Category: All About Newton

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

Historic Newton’s 32nd Annual House Tour

Historic Newton’s 32nd Annual House Tour

Sunday , May 18, 2014

Discounted Advance Tour Admission Now Available

The kick off is Saturday night, the tours are on Sunday.

Historic Newton’s 32nd Annual Newton House Tour is set for Sunday, May 18, 2014 from noon to 5 p.m. The Newton House Tour offers the public a rare opportunity to tour eight beautiful private residences located in several of Newton’s historic villages. Proceeds from the tour benefit Historic Newton and support programs and events at the Jackson Homestead and Museum, the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, and in the community.

The much-anticipated annual tour and fundraiser showcases a wonderful selection of outstanding renovations, restorations, old and new architecture, interior design and landscaping. If you’re looking for renovation ideas or want to appreciate the beautiful work done in these homes, the Newton House Tour is for you.

To kick off the House Tour, Historic Newton will host a Preview Party on Saturday, May 17

Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous hors d’oeuvres buffet, fine wines, and a preview of the homes featured on this year’s tour. This year’s Preview Party also features a Stanley Steamer Car.

Advance House Tour Admission (available until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16)
$25 for Historic Newton members; $35 for non-members
Order tickets online at www.historicnewton.org, by calling (617) 796-1450, or in person at the Jackson Homestead and Museum at 527 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458. All admission reservations are held for pick up after 10 a.m. on the day of the tour (May 18, 2014) at the Jackson Homestead and Museum.

House Tour Admission (Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18)
$30 for Historic Newton members; $40 for nonmembers
Tickets must be purchased in person at the Jackson Homestead and Museum at 527 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458. No telephone or internet orders will be accepted the day before or the day of the tour.

Preview Party Tickets (available until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9)
Tickets start at $125
Purchase tickets online at www.historicnewton.org, by calling (617) 796-1450, or in person at the Jackson Homestead and Museum at 527 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458.

This year’s homes include (actual locations will be revealed on May 18):

• c. 1870 Second-Empire “Painted Lady” lovingly restored with Victorian furnishings and delightful use of color
• 1893 Colonial Revival residence painstakingly renovated to return period fixtures and finishes to the home while updating it for contemporary living
• 1894 Queen Anne updated with a first-floor master suite and modern kitchen
• 1894 Shingle-style home renovated to preserve its historic character while introducing modern upgrades
• 1901 three-story Victorian house built by architect George Meacham for himself
• 1911 structure originally constructed as an outbuilding for a neighboring house and converted into a single-family home in 1978
• 1912 Craftsman-style house designed and built for Fred Hayward of the New England Confectionary Company (NECCO)
• 1925 Tudor-style home recently renovated on a beautifully landscaped site.

Historic Newton encourages inquiry and exploration of Newton’s history within the broad context of American history. Historic Newton oversees the Jackson Homestead and Museum, Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, and Newton’s Historic Burying Grounds. The organization collects, preserves, and exhibits historical artifacts and documents and presents educational programs that serve the diverse population of Newton and the Greater Boston region.

May 12, 2014
Michael Dukakis to Speak in Newton

Lifetime Learning is an educational and enriching program for seniors sponsored by Newton Community Education.

As part of the Dr. George Altman Distinguished Speaker Series, Lifetime Learning welcomes former Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Democratic Nominee for President, Michael Dukakis on Monday, May 19, 12-1pm to discuss “The Truth About the Affordable Care Act”.

The talk will be held at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center. The cost is $20.

Seating is limited, so pre-registration is recommended.

To register, please call Newton Community Education at 617-559-6999. Seniors from all communities are welcome.

May 11, 2014
Mother’s Day is FREE at the Zoo!

Mother’s Day, May 11, Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo will offer FREE ADMISSION for all mothers throughout the day (10AM to 6PM). Be sure to visit all of the resident animal moms at both Zoos including Franklin Park Zoo’s western lowland gorilla Kiki and her daughters Kimani and Kambiri. At Stone Zoo, be sure to visit with white-cheeked gibbon Iggy and her offspring Paddy. For all other admission prices, visit www.zoonewengland.org.

