Category: All About Newton

News, events, children’s activities in Newton, MA.

Bike to School. Eat for Free!

Image by Nina Kaplan from The Newtonite

NNHS Student Get Kids Biking for Food

Newton North High School student Ari Appel encourages classmates to Bike to School. His incentive? FOOD! Bike2School, Eat for Free is a program that involves the Newtonville business community as well! Every five times you bike to school, you’ll get five bucks to grab a bite at Newtonville stores.

Here’s how it works:

Now there’s one more benefit of riding your bike to school. Get a card, and present it (along with your bike) to a bike2school official outside the theatre entrance between 7:15 and 7:45am on a school day. You’ll receive one stamp on your card. After you’ve collected five stamps, your card will be worth five bucks at Newtonville stores that support bike2school.

Just look for the “bike2school supported here” sticker in their window. Then, grab another card, and bike your way to great health, a clean environment, and another free meal.

Where to find a card: Cards can be found next to bike2school posters, at some stores that support bike2school, with a bike2school official during stamping time at the theatre entrance between 7:15 and 7:45am on schooldays, and at other locations in school.Only students, faculty, and staff of NNHS are eligible. Card expires 14 days from date stamped on card. Card may only be redeemed at participating locations. One card per purchase. Card may only be used on one item per purchase. Any remaining value does not apply to additional items or additional future purchases. Partially filled cards may not be combined. Card is void if hole-punched or otherwise tampered with. Not redeemable for cash. Terms are subject to change without notice.

Ari’s Newtonville Bike2School Facebook page has more information. He’s also featured in The Newtonite.

November 1, 2012
Unique Gifts for Easy Holiday Shopping

Hostess and Mother-in-Law Gifts All In One Place

New arrivals at Darby Road make holiday shopping a snap for unique gifts that make an impression. Busy holiday season coming up? Why not stock up on hostess gifts like wooden carved candle sticks? Or consider our canvas wine caddy that will make your gift of wine stand out.

Need to shop for someone who has everything? Try our stone platters or other beautiful bowls that go with any style of decor and can be used for entertaining as well as accessorizing a room.

If you are going to be hosting holiday parties, we have easy ideas to spruce up your home. Throw pillows are an easy way to change the look of a room. Lamps add soft and inviting lighting. We’re partial to these giant alphabet letters to spell out a family surname or a short message. Kids also would love their names in their rooms!

Please come by for easy one-stop holiday shopping! We hope to help you find that perfect gift before the holiday madness begins.

The carved candle sticks would make a nice hostess gift or for the woman who has everything like perhaps your mother-in-law? The large and colorful alphabet letters are fun in living rooms or kids’ rooms. Or perhaps on hallways?

These stone platters cry out for cheese and crackers. Use them for your own holiday entertaining or gift to a very lucky recipient. A hostess gift idea: gift the platter with beautifully arranged cheeses and fruit.

Just in! New shipment of throw pillows! Need quick change ideas to refresh your entertaining spaces? Throw pillows add a pop of color. The Scottie pillows are perfect for a dog owner with a beloved pooch!

Vintage animal figurines add whimsy to any room and make great gifts!

With holiday parties ramping up, plan ahead and stock up on hostess gifts to avoid last minute rushing around. Instead of just a bottle of wine that gets lost on a kitchen counter, why not gift this canvas wine caddy? Add a ribbon and a bottle of your favorite wine, and your gift will get noticed.

Darby Road is located at 1395 Main Street in Waltham, Massachusetts near Wolfers Lighting. Our store hours are 10-5 Monday thru Saturday and Sunday 12-4. Be sure to look in our 10,000 square foot warehouse too! showcases an extensive collection of vintage and antique finds. The warehouse is open on Saturdays 10-5 and during the week by appointment. Don’t forget to ask about our custom paint studio where vintage pieces can be transformed into one-of-a-kind treasures. You can also get updates on new shipments on Twitter and Facebook.

October 31, 2012
Free Event for Newton Schools: Newton Inspires

Newton Schools Foundation Presents

Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community

What do NPR host Tom Ashbrook, Boston Globe Film Critic Ty Burr, novelist and author Anita Diamant, and Defending Jacob author William Landay have in common? All four writers and journalists are Newton residents, and all will headline the second annual Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF).

The free community event will take place :

November 14, 7-9:30 p.m.

at Newton South High School

140 Brandeis Road in Newton Centre

Leaders representing an array of fields and interest areas will address topics ranging from business, education, science and medicine, journalism and the environment, to sports, literature, arts and entertainment. Participants choose three 30-minute speaker sessions from among 18 speakers. At the end of the evening, participants and speakers gather to reconnect over coffee and dessert.

The event is free and open to the public and speaker sessions fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. To view the full list of speakers, to register or for additional information go to www.NewtonSchoolsFoundation.org., or call 617-559-6120.

