Around Town

Family & Friends Celebrate Memory of Girl Who Built Strong Friendships, Inspired People in Her Lifetime

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Charlie BreitroseFriends of Lora Karaguesian sit on the Buddy Bench at Hosmer School dedicated in her memory. Watertown’s Lora Karaguesian’s life was cut short, but in her 11 years she made many close friendships and lasting memories. Recently, her family and friends gathered to remember her big smile and bright personality, and leave a lasting memorial at her old elementary school. On Sept. 18, a bench with a plaque in Lora’s memory was dedicated by more than 30 family members and friends.

Around Town

The End of An Era: Russo’s Closes for the Last Time, Thanks for the Memories

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Charlie BreitroseShoppers enjoyed the last days of Russo’s before it closed for good on Sept. 18. Several years ago, when my wife and I had dinner with some of our friends, we discussed one of the hypothetical situations: would you want to know that you are about to eat the best meal in your life, with the catch that no other meal would ever rise to that level. That question came to mind for me recently as I realized that the last days of Russo’s market were approaching. Tucked away on one end of town, I used to think of the store as one of those hidden gems that make Watertown so special.

Arrests

Police Log: Shoplifter Caught With Items from 2 Stores, Parts Taken from HVAC Unit

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

Sept. 9, 2:49 p.m.: A shoplifter was spotted at Home Depot, and when police arrived security pointed out a man riding away on a bicycle with a trailer attached. When they stopped the suspect police found the suspect had $226 worth of items from Home Depot as well as $704 in merchandise from Target. Officers also found that he had two arrest warrants in his name.

Business

New Cafe in Watertown Square Serves Coffee from Local Roasters, A Variety of Teas and House Made Baked Goods

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Coffee and tea lovers have a new option in Watertown, O’Some Cafe, where you can also grab a freshly baked treat. Owner Ricci Cheng has turned a former vape shop into a cafe right in Watertown Square (100 Main St.) across from the Fire Station. O’Some Cafe opened in mid-August. Before that, Cheng worked at Cupcake City in Reading for about five years. She moved the the United States from Hong Kong a dozen years ago.

Election 2021

Vote By Mail Ballots Available for Watertown’s Town Election in November

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Charlie Breitrose

The Town of Watertown sent out the following information:

The Watertown 2021 Local Election on November 2, 2021 will have ballot questions involving the Town Charter as well as elected positions. Vote by mail if you’re unable to come to the polls on Election Day. Information about submitting an application and then voting by mail. You may request a Vote By Mail ballot by:

• Sending a written request via mail (please include original signature). • Completing a Vote By Mail Ballot Application (PDF) and submit the application via email to the Town Clerk’s office, via postal mail, in-person, drop in the Ballot box outside of Town Hall on the Saltonstall side of Town Hall, or electronically via fax at 617-972-6595

• Call the Town Clerk at 617-972-6486 to request a Vote By Mail Application be mailed to you.

Schools

New School Director Begins Work to Make Watertown Schools More Equitable and Inclusive

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Dr. Kimberlee Henry, the Watertown Public School’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In her first few months in the Watertown Public Schools, the new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has met with a wide range of people in town to become familiar with the school district and the community, and to build relationships with other departments and organizations in Watertown. The district created the new position in response to reports of students who had experienced racial bias and/or bullying in the Watertown Schools. One such incident was reported on by a local TV news station. The Watertown Schools have hired an outside group to conduct an equity audit, and hired Dr. Kimberlee Henry as the first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Government

Council Honors Resident Who Served in Afghanistan, Discuss Creating a Memorial for Veterans of War on Terror

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Watertown Town Hall

The Town Council honored Watertown residents who served in the War in Afghanistan with a proclamation, and the idea was raised to create a memorial to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Tuesday night, the Town Council read and approved a proclamation “Honoring Those Watertown Citizens Who Served in The War in Afghanistan.” The proclamation acknowledged the “new generation of service members who joined the military in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001.” Also, adding that Watertown has over 700 residents who are veterans of the military.