Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/407/?sfw=pass1705501616)
Mark Sideris
Biography
My name is Mark Sideris. I am married to Marybeth and have 3 childrenwho all attended and graduated Watertown public schools. I am a partner with my brother as owners of Three Sons Auto Body in Waltham. I have been on the Town Council for more than 24 years, the last 11 as Council President. I am also a member of the School Committee and the Chair of the School Building committee .
David Ciccarelli
Biography
I’m David Ciccarelli a third generation, lifelong resident of Watertown. As the son of State Representative Sal Ciccarelli it left the impression that public service can be rewarding, if the reason to get involved is a genuine desire to perform a duty. After graduating Tulane University, I began a life of travel, and the lessons and experiences that come with it as an overseas consultant. Traveling to over 50 countries, I consulted on US State Dept projects. Along the way I met my wife, Katya, and together we are raisingtwo boys in the Watertown Schools.
Steve Owens
Biography
A lifelong Democrat, I have lived in Watertown and Cambridge for nearly 20 years. My wife Pia and I now live in East Watertown with our two sons who attend Watertown public schools. For twelve years, I served as chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee, fighting for progressive causes and candidates at the local, state and federal levels. Professionally, I am a transportation consultant who uses data to help state departments oftransportation, railroads and trucking companies make infrastructure decisions. I have advocated for better public transportation as a member of the Watertown Transportation Task Force.
Q & A
The State Legislature deals with so many issues, so what would be your top three issues if you are elected?
The following announcement was provided by the the Jimmy Fund Walk:
Eleven residents from Watertown will choose their own route on October 4th for the annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai. Participants are encouraged to walk wherever they choose: around their neighborhood, a local hiking trail, a treadmill, or anywhere else they are comfortable. Betsy Gartrell, Alexandra Kontes, Martha Krache, David Morris, Kate Morris, Garry Nolan, Kimberly O’Hagan, Brendan O’Hagan, Thomas Opar, Lisa Soo Hoo, and one Watertown resident, along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in virtual programming during the Walk that aims to recreate the most inspiring elements of Walk day. While the event will not physically bring walkers together along the famed Boston Marathon® course, it will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event has raised more than $145 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 30+ year history. “While we can’t see everyone in person this year, we are excited for the virtual programing which will give participants the opportunity to support breakthroughs in cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” said Zack Blackburn, Director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
Darren Farrington was hired in August 2020 as Executive Director of Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:
The Board of Directors of the Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts (MCA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Darren Farrington as Executive Director effective August 17, 2020. Darren is a highly experienced and passionate arts administrator, educator, theatre maker, and arts advocate. During these challenging times, Darren’s grounded, creative, and thoughtful leadership brings an unwavering confidence that MCA will continue to deliver on its mission to enrich the lives of diverse audiences and participants by providing exceptional experiences in theatre, visual, and literary arts. For the past ten years, Darren has been the Executive Director of No Boundaries Youth Theater in New Britain, Conn., which he co-founded in 2010 for underserved children and teens. Darren has also worked for the past three years as Administrator for the Connecticut Arts Alliance, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization for arts and culture.
Attendees of a vigil for the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bombs hold a banner. The event on Aug. 9 was organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice & the Environment. The following report was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:
On Sunday evening August 9, over sixty people gathered for an annual remembrance of the more than 210,000 lives lost in the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Organized by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, the remembrance was co-sponsored byMassachusetts Peace Action (MAPA), New England American Friends Service Committee and Survival Education Fund.
Caroline Waweru of Watertown was named a 2020 Women to Watch Award winner by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. Watertown resident Caroline Waweru, CPA, MBA, MSA was selected as a 2020 Women to Watch Award winner by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the professional association of certified public accountants, representing over 11,000 members. The awards recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the accounting profession, their communities, their firms or companies and to the development of women as leaders. Waweru, senior tax manager at Stone & Company, LLC, is one of seven women selected to receive a 2020 Women to Watch Award. She was selected in the Emerging Leader category, reserved for professionals with 15 years of experience or less.
Democratic activist and Democratic State Committee member Steve Owens is running for the State Representative seat that Jon Hecht will be leaving. The following announcements were provided by Steve Owens for the State Representative campaign:
Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund (PPAF) of Massachusetts, the advocacyand political arm of Planned Parenthood league of Massachusetts, has endorsed Steve Owens as the next State Representative in Watertown and Cambridge. Formed in 1984, PPAF believes that working within the political process is critical to increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services. “In 2020, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts is endorsing candidates who not only support reproductive rights andhealth – but also understand the importance of access to care,” PPAF stated in their endorsement. PPAF works to elect qualified state and local candidates who will pursue policies that put patients first and protect reproductive health care for everyone.