October 29, 2012
Junior League of Boston Show House in Newton

Tour Show House at 71 Walnut Park in Newton

ABOUT THE SHOW HOUSE

The Junior League of Boston is hosting an exciting month-long Show House event. This celebrated designshowcase is now in its 35th year and is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors. The Potter Estate, on the grounds of the Jackson-Walnut Park Schools in Newton, is being transformed by 35 prominent local design firms who have generously donated their time and materials. Each of the 36 design areas of this stately home and grounds is being re-designed, while maintaining the character of this 1867 property.

To view the participating designers, please click here.

TOUR THE SHOW HOUSE

The Junior League of Boston welcomes the public to tour the Show House. Tickets are $30 if purchased online before October 12^th or from a Junior League Member. Tickets will be $35 at the door. Please see theTickets and Location Tab for more information on ticket sales or purchase tickets here.

Bathroom by Ana Donohue of Ana Donohue Interiors.

October 28, 2012
Think Pink! Girls Night Out Event At Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Breast Cancer Awareness FREE Community Event

Grab your mom, sister, daughter or friend and join other women from the western suburbs for Think Pink, on Thursday, October 25 from 6:00-8:00 pm, in the Bowles Conference Center (second floor) at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington Street, Newton.

This FREE breast cancer awareness community event will begin with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception while attendees enjoy music and discover the relaxation benefits of Reiki and massage.

Nutrition and fitness experts will also be on hand.

Following the reception, there will be a panel discussion on new mammography advances such as tomosynthesis.

Tips on understanding mammogram results and navigating next steps will also be discussed.

Speakers are:
- Alan Semine MD, NWH Chief of Breast Imaging
- Cindy Krasnecky, RN, Nurse Navigator, Vernon Cancer Center
- A Q&A session will follow
Registration is strongly encouraged by emailing carefinder@partners.org or calling 617.243.6622.
October 25, 2012
New Gallery, Indalo, Opening Reception!

Sharon Schindler Photography

Indalo in Newton Highlands is having a Gallery Reception

Thursday, November 8, 2012

5:30-7:30 pm

6 Lincoln Street

Sharon Schindler, Jill Becker, Sematay, MJGA Assemblage Art, David Diamond, Rob Houghton,

Mike Codispoti, Jon Irwin Federman, Joy Dai Buell, Eleanor Elkin,

Designs by Minou, JDanforth, Eye of JA, Ilana Klarman and Sofia Plater.

Meet local Newton artists, view their work and get a jump on holiday shopping!

Sharon Schindler Photography

October 24, 2012
Nominate a Newton Female Soccer Player!
Newton Girls Soccer President’s Award

The NGS President’s Award is presented annually to one or two special high school seniors who have played soccer almost every year/season on an NGS team (or partner team like the NGS/MPS teams) during their soccer careers. We look for players who have demonstrated the teamwork, sportsmanship and dedication required to improve their games to become the best player, teammate and NGS “ambassador” that they can be. Additionally, it is important that the nominees have given back to the NGS community in some way. This can be through refereeing, coaching, or volunteering in other ways. Upon evaluating the eligible candidates, a committee consisting of NGS Board Members will select the recipients.

Award-winners receive acknowledgment at the NGS Board’s holiday party, together with an inscribed plaque and a cash award.

Eligibility criteria:
1. Graduating high school senior
2. Played at least 6 years in NGS (with strong preference given to players that played longer) including the NGS/MPS teams in high school
3. Still involved in NGS during senior year
4. Has given back to the NGS community (e.g., refereeing, coaching, volunteering in other ways)
To nominate a candidate please send an email with the following information toregistrar@newtongirlssoccer.org no later than Sunday, November 11^th.
1. Players name and current team(s)/coach(es)
2. Approximate number of years in NGS or NGS/MPS
3. Brief supporting statement including contributions on and off the field, teamwork, commitment, soccer-related accomplishments, growth as a player, refereeing/coaching/assistant coaching experience and anything else you would like us to consider.
October 22, 2012
Sign Up for Halloween Window Painting!
Halloween Window Painting

in Newton Villages

Saturday, October 27, 2012

9 am – 4 pm

Open to kids in Grades 3-8

Rain date Sunday, October 28

Window Painting Contest Rules
- Each artist will be assigned a 20″ x 36″ space on the outside of a merchant window in Newton’s participating villages.
- Sill, wall, and sidewalk areas below window MUST be covered and taped with newspaper.
- Each artist supplies his or her own tempera (NOT ACRYLIC) paints, brushes, newspaper, rags, and masking tape. All work needs to be done freehand and have a “Halloween” theme.
- Official rules and regulations will be mailed prior to the event and must be followed closely to avoid disqualification.
- Register on-line.
- Registration deadline is Friday October 19.
- Windows will be painted on Saturday, October 27, any time between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. all work must be finished by 4:00 pm.
- The rain date for painting will be Sunday, October 28, 9am – 4pm. Please check this website or call 617-527-8283 by 8am on Saturday, October 27 for an announcement regarding weather-related conditions.
- Windows are assigned on a first come first served basis. One window will be assigned to each participant. Due to the popularity of this event, we cannot honor requests for specific windows.
- First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for each Grade. Special Awards Ceremony with Mayor Setti Warren will be on Tuesday October 30, 2:00 pm at the Newton Cultural Center. (directions)
- Winners will be notified by telephone
To sign up, please register here.

