I Love Newton

Author: Mia

  • The Dos and Don’ts of Coats and Car Seats

    The Dos and Don’ts of Coats and Car Seats

    The Dos and Don’ts of Coats and Car Seats
    Tips by: Allana Pinkerton, Global Safety Advocate for Diono 

    The Dos and Don'ts of Coats and Car Seats

    BIG DON’T: Never place a child in a car seat with a thick, bulky winter coat because the harness might not be snug enough to perform as it should during a crash.

    WHY? If they are wearing a thick coat, the padding in the coat will not allow you to snug up the harness correctly and the harness will actually be loose on the child.  The padding in the coat will compress during a crash until it gets to the body which doesn’t allow the child to ride the crash down appropriately.

    Important to note: Car seat manufacturers cannot determine if it is safe to use a thick winter coat because they do not crash test with coats on the test dummies. They do test for misuse and they can determine if a loose harness causes injury.

    DO: Follow the car seat manual for proper harness fit, installation and use. The manuals are written based on crash test data.

    DO: Use an appropriate car seat no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

    DO: If there are no safety issues in doing so, heat up the car ahead of time.

    DO: Put a thin fleece jacket on your baby, toddler or older child.

    DO: Put a toboggan hat and gloves on your child. This definitely helps retain some internal warmth.

    DO: For a newborn baby, many infant carrier car seats come with a “warming boot” to put over the baby. If not, one may be purchased from the manufacturer of the car seat or they may have approved the use of one manufactured by another company.

    DO: Throw a blanket around your child when carrying them out to the car to keep them warm. (If you are super nice, you might have even warmed it up in the dryer first.)

    DO: Place them in the harness and snug it up. Then you can place the blanket over them so it doesn’t interfere with the harness and tuck it in around the child’s sides. To avoid the possibility of suffocation do not put the blanket near their head.

  • NNHS Principal Candidates

    NNHS Principal Candidates

    Dear Newton North Families,

    I am writing to announce the finalists for the principal position at Newton North. The process is moving forward in a timely manner, and we are hopeful that North will have a new principal within the next couple of weeks.

    In recent weeks, the Selection Advisory Committee, consisting of teachers, parents, students and administrators, worked thoroughly to interview candidates and select semi-finalists. Earlier this week, each of the semi-finalists visited classrooms at Newton South, where they were asked to share their observations and reflections on a range of educational and leadership issues and scenarios.

    We have two finalists who are scheduled to visit Newton North on Monday, February 8th and Tuesday, February 9th. The finalists will be at North for a very long day and will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, students, administrators and parents.

    The finalists are:

    Monday, February 8

    Henry Turner is the principal of Bedford High School. Previously he was a housemaster at Newton South High School. Henry began his career as a history teacher at Lexington High School. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Henry has a master’s degree from Framingham State College, and earned his doctorate from Boston College.

    Tuesday, February 9

    Jeffrey Gaglione is a dean and math department head at Cambridge, Rindge and Latin. Earlier he was the math department chair at Lowell High School. Jeff was a math teacher at both Framingham High School, and West Orange High School (NJ). A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), he has two master’s degrees from Boston College.

    You are invited to join the candidates on both days from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the film lecture hall. The candidates will speak briefly followed by a time for questions. We welcome your feedback as we come to the conclusion of this very important decision-making process for Newton North. I will keep you informed as we proceed.

    Sincerely,

    David Fleishman

    Superintendent of Schools

    Newton North High School, NNHS

  • Garden City Summer Soccer Camp 2016

    Garden City Summer Soccer Camp 2016

    Garden City Soccer Camp 2016:

