Author: Mia

Splendid® Holiday Book Drive for Milk + Bookies

Los Angeles-based brand Splendid^® is excited to announce their second annual nationwide holiday book drive for Milk + Bookies benefiting the National Relief Charities December 4th, 2014 – January 4th, 2015. Donated books will be used to stock eight school libraries at the Pine Ridge Reservation located in southwest South Dakota, an area that is among the poorest in the U.S. with a significant population living below the poverty line. This is such a worthy cause and we would so appreciate if you would share with your readers!

In honor of the season of giving, families are encouraged to bring new or gently used books for children of all ages – early readers through high school – to the Splendid^® store at The Street to donate to these schools who are in desperate need of reading material. To add to the giving-back experience, donators are invited to inscribe their donated books with a description about what they love about reading. Plus each participant will receive an I DONATED sticker, to reinforce the amazing feeling that comes with giving to someone else. To sweeten the deal, those that donate 5 or more books will receive 50% off one item from Splendid.

Milk + Bookies^TM is a nationwide charitable organization that inspires children to give back, using books as its currency. The organization facilitates opportunities for children to raise book donations and give back to their peers who do not have access to books of their own. Splendid has long been a supporter of Milk + Bookies and is thrilled to help further their message.

WHO: Splendid and Milk + Bookies

WHAT: Nationwide Book Drive to Support the National Relief Charities

WHEN: December 4, 2014 – January 4, 2015

WHERE: Splendid at The Street, 33 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467

December 15, 2014
Support the Chinese Historical Society of New England

I’d like to invite you to participate in giving back, by supporting the Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) and our efforts to document, promote and preserve the history and legacy of Chinese Americans in New England.

Donate here.

Meet Lucy, who has embarked on a mission to organize CHSNE’s archive/storage room this Fall/Winter……

“My name is Lucy Asako Boltz, and I’ve been working to organize and catalogue CHSNE’s archive. I graduated from Brown University (Ethnic Studies) and have previous experience in archives and research with Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI as well as on Chinese restaurants in the U.S.

I’m working to help make the reference materials open to students and scholars interested in learning more about Chinese/Chinese-American history in New England as well as to preserve the archival photographs, garments and documents in fair condition.

I have come across a number of artifacts that illustrate part of the story of Chinese in New England, especially Boston’s Chinatown. The library and archive houses dissertations on Boston’s Chinatown development, Asian American newspapers and magazine publications from the 1970s and 80s, and one of my favorite finds–a 1960s electric iron from a Chinese-owned laundry!”

Please help Lucy continue the progress she is making and make a donation today! CHSNE is in need of archival quality storage and shelving–$25 will help move a bag of items to an acid-free box, $100 will help us purchase and install a storage shelf, and $250 will help scan and restore and oversized banquet/school photo.

Your participation in giving back through CHSNE will help ensure that future generations will know about and appreciate the important contributions that the Chinese have had in New England.

Susan Chinsen, the Managing Director of Chinese Historical Society of New England, is a Newton North High School alumna.

December 14, 2014
Opening Party for Ice Rink at The Charles Hotel POSTPONED!

Opening Party for “The Rink” at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge!

THIS IS BEING RESCHEDULED DUE TO THE HEAVY RAIN THAT DAMAGED THE ICE RINK!

Stay tuned for new date!

This seasonal ice rink, a favorite in Cambridge, will debut at the party on Sunday December 14 from 12pm – 3pm and will remain open for the winter season. Guests are invited to join in the fun and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks from Shake Shack, neuro and Taza Chocolate.

There will also be a cookie decorating station for the little ones, festive music and complimentary skating for the whole family until 6pm!

