Around Town

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

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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.

Police/Fire

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

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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.

Around Town

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

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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

Police/Fire

Three Deaths in Watertown Being Investigated as a Murder-Suicide Case, Couple Had a Baby

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The deaths by gunshot of three people on Boyd Street in Watertown are being investigated as a murder-suicide, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The three were identified, and the DA’s office said the couple had a young child, who was not there at the time of the shootings. The bodies were discovered on Aug. 31. WCVB Channel 5 reported that District Attorney Marian Ryan said, the older woman lived on one floor of the home, while the other two lived together with their newborn baby on the bottom floor in a separate living area of the same unit, and that the baby was not present during the time of the shooting.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Identify 2 Suspects for Recent Car Thefts & Break-ins

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An image of one of the suspects in a series of recent car thefts and break-ins around Watertown. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

Two suspects in a string of motor vehicle thefts and car break-ins have been identified by the Watertown Police, who warn residents to lock their vehicles and be vigilant. On Monday, Sept. 1, Police said they made progress the case. “(Monday) we had a break in the case that resulted in two juvenile suspects being identified.

Around Town

Dancing With the Watertown Stars Takes the Mosesian Center Stage, Tickets Available

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The annual Dancing with the Stars moves to a new location in 2025, and the dancers will strut their stuff on the stage of the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept. 12. The evening will be hosted by State Sen. Will Brownsberger, and features 10 Watertown Stars who will be dancing with pros from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Belmont. 2025 Dancing With the Watertown Stars

Jess Donato, Third-Grade Teacher, Hosmer Elementary School

Ed Megerdichian, Chief Administrative Officer, Sensational Foods

Ryan Seward, Realtor, Coldwell Banker

Cindy St. Clair, PTO Secretary, Cunniff Elementary School

Diane DiMascio Cinar, Realtor, CK Realty Group

Cassidy Pirozzi, Financial Specialist, City of Watertown Treasurer/Collector’s Office

Harrison Ford, Co-Chair, Watertown Pride Committee

Jennifer Chiodo, Spanish Teacher, Watertown High School

Rob Scudder, Co-Anchor, Watertown Cable News

Cookie Ramos, Assistant Branch Manager, Watertown Savings Bank

Along with the dancing, attendees can enjoy appetizers and a cash bar.

Sports

Watertown Field Hockey Team Starts Quest for Fifth Straight State Title

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Watertown’s field hockey team seeks a fifth-straight State Championship in 2025. Pictured, then-sophomore Kaylee Master tips in Watertown’s second goal in the Raiders’ 2-0 win in the 2024 State Final. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown High School’s field hockey team finished 2024 on a roll, and will begin the 2025 campaign looking for a fifth straight State Championship and to add to a winning streak that now stands at 97. The Raiders ended the 2024 season in style with a 2-0 win over Sandwich in the Div. 3 State Final.