Category Archives: From The City of Newton

Celebration of Queer Culture

Saturday, June 17, 10:00-2:30 p.m.

City Hall, War Memorial

The mission of the “Celebration of Queer Culture,” is to highlight and provide education for parts of queer culture that are usually erased or taken out of the spotlight.  In partnership with the City of Newton HHS, the Human Rights Commission, the Newton Youth Commission, Lasell University, and the New Art Center, we will highlight queer history, queer art and the intersectionality within the queer community. This will be achieved by celebrating with a queer art display, a community art project, a queer history presentation, a resource fair, a panel highlighting queer high schoolers of color, music, and more! This is an event created by young queer people that creates an informative and welcoming space where queerness is not just tolerated, but celebrated.

In addition to the event promotion, we are seeking young queer artists to showcase their talent as part of the event.   We want to include as many perspectives and as much artwork as possible.  If you could share this flyer as well, that would be great!

Artist Application Google Form: https://forms.gle/8ywmbYL7yy3FinJ5A

Community DPW Day in celebration of National Public Works Week, Saturday, May 20, 2023

The City of Newton Public Works Department is excited to host a Community DPW Day in celebration of National Public Works Week. We invite you to join us for an exciting event at the War Memorial at Newton City Hall on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday May 21st.

It is great day for families to enjoy games, prizes, music, a touch-a-truck event, food for purchase from a local restaurant, and learn about how Newton is “Connecting the World Through Public Works”. Did you know that Newton’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is comprised of eight divisions including Streets, Sustainable Materials Management, Fleet, Engineering, Transportation, and Utilities? DPW divisions will be sharing project success stories and fielding your questions.

You can also support local families dealing with food insecurity by donating non-perishable items that will help DPW Fill a Truck. All non-perishable items will be given to the Newton Food Pantry.

Supporting Communication:  A Mental Health Workshop for Teens & Parents

The City of Newton Health & Human Services Department, in partnership with Samaritans Inc., is hosting an in-person workshop for parents & teens titled, “Supporting Communication.” This program will be Wednesday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. We will focus on the development of healthy communication between parents and teens, as it relates to mental health and stress, and encourage honest talk and active listening skills.

Supporting Communication:  A Mental Health Workshop for Teens & Parents

Date:  Wednesday, May 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (check in/refreshments 5:30 p.m.)

Location:  Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium

The City of Newton Health & Human Services Department in partnership with the Newton Youth Commission, invite teens, parents and caregivers to a workshop led by Samaritans Inc. Join us for an evening to support the development of healthy communication by exploring feelings, and learning how to express them, practice honest talk and active listening and how to access resources and support.  

CLICK HERE to register.

City of Newton Camp and Summer Program Fair

City of Newton Camp and Summer Program Fair is being held Sunday, January 29th from 12:00 – 3:00 at Newton North High School in the cafeteria.  See what programs are being offered by the City of Newton this summer.  Drop in anytime between 12:00 – 3:00 to talk with representatives from Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture, Newton Public Schools including Newton Community Education and Newton’s S.P.A.C.E. Camp, Heath and Human Services, and Historic Newton to learn about summer camps, summer programs, and summer resources that are offered for kids, teens and families this summer.  Information on scholarships, summer jobs, and mental health resources will also be available.

Contact Channon Ames at cames@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1529 for more information.

Stress Survival Guide Workshop” for teens ages 13 and over

The City of Newton Youth Services Division is partnering with Families for Depression Awareness, the Newton Free Library, and the Newton Youth Commission to host a “Stress Survival Guide Workshop” for teens ages 13 and over on Wednesday, December 14, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Newton Free Library.   This workshop led by Families for Depression Awareness staff, will teach teens how to identify symptoms of stress in themselves, their peers, and their family, identify strategies to manage day-to-day stress, as well as how to find help if things start to feel like “more than just stress.”  Teens will create a survival guide of their own by utilizing a workbook tool created by FFDA!  Light refreshments will be available!  To register CLICK HERE.  

Holidays Can Be Stressful — We’re Here to Help 

The holidays are a time of joy, comfort, family and tradition for many in our community. For others, the reality is that this season can be filled with anxiety, grief, and loneliness. 

Newton’s social workers note that, most likely, we all experience a mixture of these emotions during the holiday season when stress increases and obligations feel constant. Stress can impact us all differently and they suggest we take time to care for ourselves to ensure our overall health and well-being. Caring for ourselves may include saying “no” without guilt, asking for help without shame or embarrassment, treating yourself with kindness and compassion, and finding time for a walk outside, for adequate rest, and for healthy nutrition.  

Our social workers in Newton’s Health and Human Services Department have gathered mental health resources and substance use resources should you or a loved one need additional support during this time. Please call 617-796-1420 to speak with the team in Social Services.  

Teen Stress Survival Guide Workshop

Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library
December 14th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

This workshop led by Families for Depression Awareness staff and a Licensed Mental Health Professional, will teach teens how to identify symptoms of stress and, identify strategies to manage it, as well as how to find help if things start to feel like “more than just stress”.
Register here: Stress Survival Guide Workshop Tickets

City of Newton Youth Services in partnership with Families for Depression
Awareness, The Newton Free Library and The Newton Youth Commission

Fuel Assistance Available

The City of Newton Social Services Division is now accepting appointments for Fuel Assistance applications. We recognize families will face increased financial stress due to their heating and utility costs this winter and we are here to help. Below are the eligibility guidelines for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program:

Families can complete our new intake form (Social Services Intake Form) or call us (617-796-1420). We will assist families in completing the applications and talk through other financial resources that may be available.

City of Newton Veteran’s Day Event

This year the City of Newton will hold a Veterans Day Observance to acknowledge our City’s Heroes. We invite you to attend a brief ceremony as we will be recognizing Newton Veterans. Veterans Day will be observed in Newton on Friday November 11th, 2022 with a ceremony beginning promptly at 11:00 AM at the American Legion, Post #440 at 295 California Street in Newton. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller has invited the boy and girl scouts to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem will be performed along with the presentation of the colors by our Newton Fire & Police Honor Guard. At 10:00 AM, prior to the ceremony, we will have a donation drive supporting the troops.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.

In Good Health,

Seth A. Bai, Director

USMC (Ret.)