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NLFIA Welcome Book

file name: LFIA welcome package Rev2 11_26_18 825 by 825 with covers edits 8_27_20

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Copyright 2018 Newton Lower Falls Improvement Association

Photographs remain the property of the photographers including Amy Oppenheimer,

Ron Parkinson, Newton Tab, Newton Patch and those unnamed. Maps are enhanced

from maps provided by Google Maps and remains their property

2018.11 Edition 2.0 Rev.2.2


Welcome to your neighborhood!

The Newton Lower Falls Improvement Association would like to welcome you to our

small and vibrant community. This document contains information that will make

your transition easier and promote connection to your neighbors. We hope you find

this information helpful.

Lower Falls is probably the greenest Newton Village. We are bordered by the Charles

River Reservation and benefit from a natural wooded setting bordering an 18 hole

golf course and a neighborhood with old growth trees. Enjoy walking to mass transit

at either the Riverside MBTA or Wellesley Commuter Rail.

Contents:

Lower Falls street map 2 Civics & Riverside development 9

Communication: Listserv, Trash and Parking info 10

Website & Lowdown 3 Schools & Preschool information 11

Neighborhood activities 4 Dining & retail businesses in

Progressive Dinner Sample 6 Newton & Wellesley LF 12

Beautification Committee 7 Elected officials & Newton offices 15

Lower Falls Improvement Other activities in Lower Falls 17

Association 8 Map of Businesses in Auburndale 18

1


*

Asheville

Rd

Street Map of Lower Falls Located In the middle of Hamilton Park our

Community Center, a former elementary school, is the hub of community activities

and events. It is our voting place and the home of a preschool and afterschool

program. The building is shared with Newton affordable, senior housing.

2


Lower Falls Communication:

Here is some digital information to help you to become acquainted:

Listserv: You can join our neighborhood email group by signing up

here: https://newtonlowerfalls.org/Join-our-email. It is unmoderated and open

to all residents. You are likely to see postings for neighborhood events, sports

tickets, free stuff at the curb, requests for a vendor not on the website and

occasional political exchanges. If you find the email list is not useful, unsubscribing

is just as easy as subscribing. To keep the list as neighborly as possible, please

sign your listserv contributions with your full name and street address. We

are proud that ours is the second oldest neighborhood listserv in the US!

Website: Neighborhood web site: https://newtonlowerfalls.org for resources,

news and events. On our website you will find the neighborhood calendars and a

vendor list: https://newtonlowerfalls.org/Vendor-List. This is a list of

recommendations from neighbors for service vendors. If you do not see what you

need you can always ask on the listserv.

The Lowdown: our community newspaper published digitally 3 times per year.

You can find it here: https://newtonlowerfalls.org/Lowdown . Printed copies are

available on request

3


Our Calendar-Something for everyone

Falls Ball – The LFIA has had a summer kickoff event for over 40 years. It is held

in June traditionally the Saturday before Father’s Day with music and games and

activities as varied as movies, hot air balloons and elephant rides!

Progressive Dinner- The best way to meet people! You will eat a 4-course meal

with appetizers, soup or salad and a main course at different houses & meet

different people. We gather at one common location with everyone for dessert.

This year marks 28 years for this great event.

Skating Rink- We offer skating on our neighborhood rink; it is fun, it is outside

and what else are you going to do in the winter? Maintained by neighborhood

volunteers and we need people to sign up to help set it up or maintain the ice!

Spring Fling- Emerge from a long winter and socialize with neighbors. There is

an egg treasure hunt and crafts for the kids.

Halloween/Diwali Celebration- An event for families and kids with fun

crafts, snacks and another chance to wear a Halloween costume!

Tree lighting Party- A family event with carolers, seasonal warm beverages,

snacks and of course socializing and a lot of good feelings.

Movie Nights- Loosely scheduled movies on the lawn in summer and the

Community Center in winter. There will be popcorn of course and maybe Pizza!

4


5


Progressive Dinner signup sheet sample

Don’t miss next year

6


Lower Falls Beautification:

Beautification is an all-volunteer group to improve the landscape of Hamilton Park,

and streetscapes of the neighborhood. This committee has planted a demonstration

garden and permaculture orchard for community members to learn, dig, and enjoy

the bounty of nature. Join us in the garden, orchard, or the Spring/Fall beautification

days.

7


is a betterment association for the village. It

is a 501c3 federally recognized nonprofit. Everyone in the neighborhood is entitled

but not required to join to participate in any of the activities. To vote at the

Association meetings held twice a year however you must be a member. If you have

an idea for an activity, we would love to hear it.

The LFIA, as we call it, strives to promote connection, and keep the neighborhood

informed about actions by the Newton city government and represent the needs of

the community to city and state governments. We also foster neighborhood social

activities, publish the neighborhood newsletter, manage web sites, and manage a

volunteer effort to complete a long-term program of neighborhood beautification of

the public areas.

