Charlie Breitrose Members of the Watertown City Council take the oath from City Clerk Janet Murphy on Monday night.
Most years, the swearing-in of Watertown’s newly elected officials is part of an inauguration ceremony in a large venue with many guests, but with COVID-19 the 2022 event was an intimate affair.
The winners of the November 2021 election were sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy in the Council Chamber in City Hall Monday night.
Charlie Breitrose
After her swearing-in, Library Trustee Sara Keary poses with City Manager Michael Driscoll, left, and City Council President Mark Sideris.
Some family members were on hand for the ceremony, but the Chamber was not full even when eight City Councilors took the oath.
Charlie Breitrose Newly sworn-in School Committee members Amy Donohue, Jessica Middlebrook and Lily Rayman-Read are shown with Council President Mark Sideris, left, and City Manager Michael Driscoll.
At the inauguration, the Council President gives a speech about the upcoming two-year term. Council President Mark Sideris will have to save it until another time.
“I will do it under the President’s report (during a Council meeting) or we might have a Town Hall here,” Sideris said. “It is an opportunity for us to see where we’re going.”
Charlie Breitrose
City Council President Mark Sideris is sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy.
The City had planned an inauguration ceremony at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, but the event was canceled last week as cases of COVID-19 rose.
“I didn’t want to do it this way,” Sideris said. “Given the situation with COVID this is the right thing to do.”
After the Council was sworn-in, Sideris said, “I look forward to working with you.”
Charlie Breitrose
At-Large City Councilors Caroline Bays, Tony Palomba and John Gannon are sworn in on Monday night at City Hall. 
Sworn-in Monday were:
Library Trustee Sara Keary (Leanne Hammonds and Rosemary Su were absent).
School Committee members Jessica Middlebrook, Lily Rayman-Read and Amy Donohue
City Councilors At-Large Tony Palomba, Caroline Bays and John Gannon (John Airasian was absent)
Charlie Breitrose
The District City Councilors are sworn in. From left, Nicole Gardner (District A), Lisa Feltner (B), Vincent Piccirilli (C) and Emily Izzo (D). 
District City Councilors Nicole Gardner (A), Lisa Feltner (B), Vincent Piccirilli (C) and Emily Izzo (D)
City Council President and member of the School Committee Mark Sideris
Congrats to all who step up to serve! The work is hard, the rewards are few (especially in this age), but it’s important and appreciated by many of us!
I agree … !! Thanks for highlighting this. It is, literally, a “public service”.