Around Town

LETTER: Standing Up For Immigrants

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“We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and in justice, equity, and compassion for all.”

So reads a large banner recently placed on the front lawn of the First Parish of Watertown. The banner is the centerpiece of a larger display of statements on smaller signs affirming the central role immigrants have played in the history of this country, and the deplorable conditions that they are now facing at our border with Mexico. As the signs confirm, President Kennedy once said “Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” Yet “Since 2018, at least 7 children have died in U.S. immigration custody, after 10 years in which no child reportedly died in U.S. Customs and Border Patrol custody.”

Another smaller sign tells us that according to Dr. Julie Linton, Co-chair of the Immigration Health Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Detention facilities are basically concrete floors with mats and barbed wire fencing and bright lights 24/7.”

The display calls public attention to the harsh and inhumane treatment thousands of immigrants have received at the Mexican border, and seeks to rally widespread support for immigration reform. It also aims to reassure immigrants in Watertown that they are welcome, respected, and valued in this community, in keeping with the words of U Thant, third Secretary General of the United Nations, who said “Every human being of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must respect others even as we respect ourselves.”

Near the end of the row of signs, a statement by Dina Nyeri reminds us that “It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” The very last sign poses the challenge “What will you do?” A handout of positive actions everyone can take to support immigrants is available in a box next to this sign.

Around Town

Pair Who Helped Asylum Seekers at Border to Speak in Watertown

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Several Watertown citizen groups announced they will host the event “Stories from the Border: Roots and Realities with Raquel Bauman and Sylvia Cowan.” The group sent out the following information:

Wednesday, November 20 7:00 p.m – 8:30 p.m. First Parish of Watertown 35 Church Street

Raquel Bauman and Sylvia Cowan of First Parish Bedford went to the Border as Spanish-speaking volunteers in a detention center to assist asylum-seekers and to observe events in Mexico and Texas last February.  They will share stories they heard and events they witnessed first-hand there, along with updates and a look at origins of this growing humanitarian crisis on our Mexican Border. Since that time, the situation has continued to escalate into a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis—both on the U.S. border and in neighboring Mexico. Sylvia & Raquel invite you to accompany them vicariously on their journey. Come hear what they learned, aspects of the current realities, and exploration of roots of this crisis.  In the end, we are invited to consider what steps we all might take to live our values of justice for all and helping one another. Sponsored by First Parish of Watertown, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment, World in Watertown, Watertown Welcomes Immigrants, and Survival Education Fund, Inc.

Around Town

First Parish Watertown Holding Fifth Arts & Crafts Show

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First Parish Church of Watertown hosts a yard sale on May 3. The following announcement came from First Parish Church:

Once again this year, on Saturday, Oct. 26, First Parish of Watertown’s artists and crafters, joined by other talented vendors, opens its doors at 10 a.m. for its fifth arts and crafts show and sale. Originally conceived as a fundraiser to help pay for the replacement of an ancient heating system, the show now supports not only the church but also the artists and crafters whose high quality, affordably-priced items make great hostess and holiday gifts. Among the Watertown residents participating are Carole Katz (paintings); Missy Shay (quilts); Monica Fairbairn (jewelry); woven rugs (Johanna Erickson) and nature photography items (Carole Berney).

Around Town

First Parish of Watertown Holding Rummage Sale

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The following announcement came from the First Parish of Watertown:

The First Parish Church of Watertown will be hosting a rummage sale on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. The rummage sale had been a tradition for many years, but was discontinued for a couple years. A number of new parishioners have stepped forward to revive the event. As with previous rummage sales, the items for sale will be from First Parish members and the sale is a community-wide social event to which anyone can come. The minimal proceeds will be applied to church operational expenses.    

Entertainment

The Halalisa Singers Present ‘Voices of Hope’ in Watertown

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The Halalisa Singers will be performing at Watertown’s First Parish Church. The following information was provided by Halalisa Singers:

Artistic Director Mary Cunningham leads the 39-voice Halalisa Singers  in Voices of Hope and Heart, a timely concert offering messages of hope in adversity and the power of love to bring joy and healing. Accompanying the singers will be Trevor Berens and percussionist Bertram Lehmann. The ensemble will repeat the diverse program showcasing American values of inclusiveness and justice on a May 2019 tour of Ireland with performances in Dublin, Kinsale, Killarney, and Galway. Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St., Reading.

Arts

Watertown Church Hosting Harvest Arts & Crafts Show

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The following information was provided by First Parish of Watertown:

The First Parish of Watertown, located at 35 Church Street in Watertown Square, is hosting their first Harvest Art & Crafts Show on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 am to 3 p.m.

The show is includes a wide variety of art and crafts including paintings, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, as well as quilts, bees wax, knitware, and woven items. It’s free to enter so stop in and enjoy the art. First Parish is fully accessible when entering via the Summer Street (parking lot) entrance. The current list of artist are: Gwen Chasan, Ellen Hurley, Mary Hulse, Judy Kamm,
Carole Katz, Carole Smith Berney, Monica Fairbairn, Lora McLaughlin, Kim Katz,
Judy Noonan, Sheri Kennedy, Nora Neale, Missy Shay, Marianne Collins, and Kathy Warren. Baked goods will also be sold.

Entertainment

Grammy Winner Appearing at Tremedal Concert in Watertown

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This week’s Tremedal Concert features Grammy winning recording artist Bill Harley with Rachel Panich and Kirsten Lamb. The concert will be on Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. at First Parish Unitarian Church, 35 Church Street, Watertown, Mass. According to the concert organizers, Bill – the winner of two Grammy Awards – uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of American life. With over 35 award-winning recordings and a dozen books to his credit, Bills work honors the universal, the joys and hardships we all share. Also appearing with Bill are Rachel Panitch and Marty Ballou.

Entertainment

Halalisa Singers Performing Songs from Around the World in Watertown

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The Halalisa Singers present Music Down in My Soul: Songs of hope and spirit from around the world, on Saturday, April 8, 8 p.m. at Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, and on Sunday, April 9, 3 p.m., First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church St. The world music choral ensemble is led by Artistic Director Mary Cunningham, accompanied by Trevor Berens, piano and Bertram Lehmann, percussion. 

Music Down in My Soul features heartfelt, joyful selections to inspire hopefulness, strength in action and togetherness for both the audience and singers. Focusing on music with lyrics including ‘We keep our dreams alive, together we survive’, the program brims with positive spirit and inspirational messages. This soulful mix of spirituals, gospel, and contemporary choral music spans 300 years of courage and resistance from the Americas, Yemen, China, Tanzania, and South Africa, sung in Mandarin, Spanish, Hebrew, Swahili and Zulu. These are songs of praise bursting with positive energy, dynamic contrasts, captivating solos, exciting percussion, and a wide range of layered vocal textures.