Elections

LETTER: State Rep. Supports Candidate for School Committee

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Dear Watertown,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write today to endorse Jennifer Nicholson for Watertown School Committee. Watertown is fortunate to have a candidate for School Committee of her caliber and dedication. Jennifer’s commitment to our school community is undeniable. She is a graduate of Watertown Public Schools herself and now a parent of two children at the Cunniff School as well as PTO Co President at the school. Her educational background, which includes a business degree from Boston College and a Master’s in Education, will serve her well as she aims to bring fresh ideas and new energy to our school district leadership. 

Throughout her entire campaign, Jennifer has been insightful, enthusiastic and straight forward.  It is clear that she is passionate about education and invested in the future of our schools. Her vision for WPS is one in which all students are both supported and encouraged to reach their fullest potentials. She is ready to devote herself to serving our schools in this role and I am confident that she will be a reliable, collaborative and resourceful member of the Watertown School Committee. Please join me in voting for Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson on November 2. John LawnState Representative 10th Middlesex District

(NOTE: The deadline for submitting election letters is Thursday, Oct.

Around Town

LETTER: Resident Backs Candidates Who Will Bring “New Blood” to Council, School Committee

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It’s great to live in such an active and diverse town. I’m writing because over the past decade, there has been extreme apathy in the local voting process. Fewer and fewer people are going to the polls for local elections, and voter turnout percentages are at an all-time low – about 4%! It is truly disheartening that many major economic, development, financial, and transportation decisions are being made by town council members who only represent the views of a small fraction of the Watertown population. But, this year, we have seen a true swell of passion, interest, and concern over the voting process and the direction our town is taking. We’re seeing a strong influx of new candidates who will challenge elements of the status quo and provide voters like us with real options and choices. 

These candidates bring “new blood” and perspectives to the election process, and they will offer well-informed visions for the future of Watertown.

Elections

LETTER: School Committee Candidate Would Bring Expertise in Supporting Student Mental Health

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As a parent of two elementary school-aged children and a doctorate-level behavioral health policy researcher and consultant who works with state and local governments across the US, I am keenly aware of the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the mental health of children and youth. In the past 18 months this community has experienced unprecedented levels of trauma from isolation, job and housing insecurity, and the loss of loved ones. And those at the margins of society — people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, immigrant families, and communities of color — have experienced this trauma more intensely. As Watertown repairs, recoups, and reconnects, it is essential that we focus on the mental health of our young people. For this reason, I’m voting for Jessica Middlebrook for School Committee on November 2nd.

Around Town

Virtual Hearing on Mt. Auburn Street Redesign Planned by State Officials

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WorldTech EngineeringA hearing will be held to discuss the redesign of Mt. Auburn Street. Pictured is a conceptual drawing of what the new bus stop on Mt. Auburn Street near Parker Street when plans were discussed in 2018. The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

A Live Virtual Design Public Hearing will be hosted on the MassDOT website below to present the design for the proposed Rehabilitation of Mt.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Accepting Applications for Watertown Schools Program Grants

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) is pleased to announce they are accepting applications for the Watertown School Grant Program. This program focuses solely on Watertown’s public schools and seeks to support activities that improve instruction and learning.  For the first time WCF is partnering with Life Science Cares to fund STEM grants. The application form is available online. Eligibility

Applicants must be public entities or nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.Organizations implementing programs within a school(s) are welcome to apply. It is also required that applicants review their proposed project with the school principal or department chair before applying.

Obituaries

OBIT: Rose Audet, 82, Formerly of Cambridge, Lived in Watertown

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Rose M. (Denoncourt) Audet, age 82 of Watertown, MA, formerly of Cambridge. Passed away on October 24, 2021 after illness. Born to the late Louis J. Denoncourt and Marie (Tremblay). Former wife of the late Gerard R. Audet. Dear mother to Laura M. Stokes and her husband David of Watertown; Gerard R. Audet, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Monroe, LA; Leo P. Audette and his wife Denise of Whitinsville; David J. Audet of Shrewsbury; Joseph W. Audet and his wife Paula of Chelmsford.

Election 2021

LETTER: School Committee Candidate is an Invaluable Resource for Families

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I was recently part of a group of residents who wrote an endorsement of Lily Rayman-Read for reelection to the Watertown School Committee. That endorsement outlines Lily’s many credentials and accomplishments, as well as the impressive amount of work Lily performed during her current tenure as a School Committee member. You can read it here: (https://www.watertownmanews.com/2021/10/06/letter-group-of-resident-support-candidate-for-school-committee/). I am writing today to highlight what an incredible resource Lily has been for numerous Watertown parents and families over the past four years. Before the pandemic, I had never met or spoken with Lily.

Election 2021

LETTER: Former Town Council President Endorses Council, School Committee Candidates

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Dear residents, friends, families,  taxpayers, parents and life long “townies”, 

On Tuesday, November 2nd,  we/you will be faced with an outcome of an election that will forever be embedded in the history of Watertown. As your past and only female (to date) Town Council President, I am making a plea to you to consider the outcome of this election. Quite honestly, it will be one for the history books. Candidates who are employing the likes of radicals and activists are asking you to vote for them and their selected candidates. I make no apologies for not supporting them.