Around Town

Route Change for Watertown’s Memorial Day Parade, Volunteers Wanted

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Girl Scouts joined in the parade on Monday. The Watertown Memorial Day Parade is back in 2022! The route has been changed, but it will take place on Monday, May 30 starting at noon. Parade Route

Due to ongoing construction, Watertown Veterans’ Services had to make the decision to change the route in the interest of safety.The parade will begin right in front of City Hall and conclude at Victory Field. We will take a right on Waverley Avenue, and another right on Orchard Street to complete the route.

Government

Zoning Change Allows Businesses to Have Pick-Ups of Items Bought Remotely

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The City of Watertown’s Zoning Map. A Zoning change approved by the City Council will allow customers to drive up to local businesses and pick-up items purchased remotely. The amendment to the Watertown Zoning Ordinance allows businesses to allow the transfer of goods purchased remotely, and they will designate parking spots for these transactions. At the April 26 City Council meeting Council President Mark Sideris summarized what would be allowed with the change. “Basically, they order on the phone or computer, they drive up, tell them you are here, and they come out and give it to you,” Sideris said.

Business

Biotech Companies, Educators Talk About How They Can Collaborate at Life Science Panel

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Natalie Nigito PhotographyKatie Sherburne, human resources manager at Forma Therapeutics speaks during the Life Sciences Panel at Hosmer School. Looking on, from right to left, are: Chris Nasveschuk, senior vice president of chemistry at C4 Therapeutics, Mark Bamforth, CEO of Arranta Bio, Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston, and Watertown K-7 Math and Science Coordinator Elizabeth Kaplan

The life science industry has discovered Watertown, with the city becoming home to a growing number of pharmaceutical, medical and other biotech companies. Recently, representatives from a few of these companies joined Watertown educators at a forum hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition. The event took place at the new Hosmer Elementary School on April 27. The groups spoke about how they collaborate, and opportunities for the future.

Around Town

City Wants to Hear from Public on Changes to Watertown’s Major Planning Document

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The City of Watertown will be updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document guides what the City will look like in future, and covers topics such as economic development, land use, and transportation. The review will be an 18-month process that will be led by the Department of Community Development and Planning and a consultant team from Stantec in partnership with the Planning Advisory Committee. 

The first public meeting will be in the Hosmer School Cafeteria, 1 Concord Road, on Thursday, May 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will be held live and on Zoom. “This year, we are updating the city’s comprehensive plan which means that we want your feedback to plan for Watertown’s future,” said the announcement from the City. City officials want to hear from Watertown residents, property owners, business owners, and workers.

Business

Workers at Starbucks in Watertown Votes to Unionize

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Employees at the Starbucks on Mt. Auburn Street voted to unionize. The store was the 50th in the coffee chain to join the Workers United. The vote in the Watertown Starbucks was 10-1, according to a report in the Boston Globe which also said that Starbucks challenged two of the ballots at the Watertown store. The Mt.

Schools

Fifth Graders in Watertown Schools to be Taught About Impact of Puberty in Health Class

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Lessons for fifth-graders about how puberty affects them physically and emotionally will move from an evening lesson to ones taught during their health classes. In past years, fifth-graders have had the opportunity to attend presentations at their schools in the evenings presented by the school nurses. The lesson is based on the Massachusetts Frameworks and the National Sex Education Standards, said Brendan Casey, the district’s K-12 Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Coordinator. About 50 percent of students participated in the evening lessons, Casey said, and the change to a having the lesson during the day was made to try to reach more students. “It is important for students to understand the changes they are going through or will go through at that time in their lives,” Casey said.

Sports

Watertown Little League Opening Day Celebration Extra Special in 2022

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Little League players lined the field during the opening day ceremonies at Casey Park on April 30. Opening Day Ceremony for Watertown Youth Baseball, Softball and Challenger leagues looked much the same as previous years, with a parade led by a Watertown Fire Engine, burgers and cotton candy, and young players yelling “Play ball!” But the smiles were wider and the sun felt a warmer during the 2022 celebration. Watertown Little League has not cancelled season, but the previous two seasons have looked much different due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. On April 30, 2022, a big step was taken toward returning to normal.