April update: Get Out!

Sunday’s Boston Globe article on the 1918 flu and fresh air reminded me again of how important getting outside is to our mental and physical health. The City website has important, and up-to-date information on how to do so safely here.
 
In this update:

• Helping and getting help
• Roads in Pandemic times
• Maps of Trails
• #TrashTag your walk
• Other creative ventures in our parks
• Important Dates
• Virtual Office hours

 Helping and getting help The City has teamed up with United Way to help Newton residents impacted by the pandemic and shut down. You can help by donating to the Newton Covid-19 Care Fund to help cover the costs of basic needs for qualified applicants. All donations will go directly to helping families.
 
If you are in need, PLEASE don’t hesitate to apply to the fund for aid. FAQ and details on how to apply are here

 Newton Roads in Pandemic Times Now that more of us are at home, getting out on foot or bike or other nonmotorized vehicle, keeping enough distance from other people can be a challenge—a four-foot sidewalk won’t allow for six-feet of social distance!
 
Our park trails and the Commonwealth Avenue Carriage Lane, on a fine sunny day can get crowded.
 
We have a lot of streets that normally are safer for spreading out on foot or bike—Bike Newton has mapped them here
 
Are streets that you would like to see calmed for the duration of the shutdown? Email them to me and I will share them with the City.
 
In the meantime, if you are driving, PLEASE remember to slow down and watch out for your neighbors!
 
Maps of trails If your usual route is getting boring, check out the MAPC’s interactive map of trails, bike routes and more in our region here.

 #TrashTag your walk Unfortunately, all our usual spring park cleanups have been cancelled for the duration. That means any litter cleanup will be something we do alone—or with immediate family—on our walks through our parks (or along Newton streets!).
 
Bring a bag and protective gear and lend a hand! If you have bigger finds, you will want to coordinate with Parks & Recreation.
 
The city has already issued guidance on how to help while also staying safe. Link is here.
 
Take a selfie with your trash, the name of the park or road you cleaned, and post it to social media with #TrashTag and @AndreaeDowns. I will be re-posting the biggest/most entertaining collectors!

 Other Creative ParkVentures

• Jerry Reilly and the Newton Nomadic Theater (and other neighbors) have been devising a photo scavenger hunt with strict safety rules. Details here.
• Friends of the Quinobequin caught this father-son pair repairing the footbridges along the trail. Thanks to Sam and David Jones for taking the initiative—some of those boards were getting spongy!

 Virtual Office Hours Where was I? I apologize if you signed in for the virtual office hours and didn’t get me. I forgot I had already set up a google meeting, and instead sent out a phone-in number via social media. This seems like the easiest way to do office hours, and guarantees we have some one-on-one time. So, call or text me at 617-329-1261, and we will set up a time to chat. Would be great to catch up with you, anyway!
 
Stay safe & wash your hands!