Author: Mia

Tennis Clinics in Newton and Belmont for Ages 4-12

Tennis Lessons for Kids

Generation Tennis will be holding tennis clinics for kids (age 4 to 12) at in Newton and Belmont during the weeks of August 20 to 31, 2012.

The curriculum is age appropriate instruction for all levels from 4 to 12 years old. Classes focus on ball control, motor skills, balance, coordination, agility and racquet skill. As the students improve coordination, and hand eye motor skills, the challenges increase and so does their tenacity and fun. Classes divided by age and skill levels.

When the student skills have progressed ability to volley they are engaged in competitive play on mini-courts, and focus on game play techniques and strategy. This is a drop-off session.

We are funded by USTA, in support of our mission, which includes bringing kids into the game of tennis early, and fostering inter-generational family play in our own backyards/driveways and public parks — affordable exercise and fun!

Monday August 20 to Friday August 24 & Monday August 27 to Friday August 31

$85 Registration per week (5 days of session’s per week)

In Newton: 9:AM or 10:AM or 11:AM Daily wk 8/20 at the Armory on 1137 Washington St, W. Newton

In Belmont: 3:PM or 4:PM or 5:PM Daily wk 8/20 and wk 8/27 at the Chenery 95 Washington St, Belmont

9:AM or 10:AM or 11:AM 3:PM Daily wk 8/27 at the Chenery Courts 95 Washington St, Belmont

Register for QuicKids Tennis by email to Generation.Tennis.CTA@gmail OR visit GenerationTennisCTA.com

August 7, 2012
Newton Centre BoxART

Urban Art (ok, Suburban Art) Celebrates Carriage Lane

The Newton Centre boxART on Commonwealth and Centre street celebrates the carriage lane. A carry over from days of horse and buggy plus Model T Fords, Newton’s carriage lane has evolved into a safe walking and biking lane that runs parallel to the main street, separated by a lovely wide grassy lane.

August 5, 2012
Back Bay: Android Developer Position at Woven
Android Developer Needed

The Woven team is looking for talented people to join our Copley Square-based team. We’re the company that brought you the litl webbook, an Internet computer for the home that’s been hailed as a “design miracle” by Fast Company, “truly new” by John Gruber, and “bold” and “refreshing” by Walt Mossberg.

With the launch of Woven, our photo viewing app, we’re increasingly focused on helping people enjoy their treasured photo collections through smart and simple mobile apps, desktop software, and supporting services. More information about Woven is available at its website, woventheapp.com.

As an Android Developer at litl, you will build upon our Android app for Woven. You will be bringing a wide set of new features, working closely with our design, backend and QA teams. While initially working on Android, you will have opportunities to explore other areas, such as iOS or backend development.

While our headquarters are in Boston, we have developers from various parts of the world. Working remotely is common practice at litl.

Skill and requirements:

Proven record as an excellent Android developer, ideally a few applications in the Google Play store.
Strong emphasis on code quality and maintainability. Code samples are most welcome.
- Experience with git strongly desired.
- Experience interfacing with web services is desirable.
- Experience with other platforms appreciated.
- Experience working in a small team of developers with strict code review policies is appreciated.
To Apply: jobs@litl.com
August 4, 2012
How Does BoxART in Allston Compare to Newton?

Urban Art: BoxART in Allston Versus Newton

I saw this vibrant BoxART in Allston near the Allston Farmer’s Market. You can tell that this is urban street art: one side of the BoxART is defaced with graffiti which is a shame! Do you see it on the lower left hand photograph near the dove? How do you think this compares to Newton BoxArt?

Newton BoxART: Newton Centre, Auburndale and Newtonville, Newton Highlands, and Newton Centre/Carriage Lane.

[polldaddy poll=6425827]

August 3, 2012
Referee Part Time Jobs for Newton Girls Soccer
Soccer Jobs as Soccer Referee

NGS (Newton Girls Soccer) has a great opportunity for girls, ages 12 and up, to join its referee ranks to become a soccer referee for U9-U12 BAYS games. You will earn $20-$25 per game in our hometown in Newton. We will provide you a minimum two-game assignment. We will have mentors on the field to help you get started. Parents are also encouraged to become referees. We have many instances of father-daughter assignments.
There are three courses offered in Newton (Marriott Hotel) on Aug 5th on How to Become a NGS Referee.

