Happy Fig Newton Day

Friday, Jan. 16, is National Fig Newton Day.

The popular cookie was invented in the late 19th century in Philadelphia, but a bakery in Cambridge bought the recipe and mass-produced it using a patented new extrusion machine. The plant manager lived in Newton, and the bakery tended to name cookies after towns, so the Newton cookie was born.

State awards Newton Food Pantry solar grant

Gov. Maura Healey’s office announced the first round of grants under the state’s new Low-Income Services Solar Program, and Newton Food Pantry is getting $398,000 to install a 17.3-kilowatt solar AC system with an accompanying energy storage system.

“Solar is low-cost energy that can be up and running quickly, and it helps keep the lights on year-round. We’re excited to help non-profit organizations access solar, which will enable them to aid many more families,” Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said.

The administration estimates that the new system will save Newton Food Pantry $20,000 annually in electricity costs.

“The Newton Food Pantry is an invaluable resource to our community, and this award will free up resources to help it serve even more of our neighbors at its new facility,” State Sen. Cindy Creem said. “This project demonstrates that solar and energy storage can be an important tool not only in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also in promoting energy affordability and economic security.”

A coyote wanders through a residential yard on Morrill Street. Photo posted on Nextdoor app

Watch out for coyotes

There have been multiple reports on social media of coyote sightings in Newton this past week, and one of them included photos and a video of a coyote scurrying through someone’s yard.

As more wilderness is built on, coyotes and other animals have fewer options for hunting grounds, so they’re appearing in densely populated areas more frequently. Residents are urged to keep cats indoors and be cautious when walking dogs. Coyotes rarely attack humans, but they do go after pets.

Northland gets a boost

Northland Development has received a $220 million loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank to get construction started, and construction has indeed begun.

The Upper Falls development is set to have 800 apartments and some retail space, but no office space. Phase 1 will see the construction of 315 apartments in the historic Saco Pettee Mill building, two new buildings and a public gatherings space.

“Now, as we begin vertical construction, we have also fulfilled our obligation to the city to contribute the first installment of $4.43 million, as part of a total $8.35 million obligation, for roadway and sewer improvements, and funds for the Countryside School,” Northland Founder & Chairman Larry Gottesdiener said in a statement announcing the loan.

The City Council approved an updated version of the Northland plan that eliminated office space in favor of more housing, which has become a trend in recent years.