Author: Mia

  • Solar Workshop at Waban Library Center Jan 21

    Solar Workshop at Waban Library Center Jan 21

    Solar Workshop – Waban Library Center

    Wednesday, January 21 at 7 PM

    1608 Beacon Street, Waban, MA 02468

    Solar Workshop at Waban Library Center Jan 21

    Brought to you by the Newton Solar Challenge

    An educational presentation, interactive Q & A and “breakouts” covering:

    • How will solar work at my home?  How will solar “look” on my house?
    • Show me the numbers!
      • How does solar reduce increasing utility bills (after recent 30% NSTAR utility increases)?
      • How does solar provide a “payback” on investment?
      • What is a “solar loan” and how can it help me?
    • Workshop Sponsors:   Green Decade Newton, The Village Bank, BarnRaise Energy, Blue Selenium Solar and Sunlight Solar
    • Facebook Event here
    • For a free solar evaluation for your home, please visit here.

    Brought to you by Green Decade Newton, The Village Bank and the Newton Solar Challenge Team

  • Fire & Ice Festival in South Boston

    Fire & Ice Festival in South Boston

    Fire & Ice Festival in South BostonWHAT: “Fire & Ice Festival”

    WHEN: 

    ·         Friday, Jan 2 from  4-8pm (fire performers will begin at 5pm)

    ·         Sat, Jan 3 from 11 am-8pm (11-5pm ‘ice’, 5-8pm ‘fire’)

    ·         Sun, Jan 4 from 11 am -8pm (11-5pm ‘ice’, 5-8pm ‘fire’)

    WHERE: The Lawn on D; 420 D Street in South Boston

    The event will feature all of the following:

    “ICE”

    • A Winter Pavilion (designed by Design Museum Boston) will be made entirely out of ice and will feature an ice bar serving up seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including hot cocoa, coffee, wine, beer and more!
    • A massive 5-foot-high and 50-foot-by-50-foot *ice labyrinth for guests to walk through to discover an intricately carved ice structure. The maze will be constructed with approx. 270 blocks of ice weighing 300lbs each.

    o    ***This is the visual!!  I could help coordinate to get a photog get footage and/or pics of the structures going up, if you wanted, just let me know!

    • Family-friendly activities for children of all ages
    • Recorded music will be playing throughout the day

     

    *Ice labyrinth will be designed in tandem by Ice Effects (Rockland, MA) and The Lawn on D’s creative producer, Christopher Wangro.

    ***FUN FACT: Ice Effects is the same company that pioneered the David Blaine ice stunt, they created the ice box David laid in!)

     

    “FIRE”

    • Live fire performers (think ‘Cirque du Soleil’ style! Courtesy of American Repertory Theater and The Oberon) – 5-8p
    • Food Trucks: Legal Sea Foods & Stoked Pizza will be serving up free samples of warm chowder & small bites between 5pm – 8pm (during the duration of the fire performances)
    • There will be propane fire pits (3-6 units for people to sit around)

     

    MORE INFO: http://www.lawnond.com/winter-on-d/

     

  • Words That Mean Something Else in MA

    Words That Mean Something Else in MA

    22 Words that mean something totally different in Massachusetts than they do anywhere else from Movoto.

    Do you know what they mean?

    My personal favorite:

    #20 Packie

    What it means everywhere else: Something you do when your going on a trip.  What it means in Massachusetts: Where you buy your booze (The Package Store).

    Source: wikimedia user Fletcher6

    What it means everywhere else: Something you do when your going on a trip.
    What it means in Massachusetts: Where you buy your booze (The Package Store).

     

    #1 Sox

    #2 Yankees

    #3 Wicked

    #4 Regular

    #5 Vineyard

    #6 Ma

    #7 Patriots

    #8 Dunks

    #9 Lobster

    #10 Bubbler

    #11 The Cape

    #12 Frappe

    #13 Chowder

    #14 Fah Daze

    #15 Green Monster

    #16 Beanpot

    #17 Curse

    #18 St. Patrick’s Day

    #19 Bowling

    #21 Tonic

    #22 Barrel

  • Moving Elementary Boundary Lines

    Moving Elementary Boundary Lines

    December 2014

    Dear Newton Families,

    As many of you are aware, we have begun an exciting time of facilities renovation and expansion in the Newton Public Schools. The recently renovated Carr School, which is currently housing the Angier School during its renovation, is a terrific modern facility. We expect our Long Range Facilities Plan to continue for many years. A key aspect of this plan is not only the rebuilding and renovation of aging buildings but also expanding their capacity to meet the needs of our growing population. A new Angier school will open in January 2016, with Zervas to follow in September 2017. A renovated or rebuilt Cabot is planned for January 2018.

