Around Town

OBIT: Elaine (Walsh) Conley, WHS Grad, Mother of Four

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Elaine M. (Walsh) Conley, 52, of Topsfield, died Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston following a year-long battle with leukemia. She was the wife of the late Chelsea Police Detective Scott M. Conley, who predeceased her on March 15, 2024. Born in Waltham on March 22, 1972, she was the daughter of the late William Walsh and Marie (Graham) Walsh of Burlington (partner John Aste). In addition to her mother, she leaves four beautiful children, Aidan, Max, Keira, and Shea Conley, all of Topsfield, whom she adored above all. She was raised and educated in Watertown, was a graduate of Watertown High School and furthered her education with a Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater State College and a Master’s Degree from Tufts University. She then went on to pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist.

Around Town

Volunteers Wanted to Serve on the Pride Event Committee

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Pride Committee is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated residents to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the planning and execution of the premiere event that celebrates and supports our LGBTQ+ community. About the Pride Committee: 

The Pride Committee is responsible for organizing events, activities, and initiatives that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality within our community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Pride Committee’s main responsibility will be to assist in planning and organizing the Watertown Pride Parade and Festival in June.

Around Town

Hibernians Hosting Red Cross Blood and Food Drive

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) announced it will host a blood drive and food drive on Dec. 28 at Hibernian Hall. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and enter: AOH to schedule an appointment.

Around Town

Statue to be Unveiled at Armenian Cultural & Educational Center

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Watertown’s Armenian Cultural Educational Center will unveil a statue dedicated to a well known Armenian Musician, teacher and choirmaster on what would be his 155th birthday. the ACEC provided the following information. Join the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) for the unveiling of the statue of renowned Armenian musician, teacher and choirmaster Komitas Vartabed on Saturday, November 9th, at 1 p.m.

This year marks the 155th birthday of Komitas, who was an Armenian priest, composer, choirmaster, singer, music ethnologist, music teacher and musicologist, known as the founder of modern Armenian classical music and the Armenian national school of music. Komitas spent his life gathering folk songs in the Armenian Highlands and was named the father of Armenian Folk Music.

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Registration Open for Watertown Recreation’s Winter Programs

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It’s time to sign up for the Watertown Recreation Department’s Winter Programs, which include a variety of sports, and other activities. The Recreation Department has a variety of programs for children in PreK to fifth grade, including All-Sports, archery, baton twirling, chess, Kids Test Kitchen, basketball, Space Fleet Robot, wrestling, and chemical creations. Programs for middle and high school students include the Wachusett ski/board program for grades 6-12, Girls Get Strong, and middle school girls volleyball. Adult programs include coed volleyball, pickleball, archery, and basketball open gym. Register online by clicking here.

Around Town

LETTER: Reflection on Working Collaboratively in Watertown

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By Clyde Younger

Publicly notifying a Watertown’s Manager that I no longer have respect for him is unprecedented on my part. I believe the action requires an explanation since it represents an unusual sentiment; especially, from a former elected officer of Watertown. I know it appeared to some it came from left field; however, this transgression was not the first time on his part. 

Let me say bluntly, as a former elected official, I know the number of constructive and meaningful projects that I have participated in. Consequentially, I am not going to have someone come in the town and consider me irrelevant. Apparently, he has not taken time to know that I am not a Clarence Thomas. Further, I strongly believe any resident, voter or not, who has written a letter to those elected or appointed deserves, at minimum, an acknowledgement of receipt of a letter.

Around Town

2025 Watertown Unity Breakfast Returns as In-Person Event

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The following announcement was provided by the Unity Breakfast Committee:

Please join us for a Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Hellenic Cultural Center.  We are thrilled to announce that this year, the 25th anniversary of this important community event, will be in-person for the first time since 2020. 

The Unity Breakfast honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights movement leaders, and celebrates our vibrant and inclusive community. The event is organized by World in Watertown in partnership with Watertown Public Schools, Watertown Police Department, Watertown Cable News, and numerous local groups and coalitions. The program will feature live music, an essay contest with middle and high school student reflections, and the presentation of our annual Unity Award to a person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in supporting the Watertown community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in student-facilitated conversations centered on the principles of Kingian nonviolence. Mark your calendar and save the date!