Student from Watertown Takes Part in Robotics Program That Solves Problems Facing Appalachia

Watertown’s Camndon Reed joined the robotics program at West Virginia University after completing a summer program. (Contributed Photo)

A Watertown High School graduate took part in a robotics program to use robotics to solve real-world problems in Appalachia. Camndon Reed got involved in the summer program run by West Virginia University in 2024, and he was featured in a piece in The State Journal. At the time he was attending James Madison University, but after taking part in the program he transferred to WVU. “It was a great experience.

10 Watertown Homes Were Sold This Week

Five condos, a pair of single-family homes and a pair of two-family home were sold this week

76 Salisbury Road #76, $685,000, 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 953 sq. ft. Condo

111 Church St. UNIT 111, $1,050,000, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom 2,331 sq. ft.

Fundraising Effort for Baby Madeline, After Losing Her Parents in Recent Tragedy

Baby Madeline and her late-mother Karine Asatryan. A GoFundMe campaign has started to raise money for baby Madeline, and in memory of her mother Karine Asatryan who died in the apparent murder-suicide on Boyd Street on Aug. 31. Madeline’s aunt is seeking to get legal custody. The campaign, called “Support Baby Madeline in Loving Memory of Karine,” seeks to raise $50,000.

TRASH STRIKE: Union Votes to Remain on Strike, Watertown Curbside Collection Continues But Other Services Not Open

Trash and recycling bins on Main Street. (Photo by Dean Martino)

The strike by union members working for Republic Services will continue after Teamsters Local 25 voted to reject the latest proposal on Wednesday. The strike began more than two months ago on July 1. Union members, representing 400 workers, voted down the offer by more than 84 percent, according to an announcement from Teamsters Local 25. “This group is one of the strongest groups I’ve ever worked with in my more than three decades as a Teamster,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari.

Three Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide Were a “Blended Family,” Leave Behind a Baby

The house on Boyd Street shared by the three killed in an apparent murder-suicide discovered on Aug. 31. (Google Streetview Image)

The three people killed in an apparent murder-suicide in Watertown were part of a “blended family” in which the younger couple helped care for the elderly owners of the home on Boyd Street. The husband of the older couple passed away in early August; and the younger couple had a baby, for whom extended family is seeking a new home. On Tuesday, the Middlesex District Attorney’s office and the Watertown Police announced that the preliminary investigation suggests that Nadia Abrahamian, 80, and Karine Asatryan, 35, were shot and killed by David Minasvand, 31 inside their home.

Second Empowering Watertown in Women Workshop Features First Responders, a Disability Advocate & Entrepreneurs

The tent at the Commander’s Mansion was full for the second Empowering Women in Watertown in August to hear from female first responders, a librarian and disabilities advocate, and entrepreneurs who started fitness and studios Watertown. During the first panel, Watertown Police Officers Kerry Kelley and Anna Margaryan (and her police dog, Raider), joined with Firefighter/Paramedic Kate Boudreau to share their experiences as women working in male-dominated professions. The workshop also focused on Wellness, Community Action, and Communications. Other presenters included:

• Liz Padula, Founder of Artemis Yoga, will lead an interactive presentation about wellness• Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at Perkins, will share insights on advocacy and community action• Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, will give closing remarks on building relationships and connection

Other presenters were Jan Taylor, who talked about starting Get Lively Health & Fitness Studio in her home and how she grew the business; and Julia Dunoyer, who first started working on the front desk at Artemis and now works full time as the studio’s marketing and client relations manager. Attendees also had the option of getting a professional headshot session with Natalie Nigito Photography, and enjoyed coffee, tea and baked goods provided by O’some Café

View the Empowering Women http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4043?site=1

Women in Business, Non-Profit & City Government Speak at Sold Out Event in Watertown