Now that the weather is finally seasonable, friends and neighbors are eager to catch up.

In Newton, one of the most popular spots to do that is at the Hyde Community Center, now with a new director Helen Garity, who took over this year after former director John Rice joined Mayor Marc Laredo’s new administration.

This year, the Summer in the Highlands will present another diverse array of musical performances and family-friendly films, including The Reminisants and Freakier Friday on June 12; the Beatles tribute band Studio Two and Groundhog Day on June 26; Boston Rock and Soul Revue and Encanto on August 14; Monster Groove and Dog Man on August 21; and, the 4th Annual Newton Highlands Klezmer in the Park on June 5 from 4-7:30 p.m.

While the Hyde Center has been providing progressive and popular programs for years, Newtonville’s own Helen Garity recently took over as executive director after 20 years under the community-informed hand of Rice.

“My background is primarily in account management and business development within the healthcare industry,” Garity explains, “where I focused on building and maintaining long-term relationships, understanding client needs, and driving strategic growth. This experience has taught me to work and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders as well as explore and implement new partnerships.”

As Executive Director, Garity is using all of these skills…and more!

“Although the scope and variety of responsibilities has expanded,” she observes, “the key elements—relationship building, problem-solving and strategic thinking—remain an integral part of the role.”

In addition to having her skills coincide with the new role, Garity also says that her desire for a new way of handling her work-life was copacetic as well.

“After stepping away from my corporate career,” she recalls, “I was considering a more flexible, semi-retired phase. Around that time, I heard about the opportunity through a friend who is connected with John. The role immediately stood out to me as a meaningful way to stay engaged while giving back to the community, and it felt like a very natural next step.”

Helen Garity is beginning her first summer as director of the Hyde Community Center. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

As a 20-year Newton resident, Garity recalls bringing her own family to Summer in the Highlands events and other Hyde-sponsored offerings. Though she had participated in Hyde Center events for years, Garity recalls her first event in the new position with special fondness.

“At…the Soup Social in January,” she says, citing the annual partnership with the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council and Spark Newton that offers neighbors a chance to catch up and warm up together while enjoying the bounty from area bakers, chefs and restaurateurs, “there was a clear sense of engagement and genuine connection between the community and the Hyde, creating a welcoming environment.”

In a similar way that the Hyde works with other organizations like the Area Council, it also works alongside the City of Newton, though it does not receive funding from it. While some might wonder why any community organization would stand alone from the financial arm of its community, Garity maintains that the relationship makes sense.

“Operating as an independent nonprofit without city funding gives us the flexibility to make decisions quickly and respond directly to the needs of our community,” she observes. “This allows us to shape programming for the community without delay.”

As she begins to shape the calendar and complexion of the Hyde’s future, Garity looks forward to having an even closer eye and hand on the role that the Hyde plays and what it can do for the community, and then helping to make that happen.

“I think the first year will be a lot of learning, listening and observing so I fully understand all aspects of the Hyde,” she says.

And while she may have some new ideas in mind, Garity is keen to be mindful of what has come before and what she and her friends and family have been able to enjoy at the Hyde for so many years.

“Introducing new ideas is always good for any organization to grow,” she suggests, “[but] any changes introduced will be done in a thoughtful and intentional way.”