Boston Marathon Bombing

Watertown Group Joins Organization Opposing Militarization of Police

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A group from Watertown has joined a coalition of organizations opposing what they call militarization of law enforcement in the Boston area. Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment has become part of STop Oppressive Militarized Police – STOMP. The group seeks to stop the “Police militarization” and “increased federal funding to state and local law enforcement for surveillance and repression” according to the STOMP Facebook page (click here to see the page). The group points to the lockdown in Watertown during the hunt for the Boston Marathon Bombing suspect is as one of the examples of militarization. STOMP will hold a community speak out and teach-in on May 4 in Boston.

Government

New Strategies to Fund Watertown Schools Sought

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Instead of relying on the state and town for money to run the schools, Watertown officials are searching for new ways to pay for equipment and even for staff. The Fiscal 2015 school request is $6 million higher than last year, but the town will not likely be able to cover the whole request, Town Manager Michael Driscoll said Tuesday. Instead, school officials will have to prioritize what they want in the request. Meanwhile, the Town Council’s Education and School System subcommittee brainstormed ways to come up with more money for the town’s schools. They examined ideas provided by the Watertown Strong Schools advocacy group in a report (read the report here, with funding ideas on Page 57).

Boston Marathon Bombing

Family Celebration Planned on Saturday in Watertown

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Watertown’s spirit will be celebrated at a family event on Saturday afternoon. On the anniversary of the celebration following the capture of the second Boston Marathon Bombing suspect – April 19 – a celebration will be held in Watertown at the Armenian Cultural Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Activities include face painting and balloon animals courtesy of Colores Kids of Natick. A “Watertown Spirit” youth dance performance organized by students from Miss Maria’s School of Dance and Watertown Strong Schools. Food and music will also be provided.

Around Town

Public Radio Talks to Watertown Residents about Events of April 19, 2013

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Watertown Residents shared their experiences during the lockdown and manhunt for the second Boston Marathon Bombing suspect on the Public Radio International program “The Takeaway.” The program sat down with Watertown residents Jeffrey Ryan and Jillian Levine and Somerville’s Heidi Tworek. They talked about there memories of the events of April 19, 2013, and the importance of getting to know your neighbors that has emerged in the year since the Marathon Bombing and the lockdown. You can hear The Takeaway’s piece by clicking here.

Government

School, Town Officials Hashing Out Watertown School Budget

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The Watertown School budget for Fiscal 2015 came in 16 percent higher than the previous year, but Town Manager Michael Driscoll planned for 3 percent increase. Now he and Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald are looking at how much the education budget can increase. The pair, along with School Committee Chairwoman Eileen Hsu-Balzer sat down last Thursday and Friday to go over the request for more staff and for goods and services. The schools want the equivalent of 32 more full-time positions, including 22 teachers. [ad]

He said the total request, $42 million, would not be realistic in one year, and would not be sustainable under Proposition 2 1/2 rules where towns can only increase the tax levy more than 2.5 percent without going to voters.

Around Town

Franklin St. Residents Reflect on the Capture of the Bombing Suspect

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A year ago, it seemed like every law enforcement officer was focused on Franklin Street with the second Boston Marathon Bombing suspect cornered in the now infamous boat. A year later, residents reflected on that evening. NBC News interviewed a couple from Watertown who had recently moved to Franklin Street and suddenly found themselves huddled in a neighbors house after police evacuated them. Lori and Brendon Toye’s fence still has 21 bullet holes in it, and Lori said the sound of helicopters still rattles her. Read the entire NBC News story by clicking here.

Business

Grab Some Grub from Food Trucks in Watertown

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Need a bite to eat, try something new at the Commander’s Mansion, which will host food trucks five days a week beginning April 21. The trucks park on Talcott Avenue near the entrance to Arsenal Park,, and will offer a variety of goodies through the week, said Tammy McKenna, facilities manager at the Commander’s Mansion. “Last season we implemented a Food Truck pilot program once/twice a week and it was well received,” McKenna said. “This season we were given the go-ahead to open it up five days and it starts next Monday the 21st (of April) running through October 3rd.” The trucks are open to everyone.

Around Town

Arabic Classes in Watertown Schools Returning for a Second Year

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Watertown middle and high school students have a rare opportunity to learn the Arabic language, and they will be able to for at least another year. The grant that brought a teacher from Egypt to Watertown has been renewed for a second year, said Watertown Middle School Principal Kimo Carter. The grant program is sponsored by the U.S. State Department and targets languages believed to be important for the future, including Arabic and Mandarin Chinese. “We got another grant from the Teachers of Critical Language Program,” Carter said. “Another teacher from Egypt will teach Arabic at the middle school and high school next year. The reason why we got it is because of the success of the program.”