Category: Newton News

News happening in Newton Massachusetts.

Newton Ranks 15 Best Places to Live 2014 Money Magazine

Newton Ranks #15 for Best Places to Live 2014 according to Money Magazine

Newton, MA

Population: 87,991

Census Region: Northeast

Median Home Income: $150,821

Median Home Price: $740,000

Average Property Tax: $8,580

Projected Job Growth: 4%

Pat Molnar

Newton is composed of 13 villages loaded with classic New England charm. Each village has a distinct character, but all have their own elementary schools, pedestrian-friendly shopping centers, parks and playgrounds. More than 25% of households have school-age children and many kids ride their bikes or walk to school, which are known as some of the best in the state.

While Newton is already has a solid base of employers — Boston College, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Trip Advisor and UPromise, to name a few — the city and neighboring Needham are developing a technology hub dubbed the N-Squared Innovation Corridor to attract even more tech companies. It’s also less than 45 minutes by commuter rail or express bus to downtown Boston.

Each year, the Boston Marathon runs through Newton. Heartbreak Hill, one of the most dastardly difficult legs of the elite 26.2-mile race, is located near City Hall. But the bigger heartbreak for most people is Newton’s lack of affordable housing. Home prices rose sharply the past year and even starter homes run from $500,000 on up, says local realtor Michael Spurr.

The Top 15 (a.k.a. Who Beat Us?)

1. McKinney, Texas

2. Maple Grove, Minnesota

3. Carmel, Indiana

4. Castle Rock, Colorado

5. Kirkland, Washington

6. Columbia and Endicott City, Maryland

7. Clarktown, New York

8. Ames, Iowa

9. Rochester Hills, Michigan

10. Reston, Virginia

11. Eagan, Minnesota

12. Woodbury, Minnesota

13. Centennial, Colorado

14. Irvine, California

15. Newton, Massachusetts

October 9, 2014
Common Ground Arlington Opens Today!

Newton resident Bob O’Guin opens his second Common Ground in Arlington today! Two years ago, he took over Common Ground in Allston, then known as a college sports bar and turned it into a Gastropub.

The new bar and restaurant has some similar features to the Allston location including windows that open up!

When you enter Common Ground in Arlington, a wall of taps will greet you!

The Arlington location has a function and event room that seats 100! With a large HD projection screen, 2 computer ports for presentations, microphone access, and a private bar, it is perfect for corporate events.

The Arlington community can also use the room for functions and events. PaintNite is coming on Tuesday, Oct 21st from 7-9pm! You can dine and drink with friends and family while you enjoy a two your painting lesson!

For local artists and artisans, check in and inquire about rotating art exhibits and a pop up holiday bazaar!

The draught, cocktail and wine list has been carefully curated!

But Common Ground is known for great food. The ingredients are locally sourced when possible and chef Jaime Juarez makes practically everything in-house from bacon to granola to house made sausage!

We started with the housemade bread basket. Warm bread sticks are served with housemade hummus (delicious!), maple butter and herb infused oil.

My daughters loved the Truffle fries from Common Ground Allston and they are on the menu here too! Thick cut fries topped with Parmesan and served with Pesto Mayonnaise.

The Gnocchi are handmade and browned to a lovely crispy exterior and served over sautéed spinach, topped with house made marinara sauce, Parmesan, feta and truffle oil.

I’m pretty sure the Pasta Bolognese wide noodles are also house made; they were tender and cut into wide ribbons. The meat sauce has heady with rosemary and other fresh herbs. Delicious!

My 12-year-old daughter just got braces so she opted for the Mac ‘n Cheese without peas but kept the country ham that gave this cheesey goodness a hint of smokiness.

We even checked out the ladies’ room and it’s lovely and inviting, just like the whole restaurant!

After more than a year of construction, Common Ground Arlington is finally open! If you are in Arlington, I hope you will stop by!

Common Ground Arlington

319 Broadway

Arlington, MA 02474

Main: (781) 728-0060

General Manager: Rodney (Rhoney) Kangiser

Assistant GM: Steven Ramsdell

p.s. The first PaintNite (drink creatively) is Tuesday, October 21st from 7-9pm. You can buy tickets here and you can get 45% off by using discount code: CG45. Use that for the online checkout.

