Around Town

Dogs Reported Off-Leash in City Parks, Could Cause Hazard to Users of Fields & Athletic Facilities

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City of WatertownThe Watertown Health Department reminds people that dogs are not allowed in City Parks except for designated dog park areas. The Watertown Health Department has received reports of loose pets in City parks, in violation of City rules. Dogs that relieve themselves outside the dedicated dog parks can create a hazard for people, said Watertown Health Director Larry Ramdin. “We have been observing several pets loose outside of our dog parks in the grassed areas in the parks reserved for sports,” Ramdin said. “Dogs defecating in those parks poses a secondary risk to children who use the parks for recreation.”

Affordable Housing

DATE CHANGE: Learn About Applying for Community Preservation Funds at Upcoming Workshops

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The date of one of the Community Preservation Act Application Workshops has been moved from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10. See the information below:

The first two projects to receive Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding were approved in 2022, and those seeking to submit their projects in the next round of funding can get information about the process at an upcoming CPA Application Workshop. CPA funds can be used in four areas: affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation.

Entertainment

Video Gaming Truck Coming to Watertown, Rec Offers Zoo Trip

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Gamers can head to Victory Field for some fun on Thursday, and a trip to the zoo is planned by the Watertown Recreation Department next week. Gaming

The Ultimate Gaming Truck will be at Victory Field on Orchard Street on Thursday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Watertown residents are invited to come down and play some video games at the free event sponsored by the Recreation Department. More than a dozen people can play at once on game systems including PS5 and Xbox X.

Zoo Trip

On Monday, August 1 the Parks Program will be visiting the Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, which has more than 850 animals on its 200 acres. Participants must be Watertown residents, ages 9 to 18 and registered for the Watertown Parks Program.

Schools

Superintendent Gets Good Grades in Annual Review

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Superintendent of Schools Dede Galdston. Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston received good marks on her annual performance evaluation from the School Committee. The School Committee discussed their job review for the leader of the Watertown Public Schools on Monday night. On the overall performance, Galdston received two “exemplary” evaluations (the top mark) and five “proficient” (second highest), said School Committee Chair Kendra Foley. “This is a very positive evaluation.

Police/Fire

Fire on Gore Place Property Doused by Watertown Firefighters

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ContributedFlames from a blaze on the Gore Estate can be seen from the back of a home on Edward Road. Watertown firefighters doused a blaze on the property of Gore Place which the Fire Department believes was started by illegal fireworks. On Saturday, July 23 at about 10:30 p.m. the Watertown Fire Department received a report of a fire on the Gore Estate property. The fire occurred near homes on Edward Road, according to Acting Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. “We believe it was caused by fireworks, due to some remnants, but it is difficult to determine because illegal fireworks are set off frequently in that area,” Nicholson said.

Around Town

YMCA Naming New Building at Summer Camp for Former Watertown Teacher

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West Suburban YMCAThe new Loch Lodge at the West Suburban YMCA’s Camp Chickami is nearing completion. The multipurpose building is named after former Watertown teacher Jim Lochiatto. Jim Lochiatto, or Mr. Loch, made an impact on many Watertown children as an art teacher and working at the YMCA’s Camp Chickami, and now he is being honored by having a new building at the Y’s summer camp named for him. Since the 1950s, the West Suburban YMCA has run summer camps at its property in Wayland. It became a special place for Lochiatto having spent many years there, first as a camper and later working there.

Entertainment

Get Into the Swing at the Watertown Summer Concert Wednesday Night

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The Rico Bar Band featuring the JJR Horns will be playing in Watertown at a free concert. This week’s Saltonstall Park Summer Concert features a a band nominated as Swing Band of The Year by the National Swing Awards. The Rico Barr Band Featuring the JJR Horns will perform Wednesday, July 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the park next to City Hall (149 Main St.). The concert is free. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music.

Arrests

Police Log: Juveniles Hit Golf Balls a Car, Details of Home Break-ins

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

July 14: Watertown Police identified a pair who had shoplifted at Best Buy on March 16. A man and woman arrived in a car and went into a store. They took an HP All-in-One computer valued at $1,260. Using surveillance police were able to see the two get into a vehicle and leave.