Around Town

Board Presidents Remembered as Part of Watertown Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on October 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to the Club’s success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher. “We have been so fortunate to work with such amazing individuals.

Around Town

A Nod to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club Alumni as the Club Celebrates 50 Years

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on October 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to the Club’s success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher. “Our alumni reflect our emphasis on character development and good citizenship.

Around Town

Local Businesses That Have Contributed to the Success of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

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The following piece was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on Oct. 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to the Club’s success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors, Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome and nurturing resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the children every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, as well as some of the outstanding youth who have benefited from their experience at the club. The number of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here are 50 for 50, each one equally as meaningful as the other.

Around Town

West Suburban YMCA Recognizing Board Chair at Annual Gala

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West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci (left) and Board of Directors Chair Ned Morse. The following announcement was provided by the West Suburban YMCA:

The West Suburban YMCA will host its Annual Gala on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, a special event that will recognize retiring board chair Ned Morse’s six decades of involvement with the Y while raising vital funds that support the nonprofit organization’s many programs and services. Morse, the gala’s Special Guest of Honor, started as a camper and staffer at the Y’s Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, built long-lasting relationships while working out in the Y’s gym, and served for many years on the Board of Directors. Morse, a retired attorney who worked in health care, leading the state’s nursing home trade association, will soon complete his second term as board chair this fall. His first term was in the 1990s when the Y embarked on a major capital campaign to add a gymnasium and pool. “Not many people go from camp counselor to board chair, but that arc exemplifies Ned’s lifelong dedication and service to our Y community,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “We are excited to show our appreciation for Ned at the Annual Gala as we celebrate our achievements and come together for our largest fundraising event of the year to support our mission.”

The Y has set a $100,000 fundraising goal for the 2022 gala. Guests are encouraged to wear flapper dresses, jazz suits and other festive period attire to match the “Roaring Twenties” theme.

Around Town

Boys & Girls Club Remembers Those Who Contributed to the Club’s Successful First 50 Years

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As the Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) approaches its 50th anniversary Gala celebration on Oct. 28, 2022, the list of those who have contributed to its success is long. As part of the celebration, the last two executive directors Renee Gaudette and Allen Gallagher, who shepherded the Club for more than 30 years consecutively, recollected some of those who helped make the Club such a welcome resource for the children and teens of Watertown. The list includes folks who guided the kids every day, who have donated their time, talent, and treasure, and even some of the notable Club kids. The list of contributors extends far beyond those on this list, but in the spirit of this golden milestone, here’s 50 for 50, a by-no-means comprehensive and in-no-particular-order list of those who come to mind for Gaudette and Gallagher.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Hosting Gala, to Give Awards in Celebration of 50th Anniversary

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Watertown Boys & Girls ClubA photo taken at the foundation of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club in 1972. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Gala event, “Celebrating Gold” on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Watertown. This special evening marks a half-century of dedication and commitment to the youth of Watertown and will honor the accomplishments of Club members, staff, volunteers and everyone in the community who have inspired and empowered youth to build great futures. The evening program will recognize community members, Mr. John Airasian and Mrs. Kelley MacDonald with two special awards for their instrumental roles in the growth and sustainability of the Club.

Entertainment

New Rep Theatre Hosting Virtual Gala, Complimentary and Experience Tickets Available

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The following information came from New Repertory Theatre:

New Rep is thrilled to announce our 2021 gala:

“Technical Difficulties: A New Rep Gala ”

Our virtual gala will present electrifying performances, entertainment, and honorees with a digital twist, embracing the technological hiccups of the digital world with humor and joy. We’ll celebrate the resilience of our organization in an event that might not be free from glitches, but is guaranteed to be an evening of unforgettable fun. Virtual galas never feel quite the same as the real thing. We know this, you know this—there’s no use beating around the bush! Virtual galas never encompass the Gala experience….

Schools

Gala Raising Money for Group that Helps Families 11 Communities, Including Watertown

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Communities United, Inc. (CUI), a non-profit organization that provides high-quality education and family services throughout eleven MetroWest cities and towns, announced today that its 5th annual gala fundraiser – ‘Back on Track: Funding our Children’s Futures’ – will take place virtually this year on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

The gala is free to attend and open to the public.Teachers and staff from CUI will be speaking on the daily challenges they face as they prepare to teach in the new age of COVID-19. WCVB-TV Channel 5, Boston’s news and community leader, serves as the exclusive media partner and News Center 5 Anchor Ed Harding will emcee. There will also be a special guest performance by Emmy Award-winning singer and songwriter Rachel Platten who will sing her hit, ‘Fight Song.’

During the approximately forty-five-minute-long virtual event, members of CUI will share with viewers the amazing and innovative ways they supported children and families such as sending home the book of week with activities each week and what life is like for their teachers and staff during this challenging time. They will also ask for donations to help purchase supplies suitable for maintaining social distancing guidelines that will keep the teachers and students safe and in class. Sponsorship opportunities for the virtual gala are still available as well. 

“This year presents a different challenge for CUI with the many restrictions of COVID-19, but I am confident that our teachers and staff will make this school year our most effective one to date,” said Terri Natale, Executive Director at Communities United, Inc. “Our teachers rose to the challenge with innovative solutions when we had to close mid-March, and we want to equip them with the necessary funds and resources as they prepare for what will most likely be a challenging school year, as home distance learning will be the primary mode of education for nearly half of our children.”

Communities United, Inc. provides educational programs and family services to families within the local community. The team is made up of 80 employees including teachers, social workers and administrators.