Category: All About Newton

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

FREE Pre-Marathon Runner’s Injury Screenings

Join us at our NEW location!

Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center

159 Wells Avenue

Newton, MA

• Are you worried you can’t complete your marathon preparation due to injury?

• Are you sidelined with a running injury?

• Are you cutting back on running because of pain?

Come to one of our free runner’s screenings where you will be assessed by a physical therapist and given appropriate treatment recommendations as they relate to your goals. Choose from any of the following dates and times:

Tuesday, February 25 • 4:30-7:30 pm

Thursday, February 27 • 4:30-7:30 pm

Monday, March 10 • 4:30-7:30 pm

Wednesday, March 12 • 4:30-7:30 pm

Appointments are required and can be made by emailing carefinder@partners.org or by calling 617-243-6383.

The Newton Wellesley Hospital will also offer two FREE Post-Marathon Injury Clinics in April.

Learn more at www.nwh.org/marathonclinic.

Follow members of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Marathon Team as they share their training experiences at www.nwhmarathon.blogspot.com.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital sponsors Running Strong, a series of FREE workshops, lectures and clinics geared to runners of all levels, held periodically throughout the year, to help athletes avoid injury and maximize performance.

February 21, 2014
$1000 Prize High School Dear Future Governor Video Contest

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) invites all Massachusetts high school students to enter the “Dear Future Governor…” Student Video Contest.

Please encourage any high school students you know to be part of this fun initiative designed to foster youth civic awareness! Help us get the word out.

What is the “Dear Future Governor…” Student Video Contest? The Massachusetts gubernatorial election is just 9 months away! LWVMA is asking Massachusetts high school students to submit two-minute videos illustrating a problem or issue in their communities that the next Governor should address. This is a chance for teens to make their voices heard!

Click on the above photo to check out a short video we made to promote our contest. Share with your friends!

Are there prizes? YES! First place wins $1000; second place wins $500; and third place wins $250. The winning videos will be publicized and appear on the LWVMA website.

Who can enter? The Contest is open to any Massachusetts high school student in grades 9-12.

When is the Contest?Entries may be submitted online at http://www.lwvma.orgfrom now until March 31, 2014. Judging will take place in April, and winners will be announced in May.

What can you do to help? Please forward this email to high school students, educators or anyone you think will be interested. Please download a flyer to print and share. Or follow us on Facebook and share our posts.

For more information: Please go to www.lwvma.org, email us at lwvma@lwvma.org or call 617-523-2999.

February 20, 2014
Starting Small with Health Literacy to Build Big Successes!

Please welcome Mandy Bass, Peirce Elementary School’s school nurse who has great ideas on how to teach kids about healthy habits that will last a lifetime!

Even very young children need to understand health messages that help them lead healthier lives! As a Mom and a School Nurse, I understand parents are our first teachers regarding health literacy. Habits around eating, sleeping, activity, how we process our emotions and stress, and many other health and safety behaviors are formed when we are very young.

These habits can be changed but it’s easier to create healthy habits from the start. That’s a loaded statement because kids learn from their parent’s examples, and for my kids to have healthy habits means I need to change some of those die-hard bad habits I have made over the years.

All of us have our share of indulgences- some easier to talk about than others. I had to hide the Nutella at our house so the kids and I would stop eating the whole jar in one sitting. But of course, I always knew where it was hidden- until I decided to get it out of the house. I hate to say it, but it took months for me to realize Nutella just couldn’t reside on our pantry shelf, or hidden in the basement closet! We still have Nutella for a treat now and then, but not on a regular basis.

How do we help our kids be that much healthier? One way is to just tackle one small thing, cut yourself some slack when you don’t follow through all the time, and celebrate those individual successes. At our elementary school, we tackle one small area a year.

Led by our student council, we had “Healthy Snack Month” January 2012, which ended with the challenge to students to try a new fruit or vegetable. Students tried anything from green beans to dragon fruit; many said they would incorporate that new food into their weekly snack repertoire.

Again, spearheaded by our student council, last year we had “Walk to School Every Day for a Week” to supplement the already successful “Walk to School” program led by parent volunteers. These are small things that can easily be replicated. What better time than now, after the New Year’s resolutions are made, broken, or kept; when we are looking out the window at the snow, wondering how we can re-invigorate ourselves and our families for the rest of winter? Best to come up with something that will be fun for everyone, or at least rewarding.

WellCoin is an app that promotes healthy lifestyles, free for Newton residents, a great resource to join and get ideas from, and a way to track those healthy habits- many of which you already have! Families can count their virtual coins, go shopping with them in real stores that participate in the program, live the healthy life, and learn about health literacy.

February 19, 2014
Free Workshops on Keeping Kids Safe at Waban Library Center
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is doing a free program/series in partnership with The Newton Partnership for parents about how to keep your child safe and healthy.
Want to talk about how to keep your child healthy and safe in your community?
WHAT? Starting Young Parent Workshops. Parents of children 0 though 8 will discuss how to promote healthy behaviors; recognize warning signs that an adult might harm a child; and talk with adults and children about sexual abuse prevention.

WHEN? This 4 workshop series is from 6-8 pm. Parents encouraged to attend all sessions.

