Author: Mia

MA High School Mountain Biking League Launch Meeting Planned

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) will be holding a meeting on March 25 to discuss the establishment of a high school mountain bike-racing league in Massachusetts. The meeting will take place from noon to 3:00pm, at the Washington Square Tavern, in Brookline, MA. If Massachusetts opts to place the bid required for a league to be launched, it would be the 17^th state to utilize NICA’s mountain bike-racing program for student athletes in 7^th through 12^th grade.

Founded in 2009, NICA works with coaches and parents to provide guidance and resources to launch non-profit leagues dedicated to getting students into cycling. At the meeting, Minnesota High School Cycling League founder Gary Sjoquist, will guide a discussion about what it will take for Massachusetts to successfully launch a league by the projected date of 2016. Sjoquist successfully ran the Minnesota league in 2012 and 2013.

“These NICA leagues use mountain bike racing as a gateway to get kids into cycling,” said Sjoquist. “The leagues grow quickly and literally create cycling families. The secret sauce is that you bring high schools—with all their diversity—to a safe, fun mountain bike program that is highly social. And unlike typical ball and stick sports, nobody gets cut. All of the participants contribute to the success of the team, which the kids think is really cool.”

NICAs 16 current leagues are comprised of close to 5,000 student athlete racers completing nearly 2 million hours of participation annually. Additionally, nearly 2,000 parents have become licensed as coaches, guiding over 500 teams participating in NICA leagues.

“NICA is a great program to get student athletes into cycling,” said Sjoquist. “But it takes the right people coming together and working toward a common goal to successfully launch a league. You need people with event experience, racers, or teachers and administrators with a love for mountain biking. You also need parents who love cycling, but have seen their child’s frustration and lack of success with traditional team sports. 10 years from now, only a handful of folks will be able to look back and say they helped launch this league, and that’s who we need at this meeting.”

More information about NICA and the Minnesota League can be found at www.nationalmtb.org and www.minnesotamtb.org, respectfully. Gary Sjoquist can be contacted for more information at gsjoquis@qbp.com.

**We have great stories about kids who discover mountain bike racing in a NICA league, get their parents into cycling, travel on trips together, even achieve college scholarships to continue racing in college. Kids with disabilities, too, who can compete on a team for the first time ever – it’s pretty compelling stuff.**

Photo credit Todd Bauer

March 21, 2015
Health Fair Open House for Families
Healthy Bodies, Strong Minds

Health Fair Open House for Families

March 25, 6:30-8PM

Peirce Elementary Schoool Gym

170 Temple Street

Have your children teach you about healthy bodies & strong minds!

Booths will be in the gym and your children will be able to teach you about health and wellness with the assistance of nutritionists, doctors, physical therapists, dental hygienists and nurses who are parents in the Peirce community.

Students will attend the fair during the day with their class, and will be able to answer your health questions in the evening when you come as a family.
- What does practicing a new skill do to your brain?
- What can you tell yourself to stay encouraged when school, sports or work gets hard?
- How many different emotions can you name?
- How well do you really wash your hands? We can test that!
- How important is flossing?
- How much air can you breathe out?
- How does a sheep heart resemble a human heart?
- Can you accurately guess how much sugar is in different drinks?
- What are common sports injuries for children?
- What are the best bike safety tips?
- And more!!
March 20, 2015
The Village Bank will award $50,000 in college scholarships

Joseph A. De Vito, president and CEO of The Village Bank, announced today that the Bank’s Auburndale Community Charitable Foundation will award a total of $50,000 in college scholarships to graduating, college-bound high school seniors from the communities served by the Bank.

The Foundation will award two $10,000 scholarships and fifteen $2,000 scholarships. To be eligible for a $10,000 scholarship, in addition to academic achievement and other criteria, the student must have demonstrated active involvement in community and/or charitable causes, in a leadership capacity.

“The Village Bank has always had a strong commitment to the community it serves,” said De Vito. “This year’s $10,000 scholarships give us the opportunity to recognize local students who share that commitment.

The scholarship awards can be applied toward college tuition, room and board or supplies. Complete rules and requirement information and application forms are available at local high schools and at The Village Bank branches in Auburndale, Newtonville, Nonantum, Newton Highlands, Waban, West Newton and Wayland. They are also available online here. Completed applications must be received by the Bank no later than April 17, 2015.

Auburndale Community Charitable Foundation scholarships are funded in part by a Golf Classic held each fall. The scholarship program began in 1998 with the announcement of five $2,000 scholarships to be awarded to members of that year’s graduating class. The Foundation’s total investment in education since the program began will total $548,000 with this year’s awards, according to De Vito.

March 19, 2015
Paradise City Arts Festival, March 20-22

Local Artist Selected to Exhibit in the Award-Winning Paradise City Arts Festival, March 20-22 in Marlborough, Massachusetts

Sharon Schindler was selected in a rigorous competition to participate in the award-winning Paradise City Arts Festival, March 20-22, 2015, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA.

Thousands of images were reviewed last September, with just 175 artists from 20 states and Canada selected for this prestigious show. The applicants’ work was judged on the basis of imagination, technical excellence, design and originality. Sharon Schindler is in very good company, since works by many of the exhibiting artists are featured in major collections, museums, and publications around the world.

