VIDEO/PHOTO: Inauguration Day at Newton City Hall

With a new term officially starting yesterday, the city held its annual inaugural to swear in the 2012-2013 Board of Aldermen and School Committee.

The afternoon at included music, prayer, and optimism for moving forward through the next term. 

"I want to thank you for committing your intellect, passion and time to serve Newton," Mayor Setti Warren during the ceremonies. "Our community is and will continue to be great because of the dedication  and involvement of citizens like you. Let us go forward this year resolved to ensure our wonderful city meets its full potential."

After being sworn in, board and committee members officially elected their 2012-2013 leadership, positions that were decided in November during and caucuses. 

In addition to Warren, School Committee Chairwoman Claire Sokoloff and Board President Scott Lennon offered remarks; the two thanked their colleagues for their past work and acknowledged the challenges moving forward. 

"I want to say what an honor it has been leading this board over the last two years, and thank all of you, my colleagues, for the trust and the faith you have shown in me, in a kid from Nonantum who can lead this board for another term," Lennon said. 

During his time at the podium, Lennon thanked Board Vice Chairwoman Cheryl Lappin for her work leading the board with him. He also acknowledged the work of City Clerk David Olson and the city staff that help keep the board work organized. 

"[Olson] is incredible and we are extremely lucky to have him. He gets more things done than any of you even know. He is extremely smart, hard working and he has a grasp of everything that goes on at City Hall," Lennon said. "There is no way that we could have done much without David Olson and his entire staff."

Lennon also announced who will chair the board's various subcommittees during the next term. The appointments are as follows:

• Land Use: Ted Hess-Mahan, chair; Mitchell Fischman, vice chair
• Zoning & Planning: Marcia Johnson, chair; Vicki Danberg, vice chair
• Programs & Services: Amy Sangiolo, chair; Stephen Linsky, vice char
• Public Safety & Transportation: Allan Ciccone Jr., chair; Jay Harney, vice-chair
• Public Facilities: Anthony Salvucci, chair; Deb Crossley, vice chair
• Finance: Lenny Gentile, chair; Ruthanne Fuller, vice chair
• Real Property & Reuse (ad-hoc): Susan Albright, chair; Carleton Merrill, vice chair
• Long Range Planning: Stephen Linsky, chair; Greer Tan Swiston, vice chair

's Jubilee Singers as well as the String Quartet performed during yesterday's ceremonies, which were attended by a large crowd of family, friends, city staff and local state officials. 

State Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton) and State Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown) were present during the ceremonies, as well as former Board President Brooke Lipsitt. 

In addition, Rabbi Ben Shalva of , Reverend Erin Splaine of the and Monsignor Dennis Sheehan of offered prayers and remarks during the ceremony.