The Newton School Committee, including Mayor Marc Laredo, met for almost three hours at the Education Center on July 20th in its annual “summer retreat” with Superintendent Anna Nolin, and Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Maria Kolbe who attended virtually. Retreat meetings are nominally open to the public…
Fig City News
Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee unanimously recommended Catherine Feerick’s appointment as the City’s next planning director on Monday, July 20, following an hour-long discussion that explored her approach to economic development, housing, historic preservation, and public engagement. Committee members questioned Feerick on some of Newton’s most pressing planning issues – …
On Wednesday, July 15, Pellegrini Park on Hawthorne Street was packed with excited, multi-generational festival attendees anticipating Festa’s wide selection of music, food, rides, games, and fun. Many were longtime Festa fans, but many were newcomers to the 91st annual carnival, which attracts several thousand people on each of its…
The West Newton Armory, a historic property on Washington Street undergoing a high-profile redevelopment, is now accepting lottery applications for its affordable units. The 100%-affordable housing project includes 43 rental units at reduced cost for income-qualified households. Applications will remain open until September 18. The lottery drawing will take place…
Both Newton’s high schools swept the MIAA Division 1 state tennis championships this spring, with Newton South’s girls and Newton North’s boys teams each capturing state titles – and their coaches and top singles players earning Boston Globe honors. As a result of their hard work, head coaches Noura Guermazi…
Each square of the quilt created during the Newton Disability Pride Celebration told a brief, personal story through abstract designs, colorful scenes, and poignant statements. “Everyone shares their voice” as part of the project, said visual artist, educator, and disability advocate Bill Porter on July 19 at the Cooper Center. …
Magot Mach, who recently graduated from Newton South HS, has been selected to receive one of the four Charles River Regional Chamber scholarships awarded this year. He will be attending Boston College. Lydia Asaf of Zyon Capital Partners, an affiliate of the Bulfinch Group, has been named a Leaders Club…
Newton Crossing, a highly anticipated housing development on West Newton’s Washington Street, is now accepting lottery applications for its affordable units. The 292-unit rental complex includes 73 units at reduced cost for income-qualified households. Applications will remain open until August 11 at 2PM. NOTE: This lottery is separate from another…
Can consumers recycle their way out of the plastic pollution crisis, or to meet climate goals, must they simply use less plastic in the first place? That question was at the center of a lively discussion at the Newton Free Library on Monday, July 13. Seattle-based recycling company Ridwell introduced…
In the last six years, honey bees have become an unlikely source of debate in Newton. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many residents took up backyard beekeeping to entertain themselves, and found the hobby to be educational and fulfilling. However, others worry about the increase in honey bee hives having negative…
The Amur cork tree is a native of Eastern Asia and was originally planted as an ornamental. Now considered invasive, it has spread into natural areas across the Northeast and is expanding rapidly in Cold Spring Park’s wetland red maple forest. According to Dr. Jonathan Regosin, former Deputy Director of…
In honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence, the Declaration of Independence was read publicly in a ceremony at the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall on Wednesday, July 8. According to Mayor Marc Laredo, the event was intended to renew pride in national identity and bring about…