Author: Mia

2nd Bomb Threat at NNHS

Dear Newton North Community,

Unfortunately, Newton North has again been targeted with a bomb threat. The call was received at 1:20 pm. We have learned from public safety officials that within the past hour, multiple Boston schools also received automated bomb threats.

We take any threats to the security of our students very seriously. To that end, we engaged our Shelter-in-Place emergency procedure for a short period of time today and have since resumed our regular school schedule. Newton police and fire authorities are here at the school and have conducted a thorough investigation. They will stay through the end of the day to insure a safe dismissal process. At this time, we do expect our regular dismissal procedure as well as regularly scheduled after-school activities.

Thank you,

Mark Aronson

——–

Several high schools across Massachusetts received bomb threats Monday.

Boston College, Brockton, East Boston, South Boston, Arlington, Haverhill, Newton North, Barnstable and Fitchburg high schools all received threats. Monomoy Regional Middle School in Chatham also received a threat. From Newton Patch

February 23, 2016
Iconic “Walden Woods” Steinway Piano Finds New Home with Philanthropists

M. Steinert & Sons announces the recent sale of a one-of-a-kind Steinway & Sons grand piano to philanthropists Brian and Kathy Stevens of Marlborough, Massachusetts. The “Walden Woods” piano, an art case Steinway & Sons Model D concert grand created to commemorate the legacy of author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau, will be used by the Stevens family to raise awareness and generate support for a number of non-profit organizations close to their hearts, including Special Olympics of Massachusetts and the Special People Special Needs Foundation. The purchase marks the first time the Walden Woods piano will reside in a private home.

The piano was originally commissioned in 2007 by the Walden Woods Project, an organization spearheaded by musician Don Henley to help preserve land near Walden Pond in Concord. Artist Silas Kopf designed the piano, which incorporates wood indigenous to Walden Woods and other areas of New England. Kopf created twelve marquetry plaques featuring local flora, as well as a marquetry portrait of Thoreau and a long frieze with an excerpt from Thoreau’s famous book Walden: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” Adding to its value, the piano was signed during a benefit concert by Billy Joel, Elton John, Emanuel Ax, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Hornsby, Evgeny Kissin, and Barbara Nissman.

The Stevens are well-known philanthropists with a special interest in music, film, and popular culture. They cultivate and develop projects that draw interest and enthusiasm from musicians, artists, filmmakers, and children in order to attract like-minded people to events and fundraisers. In addition to the Walden Woods piano, the Stevens also curate exhibit-level art pieces and curiosities to cheer and entertain children suffering with illness or disability.

February 23, 2016
Blue on Highland Hosts Jenny Johnson for Sparkling Wine Dinner

Sparkle, Wine, Dine

Blue on Highland Hosts Jenny Johnson for a Sparkling Wine Dinner Featuring Champy

WHAT:            On Wednesday, February 24^th, 2016, two-time Emmy award-winning executive producer and Boston-based entertainment and lifestyle television personality, Jenny Johnson is teaming up with Blue on Highland, located in Needham, MA, to host “Sparkle, Wine, Dine.” From 6:30PM to 8:30PM, Jenny will introduce Needham to Champy, her all new sparkling wine during this three course dinner.

Johnson, who has been steering the people of Boston and greater New England toward choice dining and drinking experiences for more than a decade through her work as a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer and television host (“Dining Playbook” and “TV Diner”) is now turning local imbibers on to her own brand of brut. Champy is a chardonnay and pinot noir blend produced in Sonoma County, CA and its sparkle is derived from the traditional method of fermentation, also known as the méthode champenoise, in which a secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.

Jenny will be joined by Scott Drago, General Manager of Blue on Highland and Executive Chef Peter Tartsinis as the three of them guide diners through the multi-course prix fixe menu which will include a welcome toast, followed by an appetizer, entrée and dessert all paired with a hand-crafted cocktail featuring Champy. The dinner is $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included), and reservations are required. For more information please call Blue on Highland at 781-444-7001 or visit www.blueonhighland.com.