    We currently have schools that are over crowded and a few schools that will soon reach expanded capacity. As a result, we will address the student assignment process, a task that will involve moving elementary boundary lines. We expect that the student assignment plans will be addressed in phases, in order to match the timing of the various school construction and/or renovation projects. The initial phase for the first three schools will be addressed this year and additional phases will occur as the plan for rebuilding/renovating elementary schools continues for the next 15-20 years.

    I am well aware that shifting elementary boundary lines represents a significant change. Please keep in mind that most residences across the City will remain in their current districts. However, our space challenges necessitate some movement. As a result, we have created a Student Assignment Working Group, which will develop criteria for evaluating various assignment scenarios based on mapping data and other information. A recommendation will be made to the School Committee by the end of the school year.

    We fully appreciate that communication and community engagement are essential when making such changes. In addition to providing regular updates at School Committee meetings, there will be public meetings that will focus solely on this topic. Student assignment planning will be on the agenda when School Committee members join me at PTO meetings in each of the schools over the next few months.

    Our goal is to develop a process that is thoughtful and sensitive. We will be certain to update you over the course of the year and further information will be provided on our website.

    Sincerely,

    David Fleishman
    Superintendent of Schools

    Moving Elementary Boundary LinesCurrent Zervas Elementary School District Street Map

     

  • Good Manner Class for Kids

    Good Manner Class for Kids

    CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite Greater Boston to Host The Etiquette Academy in 2015

    Good Manner Class for Kids

    Today, children are confronted with numerous social situations at school, on play dates, and in public which heightens their awareness of proper manners and self-presentation.

    Why should I use good manners when my friends are not? I want to fit in, what if my classmates make fun of me? What are social cues, and how do I read them? What is a leader, and how do I become one? Why should I learn the adult way of eating? Why write thank you notes? How should I act when I am at a friend’s house? Or in a restaurant? How can I feel more comfortable when speaking in front of an audience?

    These skills and knowledge do not always come naturally for children, and they will continue to struggle in social situations well into their adolescence without the proper tools to conquer these issues.

    The Etiquette Academy of New England’s 8-week long etiquette program for grades 2 to 12 cover topics such as improving social and communication skills, projecting confidence, combating shyness, strengthening self-esteem and leadership skills, navigating friendships, resolving conflict, understanding social cues, basic manners, table manners, and more.

    Programs are specifically developed for each age group, taught in a fun and interactive way, and the final class takes place at a local upscale restaurant where students get to show off their newly perfected skills!

    The program has received outstanding reviews from parents, teachers and yes-even students. 

    Give your child the skill set to succeed as tomorrow’s leaders. Trust us – your child will thank you (eventually).

    Now enrolling for Winter 2015 at CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite in Newton Upper Falls beginning January 10th!

    For more information and to enroll visit www.theetiquetteacademy.org or call 617.608.3920.

    About The Etiquette Academy of New England

    The Etiquette Academy of New England is an academic institution dedicated to enhancing social skills, improving communication techniques, and developing leadership qualities necessary to succeed personally and professionally.

    Included in ‘The Best of the New for 2012’ by Boston Globe Magazine they are committed to offering the highest quality programs in the fields of contemporary etiquette, protocol, communication and social skills development. They offer classes and workshops for adults and youth, and partnerships to schools, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, restaurants, businesses and more.

    About CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite

    CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite is an advanced after-school and summer enrichment center specializing in critical reading, writing, and thinking.

    CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite, an after school reading and writing enrichment program, is now registering for year-round Literary Analysis, Expository Analysis, Issue Analysis, Reading & Writing Workshop, and SAT classes for grades 1-12. ReadWrite is also pleased to announce several upcoming programs including Vacation Days, an all-day program designed to give students a leg up during school holidays. Students will work on school assignments, improve their reading and writing skills, and participate in plenty of creative fun. We will be offering Vacation days on January 19th, April 3rd, and for the entire weeks of the February and April school recesses. Contact us to learn more! www.BostonReadWrite.com | 857.404.0170info@BostonReadWrite.com

  • Family Art Stencil Class at Historic Newton

    Family Art Stencil Class at Historic Newton

    Tuesday, December 30th at 2:00 pm

    Family Art Stencil Class at Historic Newton

    Stunning Stencils

    Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds

    When the Kenricks moved into the Durant House in the 1790s, they mad eth ehome their own by painting the wood floors with stencils! Come learn about the unique floor decoration at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds and try your hand at stenciling your own lunch bag.

    Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds

    Cost: $25 per family ($20 for members) includes museum admission and materials. Prepaid registration is required, limit 25.

    Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds

    Call: 617-796-1450 to register.

