Around Town

Watertown-Based Pathfinder International Names New Board Chair

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The following announcement was provided by Pathfinder International:

Pathfinder International is pleased to announce that Collin Mothupi will serve as the organization’s new board chair. Mothupi has been on Pathfinder’s board of directors since 2017 and is the first Pathfinder board chair born and raised in sub-Saharan Africa, where the organization operates many of its programs.

Born in Uganda to a South African political exile imprisoned for activism against the apartheid regime, Mothupi spent his early life as a refugee in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. During that time, he worked as a child actor and an environmental activist as a founding member of Roots & Shoots, a Jane Goodall Institute youth organization. “Pathfinder’s work in the countries where I grew up exemplifies the power of community-driven programs to the health and well-being of Africans,” said Mothupi. “Pathfinder programs are unique in the humanitarian aid sector as they truly reflect the interests, culture, history, and voices of the people they serve.

Around Town

Entries Wanted for Watertown Holiday Lighting & Decorations Contest

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Enter the Watertown Holiday Decorations and Lights Contest and win money for yourself and your favorite local charity. Which house in Watertown has the best holiday display? If you think it is your home, enter the Watertown Holiday Lighting & Decoration Contest. The winner will receive a $250 American Express gift card and $250 for your favorite Watertown charity or non-profit organization. Homes will be judged on the following criteria:

Unique design and creative use of lights and decorationsStoryline or themeDisplay and placement of decorations, animated objects, etc.Overall presentation

Judges will not enter the home or walk in the yard.

Around Town

Boston’s Prudential Center Turned Blue for Perkins School for the Blind This Month

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The Prudential Center sports a blue top and towers over Boston’s Back Bay skyline. The following announcement was provided by Perkins School for the Blind:

Earlier this month, Perkins School for the Blind lit up the Back Bay skyline as part of the Prudential Center’s Annual 31 Nights of Light program. Each night during December the Prudential Tower shines bright to celebrate local Boston-area organizations. Perkins selected Dec. 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to shine a light on the 240 million children around the world with disabilities.

Around Town

Nationwide Health & Wellness Program for Kids Started with Local Organization Teaming with Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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A local non-profit organization that provides health and wellness classes to youth around the country got its start by working with the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. One for Health was created by a pair of friends since junior high school, Bruce Campelia and Tom Miller, who came up with the idea in 2011 while sitting next to Lake Winnipesaukee. They wanted to do something to help change the tide of rising childhood obesity and poor health in America, and came up with the idea of providing free classes. Miller had experience building brands having started an advertising specialty business from scratch and making it into a firm that is well known in the industry. Campelia founded technology start-ups and later moved into health and created a wellness center in Pennsylvania.

Around Town

Watertown Inauguration Will Take Place at the Mosesian Center in January

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Watertown’s newly elected officials will be sworn in at an inauguration ceremony to be held at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The inauguration includes the City Council President, eight City Councilors, three members of the School Committee and three members of the Board of Library Trustees. The ceremony is free and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

The City of Watertown requests the honor of your presence to attend and participate in the Inauguration of the City Council, School Committee, and Library Board of Trustees, on Monday, the third of January, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two, at the Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts located at 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, Massachusetts, at Ceremony at Seven O’clock in the evening.

Around Town

Hundreds Get in the Holiday Spirit at Watertown’s Tree Lighting

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Tree Lighting and other activities drew a crowd at the Commander’s Mansion. Hundreds of children and their parents flocked to the Commander’s Mansion Saturday evening for the Watertown Tree Lighting. One lucky family was selected in a raffle to turn on the lights on the Christmas tree set up outside the Mansion. The winning ticket was selected by the Mayor of Whoville, played by City Council President Mark Sideris. The winning family was escorted over to the light switch next to the tree by a parade led by the Tuba Guy.

Around Town

Library Collecting Stories & Images of Watertown Since 1950, Hosting Author Talk & Concert & More in December

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Library is collecting images and stories about the city’s recent history. WFPL is embarking on a mission to collect stories and images from Watertown’s recent history, from 1950 to the present day, and we need your help! Want to volunteer for the Library and help preserve the story of Watertown’s diverse community? Join our corps of Digitization Day volunteers in 2022. Sign up now on our volunteer page. Coming up this month, learn about the language of cults with Amanda Montell, join the Zinesters’ Club (open to teens and adults), or attend a Coffeehouse Concert at WFPL with free refreshments from O’Some Café! 

For Children

Baby Story TimeMondays and Wednesdays | 11 AM | In the Library | A Librarian will read stories and lead activities. For babies who are not walking. Registration required.

Around Town

Church of the Good Shepherd Holding Series of Holiday Events, Services

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Church of the Good Shepherd

The following announcement was provided by the Church of the Good Shepherd:

The Church of the Good Shepherd has announced its annual series of holiday events. Good Shepherd, Watertown’s Episcopal church, is the historic stone church at 9 Russell Ave. on the corner of Mt. Auburn Street. The public is welcome to all events. 

Rev. Andrew Goldhor will officiate at the popular Blue Christmas service on Thursday, Dec.