Also, on May 17, both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo will host Endangered Species Day, where visitors can learn more about the incredible endangered animals that live at the Zoos, like the western lowland gorillas and Grevy’s zebras at Franklin Park Zoo, and the jaguars and Mexican greywolves at Stone Zoo.

May 9, 2014
Special Deal for Car Service that Seats 6: uberXL
If you are like us, getting a taxi is not so easy for a family of 5. We need the van taxi’s to fit our family which is fine when you are at the airport or ordering a cab but not so easy if you are in Boston.

But things are changing. Today, users in Boston can request an uberXL car type, which consists of vehicles with seating for up to six people.

What would uberXL be perfect for?

I have some ideas:
- Concerts
- RedSox games (or any other sporting event!)
- Going to a beach (have you tried parking at a Massachusetts beach during summer?!)
- A night out when you don’t have a designated driver
How does uberXL work?

It’s an app that you simply use to request a vehicle!

Uber is an iPhone/Android/Blackberry app that allows you to request a ride at the tap of a button and summons a professional driver to your side within minutes. Track your driver’s arrival on a map and receive a notification when they arrive. There’s no need to worry about handling cash – your fare is automatically billed to your credit card on file and there’s no need to tip.

Download the app here.

uberXL Special Deal

Anyone new to UberXL will receive their first ride FREE up to $30, redeemable anytime. Use special code: PragmaticMom.
Summer is fast approaching…where will you take your family with uberXL?
May 8, 2014
Shop at Tobey Grey Event for Summer Camp Scholarships

The American Camp Association, New England is teaming up with Tobey Grey (formerly National Jean Co.) in Newton Centre for an exclusive night of discounted shopping on Wednesday, May 7^th to raise campership funds to provide a summer camp experience for children in need.

Admission is $30 and all attendees will receive 25% store-wide, as well as complimentary cocktails and dessert. The event runs from 6:30-9:30 and all admission ticket and 15% of all sales will go to ACA New England’s Camp Champions Campership Fund.

When:           Wednesday, May 7th from 6:30-9:30 pm

Where:         Tobey Grey

34 Langley Road

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Cost:              Admission is $30.

Admission includes 25% off storewide savings, complimentary cocktails, sweets, and raffle entry.

May 5, 2014
College Scholarships for Chinese Americans
Chinese Historic Society of New England /J.S. Waterman & Sons-Warning-Langone 2014 Scholarship

Two scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors of Chinese ancestry entering a New England college this fall. Each scholarship is $500 per year (renewable for 3 additional years.)

Criteria for Eligibility:
- Chinese ancestry
- Resident of a city or town in Eastern Massachusetts
- Acceptance to a college or university in New England
The application may be downloaded here.

Deadline for 2014 applications: postmarked by May 31^st, 2014

Selection Criteria

Selection will be made by the CHSNE/ Waterman & Sons-Waring-Langone Scholarship Committee. Selection will be based on the excellence of a 500-word essay, which addresses the applicant’s awareness of his/her cultural heritage and participation in community activities. The essay should also discuss the applicant’s thoughts on how he/she will meet the objectives underlying the CHSNE/Waterman & Sons-Waring-Langone Scholarship. Finalists will be invited for an interview by the Scholarship Committee.

Obligations of the Recipient

Each recipient will be required to: (A) submit a 500-word annual report regarding his/her progress in meeting the objectives of the scholarship and a transcript; and (B) participate in CHSNE activities, including the annual dinner in the fall.

Click here to download the 2014 application in PDF.
For an application form in MS Word document format, click here.

Completed applications should be mailed to:
CHSNE ATTN: Scholarship Committee
2 Boylston Street, Suite G-3
Boston, MA 02116

Deadline for 2014 application: Postmarked on or before May 31,2014. Announcement of Scholarship recipients: Late June or July 2014.

Questions?