    Location:

    The Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds

    286 Waverly Avenue

    Newton Corner, MA 02458

  • BAOTG Holiday Soccer Clinic with Charlie Rugg of the LA Galaxy

    BAOTG Holiday Soccer Clinic with Charlie Rugg of the LA Galaxy

    BAOTG Holiday Soccer Clinic with Charlie Rugg of the LA Galaxy

    BAOTG Holiday Soccer Clinic with Charlie Rugg of the LA Galaxy

    BAOTG is happy to announce Charlie Rugg of the MLS Champion LA Galaxy will once again be participating in our Holiday Soccer Clinic on December 27.

    Charlie and the BAOTG coaches will run skill sessions like the “pro’s do it”.  At the end of the clinic Charlie will give the players an opportunity to ask questions and will stick around to sign autographs!  Bring a shirt, ball or other memorabilia to have signed by Charlie!

    BAOTG will be offering 2 clinics:

    • Ages 8 – 12 (9 – 10:30 AM)
    • Ages 13 – 17 (11 – 12:30 PM)

    The clinic will take place at The Meadowbrook School of Weston and will cost $35.

    Click HERE to register.

  • Yoga Benefit Class with Dawn Davis Yoga

    Yoga Benefit Class with Dawn Davis Yoga

    Yoga Benefit Class for
    Newton-At-Home on Friday, December 26th!
    Dawn Davis yoga benefit class
    9:30 am at The Windsor Club
    1601 Beacon Street, Waban, MA 02468
    Newton-At-Home helps older folks in our community continue to live safe and active lives in their own homes. Check out the important work on their website. For more information, please contact our very own Julie Plaut Mahoney at volcoord@newtonathome.org.
    Class cards won’t apply for this special class, its entirely a donation-based effort. 100% of what comes in at the door will go to NAH.
    Dawn Davis Yoga

     

  • Shear Madness Holiday Schedule

    Shear Madness Regular Schedule at the Charles Playhouse.

    Shear Madness is one of the most popular entertainments in the world, delighting audiences night after night with its unique blend of madcap improvisation and spine-tickling mystery.

    This unique comedy-whodunit takes place today in the “Shear Madness” hairstyling salon and is chock full of up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor. During the course of the action, a murder is committed and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the funniest mystery in the annals of crime.The outcome is never the same, which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem.

    Over 11 million people worldwide have joined in the fun, and while no one
    has actually died laughing, some are still rolling in the aisles.

    Shear Madness is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the longest running play in the history of the USA.

    If you want to make Shear Madness an family holiday event, it’s perfect for kids ages 12 and up!

    Tuesday-Fridays at 8pm

    Saturdays at 6 and 9pm

    Sundays at 3 and 7pm

    Christmas and New Year’s:

     

    Tues, 12/23: 8pm

    Wed, 12/24: 2pm

    Thurs, 12/25: 5pm

    Fri, 12/26: 8pm

    Sat, 12/27: 6 & 9pm

    Sun, 12/28: 3 & 7pm

    (8 shows)

     

    Mon, 12/29: 8pm

    Tues, 12/30: 8pm

    Wed, 12/31: 2 & 8pm

    Thurs, 1/1: 5pm

    Fri, 1/2: 8pm

    Sat, 1/3: 6 & 9pm

    Sun, 1/4: Dark

    (8 shows)

    Box office: 617-426-5225

  • Children’s Books Boston Panel Discussion

    Children’s Books Boston Panel Discussion

    Please join Children’s Books Boston for refreshments and a panel discussion.
    Children's Books Boston Panel Discussion

    FROM PAGE TO SCREEN:
    AN INSIDE LOOK AT CHILDREN’S BOOK ADAPTATIONS

    Simmons College, The Paresky Conference Room
    300 The Fenway, Boston MA
    5:30-7:00 PM Tuesday, February 10

    Panelists: ​
    Carol Greenwald, Senior Executive Producer of Children’s Programs at WGBH Boston
    Nikki Silver, Co-chief Creator at Tonik Productions
    Ammi-Joan Paquette, Senior Agent with Erin Murphy Literary Agency

    Moderator:
    Deborah Kovacs, Senior Vice President, Walden Media and Publisher, Walden Pond Press

    Moving a great story from one medium to another is both complex and delicate. What types of projects are best suited to this migration? How does the adapter know which elements of the story to highlight? What role, if any, does the author have in the process? What should fans of a book hope for and look for in an adaptation? Join this panel of experienced industry insiders to hear their insights and perspectives.

    As always, we welcome anyone with an interest in children’s books—whether through publishing, writing, illustrating, teaching, librarianship, or book-selling. We hope you will join us!

    RSVP here – by January 30 greatly appreciated.
    $5 cover charge at the door – cash only