Around Town

TRASH STRIKE: Union Votes to Remain on Strike, Watertown Curbside Collection Continues But Other Services Not Open

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Trash and recycling bins on Main Street. (Photo by Dean Martino)

The strike by union members working for Republic Services will continue after Teamsters Local 25 voted to reject the latest proposal on Wednesday. The strike began more than two months ago on July 1. Union members, representing 400 workers, voted down the offer by more than 84 percent, according to an announcement from Teamsters Local 25. “This group is one of the strongest groups I’ve ever worked with in my more than three decades as a Teamster,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari.

Around Town

Seniors Invited to Watertown Rotary’s Senior Citizen Cookout

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Watertown seniors are invited to the annual FREE Senior Citizen Cookout hosted by the Rotary Club of Watertown. See the information provided by the Rotary Club, below. This year’s Senior Cookout will take place on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Sons of Italy Hall, 520 Pleasant St., Watertown. Enjoy hamburger, hot dogs, pizza and more.

Around Town

First Creative Chats of the Season Features Members of a Chamber Music Ensemble

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The following announcement was provided by Creative Chats:

Join Little Local Conversations and Mosesian Center for the Arts Kick Off New Season of Creative Chats! You’re invited to Creative Chats! The event is a way to gather creative people face-to-face to mingle, hear a featured conversation on the topic of creativity and the creative life, and then engage in the conversation themselves in small groups. September Event Features Guests Jennifer Morsches and Tim Merton of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble

Matt Hanna of Little Local Conversations will lead a talk with the co-Artistic Directors of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble. They’ll chat about the process of combining local history and classical music along with the question of how to engage different types of audiences, especially with regards to their programming with incarcerated teens.

Obituaries

OBIT: Garrett Barry, Navy Veteran, Longtime Business Owner, Frequented Oakley CC

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Garrett Barry

A Mass of Christian Burial for Garrett James Barry, will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, Waltham. Garrett was born in Dorchester, MA to late Francis G. Barry of Ireland and Ceceila C. (Casby) Barry. He grew up in Brighton and would often share stories of his childhood friendships born out of the neighborhood that endured throughout the years. Garrett attended Presentation Grammar School, Mission Church High school (Roxbury) and journeyed to the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. His time in Texas fueled his sense of adventure and enriched his spirit.

Around Town

Registration Open for 10th Edition of Watertown Police Finish Strong 5K

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

We cordially invite you to participate in the 10th annual Watertown Police Finish Strong 5K road race and walk. This event will support the Watertown Police Relief Committee, Watertown Police Association and the Watertown Police Supervisors Association. 

This race was initially established due to the events occurring in Watertown following the Boston Marathon Bombings. It has since grown into a very popular community event for both residents of Watertown and the surrounding communities. The Watertown Police Relief Association was organized in 1936 and changed to the Watertown Police Relief Committee in 2008. Our membership is comprised of sworn personnel, regardless of rank, as well as all retired officers.

Around Town

Second Empowering Watertown in Women Workshop Features First Responders, a Disability Advocate & Entrepreneurs

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The tent at the Commander’s Mansion was full for the second Empowering Women in Watertown in August to hear from female first responders, a librarian and disabilities advocate, and entrepreneurs who started fitness and studios Watertown. During the first panel, Watertown Police Officers Kerry Kelley and Anna Margaryan (and her police dog, Raider), joined with Firefighter/Paramedic Kate Boudreau to share their experiences as women working in male-dominated professions. The workshop also focused on Wellness, Community Action, and Communications. Other presenters included:

• Liz Padula, Founder of Artemis Yoga, will lead an interactive presentation about wellness• Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at Perkins, will share insights on advocacy and community action• Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, will give closing remarks on building relationships and connection

Other presenters were Jan Taylor, who talked about starting Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio in her home and how she grew the business; and Julia Dunoyer, who first started working on the front desk at Artemis and now works full time as the studio’s marketing and client relations manager. Attendees also had the option of getting a professional headshot session with Natalie Nigito Photography, and enjoyed coffee, tea and baked goods provided by O’some Café

View the Empowering Women http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4043?site=1

Women in Business, Non-Profit & City Government Speak at Sold Out Event in Watertown

Around Town

Dancing With the Watertown Stars Takes the Mosesian Center Stage, Tickets Available

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The annual Dancing with the Stars moves to a new location in 2025, and the dancers will strut their stuff on the stage of the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept. 12. The evening will be hosted by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, and features 10 Watertown Stars who will be dancing with pros from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Belmont. 2025 Dancing With the Watertown Stars

Jess Donato, Third-Grade Teacher, Hosmer Elementary School

Ed Megerdichian, Chief Administrative Officer, Sensational Foods

Ryan Seward, Realtor, Coldwell Banker

Cindy St. Clair, PTO Secretary, Cunniff Elementary School

Diane DiMascio Cinar, Realtor, CK Realty Group

Cassidy Pirozzi, Financial Specialist, City of Watertown Treasurer/Collector’s Office

Harrison Ford, Co-Chair, Watertown Pride Committee

Jennifer Chiodo, Spanish Teacher, Watertown High School

Rob Scudder, Co-Anchor, Watertown Cable News

Cookie Ramos, Assistant Branch Manager, Watertown Savings Bank

Along with the dancing, attendees can enjoy appetizers and a cash bar.

Around Town

This Week’s Mt. Auburn St. Construction Begins After Labor Day

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Construction on Mt. Auburn Street will take a day off for Labor Day, and resume with sidewalk and drainage work on Tuesday. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown. Sidewalk Concrete Installation

Sidewalk concrete installation and pouring will take place on the westbound side of Mount Auburn Street, between Belmont Street and Keenan Street from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Concrete pouring is anticipated to begin between Belmont Street and Francis Street on Wednesday 9/3/2025. Notices have been provided to the properties directly affected within the pouring area.