July 4th festivities in Newton

by Jon Herrmann and Lucy Xu

July 4th festivities in Newton started during World War II and have been part of the Newton community since.  Linda Plaut, the coordinator of the festivities, recalled going with her son to the festivities when she first came to Newton.

“Going to this event made us feel like we were part of the community, and it was great to see everyone there,” Plaut said.  “This is the place to go to celebrate this national event as a community.  I feel that this is a major strength of the Newton community.”

The festivities will be throughout the day both in Newton Centre and at Albemarle field.  In case of rain, check the city website for cancellation.  Celebrations will begin with Kids Morning at the Newton Centre Playground from 10 until noon.  At the event, there will be a Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Foot Races, a Grande Pet Parade and a Teddy Bear Parade. Mayor David B. Cohen will serve as the master of ceremonies.  Cabot’s Ice Cream, The Newton Centre Women’s Club and Whole Foods Market donated candy, drinks and ice cream for the morning events. 

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Newton Women’s Commission Honors Community’s “Unsung Heroines”

Each year the Newton Women’s Commission carries out a special initiative to further the Commission’s mission, which is in part to “identify and serve the needs of women in Newton.”  Commission events are designed to improve the quality of life, share resources, and/or highlight the achievements of the women in our community. 

This year, the Women’s Commission held a very special ceremony on Sunday June 10th, honoring the women of Newton who perform unheralded acts that improve our community.  These are the City’s “Unsung Heroines,” who make daily contributions to the fabric of our community but are rarely recognized for all that they do.Read Full Article

Newton Community Report From the Board of Aldermen

In May the Board of Aldermen completed its review of the Fiscal 2008 City Budget, approved Community Preservation funding for Phase 1 of the historic Durant Kenrick Homestead, and awarded its annual scholarships to high school seniors.

The Board President also released a joint statement with the Mayor outlining next steps in building on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission on the City’s Finances. (The Retirement Board, as the Board President and Mayor had recommended, also voted to turn over management of the investments to the state pension system, a recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on the City Finances.)
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Meet Craig Manseau, Election Commissioner for the City of Newton

Craig Manseau and Mayor Cohen

Where do you come to us from?

I was born and raised in South Worcester a section of Worcester. From 1988 to 1993, I served as chief aide to the mayor. Then in 1994, I had a brief 17-month stay as the coordinator of benefits for the Worcester School Department. I’ve worked 12 years in the Worcester Election Commission—three years as deputy director and nine years as executive director of the commission.

Tell us a little about being the chief aide to the mayor of Worcester?

It was wonderful and was one of the best experiences of my life to work with the head of the city.  Jordan Levy was very popular and a strong vocal leader.  I look at him as my second big mentor only behind my father.  He is really the reason why I am doing what I am doing today.  I have a passion for politics. Serving voters and candidates for office is really interesting to me and satisfy my passion for the democratic process. I have no interest in running for office knowing first hand the commitment it takes and the time one must sacrifice from their families.

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Meet the new NCR Reporters

Lucy Xu, 17, and Jon Herrmann, 16, will be seniors at Newton North in the Fall.  They are co-Editors in Chief for the Newtonite, Newton North’s nationally recognized student newspaper.  Jon returns for his second summer as an intern in the Executive Office, while Lucy will be spending her first summer with us.  Among their responsibilities will be to be reporters for the Newton Community Report.

You are almost done with your first week in City Hall.  How do you like it so far?

Lucy Xu (LX): So far it’s been a great experience. I got to talk to a lot of different people and meet a lot of different people.  I’ve never really been in City Hall before, so it’s been interesting to meet so many people and see how much goes on here. 

Jon, how does it feel to be back in City Hall for another summer?

Jon Herrmann (JH): It feels great.  I really enjoyed last year, and now that I have some more experience I can understand what goes on here even better.

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City Says "Goodbye" to Departing DPW Commissioner Bob Rooney

Bob Rooney

by Jonathan Herrmann and Lucy Xu

After seven years as director of the Department of Public Works, Bob Rooney has left Newton City Hall to become the Deputy Secretary for Public Works for the state.
“Bob’s seven-year tenure in the City of Newton is marked by innovation and management improvements,” Mayor David B. Cohen said. “His expertise, management skills and demeanor will all be missed.”
Cohen noted Rooney for his achievements while commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Newton including creating an Environmental Division, a Stormwater Untility and a Customer Service Center. Rooney also instituted CitiStat and transitioned the merger of the Engineering Department into the DPW.
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