Opening Party Celebration
Sunday December 14, 2014: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Normal Hours of Operation for Charles Hotel Ice Rink

Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Rental Prices
Skates $3 Child* $5 Adult $10 Family*
Skating Fee   $3 Child* $5 Adult $10 Family*

Seasonal Skating Passes Adult
10 Day Pass   $20 Child* $30 Adult $ 70 Family*
Season Pass   $55  Child*   $95Adult $175 Family*

Food & Beverage Service
Coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, vitamin water, sodas, seasonal beverages, hot pretzels, candy bars, energy bars, cookies and potato chips

Contacts
The Rink Information Line: 617‐234‐8008

Private Events & Catering Office:  617‐661‐5096 or catering@charleshotel.com*Children under the age of 12 |

*Family consists of 2 adults and 2 children (12 years and under)

December 13, 2014
Holiday Story Hour and Kids Concert at Pru

HOLIDAY STORY HOUR & KIDS CONCERTS

Celebrate the holiday season with your little ones at The Shops at Prudential Center! Bring the kids for an afternoon of storytelling, sweet treats and musical performances by Boston’s best children’s artists. All activities will take place in the Food Court.

Saturday, December 13 (Food Court)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Polar Express Story Hour
Digital book reading, children’s activities, hot cocoa and cookies compliments of Barnes & Noble.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Movie!

Enjoy this timeless holiday classic along with a children’s coloring activity compliments of Citi Performing Arts Center.

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
12/6 – Kids Concert with Stacey Peasley

12/13 – Kids Concert with Little Groove

December 12, 2014
NSTAR’s 30% Rate Increase
My guest blogger today is John H. Tourtelotte of Newton Solar Challenge.

NSTAR’s 30% Rate Increase: What can we do about it in Newton?

By now we’ve all seen the latest news on NSTAR’s major rate increase that will take effect this winter in Newton and throughout the region.

Why is the rate increase happening? What can we do about it at the community level and household level?

The “popular press”, including the Boston Globe and New York Times, has explained in recent articles that the 30% NSTAR electrical utility rate increase (and National Grid 37% rate increase) are a result of a shortage of natural gas distribution in New England to supply homes, businesses and natural gas fired power plants during periods of heavy demand in the winter months.

As a result, natural gas power plants face higher “fuel” costs, which power plant operators pass on to electrical utilities, which in turn then pass these costs to electrical utility customers. Many experts forecast that the shortage of natural gas is at least a ten year problem in New England due to lengthy planning and approval timelines for new natural gas pipelines to transport natural gas into New England.

So, let’s take a closer look at NSTAR’s planned 30% rate increase. Let’s also take a look at how “retail” electrical utility rates are calculated for residential customers in Newton. Then, let’s think about what we can do about it at the local level and at the household level.

For Newton residents, the current NSTAR residential rate of approximately $0.18 per kilowatt hour (kWh) is one of the highest rates in the U.S. This current $0.18 per kWh rate is before calculating the planned 30% rate increase.
- 46% of the $0.18 per kWh rate that we pay is allocated to “transmission and distribution” charges (T & D). These T & D charges represent the cost to move electrons through regional electrical distribution systems and across local wires on poles. T & D costs also include other charges, such as utility overhead and profit, pension and healthcare obligations, and staffing costs. The major utilities in New England are for-profit, publicly traded companies which have provided strong returns to their shareholders.
- 51% of the $0.18 we pay is for “energy supply” charges paid to out-of-state and in-state power plant operators and power providers. The current shortage of natural gas, which is used to “fire” the majority of our power plants in New England, affects the energy supply cost category.
- The remaining 3% of the electrical utility cost structure consists of “transition charges” and energy efficiency & renewable energy program costs.
- The Globe and NY Times tell us that the 30% rate increase is due to the limited supply of natural gas distribution, which is partially correct. What the press does not make clear is that the utility industry’s T & D costs typically rise at a rate higher than core inflation. (Again, T & D charges are about 50% of our total electrical charges). Many in the industry feel that there is substantial deferred maintenance in local electrical utility networks, suggesting continued increasing T & D charges. Even if the 30% rate increase is partially reduced after the winter season, consumers should expect continued cost escalations due to the nature of utility T & D cost structures.
We should all reflect on how wasteful it is to ship electrical power from regional power plants over wires to Newton and then within the local distribution system inside Newton. Over 10% of electrical power is lost in utility transmission and distribution networks (Source: NY Public Service Commission & EPRI, 2012). This T & D loss is on top of the inefficiency of even the most modern natural gas fired electrical generation plants (50% thermal efficiency).

