Author: Mia

Newton Ranks 15 Best Places to Live 2014 Money Magazine

Newton Ranks #15 for Best Places to Live 2014 according to Money Magazine

Newton, MA

Population: 87,991

Census Region: Northeast

Median Home Income: $150,821

Median Home Price: $740,000

Average Property Tax: $8,580

Projected Job Growth: 4%

Pat Molnar

Newton is composed of 13 villages loaded with classic New England charm. Each village has a distinct character, but all have their own elementary schools, pedestrian-friendly shopping centers, parks and playgrounds. More than 25% of households have school-age children and many kids ride their bikes or walk to school, which are known as some of the best in the state.

While Newton is already has a solid base of employers — Boston College, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Trip Advisor and UPromise, to name a few — the city and neighboring Needham are developing a technology hub dubbed the N-Squared Innovation Corridor to attract even more tech companies. It’s also less than 45 minutes by commuter rail or express bus to downtown Boston.

Each year, the Boston Marathon runs through Newton. Heartbreak Hill, one of the most dastardly difficult legs of the elite 26.2-mile race, is located near City Hall. But the bigger heartbreak for most people is Newton’s lack of affordable housing. Home prices rose sharply the past year and even starter homes run from $500,000 on up, says local realtor Michael Spurr.

The Top 15 (a.k.a. Who Beat Us?)

1. McKinney, Texas

2. Maple Grove, Minnesota

3. Carmel, Indiana

4. Castle Rock, Colorado

5. Kirkland, Washington

6. Columbia and Endicott City, Maryland

7. Clarktown, New York

8. Ames, Iowa

9. Rochester Hills, Michigan

10. Reston, Virginia

11. Eagan, Minnesota

12. Woodbury, Minnesota

13. Centennial, Colorado

14. Irvine, California

15. Newton, Massachusetts

October 9, 2014
Asian Festival at City Hall

Asian Festival at Newton City Hall

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Noon to 5 pm

City Hall (inside and on back lawn), 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

This festival celebrates Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese cultures and more. Taste varieties of Asian foods. Enjoy performances from different Asian Cultures, activities and more. For more information visit here.

October 8, 2014
What’s New in Boston for Kids

Chronicle explores “What’s New” in Boston. Join Shayna Seymour as she goes behind the scenes in the new production of the classic musical, The Lion King, now playing at the Boston Opera House.

In addition to grabbing a behind-the-scenes look, Shayna also joins the cast onstage as the role of a ‘Bird Lady’ for one of last week’s stellar performances. See the pictures below of Shayna getting ready for the show as it returns to Boston.

Also, tune in to see a new 4-D theater at Boston’s Museum of Science that doesn’t just treat the eyes, but ramps up the cinematic experience with smells and sensations. Museum visitors can surf the coast with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and glide alongside a cast of balletic sea lions in Planet Earth: Shallow Seas 4-D Experience; join Dora, Diego, and Boots as they try to catch a Robot Butterfly in Dora & Diego’s 4-D Adventure; or journey to the icy Antarctic world to meet Mumble in Happy Feet 4-D Experience.

Plus, we found an East Boston dock that’s about to get its own tattoo, and a local salvage company that allows customers to dine in then take home the dining table.

October 7, 2014
What You Need to Know About 2014 Flu Shot
The Facts About Enterovirus D68 Vaccine

As you may know, there have been sporadic cases of Enterovirus D68 reported in states across the US and it appears to have now reached New England.

The Enteroviruses are a common class of viral infections which cause a variety of illness such as “hand, foot and mouth”. This particular strain is different in that it causes cold like symptoms, but can also cause wheezing and respiratory distress. Most children who get the illness will have symptoms closer to those of a cold. The severe respiratory distress is still quite rare. Children at higher risk of lung problems with this infection are those children with asthma, lung diseases, and former premature infants. There are no antibiotics or anti-viral medicines that work for this illness, but supportive care and asthma medicines can help a great deal.