LFIA board meetings are announced by email to the listserv and are open to all

neighbors. Please come, listen and participate. This is your neighborhood!

8


Newton Civics

An important role of the LFIA is to monitor developments in Newton and

communicate what we believe will impact Lower Falls. When it is significant to the

neighborhood, we may invite city officials to speak to the neighborhood, form and

support special committees, take other actions supported by the majority of

neighbors and communicate that support to Newton City Government. This has

always been a significant role of the LFIA Board, it has never been more important.

A massive dense, urban development is proposed for the Riverside T station with:

• 663+ residential units; 550K sq. Ft. commercial; 65K sq. Ft. retail

• Two 210 ft. towers: 14 & 18 stories; tallest in Metrowest and on 128

• Traffic increase of +/- 10,000 cars/day possible on local roads

• Schools enrollment could increase by between 216-231 students

• Residential units will significantly exceed the number in Lower Falls

• Our community was faced with a Riverside development plan 5 years ago.

Based on community input and traffic concerns, the City approved a plan less

than ½ this size.

• To avoid changing the nature of our village, this plan must drastically

decrease in size.

The LFIA has formed a Riverside committee to represent our views. Its members are

working with attorneys and other consultants. Get involved, Go to meetings, Donate

to the defense fund and if you have expertise or influence, let the committee know!

Look to the website and listserv for information. 9


Trash and Recycling:

Monday is Trash Pickup Day in Lower Falls.

Recycling of newspapers, other paper and cardboard, metal and glass can be

placed in the single green recycling barrel. If you need more space additional green

bags can be purchased or ask a neighbor if their barrel has room.

Yard waste can be placed in cans marked as yard waste or in paper yard waste

bags as sold by retailers. 2018 yard waste is from March 28 through December 14.

Special trash item detail on such as large items, monitors, TVs, and recycling are

available on the city web site or dial 311 (see below).

http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/dpw/recycling/curbside/%5Cdefault.asp

Parking Storm Season Ban:

There is no overnight on street parking from November 15th to April 15 th .

Newton 311

The 311 system is for questions, Trash and city property issues. It works with

Newton landlines or download the appropriate app here.

http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/311.asp?qaframe=RequestSelect.aspx%3FsSessionID%3D

10


Schools:

NLF is served by two different elementary schools (Angier in Waban, and Williams in

Auburndale), one middle school (Charles E. Brown Middle in the Oak Hill section of

Newton), and one high school (Newton South High in Oak Hill).

From the south side of Pine Grove to the Wellesley line, (south of Hamilton field)

homes are districted to Angier Elementary in Waban. The area of NLF that is north

of Pine Grove (north of the field) is in a buffer zone with both Williams School and

Angier School taking students. Buffer zone families may make a request for either

Williams or Angier, but the actual buffer zone placement decisions are made by the

Newton Public Schools based on space availability.

Preschool and after school programs in Lower Falls:

Echo Falls Preschool 545 Grove Street 617 965-3606 echofallspreschool.com

Hills & Falls Nursery School 258 Concord St 617 964-2086 hillsandfalls.com

Artisan Childcare Center 2330 Washington St 617 916-0373 artisanchildcare.com

Rec Place Afterschool 545 Grove St 617 332-7327 recplace.org

Churches & Synagogues too many to list:

Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church Concord St. Newton

Saint John the Evangelist (Catholic) Washington St. Wellesley

Church Search: http://www.churchfinder.com/churches/ma/newton

Synagogues reviews: 11

https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=synagogues&find_loc=Newton%2C+MA


Local Eating Choices:

CK Shanghai (781) 237-7500

Express Gourmet (781) 235-3613

Jin’s Fine Asian Cusine (781) 237-5888

Mark’s Pizza (781) 237-3850

PapaRazzi (781) 235-4747

Peter’s Pizza (781) 235-0031

Cooks Window Pizza (781) 237-1331

12 Wellesley North End Pizza (781) 237-3388


Newton Lower Falls and Wellesley Lower Falls combine to form

a vibrant eating, shopping and service area all within walking distance; take the DCR

Path. We have both a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts and a variety of dining choices.

We even have oriental rugs and a selection of fine furniture and housewares for

emergency home decorating needs.

