Author: Mia

FREE Family Drop In Art Classes at the New Art Center This Fall

FREE Family Art Classes at the New Art Center

Drop-in Family Visit

Free Drop-in Family Connections Visit, where the gallery becomes the classroom and the art studio. Join us for a guided tour, art activities inspired by the exhibition, and a scavenger hunt.During Out of the Ruins: Reimagining the Romantic Tradition

September 29, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: New Art Center

Drop-in Family Visit

Free Drop-in Family Connections Visit, where the gallery becomes the classroom and the art studio. Join us for a guided tour, art activities inspired by the exhibition, and a scavenger hunt.During New Media/Fresh Paint II deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s Corporate Program

November 17, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: New Art Center

August 27, 2012
Clothing Donations That Directly Go Towards Helping People

Recycling Clothes In Newton

Dear Mia,

I came across your church online when I was searching for places in Newton that accept clothing donations. Does the church provide the clothing to anyone that needs it? Or are proceeds from selling the clothing used to help support programs? I am in the process of cleaning my apartment and would love to be able to donate some clothes. Please let me know if you are accepting clothing and where I should donate.

Many thanks,
Kari

————–

Hi Kari,

I blog on Newton at ILoveNewton.com but I am afraid I am not affiliated with a church at the moment. I found a link to Newton which lists all the places that takes recycling. I hope this is useful to you.

Newton Recylopedia

Recycle, Reuse, and Donate List

GOT STUFF? Post your items to sell, swap, or give away on 2good2waste.com/Newton

Remember: ALWAYS call first before making a donation!

Children’s Clothing, Toys

CRADLES TO CRAYONS BOSTON

(617)779.4700, 155 North Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135
Support kids in need with essential items for growth. Accepts new arts and craft supplies, school supplies and gently used kids clothing and toys. Check their website for a full list of items they accept. You can drop off any donations at their headquarters in Brighton.

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION
(888)322-8209 Provides drop-off locations and also does curbside pick ups. Accepts clothing, media, housewares, bedding, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, musical instruments and more. All donations benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England. Please see website for accepted materials and how to donate.

Clothing

Accepted at the Recycling Depot during open hours and in clothing donation containers located in parking lots throughout the community. All types of textiles, including shoes and belts and stuffed animals, can be recycled. All clothing, fabric, and household textiles (tablecloths, sheets) collected must be clean and dry, but it is okay if they are ripped, stained or damaged. No wet, mildewy textiles. No items contaminated with oil, paint, or hazardous materials.

BOOMERANGS/AIDS ACTION COMMITTEE
(617) 323-0262, 1870 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA
Accepts donations of furniture, clothing, housewares, books, CDs, giftware, and more. Proceeds are used by AIDS Action for AIDS education and prevention programs, as well as to directly assist people living with HIV/AIDS. They also have locations in Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, and Boston.

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION
(888)322-8209 Provides drop-off locations and also does curbside pick ups. Accepts clothing, media, housewares, bedding, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, musical instruments and more. All donations benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England. Please see website for accepted materials and how to donate.

Jeans

COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN. (for schools)

Recycle your jeans into insulation. Accepts donations from schools and retailers only.

August 24, 2012
Sleep Specialist and Blogger, Dr. Craig Canapari
How Much Sleep Do Teens Need?

The final doctor to present at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children blogger event was sleep heir-t0-Dr. Ferber, Dr. Craig Canapari. He’s also a blogger and is active on Twitter. In fact, I was tweeting with him late one night, thinking the irony — shouldn’t we both be sleeping?!

Not only is he a fun guy and dad, but he had some concrete advice for kids who sleep poorly:
- For “Restless Leg Syndrome” when kids say their legs need to move, try getting them tested for iron. Often times, more iron is the fix.
- How much sleep do teens need? Teenagers need 9 hours of sleep but here’s the kicker: their school starts the earliest AND their circadian rhythm starts to shift later and later at the onset of puberty. Teens not waking up until noon? It’s their body clock! Seriously! This fix is to slowly reset their body clock earlier by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until the desired time is set. The challenge is to maintain this sleep schedule even during weekends and vacations.
- Bad Sleep versus No Sleep. Kind of the same thing. Poor sleep or no sleep affects the same part of the brain as ADHD.
- Natural Sleep Remedy. One sleep remedy is the over the counter supplement Melatonin. Dr. Canapari confirmed that you can’t overdose on it. It’s a very safe supplement. Take 2-3 hours before desired bedtime as a sleep aid.
You gotta love a doctor who is plugged in on Social Media. Check out his blog here. He’s active on Facebook and Twitter too.