    Garden City Summer Soccer Camp Newton MA ILoveNewton I Love Newton

    • Youth soccer camp, now in its 17th year, to be held at the fields at Newton North High School
    • Camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm during the weeks of July 11th – 15th and July 18th – 22nd
    • Extended day option available
    • Designed for boys and girls ages 7-14
    • Opportunity to learn from some of the top coaches in the city
    • Directed by Brian Rooney – former Girls’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Boys’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Newton South; Assisted by Roy Dow – Head Boys’ Varsity Coach at Newton North
    • Counseling staff includes current and former players from Newton North and Newton South boys’ and girls’ soccer programs
    • Daily technical training (dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving, heading, etc.)
    • Daily tactical training (1v1 offense and defense, 2v1 offense and defense, etc.)
    • Individual and group skills competitions each day
    • Competitive scrimmages or tournaments each day
    • Prizes and awards given away daily
    • Swimming at the Newton North Pool offered daily
    • Cost per week is $280

    For more information, contact Brian Rooney at brian_rooney@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6350.

    To register on-line, go to this website.

  • New Pop Up Floral Company at The Street

    New Pop Up Floral Company at The Street

    NEW, LOCALLY OWNED, EXPERIENTIAL
    FLORAL COMPANY,
    ALICE’S TABLE,
    DEBUTS at THE POP-UP
    Today, January 20th through February 16th
    Alice's Table pop up florist at The Street
    As the perfect lead up to Valentine’s Day, The Street announces Alice’s Table, a new, experiential floral company, debuts at The Pop-Up. Alice’s Table is the latest locally owned, highly creative brand to take over the space, and this is the company’s first ever retail storefront. Alice’s Table will also host a variety of its celebrated events in collaboration with such trendsetting neighbors as Jonathan Adler, Shake Shack, and DAVIDsTEA, all found at The Street. Alice’s Table is starting Wednesday, January 20, 2016 through Tuesday, February 16, 2016. The Pop-Up at The Street is located at 3 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA.

    Founded in Boston in September 2015 by Alice Rossiter, Alice’s Table has quickly garnered a loyal local following for its creative floral arranging classes that offer a “girl’s night out with a twist,” as well as for its floral delivery subscriptions. A class with Alice’s Table typically starts with a cocktail, and is followed by 90 minutes of hands-on instruction, helping participants create their own arrangement to take home.

    Visitors can expect to find flowers by the stem, small and large cut arrangements, a variety of exotic orchids, and, during the week of Valentine’s Day, roses by the dozen. Guests can place Valentine’s pre-orders in-store as of today. A selection of Vosges chocolates, Sugarfina candies, and gift certificates for Alice’s Table events are also for sale within The Pop-Up. All purchases of $25 or more come with a complimentary MiniLuxe manicure; MiniLuxe will open early February just two doors down from The Pop-Up at The Street.

    As part of its unique stamp on floral services, Alice’s Table will host numerous creative collaborations with stores at The Street. Look for a Mother & Daughter workshop in partnership with DAVIDsTEA on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 2pm at The Pop-Up, and a Flower Arranging Workshop for Men at Shake Shack on February 13, 2016 from 10am-11:30am. The Shake Shack workshop will uniquely allow men to create a DIY bouquet for their Valentine with step-by-step instruction from Alice’s Table and complimentary beer and snacks from Shake Shack; a portion of proceeds will be donated to a local charity. A variety of additional events with the likes of Jonathan Adler will be announced soon. Events start at $65 per person; interested guests can find current details and sign up online: www.alicestable.com.

    Alice’s Table is open daily from today, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 through Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10:00am-7:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm. In honor of Valentine’s Day, it will offer extended hours on February 13th and 14th from 9am to 9pm.

    Alice’s Table takes the place of luxury knitwear line, The Third Piece, which popped up at The Street in early January.  To connect with Alice’s Table visit www.alicestable.com, call617-603-7439, and follow along on social media: Instagram: @alicestable; Facebook: Alice’s Table

  • Downsizing Made Easy: FREE Seminar for Seniors

    Downsizing Made Easy: FREE Seminar for Seniors

    Susanne McInerney of the Mass Estate Team at RE/MAX Leading Edge and Newton Senior Center, Present Free Seminar, “Downsizing Made Easy”

    5 Step System Helps Senior Citizens & Families Navigate Complexities of Moving

    As the population ages, more and more senior citizens and their caregiver families are faced with the challenges of “downsizing”: usually a move for the elder from the traditional family home into a smaller apartment or an assisted living community.

