Category: All About Newton

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

FREE The Presidential Speaker Series at Lasell College
The speaker series called The Presidential Speaker Series consists of presentations held throughout the academic year that bring highly regarded and compelling professionals from various fields to the Lasell College campus to help enrich our community.

These events are open to the entirety of the Lasell community including our Newton neighbors, alumni, friends, faculty and staff. The events are free of charge and are generally held on Wednesday nights. The evening includes pre-presentation refreshments and hors d’oeuvres as well as a Q&A session with the presenter.

This fall we have 3 wonderful speakers programmed:
1. Wednesday, Oct. 21^st: Dr. Jay Bradner from Dana Farber/Harvard Medical School who will speak about his research in finding a cure for cancer and his thoughts about open source drug discovery
2. Wednesday, Nov. 4^th: Dr. Jerry Goldberg from The Conversation Project
3. Wednesday, Nov. 18^th: Dr. Warner Slack of Harvard Medical School who will address the pitfalls of standardized testing (SATs etc.) in accurately measuring student’s future success
September 4, 2015
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® LEGENDS

Behold the living legends! In an all-new show, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents LEGENDS unveils the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages™.

Experience epic family fun as legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder.

The all-new show plays Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH (Oct.1-4), DCU Center in Worcester, MA (Oct. 8-12) and TD Garden in Boston, MA (Oct.14-18).

September 3, 2015
2015’s Best & Worst States for Underprivileged Children
With August being Child Support Awareness Month and the U.S. having the second highest rate of relative child poverty among economically developed nations, the leading personal finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2015’s Best & Worst States for Underprivileged Children.

In order to assess the living and economic conditions of young people across the nation, WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia in terms of 15 key metrics, ranging from infant death rates to child food-insecurity rates to the percentage of maltreated children. By bringing such key issues to the forefront, WalletHub aims to engender change and galvanize groups to act on behalf of society’s future propellers of progress.

Welfare of Children in Massachusetts (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
- 10^th – % of Children in Households with Below-Poverty Income
- 4^th – Child Food-Insecurity Rate
- 1^st – % of Children without Health Insurance
- 2^nd – Infant-Death Rate per 1,000 Births
- 28^th – % of Children in Foster Care
- 18^th – % of Children in Single-Parent Families
- 19^th – Ratio of Children Living in Renter-Occupied Homes to Children Living in Owner-Occupied Homes
The full report is here.
September 2, 2015
Making Newton a More Sustainable Community

Dear Resident,

The City of Newton has a tradition of leadership on the environment. Last year we upgraded over 8000 street lights with high-efficiency LED bulbs, which will lower our lighting costs by 60%, save the city between $2 million and $3 million and reduce carbon pollution by hundreds of tons over the next 10 years. We can dramatically multiply these benefits by encouraging each other to make our homes more energy efficient.

Please read this informative first-person account of how home energy efficiency saves money and the environment from Andy Levin, the Editor in Chief of the Newton Tab.
I had a home energy assessment; Andy Levin will have one later this summer; and I urge you to take this important step soon – for your family and for our community. Newton homeowners who make the recommended energy improvements save, on average, between $700-$1,000 a year. Subsidies from MassSave reduce the out-of pocket cost to approximately $650.
You can sign up for your free energy assessmenthere. With your help we can reach our goal of reducing energy consumption in Newton 20% by 2020.
If you have any questions about this program, or about Newton’s efforts to become more sustainable, please contact Andrew Savitz, Newton’s Director of Sustainability atasavitz@newtonma.gov.
Sincerely,

Setti D. Warren

Mayor

City of Newton, MA

August 28, 2015
Blue on Highland Reopens

Opened in 2006, Blue on Highland is an American restaurant that is the brainchild of Rod & Catherine Walkey. “We always wanted to create the type of restaurant that we would want to go to. It had to have an eclectic menu so it wouldn’t get boring, amazing cocktails, live music and above all it had to be welcoming and a true neighborhood restaurant,” said the Walkeys.

On August 3rd, 2015 the restaurant re-opened with a brand new look and menu, with a brand new website and branding to soon follow.

The effort was a collaborative project by the restaurant’s marketing and PR agency, Image Unlimited Communications(IUC) and their design partner agency Amir Kripper Studios. “We’ve always looked at working with accounts in a holistic way inclusive of PR, design, marketing and digital, and now we’ve partnered with Amir Kripper who is one of the hottest new design talents in the city,” said Shannon Igoe, Director of Agency Accounts at IUC.

