Schools

LETTER: Parents Endorse A Duo for School Committee

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Dear Neighbors,

Watertown is fortunate to have 5 excellent candidates running for 3 spots on the School Committee. If high quality people like these were competing as candidates for spots in every local, state, and national election, it would be so great! But, a choice will be made and in our opinion Kendra Foley and Rachel Kay are the best picks of this strong field of candidates, with both bringing unique and valuable skill-sets to the group work of the School Committee. Kendra is a consummate professional who grew up in Watertown, has been on the committee for 8 years (2 as chair), and worked at a high level in both state government and the private sector. Rachel is an educational data expert who chose to put down roots in Watertown, works for MIT, and has a record of both tireless advocacy for all students and bringing more voices to the table when important educational decisions are being made.

Schools

LETTER: Candidate Reflects on 2023 Campaign

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When I decided to run for School Committee, I had no idea how transformative an experience it would be. Over the past several years, I have immersed myself in Watertown formally and informally, watching scores of meetings, attending countless events, and knocking on over 1000 doors. This has been so educational for me. I am amazed by the people of this four square mile community. It is tremendously gratifying that so many have supported my candidacy.

Around Town

Our History: Mills Along the Charles River in Watertown

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Aetna Mills

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Paul Brennan, former President and former Vice President of the Historical Society for the October 1998 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier.” When Paul was President, he lived in the Fowle House for 5 years and in December 2000 was named the “Town Historian” by the Town Council. AETNA MILLS

On September 27, 1995, Paul Brennan, President of the Historical Society, greeted the members of the Senior Center for the sixth time in about a year for yet another much anticipated historic tour of a long-forgotten treasure of our town, the Aetna Mills. After a question and answer period in the Senior Center, the group of thirty members boarded the shuttle and traveled down to the banks of the Charles River to view one of Watertown’s early industrial influences of the 18th and 19th century. Tour group from the Senior Center in the museum at Aetna Mills (Courtesy of Paul Brennan)

The large complex of red brick buildings located at the corner of Bridge and Pleasant Streets is now owned and occupied by The Boston Scientific Corporation (Editor’s 2023 Note: Boston Scientific is no longer in this location).

Entertainment

Small Saves Prepares for Hockey Stardom in This Week’s Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

Prices Will Change Soon for Watertown Electricity Choice Customers

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

Prices for Watertown Electricity Choice will move to market levels when the current contract with NextEra Energy Service ends and a new, 36-month contract with Direct Energy Services, LLC, takes effect in December. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

The electricity market and regulatory costs have changed since the NextEra contract was signed, and the new prices are rising slightly to reflect current market conditions. The new Direct Energy prices will be higher than current prices but are lower than Eversource’s current residential Basic Service price of 16.078 cents/kWh, which is in effect until December 31. However, because Eversource’s price is not known beyond that date, future savings cannot be guaranteed. The new prices for each option are as follows:

Standard – 13.74 cents/kWh

100% Green – 15.90 cents/kWh

Basic – 13.45 cents/kWh

Active participants in Watertown Electricity Choice will be automatically enrolled in the new price for their current program option in December unless they opt out or change to a different option.

Schools

LETTER: 2 School Committee Members Support Incumbents in Election

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As the city election approaches, we wanted to express our support for the two incumbent candidates: Kendra Foley and David Stokes. For the last 8 years, Kendra has been committed to excellence in Watertown Public Schools. She has worked to raise academic achievement for all and to ensure students have a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Kendra has been a long-time proponent of the Building for the Future initiative and has been a critical advocate for the new school buildings, both locally and at the state level. Kendra has built strong relationships with the city over the last 8 years, working together to create budgets for WPS that keep us on the track of continuous improvement.

Around Town

OBIT: Lillian O’Bannon, 95, Raised in Watertown, Worked as Bank Switchboard Operator

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Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon

Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon, unexpectedly passed away on October 19, 2023 at the age 95 after a sudden illness. She was born January 3, 1928 and was raised in Watertown. In the early 70’s she moved to Malden to be closer to her daughter and went to work for Century Bank in Medford as their Switchboard Operator.  

Over her 20+ year career at the bank she became highly regarded and received awards for her exemplary service. She was always very independent and carried herself with grace, leaving a special impression on many people she came in contact with over the years.

Around Town

Watertown Youth Coalition Revealing Results of Youth Risk Behavior Survey

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Youth Coalition:

On Wednesday, November 8th at 6 PM, Watertown Youth Coalition staff and Peer Leaders, along with the school department and other community members & stakeholders, are hosting a community forum to review Watertown’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey results. Through discussions and activities run by the Peer Leaders, we will strategize programs on how to best-support Watertown’s youth moving forward. Come engage with your community and hear directly from Watertown’s young people about their experiences with the survey and its results! The event will be held at J. R. Lowell Elementary School (175 Orchard Street), we will end the night with a raffle consisting of 3 gift cards worth $25 each! Light refreshments starting at 5:30. Click Here to RSVP 

Watertown Youth Coalition is also offering childcare for the event! Click Here for Childcare ”