    To help Newton and area seniors and their families accomplish this life transition with the most ease, local real estate agent Susanne McInerney of  the Mass Estate Team at RE/MAX Leading Edge has teamed with The Newton Senior Services to provide the free seminar “Downsizing Made Easy” at the Newton Senior Center located at Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street in Newtonville. This casual – yet educational forum – will take place on Wednesday March 9, 2016 from 1:30PM-3:00PM.

    The seminar will include presentation and discussion of The 5 Steps to Downsizing Made Easy along with topics including: questions to consider before making a move, senior living options in the Newton & surrounding area, questions for touring senior living communities, tips for hiring various professionals related to the moving process, guidance on estate sales and estate auctions, and many other pertinent topics.

    “As a Newton and surrounding area Realtor who specializes in helping senior citizens and their families with their real estate needs, this part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don’t know which way to turn when making these important decisions,” says Susanne McInerney. “Downsizing and moving can certainly seem overwhelming, but I’m happy to share how it can simplified and actually made relatively easy.”

    For Further Information Contact:
    Susanne McInerney & the Mass Estate Team at RE/MAX Leading Edge,
    294 Walnut St, Newtonville, MA 02460
    (617) 413-4559  email:Sue@MassEstateTeam.com, visit her website at http://www.MassEstateTeam.com

    Ilana Levine, Program Coordinator, Newton Department of Senior Services
    345 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA 02460,  617-796-1670 www.newtonseniors.org

    Downsizing Made Easy: FREE Seminar for Seniors

  • Washington Street Safety Issue FIXED

    Washington Street Safety Issue FIXED

    Dear Mr. Mayor,
        Thank you for yesterday’s  sidewalk plowing and salting  from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland Station, and beyond. I have never seen a better job in the 42 years that we have resided on Day Street. It was a pleasure to walk to the Woodland T station this morning and there were many joggers safely utilizing the walkway. I have already heard positive comments from my neighbors.  Please forward my remarks and gratitude of your DPW staff as they too have been most helpful and responsive to ensure the safety of this neighborhood.
    Sincerely,
    Concerned Citizen
    ———-

    This is in response to Concerned Citizen’s Safety Issue on Washington Street.

    The even side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T Station is no longer part of the city maintained sidewalks for snowplowing.  That said, the odd side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T will be plowed during future storms.

     

    Dear Mr. McGonagle, Over the years, I have noticed the City several times about the blockage of the public sidewalk in front of 1900 Washington Street. This becomes more of an issue during the snow season as the sidewalk plow goes around the blockage by plowing into the street then re-entering past the blockage. This forces pedestrians onto Route 16 and into East bound traffic. The City's last response, several years ago, was that the owner had been sent a letter. The pictures below identify the problem. I believe that such behavior violates a City ordinance. Additionally, as their property appears to jut out beyond their abutting property, in the foreground, Perhaps a matter for zoning. I wonder if they have intruded into City property. The last two pictures identify a problem that has existed since the sidewalk was redone years ago. The sidewalk plow cannot pass the pole in the middle of the walkway. That also forces the predestinations onto Route 16. Finally, I hope that the City has acquired a better sidewalk plow as for years the blade never gotten near the ground and the snow is only compacted by the plow's tracks. That results in an icy condition after it has been walked upon and then freezes. Footprints are frozen in the walkway creating a hazardous condition. BARRELS 1.jpg BARRELS 2.jpg 2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 008.jpg 2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 010.jpg Thank you for your attention to this matter, Bill

    Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the sidewalk situation in front of 1900 Washington Street.  I did take a look at this location and now understand the situation the refuse containers location is causing for pedestrian issues.  A letter will be sent to the property owner notifying them of the need to remove the containers from the right-of-way.  As discussed, the even side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T Station is no longer part of the city maintained sidewalks for snowplowing.  That said, the odd side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T will be plowed during future storms.

