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This is a big week for your chamber

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This is a big week for your chamber

This is a big week for your chamber.
 
First, watch for an announcement later this morning about our first big social event in, you know, years.
 
It’s happening July 12, 5:30 p.m. outdoors at one of the prettiest spots along any part of the Charles River. 
 
We've missed you and hope to see you that evening.
 
Our July event is a fundraiser to support the chamber’s programing and advocacy and a celebration of the launch of a new marketing campaign we’re calling “Take A Trip Up the Charles.”
 
It’s a summer-long multi-media campaign designed to promote our four chamber communities to visitors.
 
Using video, social media, print and an online directory, our project will highlight scenic, historic, recreational, lodging, dining and retail destinations that make Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley unique.
 
Support comes from a business recovery grant from the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
 
Newton to redesign Washington Street
 
Newton recently reinvigorated the village centers in West Newton and Newtonville, adding bike lanes, improved sidewalks, better lighting, seating and trees.
 
Up next are plans to do similar work along Washington Street itself between West Newton Square into Newtonville and eventually to Church Street.
 
“The multi-phased project will consider how to use the space from the edge of the fence next to the Pike over to the sidewalks in front of businesses and homes from West Newton Square to Newtonville," Mayor Fuller announced recently.
 
"Our goal is to make the streets and sidewalks safer, more beautiful and more pleasant for everyone (pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, shoppers and visitors).”
 
Opportunities to provide input and plans for a multiyear trial between Chestnut and Lowell Streets will follow. 
 
Downtown Wellesley intersection to close for outdoor park
 
The intersection at Cross and Central Streets in downtown Wellesley will be closing Friday (June 3) through the summer season so the town can create an outdoor public gathering space designed to help enliven the downtown shopping district.
 
The new community event space will feature tables, chairs, umbrellas, yard games, swing and Adirondack chairs.
 
Vehicles looking to access Church Street or Cross Street can enter via Washington Street, Abbott Street or Weston Road. The continued use of the space will be reevaluated prior to Sept. 1.
 
Bulfinch to update Needham project tonight
 
After receiving input during a series of six community meetings, the Bulfinch Companies will host a Zoom meeting tonight (June 1) at 7:30 p.m. to share some changes to the proposed Highland Innovation Center project at the former Muzi Motors site at the corner of Highland Ave and Route 128 in Needham.
 
Bulfinch is also proposing significant roadway improvements to improve traffic flow and safety in the area and public amenities including a pickleball court, jogging/walking path for the public, open space and a water feature at the entrance to Gould Street along Highland Ave. Zoom link here.
 
Walk, bike and talk about Watertown’s future
 
The folks helping create Watertown’s next Comprehensive Plan continue to find new and interesting ways to engage the community.
 
If you haven’t done so yet, explore this interactive map and also complete the survey. (Recent presentation here.)
 
There will also be a series of 1-hour walks and a bike ride through Watertown to explore and discuss ideas for open spaces, transportation and land uses. Details.
 
A few COVID need to knows
   
  • The CDC recommends a minimum isolation of a five days from first symptoms or diagnosis before COVID infected individuals can return to public activities while maintaining certain precautions. Yet some continue testing positive upwards of 10 days after symptoms have resolved. (Wall Street Journal).
 
  • One in 5 adult COVID survivors under age 65 in the US has experienced at least one health condition that could be considered long COVID, according to a large new CDC study. (Boston Globe)
 
Other need to knows
 
  • In the wake of rising anti-Asian racism and violence across our region and the U.S., the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is partnering with the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus and Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission to host a series of three upcoming training sessions to combat Anti-Asian harassment and xenophobia. Details 
 
  • The Newton City Council rejected Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s proposed fiscal year 2023 operating budget, 13-11, last week due to its disagreement over school funding. However, Fuller’s budget will automatically go into effect July 1 anyway since the council does not have the power to increase or reject the budget as a whole. (The Heights)
 
  • Vitality Bowls is scheduled to open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown next week, the first in Massachusetts for the California-based business. The cafe features açaí bowls that are topped with a variety of superfoods along with salads, toasts, wraps, smoothies, and more. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
 
  • Looking to order meals for your office staff or planning a private party or special event while supporting our local restaurants? Check out our Easy Eats directory, a one-stop shop for you to browse catering or private event venues for a wide variety of occasions at chamber member restaurants.
 
New Art gala to focus on connecting teens with the arts
 
Depression and anxiety have been on the rise since COVID, especially impacting large numbers of teens.
 
Knowing that the arts and creative self-expression can be therapeutic, the New Art Center’s Midsummer Night's Gala on June 11 will support funding for an emerging youth art wellness & resilience program.
 
The event will take place under a tent, in the backyard of an exclusive Newton home and promises to be a magical and whimsical evening, bringing together individuals and local businesses to support the emotional well-being of the community and to promote resilience and collective healing through the arts. Details.  
 
Get ready to sweat (and get wet)
 
Massachusetts may officially be in a drought.
 
?Wellesley already has a water ban.
 
However the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above average temperatures this summer for much of the Northeast, and above-average rainfall for southern New England, reports WBUR’s Miriam Wasser.
 
BBJ's message to business leaders: Take a stand
 
Finally, this morning, editors at the BBJ have a message that you might not expect to see from a business-focused publication.
 
“We believe our business leaders increasingly have a responsibility to use their status to take a stand" on "political issues of the day, from abortion to voting to racism," they write in an editorial.
 
“Weighing in on political issues seen as off-limits just 10 or 20 years ago shows employees, clients and customers that there's more to business than revenue, profits and losses."
 
Read the rest here.
 
 
 
?That’s Need to Knows for today -- Oscar the Grouch's birthday -- unless you need to know about the snakes that live along the Charles River and Cutler Park in Needham. They rattle but are not rattlesnakes.
 
Be back Friday. But keep an eye out for this morning's event invitation, okay?
 
 
Greg Reibman (he, him)
President
Charles River Regional Chamber
617.244.1688
 
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