hosting Tours of 2nd Oldest Home in Watertown

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The Edmund Fowle House & Museum. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

Take a look inside a home in Watertown with loads of history on May 17. The Historical Society of Watertown will conduct tours of the Edmund Fowle House & Museum on Sunday May 17th from 1-4 p.m. The house is located at 28 Marshall St. The last tour begins at 3:15 p.m.

The description of the Fowle House on the Historical Society’s website says:

“Built in 1772, the Edmund Fowle House is the second oldest surviving house in Watertown. At the beginning of the American Revolution it served as headquarters for the executive branch of the Massachusetts government from July, 1775, to September, 1776. The Treaty of Watertown was signed on July 19, 1776, in the Council Chamber on the second floor.

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Tour the New Public Art in Coolidge Square During “Open for Business”

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City of Watertown invites the community to celebrate the intersection of art and commerce at the opening reception for “Open for Business,” a public art initiative featuring two new site-specific installations in the heart of Coolidge Square. The reception will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, experience the completed works, and explore the diverse local businesses that define the character of the square. Launched during the Mount Auburn Street reconstruction, “Open for Business” was designed to maintain the vibrancy of the district and encourage foot traffic during a period of infrastructure transformation. “These installations serve as a beacon, drawing residents and visitors to rediscover our cherished local establishments,” says Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner. “By bringing world-class art to our sidewalks, we are turning a period of construction into an opportunity for discovery.”

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Watertown Police Holding Rape Aggression Defense Classes

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The following information came from the Watertown Police Department:

The Watertown Police Department is offering the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Women’s Self-Defense Program from June 8-11, 2026, at 5:30-8:30 p.m.

This program is open to women ages 18 and older and includes hands-on self-defense training focused on risk awareness, prevention, and realistic physical defense techniques. Participants will learn practical tactics and concepts designed to build confidence and personal safety awareness. Registration is now open! To register, call 617-600-1306 or email WPDtraining@police.watertown-ma.gov