WHERE:          Blue on Highland | 882 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494| 781-444-7001

WHEN:            Wednesday, February 24^th, 2016 | 6:30PM

PRICE:            $65.00 per person (tax & gratuity not included)

MENU:

Welcome Course:

Amuse Bouche

Salmon Roe, crème fraiche, chive, potato cake

Appetizer Course:

Frisée Salad

Bacon, red onion, shaved asparagus, honey-Dijon, dressing

Entrée Course:

Potato Crusted Halibut

Champy champagne beurre-blanc, basmati blend, haricot vert

Dessert Course:

Red Raspberry Sorbet

Champy champagne drizzle, mint, tuile stix

February 22, 2016
Flint And National Society of Black Engineers

To Whom It May Concern:

Here at the National Society of Black Engineers, our mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

Cultural responsibility is an ideal at the root of everything we do. It is a tenet of our mission. The elected officials in Flint, Mich., who promised to serve their community of constituents have not only failed them, they have threatened their safety. The results of their actions have led to a dangerous impact on the community, including the city’s most vulnerable sector: its youth.

We urge these officials to make things right in Flint. Meanwhile, NSBE is actively engaged in supporting donation efforts, educating the community on water safety and brainstorming sustainable solutions with our engineers, led by our Environmental Engineering Special Interest Group. We challenge all civic leaders, Black organizations and student movements to join with us in support of our friends and neighbors in Flint. Let us call for an end to the environmental abuse of the city’s residents by exposure to lead and other toxins.

We also call for the proactive removal of dangerous substances from Flint’s water supply and the restoral of one of this community’s basic rights: access to clean water that nourishes residents and does not put their lives in jeopardy.

It is now the responsibility of those who create policy for Flint, Mich., to acknowledge the role that minority engineers and, specifically, Black engineers must play in the rebuilding process, by renewing the infrastructure of this city and restoring the fabric of cultural responsibility that the people of Flint deserve.

Very respectfully,

Neville Green
National Chair
National Society of Black Engineers

February 21, 2016
James Patterson Teaches Writing to Kids
MASTERCLASS PROVIDES ASPIRING WRITERS A ONCE-IN-A LIFETIME CHANCE TO CO-AUTHOR A BOOK WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JAMES PATTERSON

The world’s bestselling author, James Patterson, will pick a student from his online writing MasterClass to be his co-author

MasterClass (www.masterclass.com), the premiere online education platform offering classes taught by the world’s best, announced today a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to collaborate with acclaimed author James Patterson. Aspiring authors from around the country can compete for the chance to co-author a novel with the New York Times bestselling writer.

Students can visit https://www.masterclass.com/jp to signup and enroll in James Patterson’s writing class, where those who wish to enter the competition can submit an original book hook, story summary and a sample chapter. Each stage of the competition is designed to help writers learn how to craft and pitch their novel. Students submit their initial submission through MasterClass’ website. The initial submission period begins February 16, 2016 and ends Tuesday, March 22, 2016. The top 10 semi-finalists will be awarded $1,000 and, from there, 3 finalists will be awarded $2,500 and given the opportunity to write an outline for their idea. Patterson will select the winner by May 24, 2016 and offer to co-author a future book with them. See Official Rules for details. There is no additional fee after enrollment and submissions are limited to one per student.

About James Patterson’s writing class:
Class synopsis: James Patterson, the author of a record breaking 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers, teaches you everything he knows about writing a bestseller.

Class Includes:
- 22 video lessons (3.5 hours)
- A workbook filled with writing exercises
- A complete outline of Patterson’s book Honeymoon
- Additional class materials like excerpts from Patterson’s first drafts.
- Collaborative learning: students can upload writing samples and receive feedback from other students (and sometimes even James himself!). When James gives feedback, he shares it with the whole class so everyone can learn from it.
- Class discussions via an online community forum
- Q&A: James answers select questions submitted by students the whole class can access.
About MasterClass:

San Francisco-based MasterClass was founded by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen on the idea that everyone should have access to genius. MasterClass makes it possible for anyone with an Internet connection to learn from the best through immersive online classes from the world’s most esteemed authors, actors, performers, athletes and more. Learn writing from James Patterson; acting fromDustin Hoffman or Kevin Spacey; tennis from Serena Williams; performance from Usher; or singing from Christina Aguilera. MasterClass pairs world-class instructors with Hollywood directors and Silicon Valley engineers to create a brand new type of learning experience. For more information, please visit www.masterclass.com.
February 20, 2016
New Jewish TV Show for Kids

“Shaboom!,”an animated web series premiering this spring from non-profit G-dcast, combines the best elements of children’s television with wisdom from the Jewish tradition to teach everyday values to children through magic, comedy and silly songs. Each of the ten children’s episodes is accompanied by a separate video for parents that delves into the episode’s value, explaining “what’s Jewish” about it, and giving parents the knowledge and confidence to model the values for their children.

