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Free Events from Suzuki School of Newton

Suzuki School of Newton’s Violin and Viola Gala

Tuesday, December 17 at First Baptist Church in Newton Centre, 5:15pm

Come and enjoy the wonderful group performances of our violin and viola students, ranging from the very beginner to the advanced high school students! Admission is free.

Suzuki School of Newton’s Cello, Guitar, Flute, and Orchestra Gala
Saturday, February 8 at Temple Reyim (Auburndale), 6:45pm
The Suzuki School of Newton Sinfonia will perform alongside our guitar, cello, and flute group classes. This is a great event for kids who are trying to decide on an instrument.

Classes at Suzuki School of Newton

Mommy and Me Music Classes:

Kindermusik at the Suzuki School of Newton – weekday morning classes as well as standalone Playdates

Suzuki Prep – a singalong class that also prepares young children for studying a musical instrument.

February Vacation Camp

A Renaissance-themed school vacation camp for both musicians and non-musicians

December 18, 2013
Free Events for Families with Special Needs Children

The Discovery Museums Announces 2014 Especially For Me Series Schedule

Free Events for Families with Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

The Discovery Museums has announced the schedule for the 2014 Especially for Me series of free events for families with children with an autism spectrum disorder and families with children with hearing loss. In addition to the evening events held in previous years, this year’s calendar will include ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Friendly Afternoons. During ASD Friendly Afternoons, no school groups or birthday parties will be scheduled to avoid overcrowding and support accessibility of exhibits. A dedicated room will also be available to welcome families with a child with an ASD to orient them to the campus and programs, and provide a quiet space for children needing a break from the stimulation of the museums.

ASD Friendly Afternoons will take place on the first Tuesday of each month during the school year from 1:30 to 4:30 pm beginning January 7, 2014.

Evenings for Families with Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder will take place from 5:00 to 8:30 pm on the following Saturdays:February 1, March 8, May 10, June 14, August 9, September 13, November 8 and December 13.

Evenings for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children will take place from 5:00 to 8:30 pm on the following Saturdays: January 11, April 12, July 12 and October 11.

Mornings for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Infants and Toddlers at the Children’s Discovery Museum will be held from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Monday, March 3 and Monday, September 29.

Due to the unique nature of their needs, children with an autism spectrum disorder or with hearing loss can benefit from having time reserved for them apart from the general public. Parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder can feel hesitant to visit museums because new environments, ambient noise, and crowds can upset their children. Similarly, parents of babies who are newly diagnosed with hearing loss often feel reluctant to explore community resources since they themselves are only just learning how to communicate with their young child, manage technology such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, and deal with children’s exuberance, particularly in novel and stimulating environments.

Pre-registration is required and may be done within a month of each event through the museum’s website, http://discoverymuseums.org/EspeciallyForMe.

Especially for Me is part of the Museums’ Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, geographic, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museums.

December 17, 2013
New Ambulatory Care Center Opens Today!

Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Department, Spine Center and Pain Management Service are moving to the Hospital’s new Ambulatory Care Center at 159 Wells Avenue in Newton. This new location allows for even closer collaboration between care providers across multiple services, enhancing the overall patient experience. The new location has convenient, free parking and allows for more seamless patient care.

A complete spectrum of outpatient rehabilitation services will be offered at the new Wells Avenue location, including: adult and pediatric physical therapy, hand therapy, occupational therapy, adult and pediatric speech therapy, and sports medicine services including community outreach programs for weekend warriors, competitive athletes and those interested in learning more about sport-specific training. The brand new clinical space includes a variety of innovative equipment:

• Dedicated private evaluation and treatment areas for all specialties.

• A large, open functional training gym featuring Medical Exercise Treatment, Plyometrics, TRX and free weights.

• A 12’ x 18’ aquatic therapy pool with an overhead lift.

• New sports and cardiovascular rehabilitation equipment such as treadmills, upright and recumbent bikes, elliptical and NuStep and upper body ergometers.

• State-of-the-art pediatric speech therapy rooms with separate observation/audio space for parents to watch and participate in their child’s treatment.

