On Patriots' Day/Marathon Monday, all Newtonians were invited to make handmade #NewtonTogether signs and display them in our windows.

Sharing the incredible strength and resiliency of Newton in a display of solidarity with neighbors, Newtonians tagged their  creations in the Facebook event or elsewhere on social media with #NewtonTogether. For more information, click here. 

The idea was initiated by Rakashi Chand, a Newton Resident. 

“#NewtonTogether began with an email to the Mayor's Office. "I felt that we needed something positive, something to connect us in this unprecedented time of uncertainly, fear, and loneliness. As the Surge is expected eminently in Massachusetts, I wanted to find a way to bring our communities closer together, yet struggled to think how we can bring people together during a time of physical distance. So I thought we could bring the city together with a day of hope through the initiative #NewtonTogether. "

Rakashi wrote to the mayor’s office  with the #NewtonTogether idea saying, “Let us bring our community together in a shared message of perseverance and pride. Let us inspire one another as we are and always have been an unwavering city, that has stood tall and united in the face of adversity and overcome again and again, every challenge, hardship, tragedy and crisis.” The Mayor’s office shared the idea widely. 

It's a powerful message. It was  especially poignant as this year is the seventh anniversary of the Marathon bombing. “As we launch #NewtonTogether, we’ll help each other be strong and pull through COVID-19 and these severe economic challenges” said the mayor.

"I would like to encourage other cities, towns and communities to find ways to connect, inspire and support one another during this difficult time. Many people are feeling lonely, afraid and worried, with the added need for social distancing, they feel even more isolated. Let's find ways to ensure the emotional wellbeing of people and communities as a whole. Let us find positive ways to bring people together, while still staying safe, during this difficult time. We are all in this Together, and we are going to get through this, Together” says Rakashi Chand

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