Watertown Woman Pens First Novel at Age 83, Based on Her Humanitarian Work in Africa

A former political science professor who started an humanitarian organization working in Africa, has written her debut novel at age 83. Watertown’s Judy Dushku will have multiple events for her book, “Is This the Way Home?” The book is described in the Zoom event announcement as “a powerful fictional account of one woman and her family, offering a window into the struggles of thousands: war, abduction, marginalization, and the challenge of raising children born in the bush. Through her writing, she hopes to raise awareness of these survivors and inspire readers to seek their own paths to healing.” After 47-year career as a professor of comparative politics at Suffolk University, focusing on African politics and women’s studies, Dusku continued her work in Gulu, Uganda.

WEEKEND FUN: Arshile Gorky Movie, Snow White PJ Party, Playoff Hockey, Middle School Musical

This weekend has something for fans of musicals, Disney, hockey, art, and people who want to get creative. Friday afternoon, Hatch Makerspace is open for people who want to try their hands at vinyl cutting, 3D design and more. Young actors at Watertown Middle School will go on stage three times with a musical version of Mary Poppins. On Saturday night, Watertown’s semipro hockey team will try to clinch the championship. Learn about Armenian artist and former resident Arshile Gorky on Friday night.

Mosesian Center Celebrating 20 Years, Tickets & Sponsorships Available

The Mosesian Center for the Arts will hold a celebration of its 20th anniversary. See details in the announcement from the MCA below. On Thursday, May 22, 2025 we will gather for an evening of celebration that honors our past and secures vital funds for our future. Tickets and sponsorships are available today! The evening’s program will highlight the impact of MCA over the past 20 years interspersed with entertaining performances that feature the depth and breadth of our programming. We’ll also honor Roberta Miller for her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the organization and thank her for returning as Interim Executive Director, pro bono.

WEEKEND FUN: Persian New Year, Armenian & Irish Music, Historical Event, National Tamale Day

Our bulbs are pushing their way up out of the warming gardens to tell us that spring is here. On Saturday morning, the spring celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, will be at the library for all to enjoy. There is music to go along with the springing of spring, a concert of an Armenian trio at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Friday, and a folk music concert on Saturday night at the Canadian American Club. On Sunday, it will be time for some history focused learning, with a talk on Watertown’s patriot printer, Benjamin Edes, whose printing press apparently affected the course of the Revolutionary War. After the talk, if you’re feeling hungry, head to the Condesa Restaurant to dig into a plate of steaming tamales for National Tamale Day.

Mosesian Center for the Arts Searching for New Executive Director

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

The Dororthy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts (MCA) is searching for a new Executive Director. Since September 2024, former Executive Director, Roberta Miller, has been serving in an interim capacity pro bono. The MCA, like most community arts organizations, is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Roberta’s return in a pro bono capacity has been essential to the re-stabilization of the organization. Over its 20-year history, the MCA has inspired artists, students, and audiences to create, appreciate, participate in, and grow through the arts. The MCA is the home to the Actors’ Shakespeare Project, open mic nights, improv classes for adults and children, art classes for all ages, a robust visual arts gallery program, and the Watertown Children’s Theater.

Mosesian Center Celebrating the Art and Life of Arshile Gorky

Gerri Rachins “First Flying Machines to Take Off, V1” is part of the show celebrating the life and works of Arshile Gorky (Contributed Photo)

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

The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the time when Armenian American artist ArshileGorky lived in Watertown. Gorky endured personal tragedies from fleeing his village during the Armenian genocide and later losing his mother at a young age. After arriving in America in 1920 he was able to pursue his passion for art and create work that reflected his traumatic past. Gorky’s biomorphic abstractions hold an important place in 20th century art. “Oceans are Getting Warmer” by Bill Flynn.(Contributed Photo)

As Watertown celebrates the art and life of the artist, Mosesian Center for the Arts is excited to be a part of the events honoring Gorky’s work.

WEEKEND FUN: Play at the Mosesian, Playoff Hockey, St. Pat’s Celebrations, International Women’s Day Lunch

The Boston Gold Kings host the Holyoke Papermen in a playoff game at John A. Ryan Arena on Saturday. This is going to be a happy, celebratory kind of weekend in town. Watertown is a wonderful mix of cultures, religions, sports fans and cuisines, so let’s get out and have fun with it all. The play starts on Friday evening at the Mosesian Center. It’s called “When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet,” about an interfaith marriage. Saturday is hopping, with a hockey game at our skating rink in the evening, or you can chow down on some corned beef and cabbage as well as taste many versions of Irish soda bread (or join the competition yourself) that evening at St.

WEEKEND FUN: Longfellow’s Birthday, WHS Musical, Creative Chats, Tequila Tasting & Concert

This weekend I’ve decided to only include activities that are free, and what interesting ones there are! On Friday morning, should you not be working, there is a community chat at the Mosesian Center for creative people of all types this week featuring a singer/songwriter. Catch the Watertown High School Musical this weekend. Friday evening, there is a very unique tasting at Gordon’s Fine Wine. Now is your chance to see what Chica Chida Peanut Butter Agave Spirit tastes like.