Power Outages in West Watertown and Waltham Due to Squirrel

Thousands of customers in Watertown and Waltham lost power Thursday because of a squirrel, Eversource officials said. The outages were reported about 11:30 a.m., and nearly 4,000 customers, including about 3,000 in Watertown, lost power when a squirrel “came into contact” with Eversource equipment. Most of the power was restored within an hour.

Town Honors Watertown Solider Killed in WWI by Naming Square After Him

Tuesday afternoon, the Russo family finally got some closure after losing their brother and uncle Dominic in France during World War II. 

The Town of Watertown officially named the intersection of Palfrey and Forest streets Pvt. Dominic Joseph Russo Square and unveiled of the sign during a short ceremony Tuesday which drew family, local veterans and town officials and elected leaders. Russo died on Sept. 12, 1944, in Epinal, France, and was buried in the Epinal American Cemetery & Memorial with 5,300 American soldiers. Mary Russo, Dominic’s niece, said it was difficult on the family having Dominic buried so far away.

See the Line Up for the Local Concert Across America to End Gun Violence

Watertown Citizens announced it is proud to be a co-sponsor of the local Concert Across America to End Gun Violence on Sunday, September 25. The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence is a national initiative sponsored by hundreds of local, state, and national organizations to hold a series of live events coast to coast to “remember the victims of America’s gun violence epidemic.” Watertown Citizens is joining with World in Watertown, Progressive Watertown, and Sustainable Watertown to hold a local concert in Watertown at Saltonstall Park from 1 p.m to 4 p.m.

The Schrodfathers, Boston Arabic Ensemble and Wayne, Isabelle, and Steve Trio will provide the music. There will also be presentations by gun safety advocates and victims of gun violence, including Warren Tolman, Ann-Marie Crowell, Richard Marcus, and L.I.P.S.T.I.C.K who will speak to what we can do to end the gun violence epidemic. Hope for sun!

Candlelight Vigil for Those Lost to Addiction on Wednesday

Watertown Overcoming Addiction will hold its second annual Candlelight Vigil to remember those lost to drug use and addiction. Last year, hundreds of friends and families of those who lost their battle with substance use, and many others filled St. Patrick’s Church’s Lower Hall. This year’s vigil will be held on Sept. 21, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the Lower Hall at St.

Mount Auburn Hospital Cancer Prevention Clinic Called a Model Program

Mount Auburn Hospital’s Genetics and Cancer Prevention Clinic is pleased to announce its recognition as a model of “Best Practices” by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Genetics and Cancer Prevention Clinic, is part of both the Hoffman Breast Center and Division of Oncology. The program is designed for consultation or longitudinal follow-up for high risk patients and/or those with a family history of early onset, multiple, or rare cancers. “We are thrilled and honored that we were chosen from over 615 accredited breast centers from around the country to present the details of our excellent genetics program at the first national NAPBC Best Practices Conference held in Orlando, Florida earlier this year” said Dr. Susan Pories, Medical Director of the Hoffman Breast Center and Chair of the Breast Center Steering Committee. “We believe our program stands out due to two major factors: our organization and providers.”

The Mount Auburn Hospital Genetics and Cancer Prevention Clinic experience begins with a consultation from a highly skilled specialist.  At each visit, the patient will receive:

Personalized cancer risk assessment using computer-based models
Information about genetic testing and use of newer expanded genetic testing panels, if appropriate. Assistance with insurance preauthorization is provided before testing is performed.

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Available from Wayside

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.

Rotary Club Invites Seniors to Attend Annual Senior Citizens Cookout

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.