Training starts by registering at www.massref.net, then
1. If you are between 12 and 15-years-old and never refereed before register with the Web site and select Grade 9 course.
2. If you are 16-years-old and older and never refereed before register for the Grade 8 course.
3. If you are 14-years-old and you have 2-years’ experience with Grade 9, then register for the Grade 8 Bridge course
Upon completion of the course please send an email to Ioannis Kyratzoglou at ioannis@mitre.org. NGS will reimburse the training fees. Instructions will be provided at the appropriate time.
August 2, 2012
Atrium Mall Slowly Closes Up Shop

Lê’s Vietnamese Cuisine on the bottom floor is next to go. Manager Vin Lê says that their last day is August 26th. Employees will be redeployed as well to either of their 3 locations: Cambridge, Dorchester and Allston. Vin will be moving to manage the Allston restaurant when this restaurant closes. I wonder what will happen to the huge fish tank? If anyone is interested in it for a home or business, contact Vin!

Have you been inside the Atrium Mall lately? I went today and it’s starting to look like a vandalized ghost town.

Still, there are deals to be had. Pottery Barn is, not surprisingly, having a floor model sale with discounts from 20-40% off large pieces.We picked up a floor lamp and received a 10% discount.

Pottery Barn will be moving next door to the new complex that will contain the new Wegmans super market. Despite the store closures around them, the sales people at Pottery Barn are as cheerful and friendly as ever and the store looks beautifully merchandised. They are staying open at the Atrium Mall until January 1st.

I heard that in order to turn the Atrium Mall into a medical complex, they will need to provide more parking spots. I wonder if this ground floor will be a parking lot. I guess it just needs more structural support.

Will you miss the Atrium mall? Will you go to Allston for Vietnamese food? We will! See you there!

August 1, 2012
August Girls Soccer Skills Clinic with Boston Breakers

Newton Girls Soccer is pleased to announce that we will again partner with the Boston Breakers to offer a second 4-day Breakers Soccer Skills Clinic to be held in Newton from August 6th-9th. The clinic is open to all NGS players in the IM program (Grades 2-8) and the travel program (U9-U14).

These sessions will led by current players from the Breakers with guidance from the Breakers coaching staff.

The focus of these fun sessions will be on individual technical skill development and small group tactical concepts. Each day, players will work on a variety of different technical elements (skills), game related exercises and small sided scrimmages. This is a great way for players to prepare for the coming fall 2012 season.

Full program details are as follows:

Dates:             August 6/7/8/9, 2012 (Mon-Thur)

Location: Newton Fields (Most likely Weeks Field)

Time:    9am – 12pm

Cost:               $175

Click here to Register online!

July 31, 2012
2012 Olympics Sparks Intrest Among Teens

Olympic Sports Inspire Teens

For many teens, sports are a big part of life. It’s their chance at a college scholarship, a way to make new friends, and a fun activity to fill up their schedules after school.

The Olympics, a display of the best athletes in the world, often gets more attention from teens as they grow older because they enjoy watching highly skilled athletes play their favorite sports at an intense level.

Michael, a local sophmore is intrigued the most by Olympic tennis.”I’m exceptionally excited to see tennis,” Michael stated, “because I have taken lessons and done summer tennis camps since I was 8. I think it would be really cool to see the same techniques that I learned being used in London this Saturday.”

Mimi, another rising sophmore, is also drawn to the Olympics because of her history with sports. “I did [gymnastics] as a kid,” Mimi said, “[and] I love the sport and watching them stick all of their [tumbling] passes.” Mimi is also impressed specifically with gymnastics because of the precision and technique needed to succeed. She finds that the most impressive part of gymnastics that, “they can do crazy tricks on a four inch piece of wood.”