Here are some of his tweets:

The Science Behind Why Power Naps Help You Stay Productive and Creative http://buff.ly/OLDLpS only issue is that naps can delay sleep onset

Food Allergy Buzz: Will He Grow Out Of Asthma http://wp.me/p2eNvP-93

And what is he like? He’s extremely personable and should have his own TV show! Oprah, take note!
August 22, 2012
Food Allergy Research Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children
Dr. Wayne Shreffler is the Director of the Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. I was at a blogger event at MassGeneral and met several very impressive and dedicated doctors. Dr. Shreffler expertise in allergies brought up all kinds of questions from parent bloggers:

Why Have Food Allergies Become Such a Problem?

There are many theories but no answers. According to Dr. Shreffler:
- Genetics play a role
- Hygiene Hypothesis
- Western diet
- Vitamin D
- Geography/Cultural
- Exposure Route
What does this mean for parents?
- Our Western diet has introduced intense processing that mirror the rise in food allergies.
- Vitamin D might have protective effects.
- Early introduction to possible allergens is now considered a good idea. This is new for me when advice from 10 years ago urged us to delay introduction to foods like eggs and peanut butter. Good thing I ignored it!
- Early eczema an indicator for allergies? It’s worth testing kids younger if they have eczema as babies.
He is also doing research in Oral Immunology Therapy which gives very small doses of allergic foods to kids to see if they build up resistance. This is the same theory in The Princess Bride where Wesley beat that really smart funny short bad guy in the poison-in-a-cup switcharoo. Turns out Wesley had been drinking small doses of poison for years to build up immunity.

The downside is that children with life threatening allergies can not participate in this study as it is too dangerous. The research is still not conclusive yet but this is a step in the right direction!

I thought this guy was rockstar smart and if my kids had food allergies, I would fight my way into his practice.
August 20, 2012
The Village Bank Awards $46,000 in Scholarships to Newton, Wayland students

Kenneth C. Brennan, president and CEO of The Village Bank, announced today that the Bank’s Auburndale Community Charitable Foundation has awarded a total of $46,000 in college scholarships to fifteen 2012 graduating high school seniors from Newton and Wayland.

The Bank’s total investment in education since the program began in 1988 now totals $396,000.

$10,000 Awards
Two of the 2012 recipients received scholarships in the amount of $10,000, with $2,500 to be awarded at the successful completion of each of the student’s four college years. The students are Kenya Heard, Wayland High School, and Kevin Wu, Newton North High School.

Candidates for the $10,000 awards were required to have demonstrated active involvement in local community and/or charitable causes.

“The Village Bank has always had a strong commitment to the community,” said Brennan. “The special $10,000 scholarships give us the opportunity to recognize local students who share that commitment.”

$2,000 Awards
One-time $2,000 scholarships were awarded to 13 graduating students from Newton and Wayland. They are:

Newton North High School – Madeleine Aquilina, Paige Grody, Lydia O’Connor, Emily Paley, Matias Page, Sarah Perlo, Alexandra Pini, and Stephanie Vitone.

Newton South High School – Emma Loeb and Saewon Park.

Wayland High School – Erik Halperin, Briana Mele, and Kayla Rice.

The Auburndale Community Charitable Foundation scholarships are funded in part by the Bank’s Annual Golf Classic at Woodland Golf Club. The success of the 2011 Classic allowed the Bank to expand its scholarship commitment again this year, said Brennan.

