In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

👦 High-IQ Club Welcomes 12-Year-Old with Aspirations Beyond His Years

🎶 Study Finds Music Playing Enhances Brain Health in Older Adults

🐕 Erica Hart: The Drone-Operating Samaritan Leading Pet Rescue Mission

👮‍♂️ Watertown Police Nab Carthage Man in Building Theft Incident

🚘 Woman Airlifted to Hospital After Pole Collision in Watertown Incident

🏢 Prospective Buyer Eyes Historic YMCA Building on Washington Street

🏊‍♂️ Watertown's New YMCA to Dive into First Major Event with District Swimming Championships

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

February 5th

Ages 12-17 Open Gaming

February 7th

Toddler Storytime & Crafts

February 9th

Patrick Young MUSIC

February 10th

Readings With _Psychic Seth

PRE-Valentine's Sweetheart Special $20 Saturday

"Of Life and Love: A Collection of One-Act Plays"

High-IQ Club Welcomes 12-Year-Old with Aspirations Beyond His Years

Cyrus Leung, a 12-year-old immigrant from Hong Kong now living in the UK, matched the IQ scores of Einstein and Hawking, earning him a spot in Mensa. The society, which brings together the top 2% of IQ scores globally, offers a platform for intellectual and social exchange. Cyrus joined Mensa seeking to connect with peers who share his interests in piano, science, and math. Despite the nervousness of taking the test watch-less, Cyrus' outstanding score of 160 not only made him proud but also marked a memorable milestone in his life.

Study Finds Music Playing Enhances Brain Health in Older Adults

Recent research from the PROTECT study, involving over 25,000 participants aged 40 and above, has found that musical activities like playing an instrument or singing can enhance cognitive functions, including memory and executive functions, in older adults. The study particularly highlighted the benefits of playing the piano and suggested that continued musical engagement into later life could offer even greater cognitive benefits. Singing, especially in groups, was also linked to improved brain health, potentially due to its social aspects. These findings underscore the value of music in maintaining brain health as we age.

Erica Hart: The Drone-Operating Samaritan Leading Pet Rescue Mission

Erica Hart, a 44-year-old pet detective from the UK, has utilized a thermal imaging drone to find and reunite 330 lost dogs with their owners at no charge. Her altruism extends beyond dogs, aiding in the recovery of various animals and even assisting in human search and rescue missions. Hart's journey began with a drone gift from her father in 2018, and her success has made her a national figure in pet rescue efforts.

Watertown Police Nab Carthage Man in Building Theft Incident

In the Town of Watertown, a 36-year-old man from Carthage found himself behind bars on Friday afternoon following an arrest for stealing from a building. Authorities from the New York State Police stationed at the Watertown Barracks apprehended Robert Hubbard, charging him with burglary—specifically, illegal entry with the intent to commit a crime, classified as a Class D felony, and petit larceny, recognized as a Class A misdemeanor. Following the arrest, Hubbard was detained without the option for bail.

Woman Airlifted to Hospital After Pole Collision in Watertown Incident

A 69-year-old woman, Dorinda Stanford, was flown to a Syracuse hospital after her car hit a utility pole near Watertown, possibly due to a medical emergency. The accident occurred on New York State Route 126 at the Slate Road intersection. Her condition post-crash has not been disclosed.

Prospective Buyer Eyes Historic YMCA Building on Washington Street

The former YMCA building on Washington Street is under consideration for sale, with an unidentified buyer showing interest. Despite being listed for nearly $800,000, the building, which still serves a children’s program and includes a pool and fitness center, remains partially in use by the YMCA following their move to a new facility.

Watertown's New YMCA to Dive into First Major Event with District Swimming Championships

Watertown's new YMCA is set to host the CNY YMCA District Swimming Championship on February 3rd and 4th, marking a significant event for the local Blue Sharks and other regional teams. This championship, featuring 400 swimmers from seven YMCAs, will be the first major event held at the recently opened $27.5 million Community and Aquatics Center. With an expected attendance of 1,200 people, the event showcases the community's support and the advanced facilities that make this year's championship possible, a testament to the area's commitment to fostering athletic talent and providing top-notch facilities for competitive events.