Michael is also interested in tennis because of the skill level of the players. “I feel like I just have to keep watching when the professionals make such clean shots,” said Michael, “thay are immaculately measured to the point where they just barely stay in-bounds. I would say that my favorite Olympic athlete would be the British tennis player Reginald Doherty… he has a very unique form that makes him my favorite.”

Joanne, a local high school student is also impressed with the precision and concentration of Olympic athletes. If she could do any olympic sport, it would be shooting. “I look up to people who can have that much focus,” Joanne said. As a gymnast herself, Joanne is also looking forward to gymnastics. “I am most looking forward to gymnastics! I am looking forward because I am a gymnast and I’ve been watching the girls from the beginning. Also, it is a very competitive sport and I enjoy the excitement.The ability to flip your body and the strength needed intrigues me. Everyone has their favorite move which define themselves from any other gymnast.”

It’s only in hindsight when someone can look back and pinpoint a time, place or event that was pivotal in their lives. The 2012 London Olympics could be that significant for teens. You never know. You just never know!

What is your favorite Olympic sport and what favorite athlete or sport are you especially rooting for?

Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

July 30, 2012
Newton BoxART: Newton Centre

This Newton BoxART piece in Newton Centre is one of our favorites. We like the magical fairy tale kingdom that is hinted in the background. I’m going to try to post on all of the BoxART pieces so we can vote on our favorites. There is still time to sign up to create your own BoxART masterpiece!

July 29, 2012
Young Musicians Classical Concert in Boston

Classical Concert by Kids

From the Top with host Christopher O’Riley, the preeminent showcase for young musicians, announces its 2012-2013 National Tour dates for recording its popular NPR radio program. The tour includes concert events at From the Top’s home base at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall and cities from Beijing, China to Athens, Georgia to Davis, California. Guest artists for the season will include cellist Matt Haimovitz, as well as two professional orchestras – the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.Ct

Broadcast on nearly 250 stations nationwide to an audience of more than 700,000 listeners each week,From the Top celebrates the amazing performances and captivating stories of America’s best pre-college classical musicians. Considered one of the most popular weekly classical music programs on public radio, the show has been described by the Boston Globe as, “an entertaining, accessible, and inspirational mix of outstanding musical performances, informal interviews, skits and games; the show is a celebration of extraordinary musicians who happen to be teenagers leading fairly normal lives.”

2012-2013 From the Top National Radio Taping Tour*

Locally:
Sunday, October 14, 2012: Boston, Massachusetts
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory

Go here for ticket information (out in August).

Elsewhere:
Friday, July 20, 2012: Chautauqua, New York
Presented by Chautauqua Music Festival
Chautauqua Amphitheater

Saturday, July 28, 2012: Beijing, China
Presented by Great Wall International Academy
Recital Hall, Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing

Saturday, July 28, 2012: Beijing, China
Presented by Great Wall International Academy
Recital Hall, Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing

Friday, October 5, 2012: Troy, New York
Presented by Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Sunday, October 14, 2012: Boston, Massachusetts
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory

Sunday, October 21, 2012: Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Presented by Westmoreland Cultural Trust and Seton Hill University
The Palace Theatre

Thursday, October 25, 2012: Davis, California
Presented by the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis
Jackson Hall

Tuesday, December 12, 2012: Sarasota, Florida
Presented by Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota
Sarasota Opera House

Friday, January 4, 2013: Dallas, Texas
Presented by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Meyerson Symphony Hall

Saturday, January 12, 2013: Denver, Colorado
Presented by Colorado Symphony Association
The Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex

Saturday, February 9, 2013: Boston, Massachusetts
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory

Sunday, February 17, 2013: Tucson, Arizona
Presented by UA Presents
Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona

Tuesday, February 17, 2013: Mesa, Arizona
Presented by Mesa Arts Center
The Piper Theater

Sunday, March 3, 2013: Athens, Georgia
Presented by the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia

Friday, March 8, 2013: New Albany, Ohio
Presented by Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts

Saturday, June 1, 2013: El Paso, Texas
Presented by the El Paso Community Foundation for the benefit of the El Paso Summer Music Festival
Plaza Theatre

July 28, 2012