Newsmakers: A campaign stop and a family production

Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a regular feature spotlighting milestones and accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations.

Auchincloss visits Granite State for Harris

As the national battle for the presidency heads into the home stretch, U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Newton, hit the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris in New Hampshire this weekend.

Auchincloss spoke at Temple Adath Yeshurun‘s Brotherhood Forum in Manchester, N.H., and spoke to them about Harris’s economic agenda.

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Newton, speaks with voters in Manchester, N.H. Courtesy Photo

Newton family to bring ‘Pinocchio’ to Boston stage

Commonwealth Lyric Theater in Newton will perform the world premiere of “Pinocchio: The Musical” at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston Nov. 14 through 17.

The play, created and directed by Newton resident Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy, has been named a “Critic’s Pick” by The Boston Globe and features several other Newtonians involved in its production, including Prokhorov-Tolstoy’s wife, Irina, and his children: Anastasia, Nelli and Afanasy.

Alexander Prokhorov-Tolstoy directs “Pinocchio: The Musical” for Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston. Courtesy Photo

West Suburban YMCA hosts Fall Festival

The West Suburban YMCA held its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 19, drawing a crowd of more than 200 families from the region to celebrate the season with fall-themed activities.

There was a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin-decorating, a sandbox treasure hunt and more. There was also a “mad scientist” presentation and free henna art.

The event was supported by local community organizations, including Newton Community Farm.

“The Fall Festival exemplifies our commitment to fostering community connections,” WSYMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci said. “We are thrilled to see so many families come together to celebrate the season and engage in meaningful activities. The collaborative spirit of local organizations truly made this event a success.”

Kids enjoy pumpkin-decorating at the West Suburban YMCA Fall Festival. Courtesy Photo