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Things to Do During April Vacation Week

If you need ideas for a staycation in Massachusetts for kids and families, here are some deals and programs going on across the Commonwealth.

Newton Sewing Camp

April Vacation Camp

Tuesday April 16th-Friday April 19th

April Vacation camp is just around the corner, so come and join HipStitch and make some things for summer!

Make a beach bag, summer skirts and shorts or a swim bag! You can sign up for 1/2 day, full day or all four days!

Morning Sign Up

Afternoon Sign Up

Full Day Sign Up

Newton Boys Soccer Camp

To all NYS families with boys in the Grade 2-8 IM or U9-U14 Travel Programs:

Newton Youth Soccer is offering a 4-day clinic over April break! The sessions will be run by former Newton North coach Brian Rooney and current Newton North coach Roy Dow.

Dates: Tuesday, April 16 – Friday, April 19
Time: 9am – 12am
Location: Newton Field (most likely Weeks Field)

Cost: $175

Click here to register. Email Brian Rooney, bmrooney95@aol.com with any questions.

Watertown Arts Camp

The Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown offers April Vacation Art Workshops from April 16 – 19 for 5 & 6 year olds and for 7-10 year olds. In Witches & Wizards, students will use the characters and places made famous by “Harry Potter” as inspiration. Younger students will create Magical Animals and work with Fables & Fantasy; the older group will focus on Myths & Mystery as well as Fantasy Figures. Full or half-day options available. Morning classes run from 9:30AM – Noon. Afternoon classes run from 12:30 – 3PM. Supervised Lunch and Extended Day options are available.

Classes are held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, with free parking and access to public transportation. Scholarships and Membership discounts are available. For class descriptions, visit www.arsenalarts.org. To register, call 617-923-0100, ext. 309.

Soccer Camp in Brookline

Greater Boston

Awesome Animal Adaptations at the Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester
The Franklin Park Zoo combines animal encounters, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes tours, games, and other activities in this vacation-long program! Pre-registration is required. zoonewengland.org

Normandy Farms, Foxboro
New England’s finest camping resort has a whole week of special family programs planned, ranging from games and crafts to food, movies, and much more! normandyfarms.com

Underground Railway Theater Camp, Cambridge
During “Science on Stage!“ young thespians spend the week with Underground Railroad Theatre Teaching Artists and Central Square Theatre professionals, exploring the science of “paying attention”. There will be guest-led workshops and a field trip to the MIT Museum. centralsquaretheater.org

North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley

Plumfield Fun Week at the Orchard House, Concord
Spend each day living the life of a different character from Louisa May Alcott’s stories! Trained staff will help children act, write, make a craft, and draw just like Alcott and her sisters. Pre-registration is required. louisamayalcott.org

Cooking Classes at Verrill Farm, Concord
Verrill Farm’s cooking classes have become favorites for adults and children alike. During vacation week, they will have two special classes geared toward 1st through 3rd graders and 4th through 6th graders. Future chefs will get to take home and share what they’ve made! Registration is required. verrillfarm.com

South of Boston

John Carver Inn Family Vacation Package, Plymouth
The John Carver Inn is providing a special for families during vacation week that includes a meal allowance and admission to the Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool, equipped with water slides, saunas, a fitness room, and spa. johncarverinn.com

Battleship Cove, Fall River
Explore and learn about historic naval ships, and during school vacation week, kids can go on a scavenger hunt for adorable stuffed rats and enter to win a special prize. There will be additional activities and entertainment, and even the chance to sleep overnight in a WWII battleship! battleshipcove.org

Children’s Museum, Easton
Get Pumped! Inspiring kids and adults to get physically fit, this week will feature ways to get everyone more aware of how movement and food are vital to health and longevity. Throughout the week, you’ll be able to try out a variety of sports, games, dances, and fun activities. childrensmuseumineaston.org

Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth
Make your own history during this week of special family programming, including guided tours, demonstrations, 17th century games, arts and crafts, and more! Most activities are free with admission. plimouth.org

Cape Cod and the Islands

Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis
The Family Vacation Package is perfect for a family that’s looking to escape for a few days. The deal includes a meal allowance and admission to the indoor wave pool with water slides, whirlpool, saunas, a full spa, and a heated outdoor pool. capecodderresort.com

Hyannis Whale Watcher, Hyannis
Whale watch earlier in the season than ever as Hyannis Whale Watcher opens on April 14 for school vacation week. Massachusetts is one of the top ten whale watching locations in the world, and April is a great time to see whales returning from their winter migration. whales.net