The art project is “Happy”.

September 30, 2014
Newtonville Village Day: Sept 28th

Bullough’s Pond Fair

All are invited to the second annual Bullough’s Pond Fair located on picturesque Bullough’s Pond in Newtonville. Sponsored by the Bullough’s Pond Association, there are free activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Fair will feature family-oriented activities including guided bird watching at 8:30 am, a fly-fishing demonstration at 9:00 am, en plein air painting lesson at 9:30 am, model yacht regatta at 10:00 am, children’s activities and rubber duck race at 10:30, sponsored kayak race at 11:20, live music, snacks and more.

September 28th, 9 :00 am – Noon

Newtonville Village Day & Jazz Festival

Discover Newtonville, and all its merchants and businesses that will open their doors to welcome neighbors and visitors! Walnut Street in Newtonville will be closed to traffic and transformed into a lively street fair. With two sound stages, a Roaming Railroad for kiddie rides, 100 craft booths and informational stands, an Open House at the Norumbega Fraternity Lodge of Masons featuring a bounce house and carnival games and fun activities for kids, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The Senior Center Sound Stage features a talented line-up of jazz musicians, sponsored by New England Jazz Productions. The Austin Street Sound Stage will also delight the crowds with an afternoon of performances by local dance studios, martial arts demonstrations and local young musicians.

For more information, visit here or call 617-796-1540.

September 28th, Noon – 5:00 pm
Walnut Street, between Washington Street & Otis Street

September 24, 2014
Newton’s Finn Skerlj on Rachel Ray vs Guy Fieri Kids Cook Off!!

You may not have noticed a posting that I did a few months back. It was for a cooking show:

Is Your Kid a Talented Chef? Food Network Opportunity!

My friend Lynn (The Gift Huntress) reads this blog, and she forward to her friend Ann in Newton and … as a result Ann writes:

“Finn and Renato [his father] participated on the Rachael Ray vs Guy Fieri Kids Cook Off this summer.

Finn Skerlj was one of eight contestants who was chosen out of 1000’s of applicants. The show premieres on the Food Network August 17th at 8 PM.

I hope you can watch. Here is a commercial for the show.”

Finn is the handsome boy on the far right! He’s also the show’s youngest contestant! Go Finn!

Here’s Finn’s audition tape:

August 16, 2014
Superintendent Fleishman’s Commencement Speech Controversy

July 30, 2014

Dear Families,

By now, many of you have read or heard media reports regarding the controversy surrounding my graduation speeches this past spring. The students, families, community and faculty deserved far better from me and it is hard to put into words my deep regret and sorrow over my actions.

First, it was inexcusable that my graduation speech included several phrases and thoughts that were similar to the radio excerpts I heard from Governor Patrick’s speech. It was essential that Governor Patrick be credited and cited for his words, and while it was not my intent to be so careless and intellectually dishonest, this was a very serious omission on my part. I am terribly sorry for what I have done and for letting the community down.

Second, I apologize for not putting greater thought and time into my speeches. As one who typically devotes considerable energy to both my written pieces and speeches, I learned a tough lesson about doing things in a sloppy and hasty manner.

Perhaps the most painful aspect of this episode is my failure to lead by example, something that I take very seriously. I fully recognize that trust and confidence is an essential aspect of successful leadership and I am very sorry for what has been lost. I am fully aware that it is up to me to restore such trust and confidence in the community and I will do everything possible to make that happen.

In the field of education, we often talk about learning from failures. I can assure you that I have learned from mine. As I have said many times, I consider it a great privilege to lead such an excellent school system and look forward to continuing to address the important opportunities and challenges ahead.

Best,

David Fleishman

The speech discrepencies were first noted on Newton South High School’s student newspaper here. This was the second time a Massachusetts superintendent was caught plagiaring. The penalty for plagiaring in Newton is a week’s pay.

I think Dr. Fleishman is doing a great job as superintendent and that this is a blip in an otherwise spotless record. He made a mistake, paid a price and it’s time to move on. What do you think? Agree, disagree or don’t really care? Please share!

