Around Town

Read the Second Place Essay in the Historical Society’s Contest

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Today, the Watertown News features the second place essay in the Historical Society of Watertown’s essay contest. The Historical Society looks for the best history essays each year, and students had their choice of four themes: an individual, ethnic group, landmark or historical event in Watertown and its significance to the town and region. The 1st place winner received $300; the 2nd and 3rd place winners received $100 each. The winners of the Historical Society Awards were chosen by a panel of Historical Society Council members. The awards were presented in June in the high school lecture hall. See the third place essay, “Watertown and WW2” by clicking here.

Police/Fire

Man Cuts Packaging, Himself Before Being Arrested at Target

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A Cambridge man tried to remove merchandise from its packaging at Target, but managed to hurt himself, too. 

Watertown Police went to Target on Aug. 2 at 5:53 p.m. after security detained a man for allegedly shoplifting. “Brooks was observed taking a pair of headphones,” said Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn. “He removed a large knife and attempted to cut open the packaging. In the process he cut himself.”

Around Town

See One of the Top Entries in the Historical Society’s Essay Contest

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Each year, the Historical Society of Watertown sponsors an award for the best history essay submitted by a high school student, and Watertown News will feature the winning essays. Students had their choice of four themes: an individual, ethnic group, landmark or historical event in Watertown and its significance to the town and region. The 1st place winner received $300; the 2nd and 3rd place winners received $100 each. The winners of the Historical Society Awards were chosen by a panel of Historical Society Council members. The awards were presented in June in the high school lecture hall. The Historical Society said it appreciates the effort taken by Social Studies Coordinator Kraig Gustafson and the high school staff to encourage students to develop an interest in the history of their town.

Around Town

Experts Warn Heroin Addiction Can Impact Anyone

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There is no “typical heroin user,” said Stephanie Sunderland-Ramsey, a program coordinator with Wayside Youth and Family Support Network in Watertown. She has seen people from all backgrounds, races and income levels who have become addicted to heroin and other opiates. “Anybody can become addicted to opiates,” said Sunderland-Ramsey, who said many people first become addicted to some sort of opiate given by doctors for pain relief – often following a surgery. Melanie St. Pierre, a prevention specialist with Wayside, said she has seen a pattern.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested After Refusing to Pay Cab Fare and More

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

July 22, 5:20 a.m.: Police went to CVS after receiving  a report about a woman who had fallen. The officers discovered the 38-year-old Newton woman had a warrant from Boston District Court for larceny over $250. She was arrested. July 24, 2:36 a.m.: An officer patrolling on Main Street ran the registration of a car and discovered the owner had a suspended license.

Business

Tufts Health Plan Foundation Awards $1.6 Million in Grants

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Watertown-based Tuft Health Plan Foundation has handed out more than $1.6 million in grants to 43 organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The grants are part of the first cycle of funding in 2014, according to an announcement from the foundation. Some of the grant recipients are in Watertown or serve the community, including the Watertown Community Foundation and Springwell. The largest number of grants this cycle fell in the Health & Wellness program area, primarily for initiatives that promote chronic disease self-management and prevention, exercise and nutrition, and fall prevention. The foundation also awarded more than 25 percent of its grants in the area of Purposeful Engagement, which includes community involvement, volunteerism and intergenerational programs as well as caregiver support programs.

“We’re proud of our partnerships in community and recognize that we don’t do this work alone,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, executive director of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president, corporate citizenship for Tufts Health Plan.

Real Estate

6 Homes Sold in Watertown This Week

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Take a look at the homes that sold in Watertown this week. $232,000 – 194 Lexington St. Unit 7, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Low-Rise condo

$475,000 – 499 Main Street Unit 499, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 2 Family condo

Sponsored by:

$450,000 – 496 Mount Auburn Street, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, Colonial single-family home

$325,000 – 32 Duff St. Unit 32, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo

$427,500 – 43 Parker St Unit 43A, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Townhouse

$475,000 – 104 Coolidge Hill Road Unit 7, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Townhouse