Author: Mia

  • Fiction Writing for Children Workshop (Adults only)

    Fiction Writing for Children Workshop (Adults only)

    Oh man! What I wouldn’t give to join this workshop but unfortunately, I am driving a soccer carpool at that same exact time. Karen Day won a Texas Bluebonnet award for her first book Tall Tales. She’s since published three books with Wendy Lamb, an über publisher that tends to nurture Newbery winners.

    author Karen Day, Newton MA

    This is the class description:

    Over the last 20 years, the market for children’s novels has exploded. Yet writing for these age groups is challenging and more complicated than it may seem. In this workshop, local children’s book author Karen Day will introduce you to the world of novel writing for children. This will include an overview of the industry as well as tips on how to get started. Mostly this will be a place for brainstorming ideas and voice.

    Participants will write, share and discuss their work. No experience is necessary. This workshop will meet on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm and run for four consecutive weeks, beginning May 30th. Workshop fee of $150.

    WHEN: May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20

    TIME: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

    WHEREWaban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street

    COST: $150

    TO REGISTER: Please fill out this page and mail it, along with your $150 fee, to Waban Improvement Society, P.O. Box 6, Waban, MA 02468. Checks should be payable to “WIS – Waban Library Center.” You many also hand this form/check in an envelope to a volunteer at the desk at the WLC. Please make sure to email us at wabanlibrary@gmail.com to let us know you wish to register.

    Spaces are limited. **In the event that the class fills before we received your registration, we will return your check. **

    Registrant Contact Information

    Name: ________________________________________

    Signature: _____________________________________

    Phone No:_____________________________________

    Address: _____________________________________

    Fee

    $__________

    _____________________________________

    WLC instructors assume no responsibility for injury to person/child listed above. The undersigned assumes all risks and hazards incidental to the conduct of these activities for him or herself or for his or her child. The undersigned releases and waives any and all claims against Waban Improvement Society, Inc. 

    ***A volunteer-run organization, the WLC depends on the financial support of patrons like you.***

  • Please VOTE for West Suburban YMCA Kids’ Song!

    Please VOTE for West Suburban YMCA Kids’ Song!

    We are SO happy to announce that More Than a Building – a song written, performed and produced by our students from  the West Suburban YMCA, has been chosen as one of the top 7 Semi-Finalist submissions in the YMCA of the USA’s songwriting competition “Sing Out for the Y”!

    We are asking for your help!

    Please vote, post, share, tweet and send the link below to your social and online communities.

    Please vote here for More Than A Building – West Suburban YMCA Music

    West Suburban YMCA (Newton, MA)

    SAMPLE LYRICS:

    When I walk in the door, I see all the friendly faces. All the staff’s lookin’ To help someone like me. And it’s part of the reason why It’s one of my favorite places. I wanna go back there every single week. Inside the hallways I feel cared for and secure. The rooms around me Hold many things to learn. I don’t wanna be anywhere else anymore. The YMCA is the only place I turn.

    It helps us learn, grow and thrive. I always feel so safe inside. It’s where we learn how to live life. We all know honesty is right.

     

  • Open House at Belkin Family Lookout Farm

    Open House at Belkin Family Lookout Farm

    Belkin Family Lookout Farm is hosting a FREE open house this weekend!

    For two days only, Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th, the farm will open its gates for free admission for the entire family. Celebrate May’s arrival and take a ride through the orchards, visit the Children’s Play Area, take a turn in the moon bounce, and find your way through the burlap maze.

    Belkin Family Lookout Farm, Natick MA

    BELKIN FAMILY LOOKOUT FARM

    Hosts FREE Open House

    TWO DAYS ONLY – Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 

    This Saturday and Sunday, Belkin Family Lookout Farm opens the gates for a Farm Open House with free admission for the entire family – the ONLY CHANCE for FREE ADMISSION before the season begins!  Celebrate May’s arrival and take a ride through the orchards, visit the Children’s Play Area, take a turn in the moon bounce, and find your way through the burlap maze.  PLUS there’ll be face painting and caterpillar rides for the kids. Chips, snacks and beverages will be available at the Snack Shack. Located less than 20 miles from Boston, Belkin Family Lookout Farm is the perfect day trip for the entire family.

    Belkin Family Lookout Farm Free Open House

    WHEN:

    Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th

    Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.


