Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/author/guest-writer/page/62/)
Watertown’s Get Lively Health and Fitness will host a free class for a good cause on Dec. 7. See information, below. Join us for our Get HIIT class and let’s sweat together and bring some holiday cheer to those in need in our community! This class is free and open to all (age 12+), we ask that you bring a donation of a new gift for the Watertown Food Pantry’s Holiday Shop.
The following announcement was provided by the the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation:
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, a nonprofit grantmaking and research organization, announced over $1 million in grants to a total of 19 organizations, including DEAF Inc. in Watertown. The funding will support health coverage enrollment efforts, perinatal health-related projects, a comprehensive health insurance survey and other special initiatives. “These grant awards will support projects in a number of settings, ranging from public schools to higher education, fishing communities to urban neighborhoods, and all corners of the Commonwealth where we are working to improve equitable health care access,” said Audrey Shelto, President and CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, which has provided grants totaling more than $87 million since it was established in 2001. The Board of Directors recently approved funding for the Special Initiatives program, which is for organizations to pilot or launch a new project that advances health equity. The Foundation is providing a total of $300,000 in one-time grants to the following six nonprofit organizations that are working to improve health care access across Massachusetts:
Burlington Public Schools, for a collaborative team-based approach to mental health care that will complement existing school services, increase support for students and families, and incorporate culturally competent practices. Fishing Partnership Health Plan Corporation, which will enhance the availability of behavioral health support in the fishing communities of Gloucester, New Bedford, Plymouth and Chatham that face higher-than-average rates of suicide and substance use disorder.
St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown will host a Christmas celebration for all ages during Winterfest. See more information, below. Please join us at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Main St.
The City of Watertown provided the following information:
Starting this winter, the City of Watertown will begin Phase 2 of implementing the residential snow and ice removal ordinance by beginning to issue warnings to properties not compliant. This ordinance requires the clearing of a 42-inch pathway of snow and ice from the sidewalk abutting one’s residential property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. We understand the full effects of the ordinance may not be felt until Watertown is hit with a winter storm, so by issuing warnings only this winter and increasing our continued education efforts, we hope our community can be better prepared for the many winters to come. This winter we are also encouraging our residents to help us gather an understanding of how we can better share information about this ordinance and gather a full understanding of sidewalks that might not be getting cleared 24-hours after a storm. You can help us by utilizing our 311 Service Center, where you can share photos of noncompliance directly with our team.
The winter light show known as SOLSTICE returns to Mount Auburn Cemetery in December. See more details about this year’s event provided by the the Cemetery, below. This December, experience the wonder of winter nights reimagined at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light, running from December 7-21, 2024. Presented by the Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery and brought to life by artists MASARY, this outdoor, evening event has become a must-see tradition in the Greater Boston area, offering immersive light and sound artwork installations that blend art, remembrance, and nature in a uniquely meaningful way during the winter solstice. SOLSTICE represents an evolution of the beloved Candle Lighting Ceremony, which has been a part of Mount Auburn’s history since 1992.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown will host at Turkey Shoot on Friday. It is open to all. See more information from the AOH, below. Mark your calendars for Next Friday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 PM at Hibernian Hall in Watertown at 151 Watertown St.
Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall
The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
Edible Watertown, a vibrant public art initiative by the Public Arts & Culture Committee that explores the city’s local ecology, is thrilled to announce the lead artists and scientists selected for its “Expert Pairings” project. This exciting collaboration pairs talented artists with knowledgeable scientists to create temporary, educational public artworks focused on edible plants, local resilience, and environmental awareness. The selected Expert Pairings are:
Sophy Tuttle (Artist) & Amber Siegel (Scientist, Charles River Watershed Association)
Jenn Houle (Artist) & Patrick Fairbairn (Scientist)
Ira Klein (Artist) & Yi (Jenny) Wang (Scientist)
Leah Craig (Artist) & Nicole Weber (Scientist)
About Edible Watertown:
Now in its third year, Edible Watertown fosters community engagement through artistic and scientific exploration of the town’s edible plants. This interdisciplinary project aims to connect residents with their local environment, highlighting the importance of local flora and ecosystems. Ultimately, Edible Watertown serves as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and appreciation for the natural gifts found right outside our doors. (Link to website)
About Expert Pairings:
Expert Pairings invites artists and scientists to collaborate on temporary public artworks exploring Watertown’s ecology.
The following piece was submitted by the Coach John Barbati Testimonial Dinner Committee:
On November 26th, former players and supporters of Watertown High School athletics are hosting a testimonial dinner for legendary coach John Barbati whose life-changing impact is still being celebrated more than 30 years after his retirement from coaching. As a mentor and cheerleader for his kids, Barbati sparked countless connections for his student athletes as he opened doors for them. One such example is WHS Hall of Famer Joe Antonellis who was a stalwart Raider and later starred at Harvard University. Antonellis, however, almost never made it on to the gridiron until Coach Barbati interceded. “My parents, Italian immigrants, forbid me to play football,” said Antonellis.