March 6 —How do I talk to my child about boundaries?

March 13 —When should I step in?

March 20 —What is a safe adult?

March 26—How do I talk to my child about healthy sexuality?

WHERE? Waban Public Library Center
The flyer is here: Newton Starting Young Parent Flier

p.s. I have a book list on Books for Kids to Teach Them About Appropriate Touch
February 17, 2014
Valentine’s Boston Marathon Flash Mob: #Valentine4Boston

On April 15, 2013 tragedy struck Boston. The attack was meant to bring the city to its knees.

Jessica Kensky and her husband Patrick Downes were near the finish line when the bombs went off. They were both seriously injured.

This Valentine’s Jess wanted to do something special for Patrick. When she reached out to friends, Jess never could have anticipated the response…

…her gift to Patrick grew into something much bigger…a Valentine for the whole city. The people of Boston are not just standing strong… they’re dancing!

#Valentine4Boston was held at Copley Place, just a short distance from the site of the bombings that changed these lives forever.

It gave survivors, doctors and nurses, social workers, government agencies and others a forum to express their love and appreciation for the city of Boston. It’s a way for those still reeling from the impact of that horrendous event to say thank you to Boston — thank you for the incredible support you continue to show, and for being a city that is so resilient.

The flash mob was organized by NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans http://www.neads.org

February 15, 2014
Newton Needham Chamber announces first-in-state partnership with Google

The Newton-Needham Chamber has entered into partnership with Google on a new program called Google Street View Indoors.

Street View Indoors is an expansion of Google Map’s popular Street Views, program. Just as Street View allows users to take a virtual walk around a neighborhood, this program allows your customers and potential customers an opportunity to take a 360 degree virtual walk inside your business.

Visitors can travel 360 degrees from multiple points inside your place of business and zoom in on your products, your displays, your signs, your decor and ambiance.

The Newton-Needham Chamber is the first chamber in Massachusetts to enter into this program with Google, said Chamber President Greg Reibman.

“We see Street View Indoors as yet another way to promote shopping locally, dining locally and banking locally” said Reibman. “We’re excited to be partnering with Google on this opportunity to let consumers look inside our many fantastic businesses.”

Participating businesses can attach their Street View virtual tour to their Google Search listing and Google +Local page. Viewers on any device; desktops, laptops, tablets and smart phones will easily find your business and be able to take a virtual walk inside to look around. The Google Virtual Tour can also be easily embedded onto your own website and Facebook page.

The Google Virtual Tour is also easily embedded onto your own website and Facebook page.

Chamber members are eligible for 10 percent discount from its normal fees. Non-Chamber members, who join the Chamber at the same time they sign up for Google Indoors are eligible for a 15 percent discount.

The Street View Indoors images will be taken by Google certified photographers. Go here for more information about the program. Signing up does not obligate you to participate, it simply gives permission for the program manager to give you a call.

February 15, 2014
Circus Oz for February Vacation Week! GIVEAWAY

Circus Oz: From the Ground Up
February 19-23

at Citi Shubert Theatre

This looks fun if you are in town during February school vacation week!

Celebrity Series of Boston will present

Circus Oz: From The Ground Up

February 19-23, 2014

at Citi Shubert Theatre

270 Tremont Street

Boston

The performances will take place on Wednesday, February 19 at 7pm; Thursday, February 20 at 5:30pm; Friday, February 21 at 6:30pm; Saturday, February 22 at 12:30pm and 5:30pm; and Sunday, February 23 at 2:00pm. Sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Tickets start at $30, and are available online at www.celebrityseries.org, by calling CelebrityCharge at (617) 482-6661 Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., by calling Citi Charge 866-348-9738, or at the Citi Wang Theatre Box office, 270 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.

This performance is the Celebrity Series of Boston debut for Circus Oz.

Inspired by a construction site, From The Ground Up is a tight and road-hardened production allowed to play hilariously fast and loose that features acrobats suspended from, and flying through the air around, the show’s centerpiece – a giant swinging steel beam. From old black and white photographs of workers on high steel girders, Circus Oz has created a new production, starting from the ground up. With a ridiculous combination of jugglers, musicians, acrobats, riggers and aerialists, it’s a celebration. Exuberant raw spectacle and danger for the sake of it!

Circus Oz was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1978 and their 35th birthday year marks decades of mounting extraordinary shows and successfully touring both nationally and internationally. As Australia’s National Circus, they have toured from New York to South American rainforests and Madrid to outback Australia. Circus Oz has taken its self-crafted performances of wit, grace and spectacle to 26 countries across five continents, to critical acclaim.

Want to win a 4 pack to Oz Circus?

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 14, 2014
Free Program on A Matter of Balance: Concerns about Falling

A Matter of Balance: Concerns about Falling

Tuesdays, February 4 to March 25, 2014
2:00 PM- 3:30 PM
Newton Senior Center
345 Walnut Street, Newtonville

Many adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Through this evidence based program participants learn to view falls as controllable and make changes to reduce fall risk at home.

This is a free program sponsored sponsored by Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Preference will be given to those who have not previously taken the class.nce will be given to those who have not previously taken the class.

