Upcoming Events

2025 Bruce Hugh Wilson

Giving Thanks Gift Card Drive

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded of the importance of gratitude, community, and giving. This season, Newton Neighbors is once again launching The Bruce Hugh Wilson Giving Thanks Gift Card Drive, and we invite you to join us in supporting local families in need. Every year, many families in our community face financial challenges that make it difficult to enjoy a warm holiday meal. For the past six years, Newton Neighbors has organized a holiday grocery gift card drive to offer relief and joy during this special time. Our drive is named in memory of Bruce Hugh Wilson, who was instrumental in launching this effort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bruce passed away unexpectedly in 2024 while running in his beloved West Newton neighborhood. His deep commitment to our community and to Newton Neighbors made a lasting impact. Thanksgiving was especially meaningful to Bruce and his family, who always welcomed others to their table. We are honored that his loved ones have chosen to continue his legacy through this drive.

How You Can Help

A donation of any amount makes a meaningful difference. 

📅 Deadline: December 1, 2025

🔗 [Click here to donate]

If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving a gift card:

 📞 Contact the Newton Social Services Division at 617-796-1420

 🏫 Or speak with your child’s NPS school social worker

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer Awareness Month focuses on educating the public about lung cancer, its causes, prevention, early detection, and available treatments. Smoking remains the top cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of related deaths. The best way to lower your risk is to avoid smoking altogether or to quit if you currently smoke.



If you need support to quit, visit smokefree.gov, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), or text “QUIT” to 47848. Remember—it's never too late to stop smoking!

November is National Diabetes Month

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

Two of the most common early warning signs:

FREQUENT URINATION

Symptom: Needing to urinate often.

Signs: Constant trips to the bathroom, waking up at night to urinate, a return to bed-wetting in children, or persistently heavy diapers in babies and toddlers.

Commonly mistaken for: Drinking a lot of fluids, staying hydrated, or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

EXCESSIVE THIRST

Symptoms: Feeling extremely thirsty all day and night; unable to quench thirst.

Signs: Waking up at night to drink water or other fluids; frequent complaints of thirst.

Commonly mistaken for: Normal reactions to sports or physical activity, or simply hot weather.

Other early signs to watch for:

FATIGUE

Symptoms: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.

Signs: Looking worn out, being irritable, or having mood swings.

Commonly mistaken for: Not getting enough sleep, physical exhaustion from sports, low motivation, or a mild viral illness.

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

Symptom: Losing weight without trying.

Signs: Looking thinner even when eating normally or more than usual; clothes fitting loosely.

Commonly mistaken for: Growth spurts in kids or teens, increased activity levels, or an eating disorder.

⚠️ Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. Undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening.

Seek emergency medical attention if you or someone else experiences:

Fruity-smelling breath, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, confusion, drowsiness, or rapid, heavy breathing.

These symptoms may be mistaken for the flu or a stomach virus, but they can signal a medical emergency.

Jordan Bennett Weiss Fund - JBWfund@gmail.com

For More information:

www.beyondtype1.org/ www.breakthrought1d.org/ www.diabetes.org/ www.joslin.org

Holiday Food Safety

Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner—and while preparing the big meal can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! By following a few simple food safety tips, you can serve a delicious feast that keeps everyone happy and healthy.

When it comes to the turkey, keeping it at a safe temperature during thawing is key. While a frozen turkey stays safe indefinitely, once it starts to thaw, any bacteria that were present before freezing can begin to grow again. After checking out at the grocery store, take your frozen turkey straight home and place it in the freezer. Avoid leaving it in places like the car trunk, on the porch, or in the basement—anywhere the temperature can’t be closely controlled.

Never thaw meat or poultry on the counter for more than two hours. Even if the center is still frozen, the outer layers may reach the “Danger Zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where harmful bacteria can multiply quickly.

To keep your food safe, use one of these three approved thawing methods: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Need Help With Heating Bills?

The ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.) Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as Fuel Assistance, provides financial assistance to income-eligible households for heating bills.

RESIDENTS can now apply online for the 2025-2026 heating season.

All residents can receive support with their application from the Newton Human Services Division. Call 617-796-1420 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Health and Human Services

1000 Commonwealth Ave

Newton, MA 02459

health@newtonma.gov

(617) 796-1420