Alumni of the Newton Public School system may have hazy memories of Newton’s education regarding Native American history — a unit here, a presentation there. Quickly forgotten in the whirlwind of school. Newton native and author Joseph Lee has stepped forward to fill some gaps in common understanding of Massachusetts’…
Posts published in August 2025
When President Trump signed into law his “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, it brought cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal food assistance, and Newton’s food pantries braced for the impact. To combat a potential statewide increase in food insecurity, Governor Maura Healey created an…
Jerry Reilly works magic not only in his Newton Upper Falls neighborhood, but across Newton, always planning fun and engaging events that bring people together. Reilly has been an Upper Falls resident since moving from West Roxbury 17 years ago. His contributions to the community take many forms – everything…
In 1904, Newton hired a progressive superintendent, Frank Spaulding who believed public schools should “provide educational opportunities adapted to the individual needs of every boy and girl from four to eighteen years of age.” He sought class sizes of no more than 25 pupils so teachers could do individual work…
Highlights this week… City Council Zoning and Planning will meet on Monday regarding: Finance will meet on Monday regarding the CPC’s recommendation to appropriate $15,000 in CPA funding for Newton Community Farm for expenses related to the replacement of the deck. City Council will meet on Monday and is expected…
Standing patiently in a line running the length of the Hyde Community Center park on August 9, a hungry crowd eagerly waited for Sridhar Periyasamy to hand-make savory dosas (thin pancakes). Pouring out a light batter on a sizzling griddle, the cook from Watertown’s Chennai Eats masterfully created giant, crispy…
Zoning and Planning will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, August 11 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following: Chair’s Note: The Chair will ask for the Committee to vote to amend the language of the docket Item 212-25 from ‘member’ to ‘alternate member’. Chair’s…
School Committee is not scheduled to meet this week.
Newton Human Rights Commission will hold a Neighboring HRCs Community Event Call (Zoom link) on Monday, August 11 at 7:30PM. The agenda includes the following: Auburndale Historic District Commission will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Tuesday, August 12 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following: Community Preservation Committee will meet…
The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to approve the following (see report and meeting video): The Committee voted to hold the following: Attendees: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Krintzman, Kalis, Getz, Danberg. Also present: Councilor Malakie. Staff: Co-Directors of Sustainability Sam Nighman and Ann Berwick.