Blue on Highland’s new restaurant comes with dramatic changes as designer Amir Kripper explains.”The intent was to create an elevated neighborhood restaurant using rich elements and carrying out the Walkey’s vision. The location had amazing raw elements that we wanted to expose and we wanted to work in true balance with the food and beverage program and the branding. It was very clear that the Walkey’s main idea was to expose the vibrant activity at the bar and so we used it as the center point of the restaurant. In addition we put in six high-walled booths allowing for an intimate experience as well. The partitions between the booths as well as the back wall behind the banquettes are cladded in soft, natural hickory wooden planks. We removed the old sheetrock walls to expose the existing brick walls and steel bracing behind them. The new bar is made of stainless steel structural elements with recessed lights and was inspired by the modular storage units designed by Eames in the early 50’s. We also collaborated with Tracy Davis in the seating and finishes selection. The Emeco Broom chairs used in the dining area are made from 75% waste polypropylene and 15% reclaimed wood fiber that would normally be swept into the trash. And the stools at the bar are iconic pieces which were built initially in the 40’s to be used in submarines and were repurposed as stools,” said Kripper.

The Menu and Cocktail program at Blue on Highland has also received a reboot with many new dishes such as the Tuna Tartare with Kim Chee, Ginger Vinaigrette and Wasabi Cream ($15), the Blue Crab Cocktail with Boston Bibb lettuce, lemon, chive and house-made cocktail sauce ($23), The Highlander Burger an 8oz all beef burger, Vermont cheddar cheese, topped with slow braised short rib, crispy onion strings and a roasted garlic worcestershire demi-glace sauce ($16) and the Strawberry & Blueberry Salad with all white-meat Chicken salad, fresh mixed greens, romaine pecans, blue cheese and poppy seed dressing ($16).

In addition the restaurant will host a numerous pastas, hand cut steaks, flatbreads and amazing artisanal sandwiches. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves brunch on Sundays.

About Blue on Highland:
Blue on Highland is an upscale suburban restaurant serving modern American cuisine in a contemporary, elegant setting, located in Needham, MA, just outside of Boston. Co-Owners Catherine and Rod Walkey strive to combine the sophistication of city-dining with the comforts of a neighborhood restaurant offering diners amazing service at reasonable prices. Blue on Highland is perfect for power lunching or socializing after work over dinner and drinks, celebrating special occasions, or simply enjoying fine wine and appetizers in their beautiful bar and lounge area. The restaurant is available for private bookings and events. Blue on Highland offers live jazz during Sunday brunch. Blue on Highland is located at 882 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494. Hours of operation are: Mon-Thursday 11:30AM-10:00PM; Friday and Saturday: 11:30AM – 11:00PM and Sun: 11:00AM – 10:00PM. Reservations are recommended. For more information, please call 781-444-7001 or visit www.blueonhighland.com

August 27, 2015
FREE Yoga Video from Dawn Davis Yoga

Want to practice yoga but can’t fit it in? Try this 20 minute video from Dawn Davis Yoga.

If you can’t get to a class, or you’re on vacation in some remote place, or you simply want to supplement your home practice, just get on your mat and press PLAY.

After all, yoga is that beautiful blend of play and seriousness, all in the spirit of good health and good fun. A huge thank you to Val Beaver and Amy Hennessey for being my willing participants in making this quick and fun video for our students.

Yoga 20 min. June 15 from Tim Davis on Vimeo.

August 26, 2015
Children’s Books Boston Reception & Book Swap

Please join
Children’s Books Boston
for our annual reception and book swap at

Simmons College, Kotzen Room
300 The Fenway, Boston, MA
5:30 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 3, 2015

We welcome anyone with an interest in children’s books—whether through publishing, writing, illustrating, teaching, librarianship, or bookselling.

BOOK SWAP: Please bring a children’s or young adult book to swap.

RSVP by August 26 here.

August 23, 2015
Forgirlsake Women’s Doubles Tennis Open Charity Event

Today a Newton-based charity kicks off registration for the third annual Forgirlsake Women’s Doubles Tennis Open. The event takes place Sept. 19; rain date is Sept. 20. To accommodate busy schedules, registrants have a choice of two sessions: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Ambitious players can sign up for both.) The tournament offers fast, competitive play (3.0-4.0) in a supportive environment and no partner is necessary (one can be provided). The registration fee is a minimum $55 donation per player, per session. For an additional $10, participants can purchase a professional “coached warm up,” a service that is back by popular demand this year. Visitwww.forgirlsake.org/tennis to sign up. Spots are limited and registration is on a first come, first served basis. The event will take place at Newton North High School for the third consecutive year.

Held for the first time in 2013, the Women’s Doubles Tennis Open is the signature fundraising event for Forgirlsake (FGS). For nearly a decade, the organization has focused on sending girls to school in developing countries. By helping young women finish their education, FGS enables them to reach leadership positions and increase their earning power. Money raised helps pay for a range of items including books, computers, scholarships and building materials. This year, proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Scholarship Project. This new initiative is developed in partnership with the Pathways Development Initiative, a non-profit group dedicated to helping girls build sustainable livelihoods. FGS will be working with the Uganda-based organization for the next three years to put bright, motivated young women back in school who have dropped out, due to pregnancy or lack of funds. Made possible by Newton North High School, Newton Tennis and local business sponsors, the tournament is spearheaded by FGS co-founder, Stephanie Zelman, of Newtonville. Other organizers are area residents Sami O’Reilly, Deb Cronin, Noura Guermazi, Emilie Kendall and Lisa Rinkus.

