Schools

Heat Causing Headaches in Watertown Schools; Buildings Due for Upgrade

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The unseasonably hot weather during the first few weeks of school have caused headaches and some sweaty brows in Watertown’s schools, and the problem will not likely be solved until schools can be renovated or replaced. The heat got so bad one day that parents of Hosmer Elementary School students were given the option to take their children out of class. About 150 students went home that day, said Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald. “We have never done that before, but we have never had that sort of heat,” Fitzgerald said. School officials did not dismiss Hosmer because they did not want children whose parents could not pick them up to sit at home alone.

Around Town

Young Watertown Girl is Among the Top Jimmy Fund Walk Fundraisers

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A shy young girl from Watertown with a big smile has inspired people to give to the Jimmy Fund in a big way. 

Seven-year old Kate Morris’ team for the Jimmy Fund Walk, known as Princess Kate’s Royal Court, is one of the top fundraisers for this year’s event, which provides money for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As of Sept. 18, the team has raised $61,222, and Kate herself has brought in $32,350 with some help from her grandparents, said Kate’s mom, Evelyn Krache Morris. Kate has raised the second most of all walkers in this year’s Jimmy Fund Walk, and the team is ranked third in donations. In 2014, walkers raised more than $8 million for the Jimmy Fund, bringing the 26 year fundraising total to more than $100 million, according to the Jimmy Fund. All walkers commit to raise a minimum of $300 in contributions, except for walkers 12-years-old and younger whose fundraising commitment is $100.

Real Estate

A Wide Variety of Properties are Having Open Houses in Watertown

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This week’s open houses include colonials, Capes, town houses and condos in two families. $399,000 – 47 Copeland St., 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath bungalow, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$1,225,000 – 51 Garfield St. – 10 room, 6 bed, 2.5 bath victorian, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$779,900 – 37 Quirk St. Unit 37, 8 room, 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 12-1:30 p.m. Sunday 12-1:30 p.m.

$399,000 – 18 Hunt St. Unit 2, 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath townhouse, Open Houses: Saturday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

$789,000 – 456 Belmont St.

District B

Find Out the Winners in Thursday’s Watertown Preliminary Election

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Challenger Lisa Feltner and incumbent Cecilia came out as the winners of Thursday’s Preliminary Election for District B Town Councilor. 

With 343 votes, Feltner came out on top, more than 100 votes ahead of Lenk’s 228 votes. As the top two in the preliminary, both secured spots on the Nov. 3 Town Election. Watertown Firefighter Kevin MacDonald came in 33 votes behind Lenk. His 195 votes put him third in Thursday’s election, and Patty van Dinter had 25 votes.

Around Town

Candle Light Vigil Planned to Raise Awareness of Opiate Addiction

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A remembrance of those from Watertown who have been lost to heroin and opioid addiction will be held on Sept. 23 at St. Patrick’s Church. 

The event will be presented by Watertown Overcoming Addiction, a group formed to raise awareness of the epidemic of opiate addiction, and to support those trying to recover from it. The event will be in the Lower Hall at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Main St., Watertown, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept.

Election 2015

See Which Town Council Candidate Dropped Out of the Race

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The crowded field of candidates for Watertown Council just got a bit smaller. District D challenger and retired Watertown Firefighter Bob McCarthy informed the Town Clerk’s office this week that he will be dropping out of the race. McCarthy could not be reached for comment, but in a letter to Town Clerk John Flynn received Sept. 16 McCarthy wrote, “I respectfully request that my name be withdrawn as a candidate for the office of ‘Councilor District D’ in the upcoming Town election scheduled for November 03, 2015.” With McCarthy leaving the race, District D Councilor Ken Woodland will be the only name on the ballot.

Entertainment

Mass Audubon Bringing Nature Series to Arsenal Project

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The Arsenal Project is teaming with Mass Audubon to present a series for nature lovers, beginning Saturday, Sept. 19. Each event features ​​​​​​​​​interactive program and small animal visitors. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The events are free and open to the public. The schedule of events includes:

In the Woods, Saturday, Sept. 19, 1-3 p.m.

The woods of Massachusetts are home to more than trees.

Business

New Places to Eat Popping Up Around Watertown

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Folks in and around Watertown have a number of new dining options, with new restaurants and cafes popping up around town. 

Perhaps the most visible is Ixtapa Mexican Grill & Cantina, which opened recently at 18 Mt. Auburn Street, right in Watertown Square in the former location of the Verona Restaurant. The local chain has other locations in Eastern Massachusetts, and features a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, along with a many choices of margaritas.  The restaurant also prides itself in being friendly to families with children of all ages. Find out more from a previous story on Ixtapa on Watertown News by clicking here.