Schools

Dancing With the Stars Raises Nearly $20K for Watertown Ed Foundation

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The Watertown Education Foundation (WEF) raised nearly $20,000 at its third annual, “Dancing with the Stars” event held in May. This year, Georgia (Butler) Mulgrew, Hosmer School guidance counselor, took home the trophy and was named the 2016 Dancing with the Stars champion. Cunniff School parent Kim Seacrist was awarded the Fan Favorite. Modeled after the popular television show, the event featured Watertown “stars” partnered with professional dancers from Ballroom in Boston, located in Allston. Kendra Foley, last year’s winner, served as one of this year’s judges, along with first time judge Manny Corriea and returning judge, “Miss Maria” Maria Scalzi-Monahan.

Around Town

Screening of Feminist Documentary, Discussion at Watertown Library

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The Watertown Free Public Library will host a screening of ‘She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry,’ a film by Mary Dore and Nancy Kennedy. It is the provocative, rousing and often humorous account of the birth of the women’s liberation movement in the late 1960s through to its contemporary manifestations in the new millennium, direct from the women who lived it. Judy Norsigian, co-founder of the Boston Women’s Health Collective to host the discussion after the film. Free and open to all. The Feminist Documentary Screening and Discussion Hosted by Judy Norsigian will be at the Watertown Library, on Wednesday June 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Government

LETTER: Resident Critical of Council for Passing Single-Use Bag Ban

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Editor

On June 7, 2016 the Town of Watertown’s Town Council (Council) voted to enact, “AN ORDINANCE FOR A SINGLE­USE PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION” (Ordinance) thus eliminating one more personal choice for Watertown residents at the behest of a minority of people and their agenda. The Ordinance’ position is overly broad and flawed. It puts town based retailers at a distinct competitive disadvantage while inconveniencing everyone who patronizes them. Worse, in its current inflexible iteration it is punitive, where it not only fines our local retailers for non­-compliance, but can make town employees ordinance enforcement officials at the whim of the Town Manager. What is striking is that while the Council knew the Ordinance’ inherent flaws, Council moved to pass it anyway.

Graduations

2 Watertown Students Graduate from Eastern Nazarene College

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Two Watertown residents graduated from Eastern Nazarene College recently, receiving a diploma during ENC’s 94th spring commencement exercises held May 7 at the college’s main campus in Quincy, Mass. Nicole Greer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Heather Morely graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Around Town

Free Mental Health First Aid Training Offered to Resident Age 50 and Over

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A workshop on how to spot the signs of mental health disorders for residents age 50 and over will be offered by the Wayside Multi Service Center in June. The FREE Mental Health First Aid Training for Watertown residents age 50 and over will take place June 28 AND 29, 5-9 p.m.

Participants must attend both days for certification

Location: Watertown High School – Alumni Room, 50 Columbia Road, Watertown

A person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. Learn an action plan to help. Older adults have high rates of late-onset mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression, and low rates of identification and treatment. Learn how to help a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor in need. Get trained AND certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Letters

LETTER: Parent Skeptical of New Plan to Deal With School Overcrowding

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Watertown Strong Schools, the parent group, attended the Superintendent’s meeting about plans to move some PreK and preschool classes to the Phillips Building. Unofficial Minutes: Superintendent’s Meeting Concerning Short Term Space Proposals 6/8/16 – Key Points And Commentary

Note: These are NOT official minutes. Commentary can be found at the bottom of the minutes. Written by: Kate Coyne

School Administration members attending: Dr. Fitzgerald, Superintendent; Beth Sahakian, Community Education Director; Bob LaRoche, Hosmer Principal; and April Romano, Early Steps preschool Director. School Committee members attending: John Portz, Chair; Kendra Foley, Vice-Chair; Guido Guidotti, Secretary; Candace Miller; and Liz Yusem.

Around Town

Watertown Savings Branch Manager Named a Community Bank Hero

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Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager William Burgess has been named a Community Bank Hero by The Warren Group and Banker & Tradesman. Community Bank Heroes is an annual award that honors the achievements, commitment and dedication of financial professionals who go above and beyond for their institution and community. Eleven other Massachusetts community bankers also received the award. “It is a pleasure to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of this year’s recipients of the Community Bank Heroes Award,” said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of the Warren Group. “Each individual’s approach to their profession represents a true passion for their work and an admirable commitment to the communities in which they serve.”

Burgess has worked for WSB for 23 years, starting out as a teller.

Government

Night Construction on Belmont Street Starts Next Week

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The Town of Belmont, through its contractor, Newport Construction, will be paving Belmont Street between Cushing Square and the Cambridge line, beginning Monday, June 13 and continuing up to June 20, weather permitting. 

Work will begin at Cushing Square and proceed to the Cambridge line.  Work hours will be between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Expect road closures and detours during this process.  We appreciate your cooperation.