August 12, 2014
The Capital Grille Gives $1000 to Boys and Girls Club

The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill recently presented a $1,000 grant to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton. This donation will support the Boys & Girls Club’s mission of inspiring and enabling young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

“As a company, we’re committed to deepening local connections in the communities where we live and work,” said Jeff Dixon, Managing Partner of The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill. “The Boys & Girls Club of Newton was hand-selected by our team, because we’re passionate about its mission. We’re proud to make a difference in our own backyard.”

As part of the check donation, The Capital Grille also provided lunch at the club for 100 members and volunteers.

August 5, 2014
15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Massachusetts

Movoto put together 51 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Massachusetts. I pulled 15 of them for your enjoyment.

1. The Fig Newton was named after Newton, Mass.

2. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate in the country with 2.2 divorces per 1000 people.

3. Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Mass.

4. Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William Morgan in Holyoke, Mass.

5. The Boston Terrier is the official state dog.

6. The Worcester radio station WORC made history when it was the first to play the Beatles.

7. The famous “Citgo” sign in Kenmore Square contains five miles of neon tubing.

8. Dunkin Donuts started here, in Quincy, Mass.

9. White chocolate was developed and first sold by Hebert’s Candies in Shrewsbury in the early 1950s.

10. The official state dessert of Massachusetts is the Boston cream pie.

11. Esther Howland of Worcester was the first person to mass-produce valentines in the U.S.

12. The African Meeting House opened in Boston in 1806. It is the first church in America to be built by free Africans.

13. Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, first demonstrated it in Boston in 1876.

14. At 90 feet below the surface, the Ted Williams Tunnel is the deepest in North America.

15. The Boston University Bridge on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane.

July 20, 2014
Newton 9th Best City to Live in MA
CreditDonkey team’s ranking of the best cities to live in Massachusetts used these five key factors to determine their list.
1. Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime
2. Commute Time
3. Income
4. Residents Who Attended Some College
5. Restaurants Per Capita
The Top 10 Cities are:

1. Beverly

Just 16 miles northeast of Boston, Beverly is one of the oldest cities in Massachusetts. A relatively low crime rate combined with a high average wage makes Beverly an excellent choice for families and professionals. Its close proximity to Boston gives commuters access to the area’s commuter train and a short ride to the city (albeit with some company along the way), yet it also has its share of restaurants and local attractions that keep people around during their off-hours.

Did You Know: Several people from Beverly were accused of witchery at the Salem witch trials. The Salem Witch Museum includes a tour of the Beverly home of a minister who perpetuated the false accusations.

2. Gloucester

If you’re looking for ocean views while remaining relatively close to the metropolitan area, Gloucester is the place to be. Residents are able to score an average commute of under 25 minutes, although those who commute to Boston will have double or triple that amount, depending on whether they take the local train or drive during rush hour. While there are plenty of places to enjoy a good meal – including fresh fish – or have a drink, you’re just a stone’s throw from Ipswich, Rockport, and Essex, which offer even more options.

Did You Know: Gloucester shot to fame when all six crew members on board the Andrea Gail lost their lives during a 1991 Nor’easter, the storm documented by local author Sebastian Junger in his book “The Perfect Storm.” The movie based on the book was filmed here.

3. Woburn

Woburn ranks third on our list partly because it’s one of the safest places to live in Massachusetts. Wages here are also slightly higher, with incomes averaging just over $72,000. Woburn ties with Waltham for the shortest commute time, clocking in at just 24.2 minutes.

Did You Know: Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and actor Eric Bogosian were both born in Woburn.

4. Waltham

Once part of nearby Watertown, Waltham earned the nickname the “Watch City” thanks to the Waltham Watch Co., which produced over 40 million watches and clocks here in the 19th century.Less than 10 miles from Boston, Waltham is home to Bentley College and Brandeis University. The city features active nightlife and an eclectic dining scene, topping our list with 260 restaurants and bars to choose from, many of them on Moody Street.

Did You Know: High-profile employers based in Waltham include defense contractor Raytheon, online marketing company Constant Contact, and StudentUniverse, a tech company that offers discount travel services to students.

5. Peabody

Another community located in the North Shore suburban region, Peabody is a retreat from the big city life for both students and professionals alike. Peabody once made the Forbes magazine top 100 list of best places to live in 2012, thanks to its high median income levels and below average home prices. That’s a designation we believe is well deserved.