For the first weekend of spring, Paradise City presents a curated selection of outstanding North American craft makers and artists at Metro Boston’s most acclaimed show of fine and functional art. The Royal Plaza Trade Center, an intimate exhibition hall in Boston’s western suburbs, is transformed each spring into a dazzling collection of vibrant one-of-a-kind furniture, home furnishings, fashion, jewelry, paintings and sculpture. Patrons write, “It’s like visiting a museum where you can actually take home the works on display!”

“Treats for the eye and the ear greet visitors at Paradise City Marlborough… this show allows artists to ‘think outside the box’ and presents work that you won’t find anywhere else,” AmericanStyle Magazine said upon naming this event a “Top 10 Art and Craft Fair in America”. The Boston Globe called Paradise City “An Art Lover’s Heaven.”

Paradise City’s award-winning show and sale offers a wide range of fine furniture, lighting, landscape-scale and pedestal-size sculpture, art quilts, ceramic dinnerware, wearable art, playful and elegant jewelry and remarkable paintings and photography.

“UP IN THE AIR!” and more…

Themed “show-within-a-show” exhibitions have been inspiring artists and intriguing patrons at Paradise City Arts Festivals for many years. The sky is truly the limit at this spring’s special exhibition. The exhibiting artists were asked to give Paradise City the sun, the moon and the stars! If it isn’t tethered to the ground, it’s fair game. “Up in the Air!” explores all that defies gravity, whether it flies, floats or is suspended in space.

Join master ceramist and raconteur Tim Scull, star of the WGBY/PBS program ‘The Fire Within,’ as he shares the secrets of his studio, discusses raku firing and demonstrates his expertise on the potter’s wheel all weekend long.

Live jazz entertains attendees every day in the sunlit Sculpture Café, and wafts through the exhibition hall. Paradise City presents the JD Jazz Trio’s blazing bass, keyboards and drums on Friday afternoon. The fabulous O-Tones get you dancing in the aisles to swing and Motown, with bass, guitar, drums and three-part harmony on Saturday. Green Street Trio and pianist, composer and dance accompanist Paul Arslanian, the founder of the Jazz Tap Ensemble are back by popular request on Sunday. The Marlborough Public Schools Music Association offers a coat and package check station at the door. All donations benefit instrumental, vocal and dance programs in the public schools.

Fast Facts

What: Paradise City Arts Festival

175 juried artists from 20 states and Canada exhibiting original works in art glass, ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, fine furniture, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, photography, large-scale sculpture, wearable art and wood. With live music, special exhibits, craft demonstrations and delightful dining.

Where:

The Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West (Route 20W), Marlborough, MA.

Just 5 minutes north of the intersection of Mass Pike (I-90) and I-495, Marlborough is only 30 minutes from downtown Boston, and an easy drive from NH, RI, CT, ME and points west.

From all points, take 495 to exit 24B (Route 20 West). The Royal Plaza Trade Center is one mile on the right.

When:

Friday, March 20: 10am-5pm
Saturday, March 21: 10am-6pm
Sunday, March 22: 11am-5pm

Admission: $13 adults; $11 over 65; $8 students; $16 Weekend Pass;
children 12 and under admitted free; handicapped accessible; free color program with admission; acres of free parking!

Complete show and travel information and discount admission coupons: online at www.paradisecityarts.com or call 800.511.9725

About Paradise City

Paradise City, founded in 1995, is an arts promotion and service organization, producing award-winning shows of fine and functional art in a range of national markets. Its shows provide artists with a sophisticated marketplace for cutting-edge work, and are an important resource for serious collectors, homeowners, galleries and decorators. Among the art media included are works in furniture, art glass, large-scale sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, photography and painting.

www.paradisecityarts.com serves as an extensive visual preview and fact-finder for all Paradise City shows. In addition, editors can register and download additional materials and high-resolution images from the online pressroom.

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:

Sharon Schindler Photography, P.O.Box 590022, Newton Centre,

Massachusetts 02459

sharon@sharonschindlerphotography.com

www.sharonschindlerphotography.com

March 18, 2015
Open House at Shawn’s Studio: Pilates and WaterRowers

Open House at Shawn’s Studio in Watertown, MA
features Pilates Equipment and WaterRowers

Shawn’s Studio, a fitness and wellness center located near Watertown Square, will host an open house on Sunday March 22, 2015 from 1 – 3 p.m. The free event will feature demos of equipment including the Pilates reformer, tower, and Wunda chair, as well as, new WaterRower rowing machines.

Pilates is an exercise method that was developed by Joseph Pilates, starting with his days as a medic in World War I, rehabilitating wounded soldiers. It emphasizes deep core strength, building strength with flexibility, alignment, balance and posture. Shawn’s Studio offers one-on-one training and group classes.

Rowing is one of the best forms of exercise since it recruits all major muscle groups. The difference in the WaterRower from other rowing machines that use air is an actual action of a flywheel in water for a smooth uniform stroke. It’s just like rowing on the Charles and creates a connection between the rower and the water movement. As an added benefit, the gentle sound of the water adds a stress-relieving element to the program.

