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.

Around Town

Watertown Teen Honored by City Council for Reaching Eagle Scout

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Grant Ho/Troop 30Eagle Scout Deion Howe (left) presents a mentor pin to Scoutmaster Doug Syer and Assistant Scoutmaster Ian Clark. The mentor pin is presented to a leader who guided that scout through the journey to Eagle. During his time as a Scout in Watertown, Deion Howe has accomplished many thing, and now has reached the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He joined Troop 30 in 2015, became Senior Patrol Leader, worked on multiple food drives that collected more than 5 tons of food for the Watertown Food Pantry, and worked with his school to create the “Beacon Chill Space,” a paved and furnished patio that allows students at his special needs school. On April 26, the Watertown City Council honored Howe with a proclamation honoring him for reaching Eagle Scout.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Busted Stealing Champagne at Target, $1,200 Charged on Stolen Credit Cards

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

April 24, 5:53 p.m.: Target security reported a shoplifting where a man was seen taking three bottles of champagne. He took the bottles, worth a total of $230.99, and put them in his backpack, and left without paying. Police located him leaving the rear exit of the mall. When they checked his record officers found he had a warrant from Boston District Court for larceny over $1,200.

Around Town

Arts Projects on the Horizon for New Public Arts Committee, Farewell to Longtime Supporter

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Charlie BreitroseMembers of the original, volunteer Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee were honored in City Hall on April 27. Pictured from left are members Barbara Epstein, Ingrid Marchesano, Deborah Peterson, Aramais Andonian, along with Steve Magoon from the Watertown Department of Community Development & Planning. Other former members Barbara Ruskin was unable to attend and Janet Jameson recently passed away. The Council Chamber was filled with supporters of public art in Watertown, including members of the new Committee devoted to Public Arts & Culture and its predecessor, a volunteer grassroots effort. The group also paid tribute to a woman who spent many years advocating for the arts as well as bicycle paths in Watertown.