    Belkin Family Lookout Farm activities for kids

    WHERE:

    Belkin Family Lookout Farm
    89 Pleasant Street South
    South Natick, MA 01760

    Belkin farm family activities Boston

    SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER:  When you visit the farm during the FREE Open House on May 4th or May 5th, Lookout Farm season passes will be available for purchase at a discounted price of $69.  You save $30 if you buy during the free open houses.  A season pass is valid for a family of four and allows free admission to the farm for the entire 2013 season. If you are unable to make it to the farm during the Open House weekend you can still purchase the specially priced 2013 season pass over the phone. Just call the farm at (508) 653 – 0653between May 5th and May 10th to get your season passes for $69. Lookout Farm will be open every weekend beginning May 11th.

    Belkin family farm

    ABOUT BELKIN FAMILY LOOKOUT FARM

    Established as a farm in 1651, Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick is recognized as one of the oldest continuously-working farms in the country.  Steve and Joan Belkin of Weston, Massachusetts purchased the 180-acre Lookout Farm in 2005, and the Belkin family is dedicated to continuing 350 years of farm tradition for future generations.  Steve and Joan strive to provide healthy, outdoor, family fun activity while maintaining the farm’s long-rooted history and importance within the community for years to come. Visit us at lookoutfarm.com.

     

  • Free Self Defense Workshop for Kids!

    Free Self Defense Workshop for Kids!

    This great FREE self defense workshop for kids is from Giroux Brothers Martial Arts. My kids and I studied there and he’s wonderful!

    Giroux Brothers Martial Arts, free self defense workshop for kids, newton karate, Newton MA

    I’d personally like to invite you and your child (ren) to attend a free self defense workshop at Giroux Bros. Martial Arts this Saturday from 1 pm to 2 pm. 

    In the workshop I will be discussing the importance of using your BRAIN more than anything else when it relates to self defense. 

    I will be discussing bully prevention techniques as well as discussing stranger danger

    Kids will all get a chance at sparring me for fun, as well as breaking a board at the end of the class. 

    This class will be taught in a basic, fun, and non-fearing environment.  Both of my daughters will be in attendance as well.  They are 5 and 6 years old.  

    In order to attend, you MUST register online.  You can access the registration tab on our home page atwww.GirouxBros.com or for your convenience, I’ve attached the link here: 

    click here 

    I hope that you can make it!!

    Steve Giroux, Giroux Brothers Martial Arts, (No uniform necessary to attend this free workshop)

    Steve Giroux 
    Owner / 6th Degree Black Belt

    Steve Giroux, karate, Newton

     

  • Newton Family Singers Spring Concert with GIVEAWAY!

    Newton Family Singers Spring Concert with GIVEAWAY!

    THE TIDE IS HIGH

    Songs Reflecting on the Water

    It finally feels like Spring, and that means the Newton Family Singers Spring Concert is around the corner!

    Join them for a program of tender, poignant and rocking water-inspired songs by an eclectic mix of artists, including the Beatles, Lyle Lovett, Blondie, the Grateful Dead and the Indigo Girls, in addition to strikingly beautiful songs by local songwriters, award winning singer-songwriter-naturalist, Oen Kennedy, and Waban’s own Andy Rogovin. This has something for everyone.  Bring your family and prepare to sing along!

    Newton farmers market

    This concert, they will be thanking our Facebook fans with a ukulele giveaway!  In order to be eligible to win, please like us on Facebook!   They will also be giving away a few other prizes to a few lucky concert-goers.  Good luck!

    To see the Newton Family Singers in action, check out this 10 min. behind-the-scenes video of our Spring 2012 Concert!

    Sunday, May 5th at 4pm

    Memorial Spaulding Auditorium
    250 Brookline St.
    Newton, MA

    Tickets are on sale now!
    Buy them online!
    $10 Adults/$8 kids
    Doors Open at 3:30pm

     

  • Free Seminar: Children, Teens, and Technology

    Free Seminar: Children, Teens, and Technology

    Rules of engagement: Are there any?

    Dr. Rich is a pediatrician and Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital, Boston. His research explores the positive and negative effects of technology (computer, television, cellphones, etc.) on children and teens.

    Join us as Dr. Rich discusses:

    • Strategies and tips to manage children’s use of technology
    • How to fight the “crowd” mentality
    • Addictive nature of technology as it relates to children with attention issues
    • Impact of violence and inappropriate content on child development

    Dr. Michael Rich

    Dr. Michael Rich,nnhs, teen parenting
    Wednesday, May 8, 2013
    7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

    Newton North Auditorium
    Light refreshments

    Visit here for more information.

