Category: All About Newton

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

An Evening with ABC News Anchor Dan Harris & Joseph Goldstein

MEDITATION AND THE SKEPTIC: An Evening with ABC News Anchor Dan Harris & Joseph Goldstein

Talk about mindfulness and meditation is everywhere. But is mediation realistic for those of us with demanding jobs and ambitious goals? Can mediation really make you happier?

Join Dan Harris, ABC News Anchor, Newton native, and author of New York Times bestseller 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing my Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works – A True Story, as he explores these questions and more with renowned meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein.

There will be a book signing following the program. Monday, September 8, 7-9 pm at Newton South High School.

Admission: $25; $30 at the door.

Advanced registration is recommended as this event is expected to sell-out. Register online at newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999 to register by phone.

Presented by Newton Community Education, in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

August 10, 2014
Free Ice Cream from Good Humor Truck

On Monday August 11th, the Good Humor Truck will be helping Newton residents cool off with FREE ice cream!

The Good Humor Truck will be giving out free frozen treats from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Walgreens located at 1101 Beacon St on MONDAY, AUGUST 11th.

As you might know, baseball legend Pedro Martinez returned home to Boston as an honorary Good Humor Man to help kick off the brand’s Summer of Joy campaign earlier this summer. Pedro helped with the unveiling of the Good Humor Joy Fleet, which consists of the Good Humor Truck, a lineup of custom Good Humor Joy Squad Cars, and The Good Humor Man. The Joy Fleet has traveled the neighborhoods of Boston all summer long, bringing joy in the form of complimentary frozen treats.

The Good Humor Joy Fleet will be out all summer through Labor Day; to keep track of its whereabouts, Bostonians can follow the brand on Facebook (facebook.com/goodhumor) and Twitter (@GoodHumor).

August 9, 2014
Free Shake Shack MeisterShack

Shake Shack is feeling the love after being named the best “Nouveau Fast-Food Burger” in Boston magazine’s 2014 Readers’ Poll. As a way to say thank you to its Boston fans, the Shack is serving up its special edition MeisterShack on August 9^th and 10^th at the Chestnut Hill and Harvard Square locations (single: $5.00 / Double $6.50).

To make things even juicier, the first 100 guests on 8/9 & 8/10 that order the MeisterShack will get it for FREE! Nothing says “thanks” to Boston fans like an award-winning burger on-the-house.

photo credit Evan Sung

A 100% all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy ShackMeister Ale-marinated shallots and ShackSauce, the MeisterShack won the “Best Burger” category at the 2014 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and it will be competing for top honors once again at the 3rd Annual Battle of the Burger on August 13th.

August 8, 2014
Free Mom and Kid Activities in SPANISH

Pine Village is a Spanish language immersion preschool with a focus on helping children develops true passion for learning in a diverse environment. They are holding two free events for caretaker and child.

What: Free Mom and Tot Time in Spanish

Where: Pine Village Preschool Newton; 1326 Washington St., West Newton

When: Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Description: Looking for something to do with your little one? Experience Circle time, enjoy some friendship fruit, and then play among our sensory and exploration tables. For more information, please contact Kelly Cisneros at pvpnewtonkelly@gmail.com or 617-599-4250.

What: Pine Village Needham Lunchtime Open House

Where: Pine Village Preschool Needham; 65 Fourth Avenue, Needham

When: Thursday, August 21st at 11:30 a.m.

Description: Come meet the teachers and see our Spanish Immersion preschool program (serving children 15 mos. – 5 years) in action! To RSVP, or for more information, contact Karen Quintana at pvpneedham@gmail.com or 781-771-9027.

August 7, 2014
5 Gorgeous Shots of Massachusetts

Movoto has a post on 27 of the most-loved Massachusetts photos that best capture our great state’s natural beauty.

I choose 5 of my favorites:

5. Interesting architecture!

Source: Flickr user See-ming Lee

4. Not your average subway terminal!

Source: Flickr user Tim Sackton

3. Miles of shoreline!

Source: Flickr user yannboix

2. Enter to grow in wisdom!

Source: Flickr user Tim Sackton

1. Summer clam shacks and beach towns!

Source: Flickr user yeowatzup

August 6, 2014
National Root Beer Float Day at Whole Foods

Whole Foods on Walnut and Beacon is celebrating National Root Beer Float Day tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6th with live music, and weather permitting, a 1955 Thunderbird! Plus, lots of root beer and ice cream!

Please come by tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm.

A man named Frank Wisner invented the first root beer float in August of 1893. His early version was also known as a “black cow.”

