LETTER: Watertown Mother, Educator Running for School Committee

School Committee candidate Jennifer Nicholson, her husband Ryan Nicholson (Assistant Fire Chief on the Watertown Fire Department), and their children. My name is Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson and as a lifelong resident of Watertown, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Watertown School Committee. It would be a tremendous honor for me to serve with pride and give back to the community that has given so much to my entire family. My children, incoming third and first graders at Cunniff, are fourth generation students of Watertown Public Schools. My husband, who is currently Assistant Fire Chief for the Watertown Fire Department, and I both graduated from Watertown High School in 2003.

Watertown Community Foundation Supports Dozens of Local Groups with $129K in Grants

The Watertown Community Foundation provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) has awarded grants totaling $129,500 to initiatives in two categories. One: WCF’s Program Grants awards grants designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with an educational focus (broadly defined). These are programs that operate outside of the Watertown’s public schools. 

Two: WCF’s Institutional Grants are designed to help institutions central to the Watertown community by providing funds to maintain critical programming and retain paid staff.  Grants under this program impose neither restrictions on the use of funds nor any program requirements.   

Eligible organizations apply for a maximum of $5000 for program grants and a maximum of $7,500 for Institutional grants. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s Watertown Arsenal Education Fund. WCF Grants Chairwoman Mary Ann Mulligan explains, “WCF received a record number of applications, and we are delighted to more than double our spring grant awards to the largest amount given to date. It has been the most challenging year for so many of our community-based organizations and we hope this increased grant funding will help them restore and even expand the vital services, supports and innovative programs they provide to the Watertown community.” From dance classes for special needs students to stress reduction workshops, planting pollinator gardens to an outdoor arts market, this year’s Program Grants cover a wide array of projects that encompass all ages and abilities.

Watertown’s Newest Eagle Scout Celebrated at Ceremony at Lowell School

Troop 30Eagles with Watertown connections: State Rep. Steve Owens, USMC Private First Class Michael McNamara, Patricio Pino (Watertown’s newest Eagle), Troop 30 Scoutmaster Doug Syer, and Sons of Liberty District Chairman Steve Sookikian, whose childhood scouting experience was Troop 222 at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church. Watertown Troop 30 provided the following announcement:

In a ceremony highlighting the Eagle Scouts with Watertown connections, Troop 30 celebratedcelebrating Patricio Pino, Watertown’s newest Eagle. The event was held at the Lowell School, where Patricio attended grade school. On his way to the rank of Eagle, Patricio chose a service project where he worked with Troop 30and Pack 30 to collect coats for homeless veterans.

Watertown Faire on the Square Officially Given the “Go” for Fall 2021

Watertown’s annual Faire on the Square is back in 2021, with the annual outdoor festival scheduled to take place at Saltonstall Park on Sept. 25, 2021. The Faire was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan McCarthy, chairman of the Faire Planning Committee, said it will be back this year. “I am happy to announce that Faire on the Square 2021 is officially a ‘GO,'” McCarthy said.

Watertown Children’s Summer Reading 2021 Kicks Off at the Watertown Library

The following information came from the Watertown Library:

As the school year winds down, there’s a lot to look forward to! Watertown Free Public Library’s annual summer reading program begins when the academic year ends. We’re here to help keep your student’s reading on track.  

How To Participate

Open the Challenge Card and print it from home. Challenge Cards are also available in the Children’s Room.Read!

Residents Wanted to Serve on Architectural Committee for New High School

Ai3 ArchitectsA rendering of what the new Watertown High School could look like. The view is from Common Street. The following information was provided by the School Building Committee:

The School Building Committee is in the schematic design phase of the new Watertown High School. An architecture sub-committee is being established and is looking for citizen input to assist in some of the design elements. We are looking for citizens with backgrounds in architecture, engineering and sustainability. 

This is a commitment through this phase which will wrap up by the end of the year and may meet 3-4 times a month.