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The League Presents: The Evolution of Fun & Entertainment during the Pandemic with Jerry Reilly

We have all been experiencing a difficult 2020 and as we approach its long-awaited end, I thought reflecting on Newton’s Fun & Entertainment during the Pandemic with Newton’s own “instigator” of fun Jerry Reilly would be a nice way to usher out the year.  To accomplish this, Jerry and I had a conversation while he shared video clips showing how fun in Newton evolved from being solely virtual to its migration outdoors and now is coming full circle to having to go back to virtual offerings.

As you watch the program, here are some highlights to look for…

  • Nomad Story Slam with a special surprise for Mayor Fuller
  • Video clips of the Newton Theater Company, Piano Summit organized by Chris Pitts, and Capella Clausura with its leader Amelia LeClair
  • The New City Church sponsored gospel concert, Hope is Rising featuring Reverend Devlin Scott, emcee, and vocalist Katani Summer, a teacher at NSHS
  • Just before “live” entertainment came to its end, there was an outside production of Waiting for Godot at the Durant-Kenrick House.

So please take a moment to sit back, relax and have some fun watching Fun & Entertainment During the Pandemic!

Newton Special Election – Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Recently, two seats on Newton City’s Council became vacant due to the untimely death of City Councilor Allan “Jay” Ciccone, Jr. and the election of City Councilor Jake Auchincloss as U.S. Representative to Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.  A special election will be held to fill these seats:

  • City Council – Ward 1 At-Large
  • City Council – Ward 2 At-Large

Date of Special Election

The election will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.   Read more below for information about the candidates, to date, who have announced their decision to run and on how to plan your vote.

Read more →

The League Presents: A Conversation with Susan Albright, President of the Newton City Council

Recently, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Susan Albright, President of the Newton City Council and a Councilor at-Large for Ward 2. The City Council is Newton’s legislative branch of municipal government.  It is made up of 24 members – sixteen at-large Councilors and eight Ward Councilors.  Susan has been a city councilor for 16 years and president for almost one year.

I thought it would be good to learn about how she and the Council have managed the incredibly challenging 2020.  She reflected on her first year as president and shared her priorities for her next year.  She also shared the process for filling the councilor vacancies because of Councilor Jay Ciccone’s untimely passing and Councilor Auchincloss’ successful election to Congressman-elect for District 4.

Recording of Zoning Reform in Newton, with Jay Walter

On November 19th, Jay Walter, a Newton resident and experienced local architect, helped us to learn about the the changes the City Council is proposing to Newton’s current Zoning Ordinance, how those changes differ from current zoning, and what effect those changes will have on our community.  View the presentation and audience Q&A.

With almost 90 participants, we had more questions than time to answer them.   See answers to questions not addressed at the presentation.

 

The LWVN Needs YOU to be the Eyes & Ears of the League

Effective League activity in a community relies on an understanding of how local government works.  A League Observer is the eyes and ears of the League, learning how government works and about issues that are, or may become, items for local study and action.  Consistent League presence at these meetings also adds to the League’s visibility and credibility.

We are looking for volunteers to observe City Council committee meetings.  Many people follow full City Council meetings, however fewer follow the committees where  the “work” really takes place.  Being an LWVN Observer,  is an informative and educational opportunity which is much easier today with the meetings taking place by Zoom.   So how do you become an LWVN Observer:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the various City Council committees and select the one(s) that interest you the most
  2. Use this link to find a list of current City Council  committee meetings, the agenda, and Zoom access information.
  3. Send an email to info@lwvnewton.org. to let us know of your interest and we will provide assistance and information to get you started.
  4. Then sit back, dial into the meeting, listen, learn, and take notes…what could be more educational and easier!