    Lastly, if sidewalks on the even side are not plowed or shoveled by the property owners a request can be made through the City’s WebQA/311 website.  This will trigger DPW staff to perform a site visit and hang a flyer notifying the property owner of the city ordinance which requires them to perform snow and ice removal on their sidewalk.  Thanks again for your time.

     

    Respectfully,

    Shane L. Mark M.S.

    Director of Operations

    Department of Public Works

    City of Newton

    1000 Commonwealth Ave.

    Newton Centre, MA 02459

    Office: 617-796-1494

    Cell: 617-992-1553

    smark@newtonma.gov

     

    ——————–

     

    Concerned citizens bring up this safety point regarding not plowing one side of the street (the side which has the Woodland T Stop):

    “it is so much busier on our side rather than the Lasell side.  Plus you have hundreds of marathon training runners who are using our side for their weekend runs – they will be forced to run in the road or continually cross back and forth which isn’t safe.  I’m happy to make a call to City Hall also on this –– they need to do both sides at a minimum.”

     

    ————–

    Dear Concerned Citizen,

     

    After further inspection and thought on this matter the sidewalks on the south side (EVEN) will be plowed from Commonwealth to the Woodland T station.  In fact, the DPW department will plow the sidewalks on the even side of the street from Grove Street in Lower falls to Commonwealth Avenue. We trust this will help the pedestrians who use the sidewalks as a means of travel.  Thank you.

     

    Respectfully,

    Shane L. Mark M.S.

    Director of Operations

    Department of Public Works

    City of Newton

    1000 Commonwealth Ave.

    Newton Centre, MA 02459

    Office: 617-796-1494

    Cell: 617-992-1553

    smark@newtonma.gov

  • Safety Issue on Washington Street

    Safety Issue on Washington Street

    Dear Mr. McGonagle,
    Over the years, I have noticed the City several times about the blockage of the public sidewalk in front of 1900 Washington Street. This becomes more of an issue during the snow season as the sidewalk plow goes around the blockage by plowing into the street then re-entering past the blockage. This forces pedestrians onto Route 16 and into East bound traffic. The City’s last response, several years ago, was that the owner had been sent a letter. The pictures below identify the problem. I believe that such behavior violates a City ordinance. Additionally, as their property appears to jut out beyond their abutting property, in the foreground, Perhaps a matter for zoning.  I wonder if they have intruded into City property.
    The last two pictures identify a problem that has existed since the sidewalk was redone years ago.  The sidewalk plow cannot pass the pole in the middle of the walkway. That also forces the predestinations onto Route 16.
    Finally, I hope that the City has acquired a better sidewalk plow as for years the blade never gotten near the ground and the snow is only compacted by the plow’s tracks. That results in an icy condition after it has been walked upon and then freezes. Footprints are frozen in the walkway creating a hazardous condition.
    BARRELS 1.jpg
    BARRELS 2.jpg
    2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 008.jpg
    2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 010.jpg
    Thank you for your attention to this matter,
    Concerned Citizen
  • Parenting children with ADD/ADHD by Cybill Goldberg

    Parenting children with ADD/ADHD by Cybill Goldberg

    I met Cybill when my son was in preschool. She’s a very together person and when I learned that she is now a practicing therapist, I asked her to guest blog for me.

    Cybill Goldberg Newton MA

    If you want to reach her, her contact information is:

    Cybill S. Goldberg, LICSW
    634 Commonwealth Ave
    Ste 205
    Newton, MA 02459

    ————

    Parenting children with ADD/ADHD

    By Cybill S. Goldberg, LICSW

    “Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid that you forget you already have one” 

    -Glennon Melton 

    Every parent wants the best for their child. Parenting a child with challenging behaviors can make that quest seem impossible at times. It is exhausting mentally, physically and emotionally, often leaving one feeling hopeless, as if they are failing as a parent.  The painful cycle of self-blame beings and it doesn’t help to feel others may be blaming you too.  This blame can grow into shame and isolation at a time when parents need support, validation and compassion.  

