Around Town

One Month Left to Apply to be in Watertown’s Sculpture Walk

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee:

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC) is excited to announce Watertown’s first Community Sculpture Walk. The Community Sculpture Walk will exhibit public sculptures to enhance use of green space in Watertown, encourage public interaction with contemporary art, and create an annual exhibition opportunity for artists at all career stages working in a variety of mediums. 

The Sculpture Walk follows the Community Path from the Watertown Free Public Library Parking lot to Waverley Avenue. There are eight planned sites along the path for sculptures. In 2023, four sculptures will be selected, with four more selected in 2024, to fill all eight sites along the walk. Sculptures will be on loan from selected artists for two years.

Around Town

Rotary Club Collects Toys, Installs President & Board at Holiday Mixer

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Charlie BreitroseRotary Club President Kim Severino, second from left, is installed along with members of the board: from left, Ray DuPuis, Paul DerBoghosian, Dan D’Amico, John Nealon, and Curtis Whitney. The following information was provided by the Rotary Club of Watertown:

On Nov. 30, The Rotary Club of Watertown hosted its inaugural Community Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive, where unwrapped toys and gift cards were generously donated by event attendees for the Whooley Foundation. The Club also installed its President and board members. Toy Drive

The toy drive was organized in cooperation with Lexus and Toyota of Watertown.

Around Town

Preliminary Plans Submitted for Multi-Story Garage at Transformed Watertown Mall

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Alexandria Real Estate EquitiesA conceptual drawing of the garage that may go at 480 Arsenal Way, and would be part of the “Watertown Mall Transformation.” The first step in the redevelopment of the Watertown Mall, and neighboring properties, appears to be the construction of a multi-level parking garage. It would be part of a complex that includes life science buildings, retail, and second parking garage. Alexandria Real Estate Equities submitted preliminary plans to the Watertown Planning Department for a 700-vehicle garage that would be built at 480 Arsenal Way. It is part of what developers are calling the “Watertown Mall Transformation Project.”

Around Town

Toyota of Watertown Collecting Toys for Whooley Foundation

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The following announcement was provided by Toyota of Watertown:

Toyota of Watertown has teamed up with the Watertown Police Department and the Whooley Foundation for the annual toy drive. Former Sergeant John “Sonny” Whooley began the tradition over 30 years ago. After he died, the Police Department decided to keep his spirit of giving alive and established the Whooley Foundation in Sonny’s honor. Toyota of Watertown is collecting donations of new unwrapped toys, gift cards, and monetary donations to assist with 100 different family’s in our community. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Toyota of Watertown at 149 Arsenal St., Watertown.

Around Town

Historic Paintings Removed from City Hall to be Restored Using Community Preservation Funds

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Charlie BreitroseEmployees from Maquette Fine Arts Services prepare one of the historic paintings in City Hall’s lobby to be removed from the wall for restoration. Stephen Munroe of Maquette, center, speaks with art preservationist Louise Orsini, right. Friday morning a quiet sense of anticipation filled the lobby of Watertown’s City Hall. The marble covered atrium was filled with history lovers and art preservationists waiting to see what secrets are held by a pair of paintings dating back to the early 1930s. The towering paintings have been inset into the walls of Watertown’s Town Hall (since 2021 City Hall) since it opened in 1932.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Introduces New Executive Director

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Board of Directors of Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) proudly announces the appointment of Athelia A. Tilson (Tia) as its next Executive Director. Tia is a seasoned, strategic leader, community activist, and fundraiser with over 20 years’ experience identifying and developing partnerships to strengthen non-profits, and deep work in the city’s community organizations.  

Tia has managed significant development efforts for major health, scientific, educational, and human services organizations, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Ariadne Labs, Pathfinder International, MIT, The Home for Little Wanderers, and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. “Tia brings extraordinary knowledge and understanding of how life sciences and research entities can collaborate with community partners to create opportunities for both to thrive, and we are thrilled she will be our next Executive Director,” said David Siegel, former WCF Co-President who chaired the Search Committee. 

Tia will formally join WCF in her new role on Jan. 2, 2023.

Around Town

Holiday Fun at Commanders Mansion’s Whoville Jubilee & Tree Lighting

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Charlie BreitroseA crowd gathered for the tree lighting outside the Watertown Commander’s Mansion on Saturday night. Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion shone with lights and welcomed hundreds of families for the 2022 Whoville Jubilee and Tree Lighting on Saturday. Visitors entered through an arch of lights, and were welcomed to the event by the Mayor of Whoville (City Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli). Charlie BreitroseVisitors to the Whoville Jubilee entered through an arch of lights. Food trucks served up goodies to hungry visitors, and free hot cocoa and cookies were provided for those feeling a bit peckish.

Around Town

Watertown High Basketball Teams Hosting Raiders Hoop Night

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown’s boys basketball reached the MIAA Div. 3 Final in 2022. This year’s team will be introduced at Raider Hoop Night. Both of Watertown High School’s 2022-23 varsity basketball teams will be introduced on Raiders Hoop Night. Youth players are invited to take part in skill stations and games with varsity players and coaches.