Watertown Boys and Girls Club Receives Grant from Barkamian Family Fund

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

Watertown Boys & Girls Club recently received a $15,000 grant from the Stephen H. Barkamian Family Fund of the Columbus Foundation. This grant will support programming that promotes character development, environmental stewardship, and a healthy lifestyle and will align with the Watertown Boys and Girls Club’s mission “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” Our sincerest thanks to all who donate to the Columbus Foundation.

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Rising Stars, 2023 Youth of the Year

Ashley Leal is presented the 2023 Watertown Boys and Girls Club’s Youth of the Year award by Doug Orifice of the Watertown Business Coalition. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club celebrated the Rising Stars and presented the Youth of the Year Award during the third annual event on March 8. The Youth of Year Competition embodies Boys & Girls Clubs of American’s three priority outcome areas of academic success, good character, and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. Being recognized YOY is the highest honor bestowed upon Club members. The Club sent out the following statement:

The nominees and judges of the 3rd Annual Watertown Boys & Girls Club Rising Stars Celebration and Youth of the Year Competition.

Watertown Police Take Children to Shop With a Cop at Target

Charlie BreitroseMembers of the Watertown Police Department took a group of kids from the Watertown Boys & Girls Club shopping at Target. One afternoon last week, the aisles of Target were filled with children looking for toys, clothes and other gifts. The kids were accompanied on their holiday shopping trip by members of the Watertown Police Department as part of the annual Shop with Cop program. The children, who came from the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, anxiously awaited the trip, said Peter Gardula, Director of Mission Advancement at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. “They’ve been looking forward to doing this the last three or four days,” Gardula said.

A Look Back at the First 50 Years of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

Watertown Cable

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club turned 50 years old in 2022, and during that time the club has faced its share of challenges to continue its mission of serving the youth of the community. On Oct. 28, the Club hosted a 50th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the people who made the first half century possible, and asked for support to continue serving Watertown. Watertown came together to build the clubhouse on land on Whites Avenue, near the then-Town Hall, now City Hall. The first step was to get approval to use the land, recalled Allen Gallagher, who served as Executive Director from 1991 to 2012.

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates 50th Years of Serving the Youth of Watertown

Charlie BreitroseGov. Charlie Baker speaks to Watertown Boys & Girls members Heloisa Breder and Sophia Torres, who introduced him at the Club’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club opened its doors 50 years ago, and has been a place for the youth of the town to have fun, learn, and inspire them as they look to the future. The people who founded the Club, guided it through tough times, and built its solid foundation were honored at Friday night’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The Hellenic Cultural Center welcomed friends and family of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, including some of the earliest members. The audience of distinguished guests included former board members, board presidents, and executive directors, along with the Governor of Massachusetts.

Vote for Favorite Carved Pumpkin in Arsenal Yards’ Contest

Arsenal Yards provided the following information:

Our annual Pumpkin Carving Contest is BACK during Fall Falladays at Arsenal Yards. Pumpkins will be on display in the River Green from Friday, October 28th (at 6pm) to Monday, October 31st. Stop by, select your favs and help us carve out a winner! NEW this year! All votes will be entered to win a $100 Gift Card to their favorite Arsenal Yards destination. Pumpkin designs are submitted from the local community and all proceeds for this contest supports the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.

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

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.

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

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.