August 19, 2012
New Weight Center for Children (ENERGY) Starting at Mass General Hospital for Children
Weight Management Program for Kids

I went to a really great event at Mass General Hospital for Children and heard Dr. Christina Scirica, Director of Parenting for Health, Inspired for Health, and ENERGY (Exercise, Nutrition and Relaxation for Growing Youth). Yep, you guessed it from her complex title. She’s an expert on childhood health and weight with a background in Pediatric Pulmonary and Childhood Obesity. Surprisingly, these two areas are linked!

As a mother of kids herself, Dr. Scirica experienced weight issues with her own daughter who’s BMI was in the 96% when she was four years old. Taking matters into her own hands, she found healthy solutions to bring her daughter’s weight chart on a downward decline. As a mom, she worried that her daughter might have body image issues if she nagged about snacking and weight. Instead, she focuses on mindful eating, healthy food choices and a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise.

Now, as the head of ENERGY, she is bringing a program to Mass General Hospital that will also roll out into their associated network of hospitals including Newton-Wellesley Hospital. This is a weekly family based weight management program for children ages 10 years old and older.

And she shared some helpful concrete advice:
- She discourages using food as a treat.
- She discourages diets for children. Instead she promotes a healthy lifestyle.
- Eating at the table as a family helps to make meals a bonding experience.
- Think about the Quality/Quantity/Context of Food. Where are we eating? When are we eating? Why are we eating?
- Distracted eating = Overeating.
Things most parents don’t have to worry about (but still do) …
- Pleasing all palates. Don’t cook a different meal for kids.
- Is my child eating enough? Kids will not starve themselves.
- Will my child be hungry? Snacks. Don’t overpack just to give choices, especially when your child is in daycare or school all day. We’re conditioning kids to snack all day.
- Eating disorders. Statistically, this is rare.
This new ENERGY program will start in September at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Scirica is also on Twitter at @SciricaMD. I really liked her as person that I could relate to and want to hang out with. She’s very down to earth and funny to boot.
August 17, 2012
Edible Arrangements Scavenger Hunt to Win Prizes

Find Edible Arrangements’ ‘Summer Strawberry!’

The scavenger hunt is on to decipher the clues and determine which Edible Arrangements store ‘Summer Strawberry’ is visiting. The scavenger hunt will only be taking place in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire stores*.

There will be four consecutive Wednesdays, from August 15-September 5, where ‘Summer Strawberry’ will be making an appearance during a pre-selected 2-hour time period.

Free Fruit and Fun!

Anyone who correctly deciphers the clues and finds ‘Summer Strawberry’ at the Edible Arrangements location within the designated 2-hour time period will receive free samples of smoothies, dipped fruit or fresh fruit salad.

Want to win prizes? Commenting on this blog post with the correct address/ store location where you found ‘Summer Strawberry’ OR emailing a picture of ‘Summer Strawberry’ to jkaye@carltonprmarketing.com will enter you to win the grand prize, a $200 Amazon gift card, or one of four arrangements!** Doing both will get you two entries!

If you are on Twitter and follow @DoFruitNE, tweeting a picture of ‘Summer Strawberry’ with a caption that includes the hashtag #ILoveFruit and will get you an additional entry. 3 chances to win!

Live too far from the selected store?
If you correctly decipher the clues but cannot make it to the selected location, you can still enter the contest by commenting the address/ store location of ‘Summer Strawberry’ on this blog post.

Better yet, you can visit YOUR local Edible Arrangements during the pre-selected 2-hour time period and mention that you are there because of scavenger hunt and you will receive a 6-piece box of dipped fruit!

* The scavenger hunt will only be taking place in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire stores.

**Edible Arrangements and its public relations agency will not retain any email addresses during this promotion, other than to notify winners of the prizes awarded.
Clues:

Wednesday, August 15 from 11 A.M.- 1 P.M.
– ‘Summer Strawberry’ will be stopping by the easternmost portion of Massachusetts which is a huge New England tourist destination, especially during the summer months!

– This town has the initials ‘SY’ and is located between West Yarmouth and Dennis Port.

– The first traffic rotary in the United States is in this village at the intersection of River Street and Pleasant Street.

