Around Town

Watertown’s First Multicultural Fest Celebrates Arts, Games & More

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Photo by Brianna WilliamsSaltonstall Park filled with activity during Watertown’s first Multicultural Fest. Live dancing, soccer, artwork and more filled Saltonstall Park with activity on Aug. 3 for the first annual Multicultural Fest held by the New Repertory Theatre and Watertown Public Library. The idea to hold the festival came from Noche De Dominó which is a monthly game of dominoes held in the library. During that night many people from all different cultures get to interact and learn about each other’s backgrounds.

Around Town

Brigham House, Sacred Threads Hosting Thoughtful Fridays

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The following announcement was provided by Sacred Threads:

Sacred Threads and Brigham House invite the public to attend Thoughtful Fridays in September. Thoughtful Fridays are an opportunity to gather on three Fridays in September to ponder themes of Peace, Change and Gratitude. Poetry, art, and music will enhance the gatherings. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome

WHEN: September 15, 22, 29 – 2023, 9:45-11 a.m.

WHERE: Brigham House – Activity Room341 Mt.

Around Town

Our History: Artist Henry Webster Rice, Whose Works Hang in Museums Across the Nation

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Henry Rice 1919 painting of houses on Pleasant St. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by Historical Society of Watertown board member Bob Bloomberg. Bob is also on the board of the Watertown Historic District Commission. He is a genealogist (his contact information is on our website) and has written several book reviews and newspaper articles.

Around Town

Seniors Invited to the Council on Aging’s Farewell Summer BBQ

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Join us at the Council on Aging (COA) Farewell Summer Barbecue (BBQ) for Watertown Seniors and their companion, presented by the City of Watertown, Department of Senior Services, Police Department, Fire Department and the Friends of the COA on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 3 PM – 6 PM. This is FREE for Seniors and will include BBQ grilled food and refreshments, live music, outdoor seating, parking available, Fire Truck and Police Utility Vehicle Showing, Officers on Bike and Fire Safety Convos. Call 617-972-6490 ahead of time if you need a ride. This is a rain or shine event with the BBQ catered meal served inside and the option to sit outside if the weather permits.

Around Town

LETTER: Library Trustee Candidate’s Priorities for the Next Term

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Teddy Kokoros seeks a second term on the Watertown Board of Library Trustees. Dear Residents of Watertown,

My name is Theodore (Teddy) Kokoros and I am seeking reelection to the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees. I want to begin this letter by expressing my gratitude to all the staff at The Watertown Free Public Library for their unwavering dedication and hard work. I’ve constantly been impressed by their dedication throughout my initial tenure as a trustee. Over the past few years, we encountered unforeseen challenges, with the most prominent being the COVID-19 pandemic.

Around Town

Watertown Resident Named as a Big Brother of the Year, Has Volunteered for Five Years

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Names Xin Peng a Big Brother of the Year (Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts.)

The following information came from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Xin Peng, 29, of Watertown, as one of the agency’s 2023 Big Brothers of the Year. He is one of nearly 4,000 volunteers, referred to as Bigs, for the nonprofit who are committed to developing caring and life-altering one-to-one mentoring relationships with children. Peng was matched with his mentee, or Little, Alex Braga , in July 2018. Braga’s parents enrolled him in the nonprofit’s signature community-based program, for which adult mentors, referred to as Bigs, are paired with youth and meet for two to three hours, a couple times a month on outings of their choice, in order to provide him with the one-to-one attention he deserved as they were focused on caring for his younger brother with autism transition to a residential program. At the time, the 9-year-old was shy and hesitant to try new things.