What You Can Do to Prevent Transmission:
- WASH HANDS: Hand washing is more effective than hand sanitizer against these viruses. We recommend a 20 second hand wash with soap and water. You can use hand sanitizer additionally- it still works quite well against other germs.
- Teach children to sneeze and cough into the elbow or shoulder but not the hand
- Avoid contact with other children who have upper respiratory infections
- Clean toys and shared objects
- Avoid sharing cups and utensils.
What You Can Do to Prevent Serious Illness:
- If your child usually uses an inhaled steroid medicine like Qvar or Flovent in the fall and winter, we recommend starting that now at his or her usual preventative dose.
What to Watch For:

If you see any of the symptoms below, please call us immediately (whether in Enterovirus season or not)
- Non-stop coughing
- Wheeze you can hear without a stethoscope
- Working hard to breathe:
  
  You can see the child’s nostrils flaring in and out
  
  You can see the skin between the ribs or the belly sucking in and out as your child breathes
  
  Your child is working hard enough to breathe that they refuse to drink/eat or cannot speak in a full sentence
- Blueness around the lips and mouth
Here are some links to additional resources from the CDC & AAP.

Reports of a Severe Resperatory Virus on the Rise

CDC: Enterovirus D68

Graphic on What To Do To Prevent Enterovirus D68
October 6, 2014
Hiring Recruiter with Passion for Creative World!
Job description

Scouring LinkedIn. Phone constantly at your ear. Talking to a dozen new people every day.

Vitamin T has an immediate opening for someone ready to jump into a recruiting role at our out-of-the-box agency where we have a cow – really, her name is Vera – and think it’s fun to post videos of our super-talented, always quirky agents.

We want to find the right person for this role immediately. This person will have:

– Experience working for a staffing agency or ad agency

– Great creative, digital and interactive knowledge

– Experience in new business development

– The ability to hit the ground running from Day One

Our recruiters spend their time searching for creative talent and placing them in temporary (sometimes very temporary) roles at mid-sized businesses and ad agencies. Because the roles we fill are short, our recruiters are always on their toes, ready to fill the next order.

But don’t get us wrong – it isn’t all work and no play here.

Vitamin T thrives on creative energy, innovative thinking and having FUN.

Ready for the best job you’ll ever have? Check out the job requirements below and apply now – we’re ready for you.
Desired Skills and Experience
Here’s what you’ll be doing to connect great creatives to great jobs!

●      Recruiting a strong network of “A-List” creative talent (candidates) through social media and face-to-face networking with the Design and Interactive community to match your clients’ needs – Our talent and our clients are what make us great

●      Work with a team of Business Development Directors and Talent Agents to strategically grow the Boston Market through managing top accounts and building a talent pool for those clients

●      Champion those talent by actively marketing them to clients and internal sales teams-We don’t wait for the jobs to come to us we actively seek out the jobs for our talent

●      Deliver exceptional customer service through account management and consistent quality checks with Clients and Talent

●      Actively participate in continual learning seminars with professionals within the design community to stay on top of industry trends and share your knowledge with others

●      Respond with remarkable speed (24 hours) and quality to incoming client requests while proactively finding work for talent on an ongoing basis

●      Be solutions oriented and an incredible team player who has a fiery entrepreneurial spirit

The stuff you’re made of:

● 2-3+ years of professional experience working as part of a team, interacting directly with internal or external clients (account management experience)

●      A solid online network (if you have fewer than 200 LinkedIn connections, then this role might not be right for you…)

●      Any staffing and/or recruiting experience would be ideal

●      Interactive design and/or technology experience would be fabulous

●      Knowledge of advertising, interactive, and design fields OR staffing agency experience to be considered

More Cool Stuff About Vitamin T:

Work/life balance. We say it, we mean it.

We celebrate out of the box thinkers and believe in promoting from within!

Generous benefits package: medical, vision, and dental benefits, generous 401(k) plan, FSA, tuition reimbursement, paid sick/vacation time, and more.

Vacation when you need it. Unusually generous and flexible vacation offered; we believe in rewarding hard work as you achieve your goals!

Free use of company’s Hawaii and Florida beach houses.

Individualistic Approach. Aquent encourages adding a personal touch to your work. We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Industry Reputation. We’re the world’s largest Creative staffing firm.