– This village is home to the Red Sox, no not the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox that play in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

– ‘Summer Strawberry’ will be at the Edible Arrangements store located in a plaza near a popular pizza chain that shares its name with a classic game (if you get this answer, you’re spot on!) and songs by Van Morrison and most recently, Jessie J.

p.s. Winners must live within the Co-op territory (MA and southern NH)

August 15, 2012
Girls’ Soccer Cleat Exchange on Labor Day

To all NGS Families:

It’s time for the Bi-Annual Cleat Exchange!

Date: Monday, September 3rd (yes, it’s Labor Day)

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: 35 Kingswood Road, Auburndale

(Take Comm. Ave. to Islington to Kingswood – map at http://newtongirlssoccer.org/announce/)

How it works: If you have old cleats cluttering closets bring them along and find a new pair that fits. Even if you don’t have any cleats to donate, bring your daughter on that Saturday to find a pair. It’s great fun!

Cleats are being accepted in advance at 59 Oxford Road, Newton Centre and 35 Kingswood Road, Auburndale. . . . or just bring them on September 3rd

Tell your friends!

August 13, 2012
Newton Businesses Make Best of Boston List!
This is from the Newton Patch.

Newton was well-represented in this year’s Best of Boston issue from Boston Magazine. More than a dozen businesses/services received recognition from the magazine in both Boston-based awards and “West of the City” categories.

The following Newton businesses made the issue:
- Best Garden Supplies: Winston Flowers (gorgeous flowers too, but expensive!)
- Best Kitchen Supplies: Sur La Table at The Mall at Chestnut Hill (very helpful staff!)
- Best Makeup: Sephora (a location at The Mall at Chestnut Hill)
- Best Bar West of Boston: The Cottage Chestnut Hill
- Best Brunch West of Boston: The Biltmore (I’ve been hearing so many people rave about this place!)
- Best Day Spa West of Boston: La Residencia
- Best Men’s Clothing West of Boston: Mr. Sid (an establishment!)
- Best Jewelry West of Boston: Adamas Fine Jewelry (Hey, we were on the same soccer team with co-founder’s son)
- Best Hair Salon West of Boston: Salon Capri
- Best Wine Shop West of Boston: The Urban Grape
- Best Bedroom Kids Furniture: Baby Koo
- Best Living Room, Interior Designer: Liz Caan (so many talented Interior Designers in Newton alone!)
- Best Specialty, Gym Equipment: Gym Source
- Best Wedding Coordinator: Hopple Popple (Hey, that’s my neighbor and mom friend Abby’s family company! Shout out to Abby who does weddings!! They are in that adorable purple cottage on California Street near McDonalds!)
- Best Place to “Carbo-Load”: Rosenfeld Bagel Company’s Challah (And the bagels are great too!! We also like their cream cheese. I am partial to the chive. My husband liked the lox.)
Information provided by Boston Magazine website.
August 10, 2012
Edible Arrangements Tropical Island GIVEAWAY

I received a offer to sample Edible Arrangement‘s Tropical Sunrise or Tropical Island box of dipped fresh fruit chunks for a product review and one as a giveaway and I knew that my kids would be really excited to try it. They really like fresh fruits and rave about Edible Arrangements. When I am contemplating a hostess gift of some sort, they always offer up Edible Arrangements as the perfect choice. How they even know about Edible Arrangements is beyond me. We’ve never had one delivered to us before, as far as I know.

The box arrived today and was beautifully presented. I like the package design a lot!! It’s a flat box, slightly bigger than a shoe box but much thinner. This would make for a nice present!

My kids were about to tear the box open, but I insisted I need to take a few photos for the post! I barely held them off!

They correctly identified the dipped covering as coconut. I actually thought it was shaved white chocolate. They were right. They are not fans of the coconut, having grown up on the East Coast but it didn’t deter them from devouring the box with just a small adjustment to remove the offending coconut via paper towel. I tried one and I like the combination of white chocolate and coconut!

I guess it’s a good testimonial that they finished the box, and this after we had already made an after-camp stop to PinkBerry. It’s absolutely perfect as a gift or a small indulgence for someone who like coconut and fruit!

I am giving one away. Please leave a comment to enter. (Must be in U.S. to enter.)

p.s. Did I mention that my kids are picky?

Congrats to Tt! You won the giveaway!

August 9, 2012