Each episode of Shaboom! features the “magical sparks” Gabi & Rafael who work to fix the world, while focusing on that episode’s theme. After episode one, other themes include Gratitude, Honor or Respect, Taking Care of Nature, and Courage of the Heart, among others.

Shaboom! additionally builds vocabulary for parents and children around the concepts, in both English and Hebrew. The producers formally tested this idea on target audience members and found that parents, regardless of their religious or cultural background, strongly favored a show that taught words from another language and that featured a diverse cast of characters.

February 19, 2016
Seeking Vendors for FREE Pop-Market!

Calling all artisans, mompreneurs, craftspeople, and artists. Opportunity to setup shop at our one day Common Ground Pop-Up Market.

The Common Ground in Arlington invites you to a free space in our event room to display your products or services during our Sunday brunch hours.

Common Ground Arlington’a beautiful new Events Room will be convered to a Pop-Up Market for 1 day only!

Event is Sunday, March 13th 12:00-4:00pm.

To reserve a spot or for more info email commongroundpopup@yahoo.com.

Want to join us? Here’s the form to submit:

Common Ground Pop-Up Participant Application 3_13_16

Marketing to bring in shoppers includes:
— Facebook marketing to several Arlington based closed groups that includes more than 4000 residents.
— Flyers distribution.
— Event will be submitted to Lexington Minutemen, The Arlington Advocate, Cambridge Chronicle and Tab, and Cambridge Day.
— Common Ground has their popular All You Can Eat Brunch during time. Diners will be invited to check out the Pop-Up Market.
— Social Media: Facebook & Twitter.

February 18, 2016
Plato’s Closet Waltham is Open to Buy!

Plato’s Closet Waltham is now Open to Buy!

Plato’s Closet is excited to join the community at our new store on the Newton/Waltham line! Plato’s Closet is a “sister store” to Play It Again Sports.

We buy and sell gently used clothing and accessories for teens and young adults: girls and guys. We pay cash on the spot for on-trend items, and you don’t need an appointment to sell to us. We buy all seasons, year-round!

We are currently Open to Buy. Once our racks are filled with great items, we will open to both buy and sell. We would love to meet new customers in the store!

Our hours are 10-9 Mon-Sat and 12-5 Sun.

Our store is in the Ocean State Job Lot plaza at 100 River Street in Waltham: just a few blocks from Launch, BJs and Russo’s!

Please check us out at our website or on Facebook for more information and/or to join our mailing list.

February 18, 2016
Teachers APPLY for Entrepreneurship Educator Award

Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation (YEF) opened its third annual Entrepreneurship Educator Award application process, a scholarship program designed to reward teachers who are dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship.

Any educator for grades 1-12, in the classroom or any other educational setting, who teaches entrepreneurship is eligible to apply for this $5,000 scholarship.

Applicants are asked to submit a short video describing the best practices he or she uses to teach entrepreneurship and what the outcome has been. The winner of the award will be granted a $5,000 scholarship that can be used for educational resources pertaining to entrepreneurship. The scholarship amount increased substantially this year from $1,000. Applications and videos must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on March 31, 2016. The winner will be invited to attend the NFIB Young Entrepreneur of the Year Luncheon in Washington, D.C. this July where his or her video will be presented.

“Best of luck to all applicants and thank you for your dedication to educating young people about the critical role of entrepreneurship and the American free enterprise system,” said Young.

The winning video from last year, by Maryland teacher Marc Steren, can be viewed here. For more about the Entrepreneurship Educator Award please visit www.NFIB.com/Educator.

For more information about NFIB’s Young Entrepreneur Foundation please visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.

February 17, 2016
Easy Teriyaki Salmon
Easy Teriyaki Salmon

This healthy recipe is from Catz Needham.
Salmon is filled with healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids, protein, and vitamin B12. This recipe is quick and tastes amazing. Serve it with a side of brown rice and steamed veggies.

Servings: 4

Here’s what you need…
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 (6oz) salmon steaks
1. In a large re-sealable plastic bag combine the first six ingredients; mix well.
2. Set aside 1/2 cup of marinade and refrigerate.
3. Add salmon to remaining marinade, cover and refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours, turning once. Drain and discard marinade.
4. Place the salmon on a broiler pan. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade; turn and broil for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Brush with remaining marinade.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 392 calories, 19g fat, 2.6g carbohydrate, .2g fiber, and 38g protein. Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the “refer a friend” link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends.
February 16, 2016