One night, as Wisner, owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, was staring out the window and thinking about the line of soda waters that was producing for the citizens of Cripple Creek, he came upon an idea. The full moon that night that was shining on the snow-capped Cow Mountain reminded him of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He hurried back to his bar and added a scoop to the children’s favorite flavor of soda, Myers Avenue Red root beer, tried it, liked it and served it the very next day. It was an immediate hit.

Wisner named the new creation, “Black Cow Mountain” but the local children shortened the name to “Black Cow“. from National Day Calendar

To make one of these delicious beverages, just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass of root beer. (Note: If you reverse the directions and add the root beer to the ice cream you’ll end up with a big mess!)

August 5, 2014
The Capital Grille Gives $1000 to Boys and Girls Club

The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill recently presented a $1,000 grant to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton. This donation will support the Boys & Girls Club’s mission of inspiring and enabling young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

“As a company, we’re committed to deepening local connections in the communities where we live and work,” said Jeff Dixon, Managing Partner of The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill. “The Boys & Girls Club of Newton was hand-selected by our team, because we’re passionate about its mission. We’re proud to make a difference in our own backyard.”

As part of the check donation, The Capital Grille also provided lunch at the club for 100 members and volunteers.

August 5, 2014
Generation Tennis in Belmont for Kids and Adults

Generation tennis if offering for August programs for all ages. For kids, they are offering week long programs Monday – Friday for one hour. For adults, they are offering classes once per week. They also offer privates and semi private lessons.

Below are a list of programs. Register by going here.

Advanced Clinic 2014

This clinic is designed for advanced intermediate to intermediate advance students.  The focus is on bio mechanics, stroke development with fun exercises, drills and games.  Students should bring a snack and two bottles of water.

Monday – Friday (July 28, 29, 30, 31, August 1) 5 Days 8:30 – 12:30 Ages 14 to 18 Cost $375

Daily 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Summer 2014 QuicKids Practice Clinic 8-18 Years Old

This clinic is designed to give students a complete experience in learning the game of tennis. Proper techniques will be taught as a daily activity with demonstration and shadow swings, followed by drills and games that target the techniques of the day. Students will play competitive games and work with each other to reach achievable fun goals. The clinic will have a positive experience on all students with emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play. Students should be able to hit over the net with some consistence.  Choose a week to attend. You may attend more than one week.

Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30 am-12:30pm • $380.00

Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30 am-12:30pm• $380.00

Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30 am-12:30pm • $380.00

Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30 am-12:30pm • $380.00

Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days per wk; 8:30 am-12:30pm • $361.00

Summer 2014 QuicKids 10-13 Year Olds

These classes are designed for students 10-13 years old. The class will follow the now well established and proven teaching method which focuses on stroke development and biomechanics through a set of achievable goals which teach hand-eye coordination, agility, flexibility and racket head control. The student’s ultimate goal is to play and hit with each other and play with serves on a full court with green dot balls and regular balls. Students will serve and play and run drills in a fun progressive learning environment. Choose a session or week. You may choose more than one session.

Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 5:00pm – 6:00pm •   $105.00

Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 5:00pm – 6:00pm •   $105.00

Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 5:00pm – 6:00pm • $105.00

Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 5:00pm – 6:00pm • $105.00

Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days this wk; 5:00pm – 6:00pm •    $84.00

Summer 2014 QuicKids 7-10 Year Olds

This classes are designed for students 7-10 years old. The class will follow the now well established and proven 10& under teaching method which focuses on stroke development and biomechanics though a set of achievable goals which teach hand-eye coordination, agility, flexibility and racket head control. The student’s ultimate goal is to play and hit with each other and play with servers on a 36” court or 60” court.

Morning Session 2A • Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 9:30am – 10:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 2B • Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 10:30am – 11:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 3A • Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 9:30am – 10:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 3B • Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 10:30am – 11:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 4A • Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 9:30am – 10:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 4B• Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 10:30am – 11:30am• $105.00

Morning Session 5A• Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 9:30am – 10:30am •$105.00

Morning Session 5B• Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 10:30am – 11:30am •$105.00

Morning Session 6A• Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days per wk; 9:30am – 10:30am • $84.00

Morning Session 6B• Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days per wk; 10:30am – 11:30am • $84.00

Afternoon Session 2A • Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 3:00pm – 4:00pm •$105.00

Afternoon Session 2B• Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk 4:00pm – 5:00pm •$105.00

Afternoon Session 3A • Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 3:00pm – 4:00pm •$105.00

Afternoon Session 3B• Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 4:00pm – 5:00pm •$105.00

