Cancer

Watertown Family Receives Money from Cops for Kids with Cancer

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Three-year-old Max Heiniluoma was diagnosed with cancer in October, and has been given a two-year treatment program. While his family’s health insurance covers most of the cost, there are many co-payments and lost wages when Max is in hospital. That’s where Cops for Kids with Cancer steps in. Last week, Robert Faherty, chairman of the board for the non-profit group, came to the Watertown Police Station to present Max’s father Andrew with a $5,000 check to help pay for the costs that insurance doesn’t cover. Andrew heard about Cops for Kids with Cancer and was told to contact his local police department.

Government

Are Your Property Taxes Higher Than Expected – You Can Appeal Them

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Some Watertown residents, especially those in two-family homes, have had some unpleasant surprises when they opened their property tax bills, but you have a chance to appeal them. Because of changes in the residential property market in town, prices of two family homes are outpacing others, resulting in a sharp increase in tax bills for some (click here for more details). East End Town Councilor Angeline Kounelis said she has received many calls from alarmed residents who have had increases of $800, $900 or even over $1,000. Meanwhile, the bills for single family homes and condominiums have actually gone down. In one case, Kounelis heard that a two-family home had an increase of $800 while a three-story single family home across the street had a decrease.

Sports

Boston College Hockey Coach Jerry York Claims his 1,000th Win

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This week, Boston College’s Jerry York did something no other college hockey coach has done – win 1,000 games. 

The Watertown native and resident was already the all-time winningest coach, but on Friday the Eagles wiped out UMass 8-0 in Amherst to claim #JY1K, as the Boston College Athletic Department has dubbed the accomplishment. Boston College will celebrate York’s 1,000th win during JY1K Night 0n Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, before the game against New Hampshire. York’s career record is 1,000-595-109 (.619) in 44 seasons after BC’s 3-3 tie with UConn on Saturday. A majority of his wins came at his alma mater but before returning to The Heights he coached at Bowling Green in Ohio and Clarkson in New York’s North Country.

Entertainment

See What’s Going on at the Watertown Free Public Library

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The Watertown Free Public Library has so much going on this month. See some of the highlights from the latest announcement from the library. One Book, One Watertown
January-March 2016

Join us this winter, as we step back in time with The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry that Built America’s First Subway. Author Doug Most is the Deputy Managing Editor of The Boston Globe. Books are available now!

Government

Town Manager Announces Watertown’s New Police Chief

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Police Lt. Michael Lawn has has been appointed Watertown’s new Police Chief by Town Manager Michael Driscoll. 

The process to replace Edward Deveau started in the fall, and six candidates – two captains and four lieutenants – went through a day-long Assessment Center where they were judged on how they would deal with real-world situations. The six candidates were ranked based on their scores on the assessment center. Lawn, who has been on the force for 26 years, Lt. Daniel Unsworth and Lt. Justin Hanrahan (both with 18 years of experience) were the finalists. The three then went through two rounds of interviews. The Council’s Committee on Public Safety had several areas they wanted the assessment center to cover, and on which to judge the candidates. The points were:

A demonstrated commitment to Community Policing
A history of connecting to minority and other marginalized communities
Ability to work well with schools and social service agencies and to provide leadership in inter-departmental initiatives such as the current opiate crisis, healthy aging, criminal justice reform, gun safety, and mental health issues
Ability and commitment to implement non-violent and non-militarized intervention
Has a vision for Watertown’s future and the ability and flexibility to communicate it
Is responsive to residential concerns (large and small), including being cognizant of the department’s role in traffic and ordinance enforcement

The candidates were also judged on how they met the best police practices laid out in the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, published in May 2015.

Business

Watertown Belmont Chamber Event at Branch Line Filling Up Quickly

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The Watertown Belmont Chamber of Commerce will host a Member Appreciation Celebration at the new Branch Line restaurant, and spots are filling up quickly. Paul Airasian, executive director of the Chamber, said he expects the event to be a “sell out.” The Member Appreciation Celebration will be held on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Branch Line, 321 Arsenal St. (next to Panera in the Arsenal on the Charles)

 

The event is a great opportunity for networking.

Real Estate

New Homes on the Market This Weekend in Watertown

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A number of new properties will be holding open houses this weekend in Watertown. $385,000 – 24 Arsenal St. Unit 3C, 3 room, 1 bed, 1 bath mid-rise, Open Houses: Saturday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1 p.m.

$289,000 – 164 Galen St. Unit 56, 2 room, 1 bed, 1 bath high-rise, Open Houses: Friday 6-7 p.m. Saturday 12-1 p.m. Sunday 12-1 p.m.

$379,000 – 290 Pleasant St. Unit 306, 2 room, 1 bed, 1 bath mid-rise, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-2 p.m.

$529,900 – 45 Holt St., 2 unit, 6 total room, 2 total bedroom 2 family, Open Houses: Friday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday 12-1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by:

$734,900 – 1 Oakley Road Unit 1, 7 room, 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse, Open House: Sunday 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

$735,000 – 132 Edenfield Ave.