October in Newton
Before we plunge into the many October activities Newton has to offer, just a reminder about our only appeal for operational expenses support.
Newton Neighbors Needs Your Support!
We have raised almost $6,000 in our annual appeal to help us meet our operating expenses. Please help us reach our goal of $7,500, used to defray costs including insurance, bookkeeper, PayPal fees, and an emergency fund for groceries and occasional hotel coverage for families. This is our only appeal for operational expenses support. We hope you will contribute any amount you can to help us raise the next $1,500!
Make a tax-deductible contribution here or send a check to Newton Neighbors, Inc., PO Box 590141, Newton Centre, MA 02459.
Thank you for your generosity! You help to make Newton and the communities around us stronger and more equitable.
A Rare Volunteer Opportunity: Join the Newton Neighbors Board of Directors!
We are recruiting for new Board members to join the Newton Neighbors Board of Directors. Many of you have contributed to our work at Newton Neighbors, in big and small ways, over the last three years, and we are so grateful. Right now, there is an opportunity for you to help advance the vision and mission of Newton Neighbors.
We currently have a dynamic group of seven Board members, all of whom have been involved in Newton Neighbors in various capacities since 2020. We are seeking up to three new Board members with new ideas and ways to contribute to our organization.
Our goal is to bring on new Board members by January 2024. We are specifically seeking a Treasurer, as well as other individuals who are motivated to make a difference through service.
Please find more specific information about our Board position and information on how to apply here: https://www.newtonneighbors.org/board-recruitment. We are requesting that applications be submitted by October 27, 2023 and will review each on a rolling basis.
Chair of the Board Jenn Pucci would be happy to speak with any of you individually to share information and answer any questions about our Board or the process. Feel free to reach out to Jenn at jenn@newtonneighbors.org.
Thank you–and please pass on this information to anyone who might be interested in this opportunity at Newton Neighbors.
October Events
We’ll start with the Harvest Fair, where Newton Neighbors will be collecting Drive for Five food donations, and then run down some of the other events happening in Newton this month.
October 14 - 15: Harvest Fair and Drive for Five
Saturday, October 14, 10am - 5pm
Sunday, October 15, 11am - 4pm
Newton Centre Green
1221 Centre Street
Newton Harvest Fair is a two-day event. Saturday, October 14 will feature kiddie rides, games, and carnival food trucks. Sunday, October 15, will feature a full open air-market, musical performances–and Newton Neighbors’ Drive for Five to benefit the Newton Community Freedge.
On Sunday the 15th from 11am to 4pm, stop by and say hello to members of our team and drop off food items at the Newton Neighbors booth. We are especially looking for donations of these items:
Individually wrapped snacks (e.g., granola bars, cereal bars, protein bars, goldfish, pretzels, etc.)
Dried beans or rice (e.g., chickpeas, black beans, wild rice, etc.)
Soaps (e.g., hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Pasta and pasta sauce
Cooking oil
Volunteer at our Harvest Fair table and meet neighbors!
October 4: Italian Heritage Month Flag Raising
Wednesday, October 4, 5:30pm
Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue
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Italian-Americans of Newton will celebrate their contributions to the community during the third annual flag raising at the ceremonial flagpole at the side of the War Memorial Auditorium.
October 8: Newtonville Village Day (Rescheduled)
Sunday, October 8, noon - 4pm
Walnut Street, Newtonville
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Newtonville Village Day, rescheduled from September 24, will take place on October 8 from noon to 4pm. Walnut Street in Newtonville will be full of family, fun, music, art, entertainment featuring local talent on two stages, and vendor booths with products and crafts from local businesses. Games, crafts, and train rides will be available for children. Click here for more information.
October 9: Indigenous People’s Day
Monday, October 9, 11am - 5pm
Albemarle Field
250 Albemarle Road
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Each year we celebrate and amplify Indigenous peoples and voices on Indigenous Peoples Day in Newton.
All are welcome to this free, family-friendly, Indigenous-led, volunteer-run event to enjoy great music, check out cultural dances and presentations, meet local Indigenous vendors and non-profits, and eat delicious food. Click here for more information.
October 15: Paddy’s Road Race
Sunday, October 15
Paddy’s Public House
95 Elm Street, West Newton
The 22nd running of the Shillelagh Shuffle benefits Newton Athletes Unlimited, which supports year-round recreation programs to over 300 kids and adults with disabilities.
Race times:
9:00am: youth races
10:15am: 1K
11:30am: 3M
October 28: Family ACCESS Birthday Party
11am - 1pm
92 Waltham Street, West Newton
Join Newton Neighbors at Family ACCESS for their 115th birthday party! Help us celebrate this incredible partner and meet members of our Newton Neighbors team.
The party will feature a variety of fun, family-friendly activities, including live music, food, touch-a-truck, and activities for children.
Boo! Halloween in Newton
Halloween Window Painting
Saturday, October 28, 10am - 4pm
Newton students in grades 3-8 are invited to paint Halloween-themed images on participating merchant windows in six villages across Newton. Don’t miss Newton’s 24th annual Halloween Window Painting event! Adult supervision required. Sign up here.
Rain date: Sunday, October 29 (weather cancellation will be posted)
Halloweek Trick or Treat at The Street
Saturday, October 28, 11am - 1pm
The Street Chestnut Hill
Trick or treat at The Street is back! There will be special treats from local businesses, character meet n’ greets with Chase, Skye, Bluey, Elmo, and Abby Cadabby, a live DJ, family-friendly entertainment, and more!
This event is complimentary and open to the public – costumes are encouraged! The Street would be very grateful if you could register here for this event to get a sense of who to expect.
Rain date: Sunday, October 29.
Halloween Night
Children will be trick or treating on the evening of October 31. Turn on your porch light as a sign you are giving out candy or treats.
Consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project and give out allergy-safe or non-food treats on Halloween.
Community Health Equity Initiative
Take the Community Health Equity Survey. A healthier community starts with your voice!
Newton Community Freedge Newton Neighbors continues to support the Freedge, Newton Food Pantry’s community refrigerator initiative. The Freedge is located in the parking lot of Central Cleaners at 420 Watertown Street in Nonantum. We oversee volunteers on Thursdays, with volunteer opportunities throughout the day to pick up food from business partners and bring to the Freedge, shop for items, and clean and maintain the refrigerator and pantry. Our link for signups for October is here: volunteersignup.org/F7TDM
Thank You for Your Support!
In the last year we have expanded almost all of our existing programs – from delivering food from food pantries to food-insecure families, to running bulk food delivery throughout Eastern Mass. From managing and stocking the Freedge one day a week, to raising funds for Thanksgiving grocery card drives. From our Spring Pollinator Garden planting, to our wildly successful Diaper Drive giveaway. From enabling more than 35 students to attend summer camp, to getting much-needed school supplies to our neighbors. Our all-volunteer force serves our community with love and your active support.
Please help us expand our services yet more by donating to our operating fund.
Thanks and have a great month! Look for our Helping Neighbors mid-month newsletter with volunteer opportunities to fit every schedule.
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