Central Massachusetts

Earth Week at the EcoTarium, Worcester
At this unique indoor-outdoor museum, visitors can meet wildlife, explore nature trails, and enjoy hands-on, family-friendly exhibits. During April vacation and Earth week, the EcoTarium will be concentrating on space exploration, culminating in Earth Day on April 19th, which will feature half-price admission and many special vendors and exhibits. ecotarium.org

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
The Old Sturbridge Village will be hosting a wide range of activities for the week, such as crafts, meeting baby animals, watching musket demonstrations, and many other games and exhibitions. osv.org

Western Massachusetts

Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Over the months of April and May, many new baby animals will be born at the Hancock Shaker Farm. Come welcome and learn about them! Children 12 and under are free for the baby animals program. hancockshakervillage.org

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
For the school vacation week, the museum will be holding a special program, free with admission, on the Wonder of Wordless Picture Books. Learn more about the art and even create your own picture book in hands-on workshops. nrm.org

Statewide

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the weather while learning more about local flora and fauna, the Mass Audubon Society will be holding exciting vacation week programs at many of their wildlife sanctuaries across the state. massaudubon.org

April 5, 2013
Newton Tweens: Enter Your Video!

The New Art Center is looking for submissions for a Video Showcase on Saturday, April 26th!

Teens and young adults, ages 12 to 21, investigating city life in video under 5 minutes, are invited to submit work to be considered for this showcase.

E-mail your video link to citytoworld@gmail.com by Monday, April 22nd, 11:59pm.

Watch this video for more information:

Any questions? Please email Kathleen Smith, Exhibitions Director, at Kathleen@newartcenter.org or call 617-964-3424.

DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 22, 11:59 PM

Looking forward to your submissions!!

April 4, 2013
Family Concert with Music with Philip in Brookline
We loved Music with Philip so much so that we used to drive to Brookline to attend his Toddler and Preschool Music classes when my kids were younger.

He is doing a show to benefit the Brookline Early Education Program this weekend on Sunday, 10:30 am at Temple Ohabei Shalom: 1187 Beacon Street, Brookline.

This year’s line-up features Vanessa Trien, plus a mash-up of her band and mine, along with some BEEP alumni chiming in on a song or two. Vanessa and Philip will both be debuting new songs, so don’t miss it!
What: Family Concert to Benefit BEEP, featuring Philip Alexander and Vanessa Trien together for the first time!

WHERE: Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon Street Brookline, MA 02446 [map]

WHEN: Sunday, April 7th,10:30 to 11:30AM

PRICE: $8 kids, $10 adults
LINK: http://beeppto.org/

But, if you do have to miss it, then join his Sing, Play, Grow! program on Mondays or Wednesdays, and sing all the favorites over again… and again… and again… It’s a KidS ClaSS, silly— children learn by repetition, and so do adults!!! Now, repeat after me: “I WILL bring my kids to the big show. I WILL bring my kids to the big show. I WILL bring…”

More Shows by Music with Philip

WHAT: Family Concert at Temple Sinai
WHERE: 50 Sewall Avenue, Brookline MA 02446 [map]
WHEN: Sunday, April 28th, 1 to 2PM
PRICE: FREE!
LINK: http://sinaibrookline.org/

Mommy and Me Music Classes in Brookline, MA

MONDAYS : April 8th to June 24th. No class on April 15th or Monday May 27th.

@Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Avenue, Brookline (map)

9:15am Mixed age — up to 4yrs

10:15am Mixed age — up to 4yrs

WEDNESDAYS : April 3rd to June 10th. No class on April 17th.

@Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon Street, Brookline

1:15pm 3 to 5 years (younger siblings ok)
April 3, 2013
Reading Workshop for Preschoolers

Learning to Read Workshop at Wellesley Free Library

Thanks to Children’s Librarian Clara Hendricks at the Wellesley Free Library for arranging a “Help Me Get Ready To Read” workshop.

Monday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.

All caring adults who read aloud to young children are welcome. PDP certificates of attendance will be available to preschool staff

Happy Reading Aloud!

p.s. If you don’t live near Wellesley, ask your children’s librarian to contact Help Me Get Ready to Read about a workshop at your local library.

image from Big and Tall Tales

April 1, 2013
Global Education (GELF) Benefit Dinner

An Evening of International Cuisine, Fine Wines and Dancing – while Supporting GELF

Please join GELF in a benefit dinner to help fund scholarships for Newton High School Students to travel abroad.

