OBIT: James “Jim” Brennan Jr., 63, Computer Wizard & Educator

Jim Brennan

A Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” Joseph Brennan, Jr. of Watertown will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 39 Sixth Street, East Cambridge. Jim was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, to the late James Joseph Brennan, Sr. and Donna Marie (Smith) Brennan. He passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2026, at the age of 63.

Monthly Watertown Pride Mid-Season Events at Ritcey East

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Ritcey East will host Watertown Pride Mid-Season Events each month leading up to Watertown Pride 2026 in June. See details in the announcement from the Watertown Pride Committee, below. Feb. 10: Trivia

Prizes (donated by local businesses) will be awarded to winners of each round. March 10: Time Travel Tuesday

We’ll spin some tunes throwing back to the 80s and 90s and watch some Campy shows from that fabulous era.

LETTER: Housing Production — A Review of Small, but Industrious Watertown (Past, Present and Future)

By Linda ScottWatertown Resident

We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us. – Winston Churchill

This is a follow-up to “Where is your Neighborhood Going? (Parts One and Two)”

As I read the responses to the above letters in Watertown News, I decided that maybe an overview of recent housing development in Watertown was in order. So here goes. Watertown’s Bona Fides

Watertown has proven again and again that we are a thoughtful, generous community.

Jazz Vocalist Kris Adams Performing in MCA’s Chords & Cocktails Series

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

The Mosesian Center for the Arts continues its relaunched jazz series, Chords and Cocktails, with an evening of expressive jazz, lyrical storytelling, and world-class musicianship. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM, acclaimed vocalist Kris Adams is joined by legendary trumpeter, composer, and arranger Greg Hopkins, along with an ensemble of distinguished musicians, for an intimate performance in the Dinah Lane Theater. Known for her warm tone, emotional clarity, and deep connection to lyric and melody, Adams is a celebrated jazz vocalist and educator whose work bridges classic jazz traditions and contemporary expression. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, she has performed internationally at festivals and venues across the United States and Europe, including Italy’s Fara Sabina Jazz Festival. Her recordings have been praised for their nuance, sensitivity, and musical honesty.

Watertown’s Non-Profits to be Showcased at Watertown Business Coalition Event

Show some love for local non-profit organization during the Watertown Business Coalition’s Share the Love event on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. See details from the WBC, below. Join us at Branch Line’s heated patio for a LOVE-ly evening of networking, connection, and fun! This Valentine’s event brings Watertown nonprofit organizations together to share their missions, their passion, and all the ways they help make our community stronger. Mingle, make new connections, and learn a little more about the causes that keep Watertown thriving.

Enjoy Warm Nourishing Bites at Live Well Watertown’s Winter Gathering

The City of Watertown’s Live Well Watertown program is hosting an Eat Well Community Event on Feb. 4 at the Watertown Library. See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown, below. Registration is open for Live Well Watertown’s first Eat Well Community Event in 2026, Warm Nourishing Bites: A Winter Gathering at the Watertown Public Library – Savings Bank Room on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Start the new year the best way possible — together.

Small Saves Cartoon: Car or Team Bus?

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.”

Registration Open for the 2026 Run of the Charles Paddle Race

The Charles River Watershed Association announced registration is open for the 42nd Run of the Charles. Boston’s Premier Paddling Race will take place on Sunday, April 26. See details in the announcement from the CRWA, below. Join CRWA for the 42nd Run of the Charles paddling race at DCR’s Artesani/Herter Park, featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more! Races begin in Brighton and Newton, running through Watertown, Waltham, and Cambridge.