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 ”

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Endorses Two School Committee Candidates

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Dear friends and members of the Watertown community,

The upcoming municipal election on November 7 presents a unique opportunity at this moment in Watertown’s history to meet the complex and overlapping challenges that face us, within and far beyond Watertown’s neighborhoods, institutions, and city limits. Fortunately, we’ve a dedicated, experienced, and talented crop of candidates running, particularly in the contested School Committee race. As a single female childless Baby Boomer, I cannot claim to know the specific concerns and claims parents have when entrusting their children to the Watertown Public Schools, especially in these complex times. I leave that to the many others who’ve worked long and hard on behalf not only of their own families but also others. What I can say is that I do know that a vote for the School Committee is an investment in our collective just and prosperous future — not just for Watertown but our nation and world.

Around Town

Watertown Winter Parking Ban Dates Announced

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Watertown Chief of Police Thomas F. Rocca has announced the 2023-2024 Winter Parking Ban dates. Effective Monday, November 27, 2023 and continuing to Monday, April 1, 2024 the Winter Parking Ban will be in effect and strictly enforced. The regulation reads in part; “No vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1AM and 6AM all days of the week”. For residents who lack sufficient off-street parking, the City allows for temporary parking at any municipal parking lot and other locations noted:

Municipal parking lot Behind CVS at 27 Main Street – Use metered spaces only. Municipal parking lot Behind the Public Library – 123 Main Street

Municipal parking lot Behind CVS at 655 Mt.

Government

Learn About Serving on the Human Rights Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission recently established by the City Council Ordinance 0-2023-66 per Home Rule Charter Section 2-11-Human Rights Commission. The Commission shall work to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to city services, insurance, credit, banking and health care, regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or “protected class” status. The Commission shall promote human rights in Watertown through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or resolutions for adoption by City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards or commissions, providing annually a written report to the City Manager and City Council on the Commission’s activities and hold a public forum and other charges and responsibilities set forth in the Ordinance 0-2023-66. There are nine Commissioners appointed by the City Manager and there are liaisons from the Watertown Police Department, the School Department and one from the student body. To Apply 

Applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by Friday, December 8, 2023: by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.

Around Town

Find Out How to Compost Your Pumpkins

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Nearly 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year, so we need your help diverting them. 

Pumpkins should go in compost or in yard waste collection. For curbside compost bins: please place pumpkin on top of your bin. For yard waste: put pumpkin in yard waste bin or lawn bag. Please no candles or paint. New community pumpkin drop-off bins will be available outside the Department of Public Works (DPW) office building, 124 Orchard St., Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. from Oct.

Schools

MassBay College Hosting Open House for Prospective Students

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The following announcement was provided by MassBay Community College:

MassBay Community College will hold its annual Fall Open House on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on its Wellesley Hills campus. President David Podell, along with faculty, staff, and students will greet prospective students and their families. The Fall Open House is an opportunity for prospective students to talk with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about the 70 degree and certificate programs offered at MassBay. The Open House will feature a self-guided tour of campus and student and alumni panel discussions. Participants can learn how to pay for college in a financial aid and scholarship session. A presentation will be held on MassReconnect, a new program which funds free community college for Massachusetts residents, age 25 and older, who do not already have a college degree.