New Tower-Row classes at Shawn’s Studio divide the 55-minute session between the Pilates equipment and the WaterRower for an efficient, total body workout incorporating strength, flexibility and cardio training. Students will learn Pilates principles such as working from the deep core and how to apply those principles to create the best form on the WaterRower. Shawn is also certified to teach the Indo-Row classes created by World Champion Rower, Josh Crosby.

Studio owners Shawn and Maja Giles will be on hand at the open house to answer questions specific to your exercise routine. Shawn’s Studio is located in the Cortiva Massage School building at 103 Morse Street in Watertown, MA. For details, go to www.shawnsstudio.com or call 617-393-3535.

Shawn’s Studio

shawnsstudiopilates@gmail.com

617.393.3535

103 Morse St.

Watertown, ma. 02472

March 18, 2015
Meet NNHS Principal Finalist Candidates

Finalist visits for NNHS principal search this week
The two finalists for the principal position will visit Newton North this week.

Parents/guardians are invited to meet the finalists as follows:

Wednesday, March 18, 5:15-6:00 p.m., Film Lecture Hall, Newton North High School
Thursday, March 19, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Film Lecture Hall, Newton North High School (note time change)

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 review resumes, 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 Wednesday and Thursday of next week. 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:

Wednesday, March 18

Geoffrey Walker is the principal at the William Barton Rogers Middle School in Boston. Previously he was an assistant principal at the Timilty Middle School and academic director at Madison Park High School, both in Boston. Geoff was a teacher at both Boston English High School and the McKay School in Boston. A graduate of Brown University, Geoff has a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Thursday, March 19

William Klements is currently assistant principal at Sharon High School. Previously he was an English teacher at Norwood High School. Bill began his career as a research associate on a project funded by the National Science Foundation. A graduate of Providence College, Bill has master’s degrees from Boston College and Endicott College.

You are invited to join the candidates on both days. 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

March 17, 2015
Solar Workshop at The Village Bank, West Newton

Learn more about the Newton Solar Challenge in a community-based setting. See how solar will “look” on your home, how it works and how adopting solar can save your family money.

You will learn how the numbers work and how solar can now be financed through The Village Bank’s new “solar loan”.

Saturday, March 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

The Village Bank, West Newton

1369 Washington Street

West Newton, MA 02465

March 17, 2015
Newton Family Singers: Beatles

John, Paul, George or Ringo – who is your favorite? We love them all! In the 1960’s, the Beatles hit the US at one of the most socially tumultuous times in our history, providing an outlet for young people to express their uncertainty, irreverence, and independence. From the quiet idealism of Imagine, to the rousing optimism of All You Need is Love, the music of the Beatles holds a special place in our hearts, remaining fresh and meaningful to each generation that discovers it.

So take a trip down memory lane (maybe even a Magical Mystery Tour) with the Newton Family Singers as we celebrate the Beatles as only the Newton Family Singers can do! Pack up the minivan – you’ll want to share this music with your kids! “NFS Tribute to the Beatles” will play at the Newton South High School Auditorium on March 29th at 4pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newtonfamilysingers.org.

Tickets will go on sale on March 6, 2015 and can be purchased at www.newtonfamilysingers.org

March 16, 2015
Lady Eagles Soccer Camps for Girls

2015 Lady Eagles Soccer School Clinic Dates.

April Vacation Clinic

Dates: Tues April 21 – Fri April 24

Time: 9am-3pm

Ages: 6-14 years

Location: Newton Campus

Cost: $295

2015 April Vacation Clinic.pdf

Summer Session I

Dates: Mon June 29 – Thurs July 2 (NEW)

Time: 9am-3pm

Ages: 6-14 years

Location: Newton Campus

Cost: $295

2015 Summer Session I brochure.pdf

Summer Session II

Dates: Mon July 20 – Thurs July 23

Time: 9am-3pm

Ages: 6-14 years

Location: Newton Campus

Cost: $295

2015 Summer Session II brochure.pdf

More specific information on the clinics, including information on how to register, can be found on our websitewww.bcwomenssoccer.com.

If you have any questions,or would like more information, please see contact information below.

EMAIL: soccer.clinic@bc.edu

PHONE: 617-552-0982

March 15, 2015
5K for Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence

ATASK Community 5k: Runners, Families, and Nonprofits Are Welcome!

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2015

Location: Chestnut Hill Reservoir

Race Start Time: 9 a.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.)

The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) is proud to host its first Community 5k. Run or walk through the beautiful Chestnut Hill Reservoir with friends and family and raise funds for a non-profit of your choice!

The ATASK Community 5k is the first of its kind – an event showcasing and celebrating the non-profit organizations in Greater Boston that support the pan-Asian community. These nonprofits share common ground in providing essential services and programs to Asian Americans, as well as contributing to the economic, cultural, and political development of the Commonwealth. By participating in this race, you will strengthen our vibrant community.

To register, go to: runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/ATASKCommunity5K

If you have any questions, please contact: atask.clc@gmail.com

March 14, 2015