Cows haven’t been seen roaming the Garden City since the 17th century — at least not until one recently showed up outside Bill Joyce’s Newtonville home. At the corner of Newtonville Avenue and Harvard Street, the colorful bovine beast stands on a patch of grass, gazing at passersby. Named “Commit,”…
Posts published by “Julie M. Cohen”
Not so very long ago, playing music, exercising in gym class, and learning side-by-side with children from different racial backgrounds were revolutionary ideas in education. But at one trailblazing Newton school, those concepts were put into practice more than 160 years ago. “We do now take a lot of these…
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Newton Theatre Company (NTC) is known for its inclusive interpretations of a variety of plays. For example, while movie portrayals of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice feature swoon-worthy, brooding male actors, this innovative troupe is reinventing Jane Austen’s romance this fall with an all-female production. The nonprofit’s stated mission is to…
A crowd gathered inside Fire Department Headquarters at 1164 Centre Street on Monday, to honor the eight Newton residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. To ensure the tragedy isn’t forgotten – especially in Newton, where eight victims lived – a local nonprofit created the…
Even though he can’t vote yet, 17-year-old Alan Cai knew from a young age he wanted to be involved in politics. After becoming a Newton poll worker, he said the experience “left me really inspired … to participate in our democratic process.” Without people like Cai and others across the…
In her 15 years as a Newton parking control officer and school crossing guard, Becky Wonglan has faced impatient drivers during the morning rush. “You need to pay attention,” she said on a recent weekday outside the West Newton Police Station. Although there is a traffic light at her post…
“I’m still going on a tour of the salad menu,” said Maryellen Kaye, a return customer enjoying one of the many lunch options at the recently opened Kendall Kitchen, located at 275 Grove Street, near Riverside Station. While those looking to eat healthily can choose from an impressive 10 salad…
Decked out in neon green sports socks and a cycling outfit, accessibility activist Robert Solomon recently visited with new friend Anya Rhodes ahead of riding in her honor during the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). The nonprofit’s mission is to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where both Newton residents were…
While music lovers around the country are paying a premium this summer to attend faraway festivals, Newton residents can listen to a plethora of performers from July 21-22 for free. Classical, funk, pop, jazz, salsa, bluegrass and other musicians will hit two stages at the Hyde Community Center park/playground during…
Nasser Musisi is looking to the future after going on strike last week with Starbucks colleagues across the country. The Newton Corner barista said he and his coworkers are prepared to take additional action if the international coffee chain does not address their concerns about union bargaining practices, problems with…
Strapped to an orange board while playing an unconscious drowning victim, Joseph Manna could only lie immobile while his fellow lifeguards-in-training “saved” him. The Newton South sophomore and other students aiming to be American Red Cross-certified lifeguards have been learning essential techniques at the West Suburban YMCA’s training program. Those…

Strike up the bandstand: Hyde Community Center’s free concert/movie venue marks its 10th anniversary
What do flying dogs, mini donkeys, puppets, and ukelele players all have in common? They, along with multiple other performers, will be entertaining crowds at the Hyde Community Center’s bandstand this summer. The Newton Highlands outdoor concert and movie venue, which is marking its 10th anniversary in June, is hosting…











