Spark Newton names new director

Spark Newton, a local nonprofit that advocates for building community through arts and culture,  has named Leandra Sharron as its new executive director.

Sharron will take over the role vacated by Meryl Kessler when Kessler was appointed the city’s new Arts and Culture director.

“I’m honored to join Spark Newton at such an exciting time,” Sharron said. “I look forward to working with the board, staff and community partners to continue expanding access to free, high-quality arts and cultural programming that builds community and brings people together.”

Sharron has several years of community arts and culture experience. Most recently, she served as director of operations at the Boston Book Festival, where she helped oversee large-scale public programming and developed community partnerships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Leandra to Spark Newton,” Gloria Gavris, chair of Spark Newton’s Board of Directors, said. “Her leadership, vision and deep commitment to community-centered programming align perfectly with our mission. We are excited for the future of Spark Newton under her guidance.”

Affordable housing presentation next week

Interested in learning more about affordable housing? Next Wednesday, April 29, Newton for Everyone will host an event, “What’s Up With Affordable Housing?” at 7 p.m. at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland St., West Newton.

Newton Affordable Housing Trust Chair Ann Houston, who is also a member of the Newton Fair and Affordable Housing Partnership, will discuss the recently completed report on effective ways to use the funds of Newton’s Affordable Housing Trust.

The event will also be on Zoom. You can RSVP online.

Jackson Walnut Park School raised more than $5K with spring concert

The Jackson Walnut Park School recently hosted its “Valerie & Friends—An Evening of Music” concert and raised a total of $5,020.

That money will go toward the school’s performing arts programming, specifically to purchase musical instruments.

Jackson Walnut Park School is a private co-ed school affiliated with the Catholic Church that accepts students from diverse backgrounds and serves children in preschool through middle school.

Earth. Public domain image

Earth Day Festival coming May 3

On Sunday, May 3, Newton will have its Earth Day Festival at Zervas Elementary School, from noon to 3:30 p.m.

This year the event has a major focus on youth.

For weeks, Green Newton has partnered with Service Stars and Newton Community Development to engage students in conversation about Earth Day and an art project to be featured in a new youth art gallery at the festival.

Students from the Newton South Key Club and Newton North Green Team are organizing a citywide clothing and home goods donation drive, in collaboration with Welcome Home and Fulfilled Goods.

The May 3 Earth Day Festival itself will include the student art display, thrifting opportunities, a seed swap, a scavenger hunt, face-painting, more than 40 vendors and nonprofits, live music and more.

Halal Guys opens in Newton

The Halal Guys, a popular chain that started in New York, is expanding its Greater Boston presence with a new location at 55 Needham St, Newton Upper Falls.

The company hosted a grand opening celebration on April 18.

The Newton location features some new menu items, too, including their exclusive waffle fries.

The Newton restaurant is franchised to Imran Asghar and Jamal Bourote, who own and operate eight locations in Massachusetts.

Historic Newton House Tour returns in May

Feel like checking out some nice homes?

Historic Newton will have its 43rd annual Newton House Tour on Sunday, May 17, from noon to 5 p.m.

Participants of this self-guided tour will get a peek inside historic properties not typically open to the public, each selected to show historic preservation and creative adaptations. And it’s not all houses. In addition to six private homes, the tour includes the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill.

Tickets are $50 in advance, $40 for Historic Newton members, and $55 on the day of tour.

The self-guided tour starts with ticket pick-up at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave. You can also purchase tickets online. 

Proceeds will benefit Historic Newton.