What can you do about rising utility costs? What can we, as a community, do? How can we make “structural” changes to the way energy is generated and consumed in our community?

Energy efficiency is a “layup”! You should absolutely take advantage of the free home energy audits, $2,000 of free insulation, LED lighting upgrades and other programs available through the State’s “MassSave” program.

Then, by adopting solar on your home or business, you can provide up to 100% of your annual home or business electrical needs. You can draw from the utility grid when needed and provide excess power back to the grid and your community during times of high production of solar power.

The great thing about electricity is that it flows to the nearest source of demand, so solar energy generated in Newton will stay in Newton! Dollars saved on home utility bills will also stay in Newton for the benefit of local merchants, your children’s college education and your retirement plan.

Residential solar with the Newton Solar Challenge is a financial “no brainer” for those whose homes are appropriate. Homeowners who take advantage of “solar ownership” through Newton Solar Challenge will be immediately “cash flow positive” when using a solar loan from a local bank (or) will receive a full payback on investment within five years if they choose to invest cash.

We are challenged as a community by a 30% rate increase, global warming, and a desire, but no clear plan, for energy independence. What can you do about it? How can you take action with your community? How can you support the City of Newton’s stated goal of a 20% energy reduction across the residential sector within the next five years?

Join us in the Newton Solar Challenge and go solar with your neighbors! To learn more about how we simplify the solar purchase process, provide preferred pricing for Newton residents using high-quality installers and American-made equipment, and make low-cost “solar loans” available for Newton residents, please visit us at our website and Facebook.
December 12, 2014
Jennifer Price Lame Duck at NNHS?

Dear North Community:

As I hope you know, I love Newton North and have been honored to serve as Principal for the last 8 ½ years. Yet, I have reached a point in my career where it makes sense for me to think about leading a district. As a result, I decided to apply to a small number of Superintendent positions this fall, and will be named as one of several finalists in a few districts over the next week.

Given Massachusetts open meeting law, my name will be made public even though the interview process is still in progress. I will inform you immediately if I am going to be named as a Superintendent. In any case, the position would not begin until July 1^st.

Please know that my heart is struggling with all of this, even if my head is telling me that this exploration makes sense professionally. Thank you, as always, for your support. I can personally tell you that it means so much.

Best,

Jennifer Price

Jennifer Price went viral as Effie Trinket for The Hunger Games all high school book and event.

December 11, 2014
Winter Soccer Training in Stoughton

Winter Junior Academy Sessions run by Bobby Desilets, Bolts Girls Coaching Director.

Bolts Sports Center

133 Maple St.

Stoughton

Players should dress appropriately for soccer, cleats or indoor soccer shoes & shin guards (mandatory). Bring a water and a soccer ball.

For Girls & Boys ages 5 to 11

Session I: Saturdays 8:30-9:30AM $75 per session

January 17, 24, 31

February 7, 14, 21, 28

March 7, 14, 21

CLICK HERE to register for SATURDAYS

Session II: Wednesdays: 5-6PM $75 per session

January 14, 21, 28

February 4, 11, 18, 25

March 4, 11, 18

CLICK HERE to register for WEDNESDAYS

December 10, 2014
Whole Foods Donates Turkeys to Needy Families

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, Whole Foods Market Newtonville donated twelve turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving to the Boys & Girls Club of Newton to give to families in need. Jessica Cann, Marketing Team Leader & Community Liaison at Whole Foods Market Newtonville, along with fellow co-workers Eddy Boonchuilier and Larry of the Meat Department put together all the packages – each done with care and sincere thought.

