Around Town

City Warns of Increase in Dead Birds in Watertown, Bird Flu in Mass.; Tips for Keeping Pets Safe

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Watertown has seen an increase in dead bird sightings. While the state has not yet confirmed the presence of bird flu in Watertown, they have said that bird flu is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in communities where there has not been a confirmed positive. To keep our community safe and healthy, please follow these precautions: 

Keep Your Distance: Avoid interacting with or approaching wild birds, including feeding them. Do not touch any sick or dead birds or other animals. 

Avoid Contaminated Areas: Steer clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with bird saliva, mucus, or feces. 

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with birds. 

Protect Your Pets: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and kept away from wildlife. Cats are susceptible to bird flu and may die from an infection, so keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife. 

For Owners of Domestic Poultry or Birds: Prevent shared food or water sources between your birds and wild birds.

Around Town

OBIT: Cynthia Essex, 87, Teacher and Supervisor at Perkins School for the Blind

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Cynthia Essex born on February 14, 1937 and raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, died on January 7, 2025. She graduated from Coventry High School and the University of Rhode Island and later received a master’s degree from Boston College. After graduating from college, she became a third- grade teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA with a specialty in mathematics. She advanced to become Supervisor of the Lower School at Perkins in 1964 and later Supervisor of the Junior and Senior High School. At her retirement after more than 50 years of service, she became a Member of the Corporation at Perkins.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Awards $37,950 to Watertown Public Schools

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The Watertown High School Robotics Team was one of the recipients of a grant from the Watertown Community Foundation. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

During its annual school program grant cycle, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) awarded $37,950 to the Watertown Public Schools to support education programs that enhance learning beyond the classroom. Grants will support programs in every school in the district in multiple disciplines, ultimately serving the district’s more than 2,800 students. For the fourth year, the award includes support for STEM Initiatives in Watertown Public Schools and gives elementary students the opportunity to participate in hands-on, science-based learning that goes beyond the classroom experience and the general curriculum. Through the support of the Watertown Community Foundation, along with biotechnology company Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., more than 1300 students will be able to participate in several STEM initiatives including: Kindergarten: The Discover Museum; Grade 1: Bugman Entomology; Grade 2: Mystic Aquarium; Grade 3: Rainforest Reptiles; Grade 4: Sustainability Hands-On Workshop; and Grade 5: Water Systems Hands-On Workshop.

Weather

Weather Forecast: Mix of Precipitation and Cold

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Watertown residents should prepare for an active weather pattern as we close out January and head into the first week of February. A frontal system moving through on Friday could bring a mix of precipitation, though details on how much and what type remain uncertain. After that, a colder but drier stretch is expected for the weekend, with another chance for light snow late Sunday into Monday. Here’s what to expect:

Friday, January 31:

We’re keeping a close eye on a storm system approaching from the west, which looks increasingly likely to bring some precipitation during the day. The biggest question remains what kind — rain, snow, sleet, or even freezing rain could all be in the mix depending on how much warmer air pushes in.

Around Town

Save the Date for Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Units

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The City of Watertown and Watertown Community Conversations will host a community discussion about accessory dwelling units (ADU), also known as in-law units. The input from the event will help inform how Watertown’s ADU Ordinance is written. See information in the announcement from the City, below. Save the Date! The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), in partnership with Watertown Community Conversations (WCC), will be hosting an “Accessory Dwelling Units Community Dialogue” on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 6 to 8:30 PM, at the at the Coolidge School Apartments, 319 Arlington Street, including time at the beginning for attendees to enjoy light food and beverages.

Around Town

Watertown National Guard Member Earns Promotion

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The following piece was provided by the New York Army National Guard:

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Huijing Yang from Watertown, Mass., and assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion December 16, 2024 to the rank of specialist. Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

Around Town

Four Honored at Charles River Chamber’s First Watertown Business Awards

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Charles River Regional Chamber President & CEO Greg Reibman (left) and the recpients of the Watertown Business Awards: Archy LaSalle (accepted by Liz Helfer, second from left), Max Ritcey of Ritcey East, Tia Tilson of the Watertown Community Foundation, and O’Some Cafe’s Ricci Cheng. (Courtesy of the Charles River Chamber)

People packed the backroom at Donohue’s Bar & Grill to honor a pair of local businesses, a non-profit and a longtime arts advocate during the first annual Watertown Business Awards. Tickets sales f0r the sold-out Watertown Night raised money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. The Chamber presented awards for Customer Service, Business Excellence, Community Leadership, and the Nonprofit Impact Award after receiving nominations from the public. The Customer Service Award went to Max Ritcey.