If you’re interested in joining one of the coolest teams out there, then send us your resume and professional online/social media contact info by applying here. We’re hiring for our Back Bay Boston office!
October 5, 2014
Kathy Marchi to Speak at Rotary Club

KATHY MARCHI FROM THE NEWTON PARTNERSHIP

TO SPEAK AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEWTON

Kathy Marchi from The Newton Partnership will speak at The Rotary Club of Newton Speaker Series on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at the Braeburn Country Club. Join us for lunch at noon followed by Ms. Marchi’s presentation.

The Newton Partnership was formed in 2006 under a federal grant as a collaboration of Newton organizations to offer wellness programs for Newton’s youth and their families, plus staff and parent education and much more.

While still grant funded for fitness programs to youth, including a mentoring program for middle and high school students, they have since formed a non-profit organization and absorbed the Newton Child Care Scholarship Fund at the request of the City.

Their largest public event is “Touch A Truck” which supports the Scholarship Fund, and was held on September 21st.

All are welcome to attend Rotary! For information and/or reservations, please contact Susan at RotaryNewtonMa@gmail.com.

October 4, 2014
Make Way for Ducklings Store Grand Opening
What: Make Way for Ducklings Store Grand Opening Celebration

Where: 8 North Market Building, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA

When: Sunday, October 5^th 2-4pm

Cost: FREE

Description: Families are invited to join in an afternoon of fun and celebration of Boston’s rich culture surrounding children’s literature, art and imagination. Make Way for Ducklings will be hosting free activities, entertainment and more throughout the afternoon.

Activities include:
- Ribbon cutting ceremony and “Make Way for Ducklings Day” proclamation by the City of Boston
- Kids entertainment: Storytime, balloon artists, face painting, and arts & crafts
- Ceremony honoring Robert McCloskey and his beloved works
- Book signing by local author/illustrator of Bats in the Band, Brian Lies featuring his “bat mobile”
- Free snacks and gifts for all ages
More Information here.
October 3, 2014
Newton Nomadic LIVE Theater Performances

Last weekend the brand new Newton Nomadic Theater launched it’s inaugural production “Faith Healer” by Brian Friel to full houses and fabulous reviews.

“Three luminous performances are at the heart of this elegant production. It was a pleasure to experience this powerful and strangely haunting play in an intimate setting right here in Newton. Theatre at its best is cleanly staged, excellently acted and touches themes that have you thinking and talking about the experience days later. NNT’s innaugural production hits all those marks. If the concepts of sophisticated theatre and Newton don’t naturally go together in your mind, then see this show and be moved by the talent and excellence that is right here in our community.” – Jennifer London

“Newton Nomadic Theater is brilliant” – Click here for full review

The Newton Nomadic Theater’s mission is to bring high quality, simply staged theater to interesting and unusual locations in and around Newton.

“Faith Healer” starring well know Boston area actors Billy Maleady, Linda Goetz and Dave Rich opened this past weekend ( Sept 26) in an intimate and little know recital hall at Carriage House Violins in Upper Falls

Oct 3, 4 it will move to Gregorian Rugs in Lower Falls. We’ll create a temporary theater within the beautiful Gregorian showroom.

Oct 10, 11 it will move to the chapel in the historic First Baptist Church’s chapel in Newton Centre. This is particularly apt since the play tells the story of an itinerant faith healer, his wife and manager as they move from church hall to church hall in rural Scotland Wales and Ireland.

The gorgeously written and mysterious “Faith Healer” is brought to life by first rate cast with powerful performances across the board.

Be sure to see this fantastic production from Newton’s new theater company. Find out what people are talking about and help launch a new theater company here in Newton. You won’t be disappointed!

To buy tickets in advance, go here.

October 2, 2014
The Berenstain Bears Come to The Wilbur

The Berenstain Bears Come to The Wilbur

WHAT:

On Saturday, October 4^th, 2014, The Berenstain Bears are coming to The Wilbur in Boston’s historic Theatre District.

Currently engaged in a critically-acclaimed, sold out off-Broadway run in NYC, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! is hitting the road. Come on down to Bear Country where Brother Bear, Sister Bear, Papa Bear and Mama Bear sing and dance in this colorful new musical filled with fun for the whole family.