The rehabilitation services team works very closely with the Spine Center and the Pain Management Service, which will also be located at the Ambulatory Care Center on Wells Ave.

The Spine Center offers the expertise of leading back and neck experts and provides surgical and non-surgical consultation and intervention for a variety of spine conditions and needs, including neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniations, second opinions for surgery, workmen’s compensation claims, chronic back and neck pain, and degenerative disorders of cervical and lumbar spine.

The Center provides multidisciplinary care for spinal conditions and anyone who suffers from back- and neck-related pain that interferes with work, recreational activities, daily living functions and the overall enjoyment of life. Specialists care for the full range of spinal disorders – from simple to complex – affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine.

The Pain Management Service at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, also moving to the new Center, is committed to helping patients relieve their pain and return to their optimal level of functioning to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.

“Chronic pain can disrupt every part of a person’s life including work and social activities,” says Paul Satwicz, MD, Anesthesiologist and Director of Pain Management at Newton-Wellesley. “At Newton-Wellesley, we have highly trained specialists who help our patients reduce and even eliminate their pain.”

The Pain Management Service works closely with Rehabilitation Services and the Spine Center to offer individualized care for people with acute, chronic or cancer-related pain. The Pain Management team provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating and relieving chronic pain through both medical and alternative behavioral methods. The team works together to develop treatment plans tailored to each individual patient’s needs with the primary goal of reducing or eliminating pain and enabling patients to achieve the highest possible level of function and independence.

For more information about the programs and services offered at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, call CareFinder at 1-866-NWH-DOCS (694-3627) or visit www.nwh.org.

December 16, 2013
Children’s Theater Programs at The Boston Conservatory

Two great new children’s theater programs being offered by The Boston Conservatory
, starting Jan. 25^th and running Saturday for eight weeks. They’re open to children in grades one through five and registration is open now.

Ø Page to Stage is open to children in grades four and five.

It’s an introduction to the basics of theater, in which the kids will adapt a children’s book into a play as a group. They’ll ultimately perform the piece, complete with costumes and props.

Ø Sing-A-Musical is open to children in grades one through three.

This is an introduction to the basics of musical theater, singing and dance. The kids will learn several songs and choreographed dances from a child-friendly Broadway musical; then they’ll perform the works with props and costumes.

Registration for both the Page to Stage and Sing-A-Musical programs is open now via The Boston Conservatory website’s youth enrichment programs page. Registration closes January 10, 2014.

Each program is $300.

Classes for both programs will be held every Saturday from January 25 through March 22, with no class on February 22.

All classes will be held at The Boston Conservatory, 31 Hemenway Street.

December 15, 2013
Newton Youth Lacrosse Registration is NOW Open

Please visit Newton Youth Lacrosse website for more details.

Teams and age groups offered this year :

U-9 – Open to 1st & 2nd Graders – Learn to Play

U-11 – Open to 3rd & 4th Graders

U-13 – Open to 5th & 6th Graders

U-15 – Open to 7th & 8th Graders

Select U-13 Sharks- Open to 5th & 6th Graders – Tryout required

Select U-15 Sharks – Open to 7th & 8th Graders – Tryout required

December 14, 2013
Swap Houses to Live in South of France?! (Lake Annecy)

My blogging friend Becky of Kid World Citizen sent me this email and gave me permission to post it here.

My husband’s cousin has an amazing house in the south of France that she is hoping to “swap” for a year to give her kid the experience of living in the US. If you know of anyone who would want to swap houses for a year, or is just renting out their house for a year, please let her know:).

This is what her husband’s cousin says:

Dear Friends,

In the summer of 2014 we plan on moving to the USA for one school year. Our main objective is to let the kids experience education/life in the US for an entire year – to help improve their English overall, and for the cultural/life experience this would bring them.

In terms of practicality, because of Eric’s work (and his trips to and from Paris to see clients), we will need to be based on the East coast, preferably in a location that is a simple drive to an international airport with direct flights to Paris. For example, Boston, Washington DC, NYC, Philadelphia, etc. Also living in a location with a good school district is a must – we will be putting the kids in a public school (we will have a 6th grader, 4th grader, and Kindergarten student).