Les Whitham, Club Program Director, greeted all the staff with open arms and was amazed to fill the Club van with all the items. Relaying numerous stories of gratitude from the receiving families, Les too was overjoyed by this very generous gesture. “It is such a great feeling to be able to tell some of our member families that they do not need to worry about what will be on the table for Thanksgiving. In fact, one father was brought to tears when he was told he would be receiving such help – such generosity is truly touching.”

Diane Marangoly, Club Assistant Development Director further added, “In the city of Newton, many people are unaware that hardship still exists. Over 34% of Club members come from families who meet eligibility requirements for federal and state assistance. The support of Whole Foods Market Newtonville during a time when pressures run high for those in need is truly meaningful and certainly most appreciated.”

Please consider making a meaningful contribution to your local Boys & Girls Club.

About The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton

The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides affordable programs for youth ages 6-18. The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Activities are designed to help kids develop positive self-identity, educational and social competence, a sense of well-being, and a moral compass while addressing the different interests and needs of children, from elementary through high school. The Club works in conjunction with local schools to help members succeed academically, give back to their community, and choose healthy lifestyles. Caring adult guidance provides a safe environment, a sense of belonging, and engaging educational programs—after school, during school holidays and in a summer day camp.

Serving more than 125 young people daily, the Club offers over 140 age-appropriate activities in the arts, food preparation, athletics/fitness, education, computer competence, vocational guidance, leadership and life skills, and supervised social recreation, with special programs for young children, teens and girls only. The cost of membership is $125 per family per year, no matter how many children in the family; summer day camp costs $210 a week, per child.

John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, 675 Watertown Street, Newton, MA.

Phone: 617-630-2066. Website: www.newtonbgc.com

December 9, 2014
What’$ Your Rate? How to get a mortgage book GIVEAWAY

I met Mark Maiocca at boxing. My gym is co-owned by a group of cousins who grew up Nonantum. He’s not a cousin but also grew up with this crew, hence he grew up boxing too.

Mark Maiocca looks tough here but he’s really a nice guy!

He’s usually in the gym training on the heavy bag when I am training and he’s always been very friendly and supportive so I usually chat with him for a few minutes every time I see him.

Have you assembled a “Core 7” team of advisors? Mark shows you how. Boxing training is not part of the Core 7 but also helpful!

Recently, I figured out that he was in mortgage but I had no idea that he wrote a book! What’$ Your Rate? is perfect for first time home buyers.

What’$ Your Rate? by Mark Maoicca

I asked him about it and this is what he said:

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT?

What’$ Your Rate? offers a unique perspective into the process of buying a home. It also helps you to formulate a financial plan and put together your financial team. Don’t neglect to consider your insurance needs, investment strategies, college funding, estate planning or passing on the legacy. These critical factors are often overlooked while transacting what is, for most people, the single largest purchase they will ever make — their home.

This definitive guide is unique in that all of the home buying and financial planning information is related through a compelling narrative centered on the young family, a family probably a lot like yours. They have grown out of their apartment and they are expecting a third child. After a discouraging beginning into the home buying process, they follow the advice of a trusted friend, and an all-encompassing plan soon emerges.

Learn how to assemble your team of trusted advisors and put together a comprehensive plan for the future. This is a must read for anyone considering buying a home and for the “Core 7” business professional looking to create a system to help in that endeavor.

WHY I WAS INSPIRED TO WRITE THE BOOK?

After looking at 10,000 loans in my career, while covering an affluent market, I can only count on one hand the number of clients who had a full “Core 7” financial team in place. The “Core 7” professionals are: the real estate agent, the mortgage originator, the real estate attorney, the financial advisor, the accountant, the property and casualty insurance agent, and the estate planning attorney.

This shows me that even though there is more financial information on the internet then there ever was, people are no better off.

MY PREDICION FOR THE MARKET?

I feel that mortgage rates will stay in a competitive range for the foreseeable future. The Federal Reserve has stopped purchasing mortgage backed securities, so we could see a small jump in interest rates going into next year. However I don’t interest rates going up significantly, as a sudden rate increase like that would damage the economy. I see interest rates staying in a .250-.375 range until Spring. Opportunities to refinance and purchase at great rates will continue to benefit homeowners.