    As do their kids.

    Assuming your child is PURPOSEFULLY acting out is going to get you no where fast.  Blaming the child gets in the way of progressing to a healthier relationship.  Many feel their child is being lazy, manipulative, attention-seeking, self-centered, and pushing the limits, when in fact they simply do not have the skill set to do otherwise.  Once a parent is able to accept the fact that  “children do well if they can”, it is much easier to diffuse their frustration when their child is struggling.  Simply changing your parenting perspective can yield amazing change.  Shifting your mind set from assuming the child’s behavior as “acting out” to the belief that the child is feeling challenged and is desperately grasping for a solution, will lead to a more positive outcome.

    When the parent is able to successfully accept this point-of-view there is understanding and acceptance of why a reward/punishment system does not work with these children.  I often make the analogy that if a child with dyslexia was struggling to read, a parent would not punish them with a time-out.  Instead, they would compassionately support and offer guidance in developing the skills necessary to read successfully.  It is the same with ADD/ADHD.  We need to act compassionately and offer guideline to help these children succeed emotionally and relationally.

    As a therapist who works with parents of ADD/ADHD children, we work together to identify the specific skills the child is lacking and move to include the child in problem solving each conflict or issue.  To simplify,  the presenting conflict may be the child refuses to brush his teeth.  The parent has tried reward charts without success and even attempted to take away screen time if the child does not brush.  The parent is exhausted and starts to think the child is purposefully being defiant, lazy and controlling.  

    The more productive intervention is to investigate with the child WHY he isn’t brushing and WHAT he proposes the solution to be.  Surprisingly the child may say it it the taste of the toothpaste or the bristles on the brush that bother him.  He may say he doesn’t like to brush at that specific time.  This conversation is guiding the child to learn to identify and own the issue and reduce a reactive response.

    The teeth-brushing story is overly simple but does help understand how to partner up with our children in a way that allows for less explosions and more connection.   I believe this collaboration between parent and child is the core base to a happy healthy relationship and allows the child to develop sophisticated skills that will forever serve them.  

  • Norovirus in the News

    Norovirus in the News

    Norovirus in the News: Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick.Norovirus in the News

    Also, you can have norovirus illness many times in your life. Norovirus illness can be serious, especially for young children and older adults. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Each year, it causes 19-21 million illnesses and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths. Norovirus is also the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. The best way to help prevent norovirus is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.

    A person infected with norovirus usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and throw up or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Norovirus can spread quickly in closed places like daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.

    Most norovirus outbreaks happen from November to April in the United States.For more information about norovirus, including tips on what to do if you get norovirus illness, talk to the school nurse or visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

    Article adapted from www.cdc.gov/norovirus

  • Rethinking The High School Start Time: A Community Forum 

    Rethinking The High School Start Time: A Community Forum 

    Can’t wake up your teen for school? Tired of grumpy, groggy kids? Concerned about the impact of limited sleep on your student? There is a lot of evidence that delaying the start time for high school can improve the physical and mental health of students, reduce tardiness, and improve learning in school.

    Newton is in the process of studying a later start time for the two high schools. The School Committee has formed the High School Start Time Working Group to study the benefits and challenges of doing so. Find out more here.

    High School Start Time Working Group

    The Newton North School Council is sponsoring a forum to inform the community about the benefits and challenges of a later high school start time in our city. We are pleased to be joined by Superintendent David Fleishman, Working Group and School Committee members Ellen Gibson and Ruth Goldman, and Dr. Christopher Landrigan, a Newton parent and a physician and researcher in the Division of Sleep Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

    We will also hear from high school students and faculty about their experiences. We welcome your participation in the conversation about a later high school start time in Newton.

    January 26th,  7:00 – 8:30 pm
    Newton North cafeteria

    If you are unable to attend the event, but would like more information about this topic, please visit here, where you will find resources and can sign-up for periodic updates.