Arsenal Project’s Holiday Events Feature New Rep Actors and Singing

Head to the Arsenal Project this weekend for two free children’s holiday happenings – one featuring actors from the New Rep Theatre and the other has singers from the Watertown Children’s Theatre. On Saturday, Dec. 5, actors from New Rep’s holiday production – “The Snow Queen” – will read from the play. That will be followed by music and winter crafts for kids of all ages. There will also be a raffle for a pair of tickets to The Snow Queen!

Perkins School’s Free Holiday Concert is Open to the Public

The Perkins School for the Blind will hold two holiday concerts at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Dwight Hall, 175 North Beacon St. The Perkins School for the Blind orchestra, handbell ensemble, student chorus and chamber singers will perform holiday music featuring traditional and popular classical, barbershop harmony and seasonal carols sung in Spanish, Hebrew and Latin. The school will also host a marketplace with logo items and handmade gifts as well as refreshments from the Perkins bakery.

See Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion Decorated for the Holidays

Holiday lights, dancing and hot cocoa filled Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion during the recent Holiday Open House. The town-owned, historic home opened its doors on Dec. 18. Rooms were filled with Christmas trees, nutcrackers and other holiday items.

Santa Claus paid a visit and members of Ballroom in Boston danced on the first floor and attendees enjoyed hot cocoa and treats. The decorations, entertainment and refreshment were provided by Home Depot, Watertown Savings Bank, Cass the Florist, Dunkin Donuts/Riverside Management Group, BG Event Catering, AA Rental Center and Ballroom in Boston.

Whooley Foundation Provides Gifts for Watertown Kids in Need

Each year, just before Christmas, the Community Room at the Watertown Police Station fills with toys destined for families struggling during the holiday season. The effort is the continuation of the work of the late-Sgt. John “Sonny” Whooley – a Watertown Police officer who made it his mission to make the children in the community a little happier, said Det. David Collins, who oversees the drive these days. Members of the Watertown Police and Fire departments do much of the work.

Tufts Health Plan Drive Brings in Gifts for Hundreds of Children

Employees of Tufts Health Plan donated nearly 300 gifts to give out to those in need. 

Each year, the names, ages and requests of children and adults in need are strung on Wish Trees at Tufts Health Plan, giving employees the chance to grant those holiday wishes. This year, the nearly 300 gifts donated by employees were given to clients of three local service organizations: the Cambridge Salvation Army, the Malden Salvation Army and Fernald Center of Waltham, according to the Tufts announcement. In addition, the estimated value of the gift contributions was matched with a cash donation by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.