Skip to content
Newton, Needham, Watertown, Wellesley
Subscribe to our free e-newsletter
Our Region
Directory
Member Login

Effort aims to promote arts, culture and commerce

Back to Chamber News
Need to Knows Graphic

Effort aims to promote arts, culture and commerce

It’s indisputable that we need to wean ourselves off fossil fuels as soon as possible.
 
But in the interim, why is natural gas so much more expensive in New England?
 
“Twenty-five years since the first shale well was fracked in Texas, the benefits of the American drilling boom remain unevenly distributed," writes Ryan Dezember at the Wall Street Journal (free link).

“Swaths of the country are flooded with cheap gas, and export facilities have cropped up to sell the excess overseas. Other areas, including New England, are bereft of fuel and pay up for energy.”
 
New England residents and businesses paid about 31% more for natural gas in the fourth quarter of 2023 than the U.S. average, he adds.
 
Not only that, there’s also worries of gas shortages if a liquified natural gas import terminal close in Everett closes as its owner Constellation Energy is threatening.
 
The problem is exacerbated by efforts from environmentalists that have blocked pipeline projects and abutters resisting renewable projects including wind farms and solar canopies.

Free community college, child care access, touted as ways to expand workforce 

Senate President Karen Spilka is renewing her push for free community college in Massachusetts, backed by a report suggesting the program would create a path to better jobs for lower-income residents and benefit employers looking for help.

Last year, lawmakers approved a proposal from Gov. Maura Healey to cover tuition and fees at community college for students 25 and older. Another program covers all tuition and fees for nursing students at community colleges.

But a Georgetown University study estimates that by 2031, more than 70 percent of all jobs will require some education beyond high school, something that is true of nearly all those jobs providing a gateway to the middle class, writes Michael Jonas at CommonWealth Beacon.

Spilka also said she will once again push to address affordability and access to early education and child care.

"The cost of child care is still way too high in Massachusetts, putting it out of reach for so many families. We need to make sure that people who want to work, who want to go back to work -- particularly our women who dropped out during COVID -- that they are able to work because they have affordable, accessible child care. And right now, that's not possible for so many families," Spilka said yesterday on WBUR. (State House News).

Teacher walkout threats leave Newton parents, employers, anxious. 

Months of stalled contract negotiations between the Newton Teachers Association and the Newton Public Schools may come to a head as soon as Tuesday -- leaving working parents and employers concerned about the potential scramble to find child care next week.  

TechTarget merging with British company 

Newton-based TechTarget is merging with Informa Tech, a British publisher.

The rebranded “New TechTarget” will remain headquartered on Grove Street in Auburndale and led by Informa Tech CEO Gary Nugent, who plans to relocate from London to Newton, reports the BBJ’s Lucia Maffei.

A TechTarget spokesperson told Maffei the company has 472 Massachusetts employees but did not respond when asked about any workforce reduction.

Watertown's Fabric Showplace finds a new place 

After nearly a century in business, Freddy Farkel’s Upholstery & Fabric Showplace, was forced to close its famed Watertown warehouse last month.

But don't fret Farkel fans. You'll soon have a new option.
 
The family-run business that had been that special go-to place for designers, decorators and do-it-yourselfers is merging with artee fabrics & home, a national firm with 19 locations, including their store across the street from the Whole Foods in Newtonville.
 
Janet Shapiro, the daughter of long time proprier, the late, Fred Shapiro will now be collaborating with artee.  

Restaurant comings and goings 


  • OddFellows Ice Cream at The Street in Chestnut Hill has closed permanently.

  • Blossom Nutrition in Newtonville, which sold smoothies, juices, coffee, tea, and bowls, is also no longer in business.

Needham Police deliver mail box theft warning 

Police report that Needham has again been the target of mailbox phishing at US Postal Service mailboxes throughout town. The suspects are using keys to enter the mailboxes and steal mail from inside. 

They are asking the public to not use mailboxes throughout town as they continue to be targeted.

All mail should be brought directly into the post office during hours of operation. If you have recently deposited items into mailboxes around town, you are encouraged to monitor your banking activity for the next few months. Contact the Needham Police at (781) 455-7570 if you notice any irregularities with your banking activity.

Needham Observer has more. 

Friday grab bag 

  • Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America will be the guest speaker at a Rotary Club of Wellesley Speaker Series dinner, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Wellesley Country Club. Tickets.

  • The Needham Observer has published a profile of the town’s new economic development director J.P. Cacciaglia, including his advice for new business owners who is about sign a lease in town.

  • The Wellesley Select Board is scheduled to discuss and vote on Welltower’s proposed development agreement regarding 200 Pond Road zoning request on Tuesday (Jan. 15) Swellesley Report has the latest.

  • Attend a free virtual training on “Fair Housing for Real Estate Professionals,” Jan 17 at 8:30 a.m. Details.

  • Is your business overpaying for energy? Attend a Massachusetts Manufacturing Energy Collaborative webinar Jan.17 at noon. Details

Effort would promote arts, culture and commerce in Newton 

The chamber has joined a coalition of Newton arts and business leaders who are proposing establishing a Cultural District along Washington Street between West Newton and Newtonville.
 
If approved by the state, the designation would provide access to funding and resources that could be used to help market the area to visitors and provide support to artists and cultural organizations.
 
We believe any effort to amplify and nurture the arts and artists will also benefit our restaurants, shops, hotels and overall economic vitality and vibrancy.
 
Our group, led by Newton Community Pride, the Newton Cultural Alliance and New Art Center, recently wrote to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller asking for her support establishing the district under the Mass Cultural Council's Cultural Districts program.

Watertown recently submitted its application to establish a Cultural District in Watertown Square, with a site visit from MCC officials expected this spring. A decision from the state is expected in August.

This video explains more. Our press release is here.

MLK Day events in our communities

Finally today, here's a list of Martin Luther King Day events happening in our communities this Monday Jan. 15. Just wish I could attend them all.

  • Newton: Harmony Foundation is hosting Newton's MLK celebration at Newton North High School starting at 9:30 a.m. Includes solo performances, children's programming, and more Details. 

  • Needham: Needham Diversity is hosting its celebration at Needham High School at 10 a.m. with musical performances by the Eliot School Choir and Plugged In, Dance by the NHS Bomb Squad, and a keynote by Gilda Barabino, president of Olin College. Details Details. 

  • Watertown: Watch the World in Watertown's Unity Breakfast happening virtually at 10 a.m. with keynote speaker, Dr. Charmain Jackson, remarks from Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and the honorary host is Dr. Ceronne Daly, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Watertown Public Schools. Details

  • Wellesley: World of Wellesley's 24th Annual Breakfast and Family Celebration at Wellesley College's Lulu Chow Campus Center from 8 a.m. to noon features keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer Yanco. Breakfast and discussion happen from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a family program with free admission from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Details


That’s what you need to know for today, unless you need to know if Bill Belichick was more successful on days when he wore a gray hoodie, a blue hoodie, a mock, a jacket, or some other look.

See you next week.  
 
Greg Reibman (he, him)
President & CEO
617.244.1688

P.S. This newsletter is only possible because of the financial support from our members. If you find our communications helpful or interesting, please join them today.
Powered By GrowthZone