Charity

Watertown Boy Using His Cancer Diagnosis as an Inspiration for Good

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Nov. 3 was a bad day for Watertown’s Gabriel Aljalian and his family. That was the date in 2012 when, at the age of 3, Gabriel was diagnosed with leukemia. Now, he wants to turn it into one full of acts of kindness. 

Despite facing a deadly disease, Gabriel always found a way to smile and let his “brave and bright spirit shine through,” said his mother Natasha. “Inevitably, this time of year, we start to see diagnosis date closing in on the calendar.  We wanted to change the meaning of this day – and change it from a dark and sad one to a happy one that helps spread light and happiness,” said Natasha, who has lived in Watertown for 16 years with her husband Arakel, the pastor of St.

Breast Cancer

Lexus of Watertown Leading Event to Raise Money to Fight Breast Cancer

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A group of Massachusetts business leaders committed to fight breast cancer recently gathered at Lexus of Watertown for the first-ever Drive to End Breast Cancer event. 

The event kicked-off the Susan G. Komen Massachusetts Pink Tie Guys campaign, presented by Lexus of Watertown. Pink Tie Guys are an exclusive group of local men who are committed to the fight against breast cancer in Massachusetts, according to an announcement send by Lexus of Watertown. These community leaders will demonstrate their commitment by raising a minimum of $1,008 for Komen Massachusetts, representing the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. WEEI Morning Show co-host John Dennis, who is a friend and customer of General Manager of Lexus of Watertown Vincent Liuzzi, also came down to lend his support. “We have heard so many stories from our employees and customers about how breast cancer has affected their families,” Liuzzi said. “Lexus of Watertown is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen Massachusetts Pink Tie Guys to support these families during treatments.

Charity

Watertown Boy Collects Presents for Kids at Children’s Hospital

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When Brady Gleason turned 9, he decided to have his guests bring presents – not for himself but for kids at Children’s Hospital. Gleason, a third-grader at the Hosmer School, asked each of his friends to bring a soccer ball. His father Shane sent over a photo: “This was the end result – over 30 soccer balls!” Brady plays soccer for the Watertown U9 Rangers and recently scored the winning goal in the team’s 3-2 win over the Lincoln Geckos, Shane said. Charity runs in the family.

Charity

Watertown High Robotics Club Honored for Support of Relay for Life

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The Watertown High School KwarQs formed to compete in FIRST Robotics competitions, but they have also established a legacy for community service. Their volunteerism was honored by the American Cancer Society for their work at the Watertown Newton Waltham Relay for Life.  

The club start in 2011, and every year 10-20 KwarQs have taken part, said Jennifer Braun, community manager for the Relay for Life. “They have been great. They help set up and take down after the event,” Braun said. “If we need help, we say, ‘Go grab some KwarQs, they will help us.'”

KwarQs coach Nic Smits said that Relay for Life is just one of the charitable events which the team joins.

Entertainment

Series of Concerts Benefiting Watertown’s Sister City Starts Saturday

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The first of the Tremedal Concerts will be held this Saturday at the First Parish Church in Watertown. The proceeds after expenses support Watertown’s sister community in El Salvador – Nueva Esperanza. The concert features Linda Waterfall, a prolific performer, recording artist songwriter who has been performing for going on 40 years. Watertfall performs on a double bill with Oen Kennedy Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at First Parish Church, 35 Church St. in Watertown.

Charity

Belmont Watertown Methodist Church Holding Fundraiser

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The Belmont Watertown Methodist Church will hold a fundraiser for a program that provides assistance to immigrants to the area. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, diners who present a voucher at the Bertucci’s at 275 Centre Street in Newton or the one at Alewife at 5 Cambridge Park Drive in Cambridge will have 15 percent of the bill donated to New England Justice for Our Neighbors. The group welcomes immigrants into local Methodist churches and communities by providing free, high-quality immigration and legal services, education, and advocacy. Find out more about the Belmont Watertown United Methodist Church at www.bwumc.org or call 857-600-1282.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Offering Grants for Health Programs

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Groups interested in applying for a grant of up to $2,500 for health-related programs in Watertown can attend the Watertown Community Foundation informational meeting. 
The Foundation sent out the following information:

The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) announces its health-related grant program to support local nonprofits, programs, and projects. The “Healthy Watertown” Program will award grants designed to help organizations that serve Watertown develop new or continue existing programs with a health focus, broadly defined. Eligible organizations may apply for grants up to $2,500. These grants are funded by a grant to WCF from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The application deadline is Oct.

Charity

Watertown Woman Walking to End Alzheimers in Honor of Grandmother

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Watertown resident Tori Wilbur will participate in the Central New Hampshire Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Arms Park in Manchester, N.H., the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter announced. “We are doing the Walk as a family in support of our grandmother,” said Wilbur, whose grandmother was diagnosed two years ago. “She is living with my grandfather but we are all helping to take care of her. We are a very close family of seven grandchildren who all love her very much.”