Please email to info@chsne.org or wto@bridgew.edu, or leave a message at 617-338-4339.
May 4, 2014
FREE Boston Area Photography Workshops
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center “A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific America”

presents

FREE Boston Area Workshops with photographers

Todd Lee

Xiaotong Duan

and

Christopher Huang!

Register here

Like to take photos or videos? Learn how you can honor the 145^th anniversary of the Golden Spike—ceremonial joining of the transcontinental railroad, which excluded Chinese Railroad workers.

Register for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center “A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific American” to document your May 10^th in pictures or video, and be sure to tag your submission from “Boston” to be included in a Boston event this Fall!

Also, attend a local Boston workshop to learn more about the legacy of Chinese Railroad workers and exclusion laws, including issues facing current day Asian Americans. And to help prepare for May 10^th, you will also hear tips on how to capture impactful images!

Workshops hosted by CHSNE and AARW/BAAFF in partnership with
- Chinatown Neighborhood Center | Tuesday, April 29 @6:30pm
- Quincy Asian Resources | Thursday, May 1 @6pm
- Brookline Asian American Family Network | Thursday, May 8 | @6:30pm
Funding provided in part by MA Cultural Council, The Boston Foundation, Deloitte and Charles River Neighborhood Foundation.
May 3, 2014
Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Newton and Needham
Monday, May 5

Newton Marriott Hotel

Up to 40 of Newton’s and Needham’s top restaurants will participate in the annual ‘Spring Seasonings: A Taste of Newton and Needham, May 5 at the Newton Marriott Hotel.

The popular all-you-can-eat event includes many of the area’s newest establishments but also many returning favorites. Attendees will enjoy bite-sized versions of dishes taken directly from the menus of the area’s top chefs plus extensive wine tasting and beer samplings.

“This is the only night of the year when you can sample culinary creations from Newton’s and Needham’s best restaurants under one roof,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton-Needham Chamber “We’re especially excited about the 2014 version because the dining scene in our two communities has exploded this year.”

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS INCLUDE
- Cabot’s Ice Cream and Restaurant
- Cook Newton
- Davio’s Cucina
- Del Frisco’s Grille
- Dunn Gaherin’s
- Fiorella’s
- Inna’s Kitchen
- O’Hara’s Food & Spirits
- Riverbend Restaurant
- Terry O’Reilly’s
- The Capital Grille
- Volante Farms
- Walnut Grille
- Whole Foods Market
- The Biltmore Bar & Grille
- Bokx 109
- Stacy’s Juicebar
- The Center Café
- Treat Cupcake Bar
- BRIO Tuscan Grille
- Gari Japanese Fusion Bistro
- The Cottage
- Crowne Plaza -Newton
- Social Restaurant and Bar
- Bertucci’s -Needham
- Sheraton Needham Hotel
- Masala Art
- Tommy Doyle’s/ Mick Morgan’s
- Not Your Average Joe’s
- Comella’s
- Pinkberry
- Seasons 52
- JP Licks
- Legal Seafoods
This year, the Chamber has added wine and beer pairings from two of Needham’s brand new liquor stores – Bin Ends and Needham Center Fine Wines – and from Craft Beer Cellar in Newton, as part of the price of admission.

Tickets for Spring Seasonings are $50 but will be available online at www.nnchamber.com at a discounted price of $40 for the general public and just $35 for members of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.
May 1, 2014
Where are You From? Trying to figure out what kind of Asian you are

Has anyone ever asked you where are you from trying to figure out what kind of Asian you are? This hilarious video by Ken Tanaka turns it on end.

This video got 5 million views the first month it went up. Guess I’m not the only person who finds this question so annoying.

April 29, 2014
5% Day at Whole Foods in Newton to benefit Newton At Home

5% Day

April 29^th, 2014

to benefit

Newton At Home

Shop Whole Foods Market in Newton and Newtonville on April 29th and support Newton At Home!

Newton At Home offers a wide variety of vital services and social activities that help members live safe, active, and connected lives in their homes and apartments, their neighborhood, and their city.

April 28, 2014