  • FREE Open Gym for Kids at Day Middle School

    FREE Open Gym for Kids at Day Middle School

    OPEN GYM (NO CHARGE)
    4:00-6:00 PM Every Tuesday at Day
    All students from Day, Bigelow, Brown and Oak Hill are invited to participate in the new Open Gym program.  Tyler Wachtelhausen, F.A. Day’s Physical Education, Health and Wellness Teacher, will lead the program EVERY TUESDAY through the rest of this school year at Day Middle School.  Kids can enjoy basketabll, dance, volleyball and just about whatever fitness activity you can think of.  And, best of all, it’s FREE!
    Please click on the link below for more information about the program and the registration form.  Or, have your child pick up a form in the Main Office of their school.
  • Soccer Clinics and Camps for Kids in Newton

    Soccer Clinics and Camps for Kids in Newton

    There is a Co-ed clinic being run this Sunday, today,  (April 28) by Weston Youth Soccer and the New England Revolution. It’s a fundraiser for Weston’s unique “Score One Save One” campaign, which raises money for UNICEF, the United Nations program for children. It’s such a great example of combining soccer with citizenship. The cost is just $45 and several Revs starters are expected to attend. For more information, go to Weston’s web site at: http://www.westonsoccer.org
    soccer clinic for kids Newton MA
    The other clinic is for girls only on Sunday, May 5. It’s being run by US Women’s National Team star Heather O’Reilly. Heather, who also plays for the Boston Breakers, did NGS a good turn last week when she showed up at our NGS-Breakers April Vacation camp to sign autographs and talk to the campers – despite not being one of the Breakers players assigned to work the camp. She has her own soccer academy and is running an offensively focused clinic at Harvard’s athletic fields. The cost is $85.
    Heather O'Reilly, Heather O'Reilly soccer clinic
    We are lucky to live in a city that has many wonderful sports camps options for kids! Here are a few more that we’ve tried and can wholeheartedly recommend:
    The Lady Eagles Women’s Soccer Team at Boston College is also running soccer camps this summer.  My kids have done these camps for years and have a consistently great experience. They especially love the coaching by the B.C. women’s soccer team.
    Lady Eagles girls soccer camp, Newton girls soccer camps, Newton summer camps for girls, Newton girls soccer campWorld Cup Day at Lady Eagles Girls Soccer Camp is always a fun day!
    We have also done Garden City Soccer Camps at Newton North High School. Soccer combined with swimming is a great combination during the summer. It’s run by my daughter’s coach, Brian Rooney, who is a wonderful coach! Newton high school players help run the camp and it’s been fun for my daughter to recognize high school kids around town.
    Be Ahead of the Game also runs great summer sports camps including tennis and soccer. My son has done these and it has been a great experience.
  • Free Family Fun in Watertown!

    Free Family Fun in Watertown!

    We’re having an open house with arts activities and performances at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown – a free day of family fun called Open Arts Day – on May 4.

    Open Arts Day Newton MA

  • Newton Girls Soccer Camps at Boston College

    Newton Girls Soccer Camps at Boston College

    My girls have been attending the Lady Eagles soccer camps for girls near the Boston College Law School in Newton for years. It’s a very special soccer camp because the girls think it’s really fun but they also learn the next level of soccer skills from what they have been playing.

    Boston College Girls Soccer Camp Schedule

    • 9:00am -11:00am: Warm-up/Skill Development
    • 11:00am -12:00pm: Fun Small-sided Games
    • 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch and Entertainment
    • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Games, Scrimmages and Coaches Challenge
    • 3:00pm: Dismiss from Camp
    • 3:00pm – 5:00pm: (for $20/day late pick up is available!)

    There’s also the role model aspect. The women’s soccer team is a wonderful group of young women who typically have a special gift working with kids. Many of them are studying to be teachers. I know this because sometimes I am lucky to have them as babysitters.

    The camps are usually 4 days long (Monday through Friday) but this year because of all the snow days, the first session is different so I wanted to point out that there are two options:

    1) 4 Days: Tuesday June 25th through Friday June 28th. $295

    This option works for schools who had less snow days.

    OR

    2) 2 Days:  Thursday June 27 through Friday June 28. $195

    This works for the Newton Schools since our last school day is Wednesday June 26th.

     

    The second session is the typical one: 4 days starting on Monday.

     

    Boston College Lady Eagles Soccer Camps for Girls

    Summer Session I

    Dates: 6/25/13 – 6/28/13   OR

    6/27/13 – 6/28/13 (2 day option)

    Ages: 6 – 14 years

    Time: 9am – 3pm
    Cost: $295 / $195


    Lady Eagles girls soccer camp, Newton girls soccer camps, Newton summer camps for girls, Newton girls soccer camp

    Summer Session II

    Dates: 7/22/13 – 7/25/13

    Ages: 6 – 14 years

    Time: 9am – 3pm

    Cost: $295

     

    To register, please go here.  Early drop off and late pick ups are also an option.