Dinner and Dancing

Saturday, April 6th

6:30-11:00 PM

Post 440, Nonantum

Tickets to attend or to fund a teacher to attend can be purchased here:

GELF TICKETS

FIVE COURSES FUSION INSPIRED BY THE TRAVEL OF GELF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

SPAIN AND NICARAGUA

White Gazpacho with Spiced Marcona Almonds, Grapes and Corn Pudding

RUSSIA AND FRANCE

Red and Golden Beets with Goat Cheese, Greens & Lemon Almond Vinaigrette

GRECO-ROMAN-PERU

Shrimp Tomato Feta Stew over Quinoa Salad

ITALY AND CHINA

Soy-Balsamic Short Ribs with Panzanella Salad and Asian Slaw

FRANCE AND MEXICO

Chocolate Croissant Bread pudding with Mexican Cinnamon Custard Ice Cream

March 30, 2013
L’Aroma Cafe for Newton Open Studios

When: April 6th and 7th, 11 am to 5 pm

Where: L’Aroma Cafe, Location #11

Price: FREE!

What: Newton Open Studios Stop

Why: Shop for gifts or just browse

7 artists to exhibit Newton Open Studios

A great mix of talent – jewelry, ceramics, photography, hand-crafted accessories, fabric pillows, pastel landscapes and abstract works of art.

Newton Open Studios is a month earlier this year.

Featuring:

Larry Grob

Hog Wild Pottery

River View Gems

Jocelyn Scheirer

Sharon Schindler Photography

Stone Seredipity

Silver Lining Lifestyle

The show comes at a great time before Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduations …

March 28, 2013
BoxART Needham Street WIP

This lovely BoxART seems to have popped up out of nowhere in the last few weeks, or perhaps I just haven’t driven down Needham Street near the Avalon Apartments and McDonalds in a while! We love it.

The last side is still white so this is a Work-In-Progress. I wonder if the three other sides are completed. I like the way they look as is! How about you? Who is the artist?

BoxART Newton on Needham Street

March 27, 2013
Brewer’s Coalition: Newton Gastropub

I’d heard good things about the new Gastropub in Newtonville, Brewer’s Coalition, so we brought along our middle child in 5th grade who is our most adventurous eater to check it out. She enjoyed feeling like an only child.

Lunch at the Brewer’s Coalition

The hostess gave our daughter a child’s menu and a coloring sheet with a box of four crayons. Even though my daughter prefers to order off the adult menu, I always think that a kids’ menu means that children are welcome. My daughter had been feeling uneasy coming it; she viewed it as a restaurant for old people (but everyone seems old to her as she’s just 10-years-old).

My husband thought the decor was a little spartan but I liked it. The hard wooden chairs were uncomfortable to him but I sat on the upholstered booth side. I’ve heard that some restauranteurs deliberately pick uncomfortable chairs to hasten turnover.

Our waitress was very friendly and helpful and we ordered a lot of appetizers to try as much as possible.

The clam chowder came out first. It was rich with cream and we ate it so fast, I forgot to photograph it until it was nearly gone. Our daughter gave it a thumbs up. It’s definitely homemade; I hate it when restaurants serve canned clam chowder.

My daughter order the sliders and was pleased to find bacon nestled inside. I traded her for one and it was delicious. The buns were perfectly toasted and the hamburger meat was juicy.

My husband ordered the fish tacos. We dream of fish tacos having grown up in California. They are hard to find in Boston. Usually, we have to make our own. The fish was fried to a delicate crisp without being overdone. The sauce was creamy with a hint of spicy jerk seasoning. It was perfection! I also appreciate that the tortilla was warm. There’s nothing worse than a cold flour tortilla!

My husband always orders the fried calamari no matter where we go. It’s amazing that Thai, Vietnamese, and Italian restaurants all have a version of it on their menus. The batter was ethereally light but the timing was a tad off. It was lukewarm when it hit our table. Still, we enjoyed it.

I wanted to try the truffle fries after sampling amazing ones in Allston at Common Ground. Both descriptions were similar: truffle oil, thick hand cut potatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The truffle fries here were seasoned with fresh rosemary. I love rosemary but I would have preferred a different ratio: half the rosemary and double the cheese. The fries were a little overwhelmed by the profusion of rosemary. I think Common Ground has spoiled me forever in the truffle fry department.

The carousel horse is a nice addition. My husband sat with his back to it so I don’t think he even saw it. That may have influenced his “sparse decor” comment. The walls were lined with a collection of beer bottles that spanned the restaurant. My daughter was impressed by the sheer vastness of the collection.

Overall, we liked Brewer’s Coalition a lot! It’s a nice addition to the Newton Gastropub scene. Think The Local but with better parking. We’ll be back! I imagine that it must get very crowded at night!

