Jackson Walnut Park School teacher nominated for national award

Sister Kathy Berube, educator at Jackson Walnut Education Collaborative, has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award.

This award recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. 

Berube was nominated by Patricia Gray, the head of her school, for inspiring and nurturing her students, and for instilling a passion for learning and a love of structure in her students’ hearts.

Berube is celebrating her 60th year as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. She still plays a critical role in the lives of students, faculty and families at Jackson Walnut Park School. Although she now serves as a Liturgist, she is primarily known for her work as a Latin teacher for fifth and sixth-grade children. Berube’s colleagues at Jackson Walnut Park School consistently highlight her dedication to supporting both students and faculty with care and compassion.

Temple Emanuel celebrates 90 years. Courtesy photo

Temple Emanuel turns 90

Temple Emanuel in Newton was established in the fall of 1935, while fascism and antisemitism were consuming Europe and threatening to do the same in America.

Ninety years later, the temple is thriving and celebrating, with more than 1,500 member households.

“For ninety years, Temple Emanuel has been a welcoming spiritual home, where our community comes together to celebrate, support one another, and find meaning, warmth and joy in Jewish life,” said Liz Goldstein, president of Temple Emanuel.

Temple Emanuel will continue to celebrate its 90th anniversary, and there will be a party on May 3.

“Temple Emanuel’s 90-year legacy is a powerful testament to what faith and community can build together,” said Mayor Marc Laredo, a longtime member of Temple Emanuel. “Our family is proud to have been part of the Temple Emanuel community for 30 years and grateful to Temple Emanuel and its clergy for greatly enriching our lives. May this congregation continue to be a source of connection and kindness for its members and an important part of Newton’s cultural, spiritual and civic life.”

You can learn about Temple Emanuel here.

Julie Rosen, William James College Board of Directors. Courtesy photo

William James College gets two new board members

William James College today has added two new members to its Board of Trustees: Julie A. Rosen and Fernando Alonso.

Rosen, a Newton resident, directs the Not-for-Profit Practice at WittKieffer, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, where she brings more than 30 years of experience with healthcare and nonprofit organizations and associations to her clients.   

“Ms. Rosen and Mr. Alonso bring a passion to improve access to culturally informed behavioral healthcare and leadership to the William James College Board,” said Dr. Nicholas Covino, President of William James College. “Their experience with youth, education, organizational leadership and compassionate care will add to the skills of our talented WJC Board of Trustees. The College is fortunate to have their generosity and service at this important time.” 

Since 2018, Alonso has served as Assistant Head of School at Phillips Academy Andover where he focuses on Operations and Finance. He was appointed Dean of Administration and Finance at Andover in 2016 after seven years as Director of the Andover Summer Session. Earlier in his tenure at Phillips Andover, a private college preparatory boarding and day school, Alonso oversaw a variety of outreach programs. He has served in leadership roles at the school since 2005, beginning his tenure there as Director of the Mathematics and Science for Minority Students program. He has also worked in the classroom as a mathematics instructor and as a house counselor. 

A dedicated educator and administrator for more than 25 years, Alonso has held positions in Puerto Rico at his alma mater, the Baldwin School, as well as at the Westtown School in Pennsylvania and the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut.

U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Wikimedia Commons

CWRA gets $500K from federal government

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have secured $500,000 for the Charles River Watershed Association to help communities identify flood reduction opportunities in the Charles River watershed area.

The funds are a part of a congressional spending bill for FY2026.

“Flooding is one of the greatest climate risks in Massachusetts, and it is vital that we prepare ourselves to avoid environmental disaster,” Executive Director Emily Norton said. “With this generous funding, we can take actionable steps to protect our communities in the watershed. We are extremely grateful to Senators Markey and Warren for their work to bring this funding to the Commonwealth.”

The funds come at a time when Charles River communities are seeing a spike in large-scale development, and getting federal funding for environmental projects is a constant uphill battle. 

“I’m proud to have worked with the entire Massachusetts delegation to secure over $92 million in funding this year for projects that will make our water cleaner, our environment healthier, our workforce stronger, and expand justice in our communities,” said Sen. Markey. “It’s critical that we bring federal resources to our communities to make life better for everyone who calls the Bay State home.”