13


14

The Charles

River


Your Elected Officials:

Newton City Government

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller 617-796-1100 rfuller@newtonma.gov

Newton City Council

Ward 4 Councilors:

Lenny Gentile

Chris Markiewicz

Josh Krintzman

School Committee:

Diana Fisher-Gomberg

617-527-5446 lgentile@newtonma.gov

617-332-7231 cmarkiewicz@newtonma.gov

617- 558-0699 jkrintzman@newtonma.gov

617-243-9424 diana_gomberg@newton.k12.ma.us

Our State Government:

State Legislature:

Rep. Kay Khan

Sen. Cynthia Creem

617-722-2011 Kay.Khan@mahouse.gov

617-722-1639 Cynthia.Creem@masenate.gov

The polling place for Ward 4, precinct 2 is the Community Center

located at 545 Grove St. (See NLF Map)

Important Numbers:

Newton City Hall Dial 617-796-1000 or dial 311 from landline or app (page 10)

Police Business Line 617-796-2100 or in emergency dial 911

Fire Business Line 617-796-2210 or in emergency dial 911 15


Golf- Leo J Martin Golf Course (781) 894-4903

Leo J is one of only two state-owned public golf courses in Massachusetts and has

been upgrading recently. They have a driving range and a full 18 hole course at a

very reasonable price and the unofficial dog park for the neighborhood.

https://www.mass.gov/locations/leo-j-martin-memorial-golf-course

Cross Country Skiing- Weston Ski Track 781-891-6575

No chair lifts here but The Weston Ski Track has taught more skiers than any other

area in New England. They have used Leo J for many years and make snow to extend

the season and improve conditions. https://paddleboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php

Charles River Canoe & Kayak, Nahanton Park- (617) 965-5110

Paddle the Charles in view of the Newton Marriot and see the river and wildlife in a

Canoe, Kayak or Paddleboat. It is located on route 30 between route 95 and the

Newton Marriot. Parking can be challenging; so be forewarned.

https://paddleboston.com/rentals/our-locations/nahanton-park-newton/

Ice Skating Rink-

This is an LFIA volunteer program supported by the city. It is on the field of the

community center most winters, volunteers dependent.

16


Other Things to do in and around Lower Falls:

Newton Nomadic Theater-

Several shockingly well produced and performed plays each year at various locations

including our neighborhood Gregorian Rugs. Also offers Nomadic Story Slam, our

own version of Moth storytelling. It is really terrific but don’t tell anyone.

https://sites.google.com/site/newtonnomadictheater/

Hiking and Bicycling Nearby

Great bicycling right from the door through Weston, Lincoln and Concord on a well

used route or west through Needham, Dover and beyond. There is also the bike

path/road route along the Charles from Auburndale to Boston/Cambridge. Links to

bike routes are available here:

http://trailmap.mapc.org/, http://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/ma-biketrails.aspx,

http://www.masspaths.net/bikeways/indexm.htm,

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/newton-ma/,

https://bikenewengland.com/2016/05/01/massachusetts-bicycle-trails/

Wellesley Town Trails https://www.wellesleyma.gov/399/Trails

Tour de Newton, a 20-mile moderate paced bike ride with 1,000 riders of all

ages and skills through the 13 villages of Newton with a supported and guided ride

every Father’s Day.

Other Interests

Ask the listserv. A neighbor will have the answer! 17


18


Auburndale is a next-door neighbor Village to Lower Falls. It offers a

bakery, card and gift shop, a supermarket, a local bank and other stores

that Lower Falls does not

19


Footbridge off Concord Street


Businesses of our Neighbors serving neighbors

Wood Designs by Matt Day

Custom furniture and home items

Visit http://mattpday.wixsite.com/wooddesigns and email mattpday@gmail.com or call 203-913-6295

Deb Elbaum - Career and Life Coaching with Purpose

Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC, 617-213-0858, deb@debelbaum.com, website: www.debelbaum.com

I help men and women in career transition get clear, get confident, and get a plan so that they can figure out what's next

in a way that fits their priorities and purpose. Contact me for a complimentary conversation.

ECHO FALLS PRESCHOOL

Echo Falls is a play-based preschool that has been serving children and families for 30 years this year!

We are located in NLF at 545 Grove Street in the Lower Falls Community Center next to Hamilton Playground.

Jennifer Stoner owner- Please visit our website: www.echofallspreschool.net OR call: 617 965-3606

Semi-New Computers

We sell refurbished Dell Computers (laptops and desktops)

Marlene S. Archer 617-467-4113

Steve Cooper ~ Interior Specialties

Fine interior painting, Wallpapering, Plaster repair, Finish Carpentry. A small company focused on personal service.

Beautifying the interior of neighborhood homes for over twenty five years.

Steve Cooper, 10 Asheville Rd NLF, 617-244-8010, scooper59@gmail.com

Ted Chapman Landscape Design

Sustainable, organic, residential landscape design, build, and maintenance;

NOFA Organic Land Care certified. Website: http://landscapehomeopath.com

Ted Chapman, 91 Cornell St, (617) 244-8780, tcld@verizon.net

We Two Tutoring

English, ELL, and creative writing tutor since 1991. Personalized lessons to grow empowered learners through a researchbased,

whole-student approach.

Jennifer M. Stoner, 617-615-6732, jennifer@wetwotutoring.com

Values Financial Counseling & Education

Fee-only financial planning, counseling and coaching. Website: http://www.valuesfinancial.com

Beverly Chapman, 91 Cornell St, (617) 680-8157, bevchapmanl@verizon.net


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