Wicked Local
Submitted by the Stoneham Historical Society & Museum
National Polar Bear Day is observed annually on Feb. 27. It is a day to learn more about polar bears and conservation efforts worldwide. It is also a day for many long-standing supporters of the Walter D. Stone Zoo Memorial Zoo to recall fond memories of everyone s favorite polar bear, Major.
Major was adored by tens of thousands of visitors during his 21 years at our local historic zoo. Sadly, he was euthanized in June of 2000 at the age of 33 after it was determined that he was suffering from advanced stages of liver cancer with no options to restore his health.
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed $627 million in funding for a sweeping economic recovery and development bill, providing critical support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creation of new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law on January 14, 2021.
An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth is a COVID-19 relief and recovery package that provides support to the restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, and those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The bill also creates a Future of Work Commission, establishes protections for student loan borrowers, and ushers in zoning reforms to encourage affordable housing development in our communities.