Around Town

City Wants to Hear from Public on Changes to Watertown’s Major Planning Document

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The City of Watertown will be updating its Comprehensive Plan. This document guides what the City will look like in future, and covers topics such as economic development, land use, and transportation. The review will be an 18-month process that will be led by the Department of Community Development and Planning and a consultant team from Stantec in partnership with the Planning Advisory Committee. 

The first public meeting will be in the Hosmer School Cafeteria, 1 Concord Road, on Thursday, May 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will be held live and on Zoom. “This year, we are updating the city’s comprehensive plan which means that we want your feedback to plan for Watertown’s future,” said the announcement from the City. City officials want to hear from Watertown residents, property owners, business owners, and workers.

Schools

Fifth Graders in Watertown Schools to be Taught About Impact of Puberty in Health Class

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Lessons for fifth-graders about how puberty affects them physically and emotionally will move from an evening lesson to ones taught during their health classes. In past years, fifth-graders have had the opportunity to attend presentations at their schools in the evenings presented by the school nurses. The lesson is based on the Massachusetts Frameworks and the National Sex Education Standards, said Brendan Casey, the district’s K-12 Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Coordinator. About 50 percent of students participated in the evening lessons, Casey said, and the change to a having the lesson during the day was made to try to reach more students. “It is important for students to understand the changes they are going through or will go through at that time in their lives,” Casey said.

Sports

Watertown Little League Opening Day Celebration Extra Special in 2022

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Little League players lined the field during the opening day ceremonies at Casey Park on April 30. Opening Day Ceremony for Watertown Youth Baseball, Softball and Challenger leagues looked much the same as previous years, with a parade led by a Watertown Fire Engine, burgers and cotton candy, and young players yelling “Play ball!” But the smiles were wider and the sun felt a warmer during the 2022 celebration. Watertown Little League has not cancelled season, but the previous two seasons have looked much different due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. On April 30, 2022, a big step was taken toward returning to normal.

Around Town

Watertown Teen Honored by City Council for Reaching Eagle Scout

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Grant Ho/Troop 30Eagle Scout Deion Howe (left) presents a mentor pin to Scoutmaster Doug Syer and Assistant Scoutmaster Ian Clark. The mentor pin is presented to a leader who guided that scout through the journey to Eagle. During his time as a Scout in Watertown, Deion Howe has accomplished many thing, and now has reached the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He joined Troop 30 in 2015, became Senior Patrol Leader, worked on multiple food drives that collected more than 5 tons of food for the Watertown Food Pantry, and worked with his school to create the “Beacon Chill Space,” a paved and furnished patio that allows students at his special needs school. On April 26, the Watertown City Council honored Howe with a proclamation honoring him for reaching Eagle Scout.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Busted Stealing Champagne at Target, $1,200 Charged on Stolen Credit Cards

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrest

April 24, 5:53 p.m.: Target security reported a shoplifting where a man was seen taking three bottles of champagne. He took the bottles, worth a total of $230.99, and put them in his backpack, and left without paying. Police located him leaving the rear exit of the mall. When they checked his record officers found he had a warrant from Boston District Court for larceny over $1,200.

Around Town

LETTER: Head of Boys & Girls Club Bids Farewell to Club, Dream Job

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Watertown Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Renee Gaudette is leaving the club. Here she is seen receiving the Executive of the Year Award. She was nominated by Chris Chrombie, right, the club’s Project Director. Dear Beloved Community,

I am writing to share that, after nine amazing and rewarding years as Executive Director atWatertown Boys & Girls Club, I’ve decided that the timing is right for me to step back. The Board of Directors of WBGC is working diligently to identify the individual who can bestlead our organization through its next phase of growth and impact.

Ai3 Architects

Construction Underway on Lowell School Renovation, Project Has it Challenges

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Charlie BreitroseMembers of the construction team working on the Lowell School renovation project look up at the school during the groundbreaking ceremony. City Council President Mark Siders had a big grin on his face as he held up three fingers and donned a construction helmet. On Wednesday afternoon, he and others involved with the Watertown Public Schools’ building projects gathered for the official groundbreaking at Lowell Elementary School’s renovations and expansion — the district’s third elementary school project in recent years. The site work had already commenced at the school that overlooks Orchard Street. Like the other two elementary school projects, Lowell was designed by Ai3 Architects and the project management firm is Hill International.

Government

Watertown City Manager Finalists to Appear at 2 or More Public Meetings

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The three finalists for Watertown City Manager will appear at public meetings at least twice in early May before the City Council makes its final decision. Wednesday evening the names of the three City Manager finalists were announced: George Proakis (Executive Director of Somerville’s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development), Norman Khumalo (Hopkinton Town Manager), and John Curran (Billerica Town Manager). Read more about the Finalists here. City Council President Mark Sideris said a public forum and public interviews by the Council have been planned. The public forum will be held on May 9 at 6 p.m., and the Council interviews have been scheduled for May 12 at 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chamber in City Hall (149 Main St.), and also will be live on Zoom.