Around Town

Unity Breakfast Speaker says the Challenges MLK Fought Continue Today

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So many people came out to the annual Unity Breakfast on Monday that extra tables were needed to squeeze in all the people wanting to celebrate the life’s work of Martin Luther King Jr., and make sure his message remains strong today. The 17th annual Unity Breakfast was sponsored by the World in Watertown and held at the Hellenic Cultural Center. While the focus was on King and his work on the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, Keynote speaker Geraldine Hines pointed to similar issues that have come back to light in 2017. Hines has served as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court since 2014, and she has been a judge since 2001. She said her views of the role of the law in spreading civil rights has changed.

Government

Locals Heading to Washington to Protest Trump, March Also Planned for Boston

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While thousands will gather in the Nation’s capital to see Donald Trump inaugurated as president, many more – including Watertown residents – will be in Washington to protest the incoming president’s policies and campaign promises. Two buses heading to D.C. have been booked up, and a third may be organized. The trip is being organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment. The buses leave the municipal parking lot in Watertown Square at 11 p.m. Friday and will be in Washington for Saturday’s Women’s March on Washington, before heading back north. Those interested in getting on the third bus should contact Watertown Citizens at watertowncitizens@gmail.com.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Introduces New Executive Director

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The Watertown Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Cathy Berkley as its new Executive Director. Cathy brings more than three decades of management experience in social service, education, government and non-profit, as well as large businesses. She is a passionate believer in the power of small groups of people to build and sustain healthy, vibrant communities. Prior to moving to Watertown, Cathy was Executive Director of the Crisis Call Center of Reno, Nevada, a 24-hour, 7 day, 365 days a year operation providing safe and compassionate support for individuals in any type of crisis. Cathy previously managed Senior Services for Santa Fe County, N.M., and has served on the Board of Directors of several nonprofit organizations involving health, education and community institutions in New Mexico, Colorado and California.

Schools

Final Week to Take Survey About Qualities for Next Watertown Superintendent

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The search for Watertown’s next superintendent of schools is rolling along, and the School Committee seeks input from parents, residents and others in the Watertown Community, but the deadline is quickly approaching. The district’s online surveys about hiring the next superintendent will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 20, the same day by which those seeking the superintendent position must submit their applications. The survey includes 10 questions, including a couple where you rate the importance of issues facing the schools (academics, school facilities, communication with parents and finances, etc.) and one to rate the importance of qualities and experience the next superintendent should have. Also, participants have the chance to write about what their vision is for the Watertown Public Schools, what strengths they would like to maintain and areas they want to see improved.

Real Estate

A Cape and a Condo Sold This Week in Watertown

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See the two homes that sold in Watertown this week. $466,000 – 232 Edenfield Ave., 6 room, 3 bedroom, 1 full & 1 half bathroom, Cape single-family home

$464,000 – 125 Coolidge Ave. Unit 610, 3 room, 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, Mid-Rise condo/townhouse

Sponsored by:

Schools

Lowell School Principal Duct Taped to the Wall to Raise Money for Books

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Lowell School Principal Phil Oates found himself taped to a wall, but it was for a good cause. The Lowell PTO hosted a spare change challenge during our Book Fair in December. There were two jars to choose from: one to shave Mr. Oates’ beard, and the other being duct taped to the wall. From the picture above you can see what the winning challenge was. The effort raised over $600 dollars and Mr. Oates kindly participated.

Charity

New Rotary Club Program Provides Meals for Watertown Kids on Weekends

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A new program sponsored by the Rotary Club, called Food for Thought, is providing some Watertown students who might go hungry over the weekend with two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks each week.  

During the week, these students can get free or discounted meals at school. About 30 percent of the students in Watertown are in the Free and Reduced Lunch program, said Watertown resident Lilia Weisfeldt, who came up with the idea for the program. “Over the weekend the kids don’t have access to the program and a lot of kids go without any food,” Weisfeldt said. “We give them a bag of food over the weekend so they can go back to school Monday not hungry and ready to learn.”

Real Estate

Five Open Houses to Check Out This Week in Watertown

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Here are this weekend’s open houses around Watertown. $685,000 – 788 Belmont St. Unit 1, 6 room, 3 bed, 3.5 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 12:15-2:15, Sunday 11:30-1:30

$685,000- 790 Belmont St. Unit 1, 6 room, 3 bed, 3.5 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 12:15-2:15, Sunday 11:30-1:30

$479,000 – 308 School St. Unit 2, 6 room, 2 bed, 1 bath 2/3 family, Open Houses: Friday 11-12 Saturday 1-3 Sunday 12-1:30

Sponsored by:

$449,000 – 141 Coolidge Ave.