THE OPPORTUNITY THAT MOST PEOPLE MISS:

The No Points No Closing Cost Refinance. This is truly a no cost loan as the lender is paying all of the fees associated with the loan for you. The savings is FREE MONEY!!!

It is such a great opportunity to capitalize on this. I tell my clients that they are “taking profits off the table.” The best opportunity is to immediately have this savings contributed on a monthly basis which is called dollar cost averaging towards another important financial investment. For this example let’s assume the savings would be contributed to a retirement fund.

Example:

$300,000 loan at 4.5%

Monthly Payment= $1,514

Refinance to 4.25%

Monthly Payment= $1,470

Savings=$44

Invested into a retirement fund @ 8% over 30 years =$66,013

BUT there’s more…..let’s say you can contributed to your 401k or 403b before tax Let’s say you are in the 25 percent tax bracket you could invest $58 a month.

$58 invested into a retirement fund @ 8% over 30 years =$87,017.

Is it worth it?

These are the types of exercises and situations that I want my readers to think about when considering buying a home. I want them to look at their entire financial picture in order to make an informed decision.

I hope that you find this intro to my book useful. I am giving away three signed copies. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.

Win a Copy of What’$ Your Rate?: 3 Winners!

Please fill out the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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December 8, 2014
High School Finalists in Math/Science Competition
SIEMENS FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION CONVENE TOP INNOVATORS AND NEXT GENERATION OF STEM LEADERS FOR EXCLUSIVE WEBCAST EVENT

— ‘Innovators Lounge,’ Hosted by CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield, Will Bring Together Student Scholars and Top Executives from Kiva.org, StreetLight Data, RISE and 3D Robotics for Live, Interactive Mentoring Event —

WHAT:

On Monday, December 8, the Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education will host an exclusive live event convening a select group of today’s top innovators with scholar high school students that have advanced as National Finalists in the 2014 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, the nation’s premier research competition for high school students. The event will be live streamed to students and educators around the country.

Host and CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield will lead a lively, virtual conversation between the student finalists and top executives from companies on the cutting edge of changing the way we live, work and play, including:
- Chris Anderson, co-founder and CEO of 3D Robotics
- Suneel Gupta, co-founder and CEO of RISE
- Jessica Jackley, co-founder and former CMO of Kiva.org
- Laura Schewel, founder and CEO of StreetLight Data
These movers and shakers, whose innovations have changed the way we live and made the world a better place, will share their insights and personal stories of success. The guest speakers will answer questions from the student finalists and engage a nationwide virtual audience with their unique perspectives on business, entrepreneurship and the future needs of today’s world. Attendees will get an inside look at what motivates 21st century innovators and hear their invaluable advice to our next generation of scholars.

WHO:

Chris Anderson, co-founder and CEO of 3D Robotics

Suneel Gupta, co-founder and CEO of RISE

Jessica Jackley, founder of Kiva

Laura Schewel, founder and CEO of StreetLight Data

Fredricka Whitfield, CNN news anchor

WHEN: Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: L2 Lounge
3315 Cady’s Alley NW
Washington, D.C. 20007

OR

Join virtually here.

The Siemens Competition

This year marks the 15^th Anniversary of the Siemens Competition, the nation’s premier research competition for high school students. A record 2,263 students submitted a total of 1,784 projects for consideration – 408 students were named semifinalists and 97 were named regional finalists. Entries are judged at the regional level by esteemed scientists from six leading research universities which host the regional competitions: California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame and The University of Texas at Austin. The twenty regional winners will now compete at the national level, representing six individual and six team research projects.

For news and announcements about the Regional Competitions and the National Finals, follow us on Twitter @SFoundation (#SiemensComp) and like us on Facebook at SiemensFoundation.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation supports educational initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and Siemens Science Day. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies. For further information, visitwww.siemens-foundation.org or follow @sfoundation.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
December 7, 2014