Around Town

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Available from Wayside

By |

There will be a free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Monday, Sept. 26 and Wednesday, Sept 28, 2016 from 5-9 p.m., Wayside Youth and Family Support Network announced. Sometimes, first aid isn’t a bandage, or CPR. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. Learn an action plan to help. Anyone 18 or older can take Youth Mental Health First Aid, but it is recommended for those who regularly have contact with young people ages 12-18 – teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders and other caring citizens.

Police/Fire

Man Arraigned for Role in Deaths of 2 at Sweet Tomatoes, Including a Watertown Woman

By |

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that Bradford Casler, 55, of Newton was arraigned Monday in Middlesex Superior Court on two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of operating a motor vehicle to endanger in connection with the fatal crash that occurred at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant in Newton, according to Ryan’s office. Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered the defendant released on personal recognizance with the condition that he not drive a motor vehicle. The next court date in this case is Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at 11 a.m.  On that date, the court will hear arguments relative to the defendant’s motion to impound the Commonwealth’s statement of the case. “This was a tragic crash where two people lost their lives and seven others were seriously injured. The defendant was allegedly operating his vehicle at a speed which exceeded the speed limit when he crossed the marked lanes, went through a red light  and struck two other vehicles before crashing into the front of the Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant,” said District Attorney Ryan. “The defendant did not apply the brakes to reduce his speed and failed to control his vehicle resulting in the collision.”

On March 1, 2016 at approximately 6:12 p.m. Bradford Casler was allegedly operating a Volkswagen Tiguan Sport Utility Vehicle traveling down Chestnut Street in Newton when he allegedly crossed over Washington Street colliding with two cars on Washington Street and ultimately traveling through the front of Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant.

Around Town

Rotary Club Invites Seniors to Attend Annual Senior Citizens Cookout

By |

The Rotary Club of Watertown has been sponsoring a cook-out for Senior Citizens for 20 years and is pleased to announce that this year the event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Sons of Italy, 520 Pleasant Street, Watertown from noon until 3 p.m.

This event is FREE to all Seniors thanks in part the to the generosity of Watertown Savings Bank. The cook-out will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and much more! There will be Raffles and Gift Bags will also be given to all attendees. Music will be provided by Disc Jockey “Rock’N” Richard Picceri and the program will also feature additional entertainers.

Government

Meet State Rep. Jonathan Hecht During 2 Upcoming Office Hours

By |

Watertown residents can meet their State Representative this month during two office hours. Representative Jonathan Hecht will hold office hours twice in Watertown during the next few weeks. Constituents are invited to meet with Representative Hecht, Monday, Sept. 26 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Watertown Town Hall in the 3rd Floor Hallway and Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5-6 p.m. at the Watertown Free Library in the Raya Stern Trustees Room.

Entertainment

Armenian Museum of America Celebrating Smithsonian Museum Day Live

By |

As part of the Smithsonian Museum Day Live, the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown will be offering free admissions one day this month. On Sept. 24, the Armenian Museum of America will have a special programs and offer free admission. Activities include:

book readings
activities and crafts
balloon animals
dance and choir performances
face painting

The museum, located at 65 Main St. in Watertown Square, is open from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information call 617-926-2562 or visit www.ArmenianMuseum.org

Schools

Fundraiser Planned to Help Watertown Students Go To Washington

By |

An event will be held to raise money to send Watertown eighth-graders on their annual trip to Washington, D.C.

A cocktail party will be held at The Plumbers Museum, 80 Rosedale Road, Watertown, on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 from 7-9 p.m. Catering to be provided by La Bonne Maisonhere, and there will be a cash bar. The event is Sponsored by the Watertown Democratic Town Committee. Suggested Contributions: $30 Guest, $100 Host (Not Tax Deductable)

All funds raised will go to the WDTC Carver Scholarship Fund

RSVP by ordering your tickets now! Get tickets at the group’s Facebook page (click here). For more information contact watertowndems@gmail.com or call 617-610-0402

Letters

LETTER: Resident Disappointed to See Superintendent Leaving Watertown

By |

To the Editor of Watertown News,

I was very disappointed to hear the news that our school superintendent, Dr. Jean Fitzgerald, has decided to retire. In her letter to the community, Dr. Fitzgerald explained she was ready to start a new chapter in her life. But from my perspective, it seems she was driven out of her position by a negative and unsupportive environment. With Dr. Fitzgerald’s retirement, we have lost a passionate advocate for our children, and a deeply knowledgeable educator who understands the complexities of teaching and learning. We as a community need to ask ourselves why we allowed our kids, and the teachers, staff, and administrators who are educating our kids, to lose the benefit of such a leader.

Around Town

Concert Across America to End Gun Violence to be Held in Watertown

By |

On Sunday, Sept. 25 over 200 communities will host a concert to “End Gun Violence and Remember the Victims of America’s Gun Violence Epidemic.” Watertown is one for the communities that will host a concert. The effort was initiated by Watertown resident, Amanda Peacock and is co-sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, World in Watertown, Progressive Watertown, and Sustainable Watertown, said Watertown Town Councilor Tony Palomba. It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saltonstall Park (next to Town Hall).  The program will include three bands and a series of short presentations by those affected by gun violence and those working to address the problem.