We will be putting up our home in Annecy, France, for rent after the holidays, but have also entertained the idea of ‘swapping homes’ with the appropriate family if that were to work out. If you know of anyone who would be interested in swapping homes or renting our home in Annecy for one year beginning August 1st, 2014, please give them my email/mobile or simply forward this email.

Equally, if you happen to know of anyone who will be renting out their home next school year, please send us a quick email.

Here is a website with photos of the house and a description. For more details, please contact us directly.

If you have any ideas of great locations to move to, feel free to let us know! We will be sorting all of this out in the next few months.

Many thanks! Look forward to seeing more of our USA based friends in the near future!

Rebeca

Here is a description of the house (and it is an amazing house!!!).

Perched on a hill in a village on Lake Annecy, our home has breathtaking views that span from the city of Annecy on one side to a castle in the village of Duingt on the other side of the lake, and the beautiful mountains right in front of us. With a pool, a petanque court, large terrace and lots of grassy areas, it is the perfect place for a family.

Annecy and the surrounding region have often been voted one of France’s favorite vacation destinations and are voted the country’s top sports destination year after year – with all of the water sports in the warm months and the winter sports in the colder months. Annecy is also well known for its many castles, the charming old town, markets, excellent restaurants, great shopping, music festivals, and Europe’s largest and most famous fireworks display every August. Please take a look at the videos on our website for scenes and images of Annecy and the region.

Our house was completely renovated in 2011 and has a modern, streamlined interior with some of the rustic charm of the house’s original structure.

The main house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and one guest toilet room, a main living area with cathedral ceilings and exposed beams, a modern kitchen with large bar that seats up to eight, and a mezzanine overlooking the living room which serves as a playroom, office and extra living space. There is also a small TV lounge and laundry room in the main house.

The ground level of the house has an independent apartment (in-law unit) with it’s own entrance, two bedrooms, a shower room and toilet, and a living area that includes a kitchen.

The exterior of the house has a 10-meter swimming pool, petanque court, terrace, grill, large table seating up to 12, and lots of outdoor seating and lounging areas.

The house is in a quiet residential area, a five-minute drive to the center of our village and ten kilometers from the city of Annecy. For those who like to walk, it is a 15-minute walk to the village where you will find a bakery, post office, supermarket, pharmacy and newspaper shop. The bicycle path is a ten-minute walk from the house – the path takes you all the way to the center of Annecy (rollerbladers, walkers and bikers allowed on the bicycle path.) The nicest beach on the lake is a five-minute drive or ten-minute bicycle ride away, and golf and tennis are close by too.

Annecy is served by the TGV train (3.5 hours from central Paris) and by Geneva airport (25 minutes to Annecy, 45 minutes to our house).

If you are interested in house swapping, please go here to contact Rebeca.

December 13, 2013
2nd Annual Holiday Stroll & Sing-Along in Newton Highlands!

Please come out to support our local businesses for the 2nd Annual Holiday Stroll and Sing-Along in Newton Highlands!

Friday, December 13th

5 – 9 pm

This event is produced by the Newton Highlands Village Merchant Coalition (NHVMC), and features over 20 local merchants and restaurant owners in historic Newton Highlands Village.

They all independently-owned, mom and pop businesses!

December 12, 2013
Dog Safety Tips for the Holidays from DogTV

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas fast approaching, the next few weeks will be filled with wrapping paper and bows, breakable ornaments, lots of holiday food and maybe even an anxiety pill or two to take the edge off when visiting with the in-laws. But through all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget about your pooch and all the hazards associated with the Christmas season.

To keep your dog safe and out of trouble over the holidays, the pet experts behind DOGTV, the first and only channel created just for dogs, have compiled a list of holiday safety tips for canine owners.