Did You Know: Giles Corey, who was infamously pressed to death during the Salem Witch trials, once owned a farm in Peabody.

6. Westfield

If it’s natural beauty you’re looking for, Westfield features rich farmland, scenic stretches of rolling hills, and plenty of rivers and streams ideal for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. At 23.4 minutes, Westfield has the shortest commute time on our list, mainly because if you live here, you work near here. While it ranks at the lower end in terms of median income, the cost of living is less than what you’d pay in an urban setting.

Did You Know: Once inhabited by the Native American Pocumtuc tribe, Westfield was originally known as Woronoco.

7. Marlborough

Approximately 30 minutes west of Boston, Marlborough ranks number two as the safest city on our list. Convenience is the main reason to live here, as the city provides easy access to three major highways for fast getaways and for getting to work in either Worcester or Boston. It has its own action as well, with a major hockey sports center, a big mall, restaurants for just about every taste, and two Targets. Higher income rates and corporate residents Boston Scientific and TJX (the company behind TJ Maxx) are a big draw for the under-40 professional crowd.

Did You Know: This city with a small-town atmosphere was known for a century as “one of the shoe manufacturing capitals of New England,” according to local historians. The only sign of that time is a shoemaker statue and a Reebok outlet store near the downtown area.

8. Newburyport

Thanks to its historic seaport, Newburyport is a bustling tourist spot, but it’s also a great place to call home. Wages here are among the highest, averaging $83,509. Even though the commute is little longer, driving to Boston is bearable, and the city has a commuter rail stop. The crime rate here is moderate, and there are plenty of local dining spots that feature everything from New England favorites to New Orleans-style cuisine.

Did You Know: Since 1957, residents have celebrated the Yankee Homecoming, an annual festival commemorating the return of natives to Newburyport.

9. NEWTON
- Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 1,141
- Commute Time: 26.4 minutes
- Income: $113,416
- Residents Who Attended Some College, No Degree: 7.6%
  (Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 75%)
- Restaurants: 1 per 505 inhabitants
A conglomeration of 13 villages, Newton ranks number one on our list for the highest median income. The Chestnut Hill area is home to Boston College, and Newton is located centrally between Boston, Waltham, Brookline, Wellesley, and Needham. The city has a strong tourist trade, but it’s also recognized as a thriving college community with a strong artistic and cultural presence.

Did You Know: Newton is usually the top-ranked Massachusetts city in “safest city in America” reports, and, in fact, has earned the top spot a few times by an oft-cited report by Morgan Quitno Press. It may have something to do with the town-like feel this community offers.

10. Attleboro

Once known as the jewelry capital of the world, Attleboro is less than a 10-minute drive from nearby Pawtucket, RI. A significant part of the city’s population commutes, either to Boston or Providence, with the average commute time squeaking in at just under 30 minutes.

Did You Know: The Capron Park area features a popular zoo that’s a big draw for local residents and visitors.
June 25, 2014
Third Emmy® Win for NewTV!

NewTV’s original program “The Folklorist” received its third Boston/New England Emmy® Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

“The Folklorist” won for Historical/Cultural Program/Special at the awards ceremony on June 7 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The show previously won Emmys for its promo and host. This year’s award is especially gratifying as it recognizes the quality of the program and honors the hard work of the entire cast and crew.

Congratulations to “The Folklorist” production team of John Horrigan, Andrew Eldridge, Angela Harrer, Melinda Garfield and Robert Kelly, as well as the cast members, interns and volunteers. NewTV congratulates all the Emmy winners and thanks its ever-growing audience.

Watch “The Folklorist” here.

June 23, 2014
Newton’s Own Iced Teas: ZOOS

Newton resident, Kristina Tsipouras brings a traditional Greek tea beverage to the US. Her families recipe goes back many generations, and is known as the ‘cure-all’ herbal tea of the Mediterranean. Gluten Free, Caffeine Free, Kosher, All Natural and just 50 calories per. serving, they are launching with Lemon, Peach and Original flavors.

You can find ZOOS Greek Iced-Teas at Wegmans, Roche Brothers, and Sudbury Farms in Newton.

You can read more about the health benefits of Greek Tea here.

ZOOS on Facebook.

June 17, 2014