Looking at Laredo’s first 100 days

How have Mayor Marc Laredo’s first 100 days in office been? Any surprises? Any regrets? Any exciting new plans? We’re going to find out.

The Newton Beacon and NewTV are teaming up for a special event on April 16 with Mayor Laredo to dissect, examine and talk about his administration so far in these unprecedented times.

Beacon Editor Bryan McGonigle and NewTV News Director Jenn Adams will be at the NewTV studio with the mayor, unpacking it all—the good, the bad and the outright weird–as the city settles into a new era in local government.

More details are coming soon. The event will be videotaped and will air on NewTV.

If you would like to suggest a question, email your question to editor@newtonbeacon.org. Include “Laredo 100 Days” in your email subject line.

With time constraints, there’s no guarantee all submitted questions will be included.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller speaks at the Golda Meir House in Newton in 2023. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Ruthanne Fuller joins 2Life Board

Former Mayor Ruthanne Fuller has only been out of office for a few weeks and she’s already on to important new work.

Senior housing developer 2Life Communities has appointed three new directors to its board, and one of them is Fuller. The other two are Jason Honeyman, senior shareholder at Wolf Greenfield, and Max Slifka, senior vice president of real estate at Global Partners.

2Life serves about 2,200 older adults at 12 properties (just under 2,000 apartments) across Massachusetts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ruthanne, Jason, and Max to the 2Life board,” said 2Life’s Board Chair Laura Efron. “Their exceptional expertise in affordable housing, intellectual property, and real estate will serve the organization well as it continues to execute on its strategic plan for transformative and intentional growth. This growth is absolutely essential to fulfill our mission: to ensure every older adult has the opportunity to live a full life of connection and purpose in a dynamic, supportive environment.”

In addition to her career in public office, Fuller has a background in strategic planning for corporate and non-profit organizations.

Shara Ertel, owner of Fulfilled Goods in Newtonville (and soon, also in Newton Centre), works a booth at Newton’s Village Day on Oct. 5, 2025. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Fulfilled Goods is collecting sweaters

Fulfilled Goods will have its second annual Sweater Swap from Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 15. All are invited to stop by to drop off sweaters at either location during store hours anytime before the swap.

Sweaters must be in like-new condition with no stains or holes. Due to space limitations, only adult sizes will be accepted and please limit donations to four sweaters. 

Newton Centre (1280 Centre Street, inside Derby Farm Flowers) store hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Newtonville (612 Washington St.) store hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12 to 6 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newton Police Department Coffee With the Cops. Courtesy image

Coffee with the Cops coming to Chestnut Hill

On Tuesday, March 10, at 9 a.m., you may notice cops at the entrance of Frank Pepe’s at the Chestnut Hill Mall.

But you can relax. It’s the Newton Police Department Coffee With the Cops—a way for police officers to engage with and connect with residents in a casual setting over coffee.

Stop by and ask questions, give some feedback, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning.