Hot takes for August

Early voting has already started in the Sept. 3 Democratic state primary. Since there are few Republicans contesting seats in our district, the primary is where you have the most impact. Voting details are below.

In this issue:

Sept. 3 Primary
Voting details
What I’m reading
August events

Primary endorsement

If you haven’t heard of the Governor’s Council, you aren’t alone. They are important—they approve the judicial nominees for our state courts. If you care about choice, about progressive legislation being upheld, or about justice—you need to vote in this race.

I’m endorsing Mara Dolan, because it’s time Newton was represented by a competent councillor.

Voting Info

The clerk’s office is mailing ballots to all eligible voters who have requested vote by mail ballots for the September 3 primary.

• Application Deadline to Vote by Mail: August 26 by 5:00 PM

• Election Day: All ballots must be received by 8:00 PM to be counted.

For more information on how to return your ballot, voting locations, and other important details, please visit the city elections website at or contact the Elections team @ 617-796-1350; email elections@newtonma.gov

Still have questions? I find the resources on the Newton League of Women Voters site helpful.

What I’m reading/watching

• The weekly update from City Observatory usually has interesting articles on cities and sustainability. Recently, they highlighted the importance of “third spaces,” where community meets outside of home, work or shopping, for economic vitality.

“We've called this phenomenon ‘optimal serendipity’--cities throw people from different backgrounds and outlooks together in wholly unpredictable ways, which though sometimes fraught with friction, often triggers learning, innovation and improvement.” Randomness and Cities.

• Local and very local film—

  • Fall in love with Newton?—Save Saturday, September 28th, for an all-Newton film festival to benefit the West Newton Cinema Foundation.

  • And speaking of local films—neighbor Howie Kaufman has created one of the most hyper-local films I can imagine. Enjoy.

August in Newton!

• Eat local—from the Community Farmstand or the Tuesday and Saturday farmer’s markets.

• Swim local—the Gath splash pad and pool are now in full competition with Crystal Lake for your cooling needs.

• Shop local--there will be Pop-Up markets again at the Allen Center Wednesday Aug. 21 and 28, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm.

• Dance local—with concerts and movies at the Hyde playground or in Newton Centre.

And bring the whole family to enjoy National Night Out at the Captain Ryan Park next to police HQ Tuesday, Aug. 6 5-8 pm.

Until the fall!