Schools

Watertown SEPAC Hosts Workshop on Basics of Special Education

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The Watertown Special Education Parents Advisory Council will host a workshop about basic rights in special education, the group announced. The basic rights workshop provides families with an introduction to the rights and responsibilities under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts Special Education Law. The workshop is designed to help parents learn to be effective partners with their child’s school to decide their child’s eligibility for special education and to plan, make decisions and monitor their child’s progress in school. The meeting is free and open to the public. Child care will be provided.

Police/Fire

Name of Watertown Man Killed by SUV in Waltham Released

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The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced that it has confirmed the identity of a man killed Monday following a crash on Wyman Street in Waltham. The victim has been identified as Gregory Dwyer, 65, of Watertown, according to the DA’s Office. At approximately 6:51 a.m. yesterday police responded to a crash involving a Lexus SUV and two pedestrians on Wyman Street in Waltham in the area of Hobbs Brook Office Park. Following the crash, a second victim, a 70-year-old male,  was taken to another area hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not injured and remained on scene. No charges  have been filed at this time.

Entertainment

Scavenger Hunt, Games, Pet Photos at Haunted Mansion Halloween

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The Commander’s Mansion in Watertown is getting dressed up for Halloween! On Friday, Oct, 28, the Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown, is becoming a Haunted Mansion, with events for the family and pets. Noon to 1 p.m.: Pooch Photos in the Haunted Mansion

Stop by with your furry friend for self-photos in the mansion and get a doggie treat to go! Thanks to our howling friends from Unleashed by Petco 226 Harvard Ave, Allston. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: ‘Lil Monster Mash K – 5th grade – Free Event

The Commander’s Mansion and the Watertown Recreation Department invite you to join us for the first annual ‘Lil Monster Mash!

Elections

LETTER: CPA is a Tax That Supports Special Interests of Proponents

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Yes the so called Community Preservation Act (CPA) is back. After being rejected by the voters overwhelmingly, CPA supporters are hoping that after eleven years we forgot the deceptions and that new residents would believe their propaganda. NO we have not forgotten lies like tenants won’t pay or the empty promises like 100% matching funds. We didn’t fall for their con-job in 2005, and we shouldn’t in 2016. This year’s red herring somewhat imaginative, so I’ll give them points for creativity.

Community Preservation Act

OP-ED: Just Like 11 Years Ago, Community Preservation Act is Wrong for Watertown

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Eleven years after being soundly defeated by nearly 20%, Community Preservation Act (CPA) proponents have decided to take another bite at the apple. Back in 2005, they placed the measure on the municipal ballot. Then, highly informed voters, focused keenly on local issues, were able to give it proper deliberation and rejected it. Having seen the CPA cannot withstand such scrutiny, these same special interests decided hide it on the 2016 Presidential Ballot. So what is this CPA?

Entertainment

Learn About Nature at Science Series at The Arsenal Project

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Join educators from Mass Audubon Habitat for a FREE interactive science series. Learn, see and explore collections from the natural world. The series will consist of three events hosted throughout October, November and December, The Arsenal Project announced. 

Events will include:

The Creepy Side of Nature

Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m.

The natural world can be beautiful and peaceful … but some are a little creepy.

Community Preservation Act

LETTER: CPA Would Improve Quality of Life, Home Values in Watertown

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Watertown Voters should vote ‘Yes’ on question 5: “Should we bring the Community Preservation Act to Watertown?” We all know of projects that could improve the quality of our lives and the value of our homes in Watertown. CPA would create a dedicated fund to pay for such projects through a 2% surcharge on all property taxes, from businesses as well as home owners. The extra revenue that Watertown would have available by adopting CPA now would be about $2.2 million per year. The revenue would grow as the many capital projects that are being developed in Watertown are completed in the next few years and start paying property taxes. The dedicated fund could be used to help renovate our playing fields and parks, preserve our historical sites and buildings, and keep up with our affordable housing needs.

Letters

LETTER: Parents Group Explains Positions on Taxes, CPA’s Issues & School Construction

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Since Watertown Strong Schools (WSS) released our “Fund Schools First” position statement on the CPA tax, the conversation on both sides of the issue has ramped up. We want to take this opportunity to clarify our position and clear up some misinformation that is circulating. We have also released a video of similar content for those that may prefer that media. Is it true that “Yes on 5 Doesn’t Harm Watertown Schools”? Watertown Strong Schools believes that passing the CPA now will be harmful to the future school renovation effort while CPA proponents believe that Watertown voters will pass BOTH the CPA and the future debt exclusion override in the next two years.