Entertainment

Watertown Author’s Book Honored in Mass. Book Awards

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Watertown author Robin Bernstein’s book was honored in the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown author and cultural historian Robin Bernstein’s book “Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder That Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit,” was honored during the Massachusetts Book Awards. The 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards were announced in September, and Bernstein’s book was one of two to receive honors in the Nonfiction category. Bernstein is a cultural historian who specializes in U.S. racial formation since the 19th Century, and has published four books. “Freeman’s Challenge” tells a gripping, morally complicated story of murder, greed, race, and the true origins of prison for profit.

Elections

Watertown Library Trustee Candidates to Appear at Live Forum; More Forums Planned

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The candidates for the Watertown Board of Library Trustees will appear at a forum co-hosted by Watertown Cable and Watertown News. The event will take place on Monday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. The public is invited to hear from the candidates. The candidates are: Xin Peng, Pia Owens, Leanne Hammonds, and Fowler Brown.

Elections

Voting Locations Changing for Many Watertown Residents in 2025

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Several polling places in Watertown will be moving to a new location for the 2025 Watertown Election. City Councilors had concerns about how voters will know where to go to vote. Voters in precincts 2, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 will be casting their ballots at a new location during the Nov. 4, 2025 election. See the chart below for addresses.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn Honors, Graduate & More

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Watertown students at MCPHS, Hamilton College, Holy Cross, SNHU, Rhode Island, and Muhlenberg College have received honors, graduated or had other achievements. Honors List

MCPHS University

Ayushi Saxena of Watertown, Massachusetts, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University. Saxena is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Government

Council Gives City Manager High Marks in Review, Also Some Suggestions

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis. City Manager George Proakis received a high rating from the City Council in his annual review for Fiscal Year 2025, though members of the Council had some constructive criticism, too. The results of the annual review were presented during the Sept. 9 City Council meeting. Each councilor rated Proakis on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being highest, said City Council President Mark Sideris.