Watertown Author Launching New Historical Mystery at MCA

Jonathan Bockian

Watertown author Jonathan Bockian announced he will launch his new historical mystery novel What Was Forbidden: a Venice Ghetto mystery, in discussion with Pia Owens, author of the “Let’s Have It Out” newsletter, on Sunday, November 2, 2-4 p.m., at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged at the webpage linked here. What Was Forbidden is based on a true event in the Ghetto of Venice in 1672. A is brother is murdered, a truth is buried.

LETTER: Why I Think You Should Vote for My MOM!   

Dear Watertown!  

As the youngest of four kids , I’ve spent my whole life watching my mom, Amy Donohue, give her time and energy to the Watertown Public Schools. Education has always been number one in our house, whether it was volunteering on the PTO, helping with the Watertown Education Foundation events, or donating to every youth group and sports team you can think of. When I was younger, I used to roll my eyes because she seemed to know everyone. Every teacher, every coach, every parent.

Kids Eat Free at Watertown Restaurant on Halloween

Watertown’s Branch Line restaurant will host a Halloween party, and invites families to join in the fun. Children will eat for free on Oct. 31, and there will be music and games. See info from the restaurant, below. On Halloween, Branch Line is hosting a biergarten party on their covered, heated patio.

Charles River Chamber’s Fall Business Breakfast Features AG Andrea Campbell

The Charles River Regional Chamber will host the 110th Fall Business Breakfast with features speaker Attorney General Andrea Campbell on Friday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at the Newton Marriott Hotel, 2345 Commonwealth Ave. See more details provided by the Chamber, below. The Charles River Regional Chamber’s signature annual gathering, presented by Needham Bank, brings together hundreds of civic and business leaders for a morning of connection, inspiration, and celebration. 

Breakfast and networking kicks off at 7 a.m., with our program starting promptly at 8 a.m.

Our featured speaker will be Massachusetts’ Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who’ll be joined by NBC10 Boston’s Latoyia Edwards for a fireside chat.We’ll be honoring 2Life Communities’ CEO Amy Schectman with the chamber’s highest honor the R.L. Tennant Award and will hear from Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in her final address to the business community as mayor. 

Get your tickets before we sell out. Register here

OBIT: Richard Tashjian, 99, Former Long-Time Watertown Resident, Owned an Art Gallery

Richard Tashjian

Richard Hratch Tashjian, a well-known artist, passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2025, at the age of 99 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born on June 27, 1926, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Richard lived a life rich in creativity, love of nature and devotion to the fine arts. Richard served honorably in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II from 1944 to 1946, where he was an aerial photographer. Following his military service, Richard pursued his education with fervor, graduating from the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston in 1950 and further enhanced his skills in design under the tutelage of Professor Gyorgy Kepes at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Visual Design Architectural Center in Cambridge.

Small Saves Makes a Fashion Choice in This Week’s Comic

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Mosesian Center for the Arts Launches Artist-in-Residence Program

The following announcement was provided by the Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is thrilled to launch our new Artist-in-Residence Program! Designed to support emerging and mid-career artists across all disciplines – visual, performing, music, literary, and interdisciplinary – selected artists will receive 24-hour studio access, professional development opportunities, and the chance to share their work through public programs and a culminating exhibition. Please find attached a press release about our Artist-in-Residence program, now accepting applications through November 16. We’d appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with local artists and creative communities. Please feel free to reach out with questions or any ideas to collaborate further!

LETTER: Former Councilor Endorses City Council Candidate

Greetings East Enders, and Neighbors Beyond,

CONSIDER A VOTE FOR TOM TRACY CANDIDATE FOR WATERTOWN CITY COUNCILOR AT-LARGE. ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. Tom Tracy is a lifelong Watertown resident. Tom understands the nuances of Watertown’s diverse neighborhoods. Tom Tracy exemplifies what it means to give of oneself for the community where you raise your family, work and enjoy quality of life. Tom Tracy will speak for the people; because through his community interactions, Tom understands the challenges faced by the people who he will represent

Tom Tracy understands the worth of Watertown’s AAA Bond Rating – for 29 years, Tom served as Watertown’s Town/City Auditor – Tom played an integral Team role in formulating stable budgets that culminated in the acme of municipal finance

Tom Tracy personifies “Building for the Future” – Tom has held a leadership role on the School Building Committee since 2018

Please join me in voting for Tom Tracy on Tuesday, November 4th to continue our vision for Watertown’s neighborhood cohesiveness and financial wellbeing. In my opinion: Tom Tracy has earned our respect, votes and support!!! Thank you.