Schools

COVID Cases in Watertown Schools Went Beyond What Officials Expected, New Protocols Discussed

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The number of COVID-19 cases in the Watertown Public Schools was beyond what officials expected, and the way that pool testing will be administered has changed so not as many students need to be retested. Superintendent Dede Galdston discussed the upsurge in COVID-19 cases in the schools, and the steps being taken to prevent the spread. She added that the number of positive cases in the week after Winter Break, 193, was by far the most seen in the Watertown Schools since the pandemic began. “What we experienced last week was not something any of us were prepared for. I am not sure any of us in any district were truly prepared for what happened last week,” Galdston said, who told the School Committee that she is in quarantine herself after testing positive for COVID-19.

Government

Find Out What it is Like to Serve on a Watertown Board or Commission

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A panel discussion will be held about serving on a City board or commission. On Thursday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. a virtual panel discussion will be held about how to serve on one of the city’s appointed boards or commission. It will cover: what it’s like to serve, how to apply, and what positions are currently open. The panel will include:

• Amy Plovnick (Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee)

• Janet Buck (Stormwater Advisory Committee)

• Leo Martin (Conservation Commission), and

• Jeanne Trubek (Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee) 

All are invited to attend.

Entertainment

Movie Filmed in Watertown Now in Theaters & Streaming Online

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The movie “Tender Bar,” which director by George Clooney used Watertown locales to shoot some of the scenes, is now showing in movie theaters and is streaming online starting Jan. 7. At least one part of town, the area near Bemis Park in West Watertown, was used in the film that stars Ben Affleck. The movie is showing at the Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge and at the Dedham Community Theater, but can also be streamed by subscribers of Amazon Prime. The film is based on a memoir by J.R. Moehringer, and the screenplay is by William Monahan, who also wrote “The Departed.”

Sports

Three Watertown Athletes Make Globe’s All-Scholastic Teams, One Named Athlete of the Year

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Charlie BreirtoseWatertown sophomore Molly Driscoll was named Div. 3 field hockey athlete of the year by the Boston Globe. A trio of Watertown Raiders earned All-Scholastic honors from the Boston Globe this fall, including one who was named the athlete of the year. Only a sophomore, Molly Driscoll, was named the top Div. 3 field hockey player by the Globe in its fall All-Scholastic teams. She helped Watertown win its first State Championship since 2017.

Around Town

Snow Storm: Watertown Trash Pick up Postponed, Restaurant Serving Warm Specialty Drink

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Snow falls on Watertown on Jan. 7, 2022. Trash and recycling pick up will be delayed by the snow storm for residents with a Friday collection day. The Watertown Department of Public Works announced Friday morning that due to higher snowfall than projected, the City’s trash contractor — Republic — moved the trash and recycling collection from Friday to Saturday. DPW Superintendent Greg St.