Taught by Robin Resnick.

Registration required. Call 617-796-1660 or email msass@newtonma.gov

February 10, 2014
Spa at Equinox Valentine’s Day Packages

Indulge in an Edible Complexion

The Spa @ Equinox Boston Offers Relaxing and Rejuvenating Valentine’s Day Packages

WHAT:             The Spa @ Equinox, with three locations in Greater Boston, is offering Valentine’s Day packages that make a perfect gift or an indulgent self-reward. Deep Tissue Massages and Chocolate and Strawberry Facials are on the menu year round, but from now to February 14^th, 2014 these deliciously indulgent treatments can be purchased in discounted 3-packs.

For those looking to give a thoroughly relaxing gift, the Valentine’s Day 3-pack Deep Tissue Massage Package ($295.00) will relieve tension and stress through a series of intensive techniques used to manipulate sore, tight muscles and the connective tissues that hold them in place. Deep tissue work increases circulation, releases built-up toxins and heals and restores balance to the body and nervous system.

For something sweet, Equinox Dartmouth Street and Equinox Franklin Street is offering the Valentine’s Day 3-pack Chocolate or Strawberry Facial Package ($395.00). The Chocolate Facial is particularly valuable in the winter months, combating Boston’s cold weather by moisturizing skin with high levels of antioxidants and providing ample anti-inflammatory benefits. The ultra-conditioning Strawberry Facial reveals a more youthful complexion and contains a milk protein to improve circulation and metabolism. For the full Spa @ Equinox experience, the combinationValentine’s Day 3-pack Deep Tissue Massage + Chocolate or Strawberry Facial Package ($690.00) offers the best of both worlds. Please note: facials only available at Dartmouth and Franklin Street locations.

For a one-time service, Equinox is offering a chocolate and strawberry facial with a lip treatment for $195.00. Non-member guests receive complimentary club access, including group fitness classes and locker room amenities, the day of their treatment. For more information visitwww.equinox.com.

WHERE:

Equinox Chestnut Hill

200 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467; 617.531.7077

Equinox Dartmouth Street

131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116; 617.578.8918

Equinox Franklin Street

225 Franklin Street, Boston MA, 02110; 617.426.2140

WHEN:             Valentine’s Day Packages are available for purchase from January 20^th, 2014 to February 14^th, 2014. Packages must be redeemed within one year of purchase.

COST:              Deep Tissue Massage, 50-min 3-pack, $295

Chocolate or Strawberry Facial 3-pack, $395

Chocolate or Strawberry Facial and Lip Treatment, $195

Joint Packages (Massage and Facial), $690

(Deep Tissue Massage 50-min 3-pack and Chocolate or Strawberry Facial 3-pack)

Add-ons to individual services:

Lip treatment, $65

Neck peel and lift treatment, $65

RESTRICTIONS: May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Available treatments may vary by club. Certain restrictions apply. Valid for purchase 01.20.14 through 02.14.14

February 9, 2014
Frozen in Time by Mitch Zuckoff: Perfect Valentine’s Gift for Men

My dog loves Mitch Zuckoff’s puppy. We met both author and his dog at an off leash dog park a few months ago and he’s such a modest guy that it took me months to figure out that he’s a multiple New York Times best selling author.

Mitch Zuckoff’s dog is the lighter Golden Retriever.

When I bumped into him today, it was freezing so we got to talking about snow and being frozen which reminded me of his book Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II.

Don’t tell my husband, but I am getting a signed copy for him for Valentine’s Day. If you want one too for a gift (or for yourself!), Mitch just signed a small pile of them at New England Mobile Book Fair. If you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day but you are really organized, it would make a great Father’s Day gift as well!

If that doesn’t work for you, you can ask them to mail you a copy or find it on Amazon.

Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

Frozen in Time is a gripping true story of survival, bravery, and honor in the vast Arctic wilderness during World War II, from the author of New York Times bestseller Lost in Shangri-La.

On November 5, 1942, a US cargo plane slammed into the Greenland Ice Cap. Four days later, the B-17 assigned to the search-and-rescue mission became lost in a blinding storm and also crashed. Miraculously, all nine men on board survived, and the US military launched a daring rescue operation. But after picking up one man, the Grumman Duck amphibious plane flew into a severe storm and vanished.

Frozen in Time tells the story of these crashes and the fate of the survivors, bringing vividly to life their battle to endure 148 days of the brutal Arctic winter, until an expedition headed by famed Arctic explorer Bernt Balchen brought them to safety. Mitchell Zuckoff takes the reader deep into the most hostile environment on earth, through hurricane-force winds, vicious blizzards, and subzero temperatures.

Moving forward to today, he recounts the efforts of the Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. – led by indefatigable dreamer Lou Sapienza – who worked for years to solve the mystery of the Duck’s last flight and recover the remains of its crew.

A breathtaking blend of mystery and adventure Mitchell Zuckoff’s Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel and a tribute to the everyday heroism of the US Coast Guard.

p.s. If you want your Frozen in Time book personalized, leave a comment. If there are enough people, maybe we can ask Mitch to sign books for a half hour in Newton!

February 5, 2014