Electrification mandate? Not so fast, says Carolyn Kraft

by Newton News Editor | Jun 15, 2024 | Newton Beacon

As an energy overhaul proposal moves forward that would require all new construction and major renovations to run on electricity and not fossil fuels, that plan is getting pushback from residents. And one of them wants to put it on a ballot. Carolyn Kraft—local...

The ‘Magic’ of Tiles: Memorial Spaulding Elementary School unveils Mosaic Mural

by Newton News Editor | Jun 14, 2024 | Newton Beacon

PHOTO: Artist David Fichter speaks at the unveiling of the Mosaic Mural at Memorial Spaulding Elementary School. Photo by Bryan McGonigle Memorial Spaulding Elementary School was the last elementary school in Newton without a mural. With the help of a sea of...

Newton South girls’ tennis has record season finish

by Newton News Editor | Jun 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Newton South’s girls’ tennis team finished the regular season with a record of nine wins and five losses and swung their way to a deep Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament playoff run. Seeded sixth, the team made it to the Final Four...

School administration announces three new central office roles

by Newton News Editor | Jun 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Superintendent Anna Nolin has announced three new roles in the district’s central office team as well as who will be filling them. Christina Maryland will be the new director of communications and family engagement; Maria Kolbe will be the new director of Multi-tiered...

Five things to do in Newton this weekend

by Newton News Editor | Jun 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

It’s the last official weekend of spring, and Newton has a weekend of art, music, culture and fun for you to enjoy, There’s a Juneteenth celebration, a queer culture celebration, some hippie music and a movie for the kids to check out in West Newton. And aside from a...

Susan Paley: Bank vice president, advocate, local icon retires

by Newton News Editor | Jun 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Susan Paley, the retiring vice president of community relations at Village Bank and a lifelong Newton resident, has left a lasting impression on the nonprofits she’s served and the community she calls home. “I feel like I’ve made a real tangible difference in the city...

Doctor’s Orders: Schwartz launches campaign for state representative [videos]

by Newton News Editor | Jun 13, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Greg Schwartz is a doctor, a dad and a former city councilor, and he has a law degree. And now he’s hoping to add work in the state legislature to that list of accomplishments. Schwartz, who’s running to fill the Middlesex 12th District seat currently held by retiring...

Ukulele festival strikes a chord, brightens rainy day in Newton

by Newton News Editor | Jun 12, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Newton City Hall’s War Memorial Auditorium transformed into a concert hall on Saturday, as ukulele players from across the state gathered for “Strummin’ Up to Boston,” a ukulele-only music festival. Sunday’s event was the second annual “Strummin’ Up to Boston”...

Photos: Highlands Village Day pushes through the rain

by Newton News Editor | Jun 11, 2024 | Newton Beacon

Sunday was wet. Very wet. At times, the rain was falling in what seemed like monsoon levels, drenching the city of Newton to the core. But in the Highlands, the weather didn’t stop the party. Newton Highlands held its annual Village Day on Sunday, with vendors, games,...

With Honor: Newton remembers eight retired firefighters who died in past year

by Newton News Editor | Jun 10, 2024 | Newton Beacon

On Sunday, Newton honored the eight retired firefighters who have died in the past year. Armando DelCampo was appointed on Aug. 10, 1986; retired on February 10, 2005; and died on July 1, 2023. John Coffey was appointed on Dec. 2, 1951; retired on Feb. 7, 1984, and...