March 25, 2013
Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s 14th Annual Gala

“Let’s Paint the Town Red” Event to Benefit New Cardiovascular Center

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013

Where: The Westin Copley Place in Boston.

Why: To Help Build a New Cardiovascular Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Since 2000, the annual Gala has raised significant funds to help Newton-Wellesley Hospital build new/enhanced facilities, add programs and services, and deliver the very highest quality care to the community. This year’s event will help build a new Cardiovascular Center at the hospital.

Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death in America for both men and women. In fact, cardiovascular disease takes the lives of more than 2,150 Americans each day – an average of 1 death every 40 seconds. It is the cause of death of more adults annually than from all cancers combined.

The Gala Chairs are Minou and Peter Palandjian of Belmont, and the Co-Chairs Committee includes Deborah and Bill Elfers, Tracey and John Cannistraro, Kim & Drew Conway, and Shirley and Chris Kelly, all of Wellesley, and Daniela and Mike Muldowney of Dover.

It’s Time to Act

Given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in our community, plans are underway to expand the existing, solid foundation of cardiovascular care at Newton-Wellesley to create an even more robust, comprehensive program. These efforts will result in a new Cardiovascular Center to open in 2015.

This multidisciplinary Center will be a clinical collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiology Division and will be dedicated to the early diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease. Patients will have access to expert medical teams, including cardiologists, vascular surgeons, electrophysiologists and interventional radiologists from both Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Mass General—all in one convenient location.

“We have set a campaign goal of $6,000,000 to help build the Cardiovascular Center and we are hoping to raise $850,000+ at the Gala,” said Joan Archer, president, NWH Charitable Foundation. “The Cardiovascular Center represents an important step in bringing the highest-quality care to our community—the right care in the right place at the right time.”

For more information including donating an item or to reserve a table/tickets, please contact Marcy Busch at (617) 243-6712 or nwhgala@partners.org or visit www.nwh.org/gala.

March 24, 2013
2 New Korean Restaurants Off Campus in Allston

My husband is Korean-American and my mother-in-law taught me to cook like they do in the old country. We seek out Korean restaurants near and far because frankly, there aren’t many good Korean restaurants in the Boston area. Not for specialities items. Not like in K-Town where my husband and I used to trek to in search of Naengmyeon when the hot Santa Ana winds were blowing.

Bon Chon: Korean Fusion Restaurant in Allston

I judge a Korean restaurant by the bon chons — small side dishes — that come with an entree. When Bon Chon opened, I had high hopes of lots of little dishes of all my favorites. But, as you can see from the fancy interior, it’s just not that kind of restaurant.

Bon Chon is upscale Korean fusion. I’m ok with that too.

We started with raw oysters. They were delicious but not really Korean.

They are famous for their fried chicken wings, so I ordered the combo — spicy and soy garlic — for lunch. It came with cole slaw and rice. Nothing more. The chicken was seriously crispy and light. It’s probably not the best thing for lunch on an empty stomach. It gives me a food coma afterwards but I’d be delighted to eat this as an appetizer with drinks.

My husband loves spicy food — the hotter the better. He ordered the spicy seafood hot pot (Maeuntang) which he usually orders whenever he sees it on a menu. Again, not ideal for lunch. It was seriously spicy, even for him.

The wings and rice were a strange combination for lunch so I thought I’d try the pork bun, which is really a Chinese dish. It came as a fusion riff off Peking Duck but used pork belly and scallions. It tasted delicious but it was not what I was expecting at all.

Kaju Tofu House: Korean Tofu Soup Soondubu Authenticity

My mother-in-law loves Korean tofu soup called Soondubu. There are Korean restaurants that specialize in this a few towns over from where I grew up in Seal Beach in Garden Grove. I’ve missed those foodie outings so I was really excited to learn that the old Korean bakery converted to Kaju Tofu House.

It’s not fancy but I like that.

The service is extremely fast. Those side dishes showed up almost immediately after ordering!

That’s what I’m talking about! The bon chon sides were homemade and delicious. I ordered the Seafood Tofu soup, not too spicy. It was spot on and boiling hot. Can you see the bubbles?

‘

My husband’s was spicier. You can tell by the reder hue of his hotpot!

While Korean Tofu Soup makes for a perfect lunch on a cold wintry day, I’d eat it for dinner too! It’s extremely healthy. It comes with rice, made the old-fashioned way on a stove that leaves a crust. They use the crust to make a soothing porridge that is served at the meal’s end.

Two new additions to the Korean food scene in Allston! They are both worth the trek!

March 22, 2013