1. Don’t turn your pooch into a holiday decoration – avoid putting lights on the lower branches of the tree

Source: We Heart It

2. Pups get chilly too – keep them warm and cozy on winter walks

Source: We Heart It

3. Holiday plants can be dangerous – keep dogs away from the poisonous ones like poinsettia, holly and mistletoe

Source: flickr

4. Avoid an expensive surgery – keep tinsel, ribbon and garland out of their reach

Source: flickr

5. Don’t throw them a bone – turkey, ham and lamb bones can get stuck in their throat and intestines

Source: flickr

6. If your dog gets into the prescription pills it will give you more anxiety that your in-laws – keep them out of paws reach

Source: drdvmd.com

7. Use a pet friendly tree preservative – just like toilet water, dogs may drink from under the tree

Source: We Heart It

8. Dogs are curious creatures – don’t put edible gifts in stockings. They may not be there in the morning

Source: Flickr

December 11, 2013
Brunch and Music Fundraiser for Children at MassGeneral Hospital

Give back this holiday season to help the youngest patients stay on top of their educations while going through treatment.

EdTrips, in cooperation with Angel Ed, Playrific, EdTechWomen, and a host of other educators, will be sponsoring a musical brunch to raise money for the Office of Child Life at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Take a much-needed break from shopping and join us for brunch and music in the vintage charm of the Restoration Resources function room. Bid on silent auction items to finish your holiday shopping.

Proceeds will go to support educational technology and museum trips for young patients at MGH, including trips to local museums and iPads apps to keep them engaged and learning.

Tickets are $15, all proceeds go to Mass General Office of Child Life. RSVP here.

December 10, 2013
Shop Local Event in Newton!
GET READY FOR SHOP LOCAL WEEKEND, Dec. 13-15

Four days of events bring local businesses, musicians and visual artists together

Shop Local Weekend will take place from Friday Dec. 13 to Sunday Dec. 15 with special events planned in three Newton villages and Needham Centre.

In an effort to encourage shoppers to explore as many businesses as possible, the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce will be distributing Shop Local Weekend cards, which will offer participants chances to win prizes, including an iPad Mini and gift cards from local merchants and restaurants.

For more details and contest rules, go to “Shop Local” tab here.

Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton

The Newton Cultural Alliance makes it fashionable for you to support local with its Third Annual Arts Stroll & Shop held in Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre and West Newton. This enchanting event highlights the collaboration between Newton’s local arts and business communities while encouraging visitors to “Shop Local. Eat Local. Art Local.”

The Arts Stroll & Shop events include pop-up art galleries in empty storefronts, spontaneous performances, special store discounts, restaurant tastings, giveaways, and more. Each participating village has its own signature look – visit all three for the full experience!

The Arts Stroll & Shop is being presented by THE STREET (Chestnut Hill) where the Stroll Kickoff Event will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. with a grand community party sponsored in part by Boston Magazine. Other Stroll highlights include the Second Annual Celebrations! performance by the New Philharmonia Orchestra, Boston Ballet School, and Newton’s All-City Chorus in Newton Centre and the first ever Stroll in West Newton where visitors will find their new favorite shops amongst the haven of handmade and fine arts businesses. For a full list of participants, performance schedules and more information, visit www.ArtsStrollandShop.com.

Needham Holiday Stroll

The Needham Merchant Association is hosting the Needham Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Needham Center. There will be street performers, musicians, carolers, singers, minstrels and an appearance by Santa Claus. There wil also be a hot chocolate stand to warm up the strollers, collection boxes for the Needham Firefighters’ Toys for Tots and Needham Community Council’s food pantry, a tiny train (sponsored by Wingate) bringing children to Santa, and, of course, children bringing their parents to find their art. Visit www.discoverneedham.com for additional information.

Shop Local Weekend Schedule:
- Friday, Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.
  THE STREET (Chestnut Hill)
- Saturday, Dec. 14, noon-6 p.m.
  NEEDHAM CENTER (noon-5 p.m.)
  THE STREET
  WEST NEWTON SQUARE
- Sunday, Dec. 15, noon-6 p.m.
  NEWTON CENTRE
  THE STREET
For more information contact Greg Reibman at the Newton-Needham Chamber 617-244-1688 or greibman@nnchamber.com
December 9, 2013