Afternoon Session 4A • Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 3:00pm – 4:00pm •$105.00

Afternoon Session 4B • Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 4:00pm – 5:00pm • $105.00

Afternoon Session 5A • Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 3:00pm – 4:00pm • $105.00

Afternoon Session 5B • Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 4:00pm – 5:00pm • $105.00

Afternoon Session 6A • Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days in wk; 3:00pm – 4:00pm • $84.00

Afternoon Session 6B • Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days in wk; 4:00pm – 5:00pm • $84.00

Summer 2014 QuicKids 4-6 Year Olds

Quick Kids classes at Generation Tennis are designed to develop agility, balance, reflexes, and ball control, racket head awareness and proper bio-mechanics. All classes are taught by certified 10 and under instructors that understand the importance of achievable goals and progression filled with success. Kids work as teams to develop the skills that are necessary to play tennis while completing tennis related techniques that are fast paced and fun. Students love to play tennis in our Quick Kids programs. Choose a week to attend. You may sign-up for more than one week.

Morning Session 2 • Aug 4, 2014 to Aug 9, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30am – 9:30am • $105.00

Morning Session 3 • Aug 11, 2014 to Aug 15, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30am – 9:30am •      $105.00

Morning Session 4 • Aug 18, 2014 to Aug 22, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30am – 9:30am •      $105.00

Morning Session 5 • Aug 25, 2014 to Aug 29, 2014 • 5 days per wk; 8:30am – 9:30am •      $105.00

Morning Session 6 • Sep 2, 2014 to Sep 5, 2014 • 4 days of wk; 8:30am – 9:30am •      $84.00

August 4, 2014
Seeking Parents for a Survey: Parenting Young Children Today!

If you are a parent of children age 6 or under, our friends at The Center on Media and Human Development (CMHD) at Northwestern University want to hear from you! The Center is seeking parents of 0- to 6-year-olds to participate in online survey to learn more about what it is like to be a parent of young children today. They are asking parents to take some time to complete an online survey to share more about parenting, media use, and social support.

As a thank you for their time and participation, parents who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of 25 $100 Amazon gift cards.

The Center on Media and Human Development, directed by Dr. Ellen Wartella, was created with three primary goals: training future researchers to participate in the field of human development and media studies; research on a variety of topics, from family media use in the home to teachers’ uses of technology in the classroom; and public policy, recognizing the interdisciplinary world we live in requires collaboration and communication across fields in the form of workshops, conferences, and round table discussions to inform and influence public policy.

Take the survey now ».

August 1, 2014
U Pick at Belkin Family Lookout Farm Begins

Belkin Family Lookout Farm, MetroWest’s beloved destination for outdoor family fun, will be open seven days a week, between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning Friday August 1, 2014 until the end of the fall season.

The Farm will be open seven days a week, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. until the end of the fall season. The Farm is also allowing weekday visitors FREE entry after 3 p.m. with the purchase of any size fruit bag.

As the U-Pick fruit season gets underway, peaches and apples are already ripening, and plums, pears and nectarines are soon to follow. The Farm rewards weekday visitors with free entry after 3 p.m. with the purchase of any size fruit bag. And, every day, kids can spend time in the play area, enjoy the treasured train and caterpillar rides, farm animals, burlap maze, hay pyramid, and check out the Busy Bee Center for the Farm’s new Lego tables. On weekends and Monday holidays, families can also enjoy live children’s entertainment and face painting.

Fall at the Farm is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. By mid-September, U-Pick season is in full swing with Asian pears, 11 varieties of apples, and more than 25,000 pumpkins. Throughout the season there will be festivals, and on weekends and Monday holidays, family and friends can also enjoy camel, pony and hay rides, apple cider and cider donuts. Belkin Family Lookout Farm offers a barbecue lunch on fall weekends and Monday holidays, as well as gelato and other tasty treats.

Visitors can also still purchase the Farm’s all-new Season Pass that includes benefits for each month of the season and special gifts. For 2014, the Farm has introduced a new, tiered Season Pass program. In addition to unlimited admission for a family of four, each $149 Season Pass also offers a Belkin Family Lookout Farm canvas tote, $50 off a child’s birthday party, $25 off a cord of firewood, special VIP passholder entrance and monthly U-Pick fruit:

August: 5 lb. bag of fruit (juicy peaches and early apples)

September: 5 lb. bag of fruit (seasonal apples, Asian pears and peaches)

October: 5 lb. bag of fruit (seasonal apples and Asian pears)

July 31, 2014