Adapted from the classic children’s book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come. As always, Bear Country is not without its complications: Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear just can’t stop eating junk food. Thankfully, we can always depend on Mama Bear and her loving patience to help set things right. The Berenstain Bears LIVE! will give boys and girls of all ages the chance to fall in love with these characters, just as their parents did when they were growing up. For tickets and more information about The Wilbur and other great events visit here.

WHEN:            Saturday, October 4^th, 2014 – 11:30 AM

COST:              $12-$29

WHERE:          The Wilbur | 246 Tremont Street | Boston, MA 02116 | 617.248.9800

TICKETS:        Visit here, or call the box office at 617.248.9800

About The Wilbur:

Celebrating 100 years, The Wilbur, nestled in Boston’s historic Theatre District, is the premiere destination for comedy and music in Boston, MA. Built in 1914 by The Shubert Brothers, The Wilbur opened in 1915 and was named for The Shubert Theatre’s manager A.L. Wilbur. Recently revitalized by former Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich in July of 2008, The Wilbur has become a first-class venue showcasing A-list comedians and musicians. A Comedy Central verified venue, the theater has attracted the best of the best in comedy including Aziz Ansari, Louis CK, Kevin Hart, Katt Williams and Jim Gaffigan. They also boast award-winning musicians from all genres such as Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill, Lyle Lovitt and Smoky Robinson. Offering an intimate show setting, The Wilbur provides the perfect environment for enjoying comedy sensations and chart topping artists in the heart of Boston’s historic Theater District.

The Wilbur is located at 246 Tremont Street in Boston, MA. For more information, please visit www.thewilbur.com, or call 617.248.9700.

October 1, 2014
Common Ground Arlington Opens Today!

Newton resident Bob O’Guin opens his second Common Ground in Arlington today! Two years ago, he took over Common Ground in Allston, then known as a college sports bar and turned it into a Gastropub.

The new bar and restaurant has some similar features to the Allston location including windows that open up!

When you enter Common Ground in Arlington, a wall of taps will greet you!

The Arlington location has a function and event room that seats 100! With a large HD projection screen, 2 computer ports for presentations, microphone access, and a private bar, it is perfect for corporate events.

The Arlington community can also use the room for functions and events. PaintNite is coming on Tuesday, Oct 21st from 7-9pm! You can dine and drink with friends and family while you enjoy a two your painting lesson!

For local artists and artisans, check in and inquire about rotating art exhibits and a pop up holiday bazaar!

The draught, cocktail and wine list has been carefully curated!

But Common Ground is known for great food. The ingredients are locally sourced when possible and chef Jaime Juarez makes practically everything in-house from bacon to granola to house made sausage!

We started with the housemade bread basket. Warm bread sticks are served with housemade hummus (delicious!), maple butter and herb infused oil.

My daughters loved the Truffle fries from Common Ground Allston and they are on the menu here too! Thick cut fries topped with Parmesan and served with Pesto Mayonnaise.

The Gnocchi are handmade and browned to a lovely crispy exterior and served over sautéed spinach, topped with house made marinara sauce, Parmesan, feta and truffle oil.

I’m pretty sure the Pasta Bolognese wide noodles are also house made; they were tender and cut into wide ribbons. The meat sauce has heady with rosemary and other fresh herbs. Delicious!

My 12-year-old daughter just got braces so she opted for the Mac ‘n Cheese without peas but kept the country ham that gave this cheesey goodness a hint of smokiness.

We even checked out the ladies’ room and it’s lovely and inviting, just like the whole restaurant!

After more than a year of construction, Common Ground Arlington is finally open! If you are in Arlington, I hope you will stop by!

Common Ground Arlington

319 Broadway

Arlington, MA 02474

Main: (781) 728-0060

General Manager: Rodney (Rhoney) Kangiser

Assistant GM: Steven Ramsdell

p.s. The first PaintNite (drink creatively) is Tuesday, October 21st from 7-9pm. You can buy tickets here and you can get 45% off by using discount code: CG45. Use that for the online checkout.

The art project is “Happy”.

September 30, 2014