Schools

See When Renovation Projects to be Presented to Watertown’s Elementary Schools

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Parents and neighbors of Watertown’s three elementary schools will get to see what is in store for their buildings during the upcoming renovation projects, and they will have a chance to give their feedback. 

The district’s architect and the School Building Committee will present the current plans at meetings held at the individual schools. The first meeting will be at Cunniff Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Next will be Hosmer Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. Lowell Elemenatary School’s meeting will be on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.

Parents will be notified through announcements sent out by their children’s schools, while nearby residents will be sent a notice of the meeting, said Town Council President Mark Sideris, who is also chair of the School Building Committee.

Government

Plan to Redesign Mt. Auburn St., Common St. Area Creates Parking But Not In Front of Stores

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A plan to redesign the Mt. Auburn Street/Common Street intersection would create 10 more parking spaces in that area, but some businesses in that area would lose the parking spots in front of their stores. The Town Council’s Public Works subcommittee heard a presentation from WorldTech Engineering, the firm designing the Mt. Auburn Street reconstruction project. Designers presented three options for the business area just east of Watertown Square based on where MBTA bus stops would be located.

Environment

Council to Look at Ways to Increase the Number Trees Along Watertown’s Streets

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Having trees on your street can reduce the heat in the summer, prevent flooding when it rains and can even increase property values. However, a study of street trees done by Watertown High School students found that many residents have few or no trees along their blocks. Monday night, the results of a survey of more than 3,400 street trees around Watertown were presented to a joint meeting of the Town Council’s Public Works and Rules & Ordinances subcommittees. The group made a recommendation to the full Town Council to seek ways to use the data to bring trees to streets that lack them. The data was presented by two members of Trees for Watertown, a citizens group committed to planting and maintain trees in town.

Schools

Watertown Public Schools Hosting Screenings for Special Education Preschool

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The Watertown Public Schools provided the following information:

The Watertown Public School’s Special Education Department will be offering Early
Childhood screenings for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Screenings are for children whose families have concerns about their developmental progress. They are conducted in an arena model specifically in the areas of:
Speech and language
Fine Motor (OT)
Gross Motor (PT)
Pre-Academic Readiness
Screenings are by appointment only. Families with concerns are encouraged to
contact the preschool to make an appointment by calling 617-926-7765 or e-mail
Karen.feeney@watertown.k12.ma.us

The arena screenings will be held at Early Steps Integrated Preschool located at the Hosmer Elementary School, 1 Concord Road on the following dates and times:
Monday, Oct. 22, 12:00–12:30, 12:30–1:00
Monday, Nov.

Around Town

Candlelight Vigil Planned to Remember Those Lost to Drug Overdoses

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The following information was provided by Watertown Overcoming Addiction:

Watertown Overcoming Addictions’ 4th annual Candlelight Vigil will take place Nov. 7, 2018 at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Main St., Watertown, in the Lower Hall. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States
More than 72,000 Americans died from accidental overdose in 2017
More teens die from prescription drugs than heroin and cocaine combined
Join us as we remember those who we have lost to the disease of substance use disorder. If you would like your loved one included please send their picture, name, birthdate and passing date to watertownvigil@gmail.com

Narcan will be available.

Government

East End Councilor Calls for Changes to Help Filippello Park Neighbors

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Neighbors of streets near Filippello Park have complained of parking problems and other issues related to users of the East Watertown park, and their Town Councilor is seeking some solutions. 

At meetings held in May, July and September, residents aired their concerns, much of which involved parking. District A Town Councilor Angeline Kounelis wrote an open letter to the Town Administration suggesting some steps to help residents of streets just south of the park — Clarendon and Berkeley streets — and the area of Arlington Street near Filippello Park. “Lack of parking for Park Users has been the harrowing cry that can be heard at every meeting; from every resident,” Kounelis wrote in her letter. “The responses from the Team have been courteous, but without substance. Is anyone listening to the residents, or simply following a scripted agenda for the use of Filippello Park?”

Opioids

Watertown Police Warn of Sudden Rise in Opioid Overdoses

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The Watertown Police Department is warning residents that there has been a spike in overdoses from opioids. Watertown Police sent out the following information: 

The WPD has experienced an increase in narcotic overdoses within the last 12 hrs. If you know anyone struggling with an opioid dependency issue, please check on him or her. Call the WPD if you need any assistance or support at 617-972-6500.

Field Hockey

Big Weekend for Former Watertown High School Field Hockey Players

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Former Raiders made their alma mater proud over the weekend, with several scoring goals for their college team and another notching a win in goal. Watertown High School grads can be found at field hockey programs around the NCAA, and one family, in particular, had a successful weekend. Kourtney Kennedy, a sophomore forward at UConn, scored her first career goal in against No. 1 ranked North Carolina in a game played at Boston College on Sunday. The No.