Thank you to Elizabeth Reilly as the volunteer coordinator for this wonderful event for kids. She has been coordinating this event for years and threatens to retire this year! Will someone else step up to the plate if she stop coordinating this? Unclear! But this possibly could be the last year, so please participate!!!
October 19, 2012
Round Up of Links from Newton Bloggers

This month’s round of Newton Bloggers’ links are drawn from their September and October posts. Are you a Newton blogger and want to be featured? Email me to submit your best post and I’ll also include you on our blog roll.

Saul Wisnia: Fenway’s all-time Red Sox team: Did the fans get it right?

Saul is the author of Fenway Park: The Centennial, 100 Years of Red Sox Baseball so he clearly is an expert! His post is is an fantasy team going back in time to cherry pick the best players to ever play for the Red Sox.

Amuse Bouche: Stuffed Pork Tenderloin III

Now that the weather is turning colder, roasting suddenly is very appealing. Need ideas for a special Sunday night dinner either for yourself or to entertain? Amuse Bouche’s easy conversational instructions will ensure success!

image from Amuse Bouche

Anita Diamant: Architecture in Time

Anita reflects on how memories make architecture into a sanctuary. Her latest book is Day After School.

Be Well Within: 6 Tips for Being More Resilient

David Poles, LMHC, gives advice about coping with stress which can often, left untreated, manifest into physical symptoms.

Boston 1775: Lexington is Turing 300!

This blog gives the history, analysis, and unabashed gossip about the start of the American Revolution in Massachusetts. Lexington, the other offshoot of Cambridge (Newton being the first as we were originally named New Town) is about to reach its 300th anniversary!

Map of Boston in 1775. Image from dwkcommentaries.wordpress.com

Marjorie Arons-Barron: Tilting Yes on Medicinal Marijuana

Question 3: Her take on this issue.

Image from Wikipedia

October 17, 2012
82 Day Street in Newton Nearing Completion

House for Sale in Newton Soon

My husband’s real estate project at 82 Day Street in Newton is nearing completion after a large renovation. The new house specs are:

Living area: 3590 square feet and an additional approximately 600 square feet of finished basement.

Lot Size: 8000 sq ft

Number of Bedrooms: 5 Bedrooms on second floor. Possible additional bedroom or au pair room in basement.

Number of Bathrooms: 3 1/2 Bath + doggy shower! 2 bathrooms on 2nd floor, 1/2 bath with doggy shower on first floor, and full bath in basement.

AC: 3 zones central

Heat: combo hydro air/water 3 zones, tankless water boiler

Garage: Attached 2 car

Laundry: On second floor

p.s. Here are some posts on the “Before.” Framing New Addition. The Plans for New Addition.

Newly renovated and expanded, 82 Day Street has 5 bedrooms with a possible 6th bedroom in the basement. The 3.5 baths include master suite and doggy bath near the mud room.

The new front entrance is updated with pillar columns, black door with narrow side windows for safety.

The front of 82 Day Street in Newton near Brae Burn Country Club

New fireplace mantle went in today in living room.

The living room has new French Doors that open to a new large deck to enjoy the view of the 3rd hole at Brae Burn Country Club.

Here’s a view of the new deck off the living room.

The pillars sticking out mark the new huge deck that leads off the French Doors in the living room. This is a great entertaining spot with views of Brae Burn. FORE!

This is view from living room French Doors onto 3rd fairway at Brae Burn Country Club.

Back of 82 Day Street. New stone retaining wall with new deck being installed on the far left.

The kitchen is expanded from original house and will have white cabinets, white subway tile, and honed black granite countertops. The new island is in the foreground.

Master bathroom new walk in shower being installed with marble tile.

The bathtub is in. The marble tile surrounding bathtub going in now.
The master closet is spacious. This is just part of it.

The half bath near the mudroom has a dog bath for cleaning muddy paws. It’s being installed now.

This room in the basement has a fireplace. It would make a great guest room, au pair room or office space.

82 Day Street is scheduled to be completed and on the market in about a month. For more information or to schedule a tour, please email Tai at TaiTaiLee@aol.com.

October 15, 2012