FGS was founded in 2006 and brings women of all ages together to support girls’ education and have a measurable impact on their lives and communities around the world. As the group is staffed entirely by volunteers, 100 percent of all tournament proceeds support its mission to build thriving communities and a more equitable society. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit: http://www.forgirlsake.org/donate, call 617-630-5200 or email steph@forgirlsake.org.

August 22, 2015
Dangerous Intersection: Fuller/Day/Commonwealth

Last year, after the completion of the installation of a cement sidewalk, on Commonwealth, I gave notice, including pictures, to the City of the dangerous condition that exists for anyone using it. As one proceeds west, the sidewalk places them into Fuller Street, before the stop line. Additionally, the large hedge, over growth and fence make it impossible for a pedestrian to be able to see that to their left is a street (Fuller) and that at the end of the side walk they will be passing into the path of traffic.

Last year, the City had the hedge trimmed and placed street cones on Fuller Street that push the traffic to the left which allows protection to a person crossing. The cones were removed in the winter and never replaced this spring. It would be prudent that the curbing at the end of Fuller Street be permanently extended in order that pedestrians and vehicles can see each other.

There is no crosswalk at that intersection or warning signage to vehicles and pedestrians. This is an issue as the other day while I was stopped at Day Street and Commonwealth Avenue, a young child, about 10, was riding his bicycle West on the sidewalk and went straight across Fuller Street. He would have certainly been hit if a car had come down Fuller Street. School is about to recommence.

This is my second written notice to the City and I assure that I shall step forward if a tragedy occurs.

“Concerned Citizen”

————

Dear Mayor Warren:

I have yet to receive a response and no corrective measures have been taken regarding notices sent to City on August 11^th and 16^th. The notices were made through the City’s 311 website. The pictures below fairly represent the location, described in the following letter, at 6 PM, August 19^th. This email, as well past my two previous reports is also being sent to our Day Street area Neighborhood Google Group.

Respectfully,

“Concerned Citizen”

————–

Dear “Concerned Citizen”,

The Transportation Division will be looking at this and installing the stop sign within the next few days. They will also be adding pedestrian crossing signs to alert oncoming traffic to the pedestrian crossing and striping the crosswalk. Parks and Recreation will be removing the bush in order to provide site clearance as well. Our Transportation Director Bill Paille will also be looking at the feasibility on of installing a curb extension at this location. We believe these measure should improve the safety and provide additional advanced warning tom oncoming vehicles. Thanks you for bringing this to our attention.

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 Citizen”, sorry for the delay. We will look into lack of response to serious issue. I have looped in the head of DPW Shane Mark so he can follow up directly .

SETTI WARREN

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

————–

Dear Mayor Warren,

I want to thank you, and your staff, for the prompt response to the situation at Commonwealth Avenue, Fuller and Day Streets. The bushes have been cut down which now gives users of the sidewalk and vehicles on Fuller Street a clear line of sight to both locations.

I look forward to the new crosswalk, as well as planned efforts to narrow Fuller Street at the stop sign, as has been previously done on upper Fuller Street.

Thank you,

“Concerned Citizen”

———-

“Concerned Citizen,”

I took a look last night on the ride home and again today with the Traffic Engineer and we believe we have a solution. First, the stop sign was replaced a few weeks ago as well as the bushes were removed and the grass replanted which is a tremendous improvement.

Second, with regard to striping, we have crews coming in over the next several days. The plan is to grind off the stop bar currently at the Fuller intersection and install a crosswalk from the Fuller ramp to the Day ramp and repaint the crossbar behind the new crosswalk.

Finally, we are going to install about 100’ (or just past the entrance to the curve) of double yellow centerline on Fuller in order to alert approaching drivers on Fuller of the intersection. With regard to signage, the “Stop Ahead” sign currently on the utility pole in advance of the intersection on Fuller will be replaced with a new sign that is more visible.

We believe this will improve the safety at this intersection for both drivers and pedestrians and will implement as soon as possible.

Best Regards,

Bill

William G. Paille, P.E.

Director of Transportation

Department of Public Works

110 Crafts Street

Newton, MA 02459

T:(617) 796-1491 | M:(617) 596-0564

When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

August 21, 2015
New U14 Girls Soccer Team Seeking Goalkeeper

We have put together a new really good girls U14 soccer team at GPS (Global Premier Soccer) and one remaining position open: GOALKEEPER.

Maybe your daughter wants to play up a year? Maybe your daughter wants to try club soccer?

If you want to play club soccer and would like to join our team, please contact Mia Wenjen at pragmaticmomblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

Practices at Fessenden School in Newton

250 Waltham St, Newton, MA 02465

Tues and Thurs from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in September
Tues and Thurs from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in October

We are playing on the NEP (New England Premier) league.

Questions? Please contact me!

August 19, 2015