Watertown News | Page 549 | Your Source for Local News

Students & Parents Ask for Armenian Classes to be Expanded; French Most Popular World Language Unavailable at WHS

By Charlie Breitrose | 11 hours ago

The sign for the temporary Watertown High School at PFC Richard Moxley Field. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

Watertown High School students, alumni, and parents of students who took part in the Armenian language program urged School officials to bolster the program for fear of losing the classes that are more than just about learning a language.

New Head of Perkins School for the Blind Looks to Build on Legacy, Advocate for the Visually Impaired

Perkins School for the Blind President and CEO David Barth, right, speaks with a student during the White Cane Walk. (Courtesy of Perkins School for the Blind)

David Barth did not take the most direct route to becoming Perkins School for the Blind’s President and CEO, but he told Watertown News that the work helping some of the most vulnerable children get the education, services, and rights that they deserve is something he has done during his whole career.

Unwanted Surprises Drive Up Cost of Renovation of the City’s Parker Annex Building

The Parker Annex Building (Courtesy of City of Watertown)

City officials have learned what it’s like to renovate a 100+ year old building, and the unwanted surprises that come with it. On Tuesday night, the City Council approved a $373,000 budget transfer to cover the cost of unexpected additional repairs, as well as to insulate the Parker Annex.

Students, Families Formed “Bike Bus” to Get to Hosmer School This Spring

A group of Hosmer Elementary School students met at Casey Park on Fridays this Spring to form a Bike Bus and ride to school. (Contributed Photo)

During the spring, a group of students and their families rode their bicycles from the Southside to Hosmer Elementary School, forming what became known as the Bike Bus.

More Headlines

New Watertown High School Nearing Completion — See Photos

Watertown’s Independence Day Celebration Includes, Concert & Light Show

City Manager, Council President Answer Questions About Watertown Square Garage

Around Town

Apartment Complex Could be Build Near Watertown on IHOP Site

By Charlie Breitrose | January 23, 2023

A Google Maps screenshot showing the IHOP (the red dot) on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton, on the other side of the Charles River from Squibnocket Park in Watertown. A project with 200 housing units and commercial will be built on that site and the site where a former motel sits.

The late-night dining destination on the other side of the Charles River from Watertown may become a complex with residential and commercial space.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn Academic Honors at Bridgton Academy

By Guest Writer | January 23, 2023

The following information was provided by Bridgton Academy:

Bridgton Academy faculty, administrators, and students began the second semester by celebrating scholarly excellence and dedication among the Class of 2023. The Academy community gathered for an uplifting evening awards ceremony, during which students who attained honors (3.0 – 3.25 GPA), high honors (3.26 – 3.74 GPA), and highest honors (3.75-4.0 GPA) were recognized.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested for OUI After Striking Tree, Resident Scammed for Large Amount of Money

By Charlie Breitrose | January 22, 2023

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Around Town

A Pair of Homes Were Sold This Week in Watertown

By Charlie Breitrose | January 22, 2023

A single family and a townhouse were sold this week.

Entertainment

Art Show Made by Autistic Man from Watertown on Display in Cambridge

By Charlie Breitrose | January 21, 2023

Dominic Killiany

Dominic Killiany, who is autistic, has difficulty communicating verbally, but he has been able to express himself in his paintings. Works of art created by the 24-year-old Watertown resident are now on display at LabCentral in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, and a public reception will be held on Jan. 25.

Around Town

Our History: Miles Pratt — Owned Foundry on Main St., Founded Library

By Guest Writer | January 21, 2023

Miles Pratt (Photo from “Great Little Watertown”)

This is the latest in the series of articles provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. The story was written for the Historical Society’s April 2003 newsletter “The Town Crier” by former Historical Society of Watertown board member Mary Spiers. Mary was our Recording and Corresponding Secretary. Mary retired from the Board in December 2022 but is still a volunteer.

MILES PRATT 1825-1882

Miles Pratt was a Watertown industrialist and philanthropist. He was born in 1825 during the administration of John Quincy Adams and the year the Erie Canal was opened. He is known to be a descendent of Joshua Pratt who arrived in Plymouth on the “Ann” in 1623.

Entertainment

See What’s on Small Saves Equipment List in This Week’s Comic

By Guest Writer | January 21, 2023

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.

Around Town

Unity Award Goes to Group Behind Film Series, New Scholarships Announced

By Charlie Breitrose | January 20, 2023

Watertown Cable AccessThe winners of the 2023 Unity Award, Epiteo Evans and Kara Salvi, who founded Race Reels in Watertown.

Most years the annual Unity Award goes to an individual who has made a difference in Watertown, but this year the committee gave it to a group that screens films locally that spark conversations about issues facing the community and the nation.