Category: All About Newton

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

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
Newton Free Library Spring Fling Fundraiser

Love your library?

Join us for our annual Newton Free Library Spring Fling fundraising gala and auction to benefit the “jewel of the city”!

Spring Fling Gala

Saturday, March 29 ~ 6:30 pm

Become a sponsor and reserve your tickets today:

www.newtonfreelibrary.net

Those who commit to being event sponsors by this Friday January 31st will be listed by name on the Spring Fling print invitation.

~ Our Speakers ~

B.J. Novak

Author of One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories.
Mr. Novak is also actor, writer, director, and executive producer of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series The Office.

B.A. Shapiro

Author of The Art Forger and five suspense novels The Safe Room, Blind Spot, See No Evil, Blameless and Shattered Echoes, as well as the non-fiction book The Big Squeeze. Ms. Shapiro is also a teacher of creative writing at Northeastern University.

Tom Ashbrook ~ Honorary Chair William Novak ~ Host

For more information about the Spring Fling, or questions about tickets or sponsorship, please contact Ellen Eckenrode at (617) 796-1407 or development@newtonfreelibrary.net.

February 4, 2014
Meet Children’s Book Authors from Foundation for Children’s Books

What’s New in Children’s Books

Spring 2014

Announcing New Venue & Great Speakers

from The Foundation for Children’s Books

Saturday, April 12 @ 8:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.

We’re excited to introduce a new venue for our spring “What’s New in Children’s Books?” half-day event. Thanks to our partnership with the Lesley University MFA in Creative Writing Program, it will be held at University Hall at Lesley University, conveniently located next to the Porter Square T stop on the Red Line. Paid parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

1815 massachusetts avenue, cambridge ma

For this event we’ll be looking at “What’s New?” in Non-Fiction. Our spring program will feature the following talented speakers:

Steve Sheinkin, author

Jason Chin, author/illustrator

Kathryn Lasky, author

Michael Tougias, author

Melissa Stewart, author

More information here

Steve Sheinkin

Jason Chin

Kathryn Lasky

Michael Tougias

Melissa Stewart

Click on image to view book at Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

February 3, 2014
Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Sing-Along in Commemoration of the Life and Music of Pete Seeger

Waban Library Center

1608 Beacon Street, Waban

Pete Seeger, the banjo-picking troubadour who sang for migrant workers, college students and star-struck presidents, and introducedgenerations of Americans to their folk music heritage, died this week at the age of 94.

Come celebrate his life through song at a community Sing-Along hosted by the Newton Family Singers on Saturday, February 1st, 3pm at the Waban Library Center.

We’ll sing together as a community, songs straight from Pete’s songlist – songs about freedom, equality, justice, peace, the world we love and the strength of community.

As Pete once said himself: “Participation – that’s what’s gonna save the human race.”

January 30, 2014
Birthday Wishes CakeWalk Fundrasier: Registration Open!

It’s already kick-off time for CakeWalk 2014 and registration is officially open!

Bright and early on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014, Birthday Wishes will celebrate its third annual CakeWalk at Millennium Park in West Roxbury, MA.

CakeWalk is our signature (and only) fundraising event, reflecting the grassroots nature of our organization and the importance of kids helping kids. CakeWalk truly reflects what makes Birthday Wishes so special – loyal supporters of all ages and from all walks of life – coming together to make sure that homeless children experience what many of us take for granted, a birthday celebration!

Participants can sign up to walk either our 5K or half-mile route, and participate as individuals or form a team with family or friends. CakeWalk celebrates corporate teams, sports teams, book clubs, scout troops, neighborhoods, school, church and civic groups. Everyone is welcome to enjoy our fun, noncompetitive walk and family festival of kite flying, face painting, entertainment, field games, free refreshments, family raffle, music and more.

Our event goal this year is $75,000. This funding is critical to carrying out our mission. In combination with the steady stream of birthday gifts and toys, goody bags, birthday cakes and juice boxes that are so generously donated throughout the year, a successful CakeWalk will help ensure that more than 23,000 homeless children will experience the joy of a birthday celebration in 2014 – an experience that lasts just a few short hours with the impact of a lifetime.

Please visit our registration page and sign up now! Although we expect about 500 walkers the morning of May 18, please ask for me at Millennium Park so I may personally acknowledge your participation and say thank you. I look forward to walking by your side.

January 29, 2014
Gracie Gold (Born in Newton) Will Compete in Olympics

Skater Gracie Gold, who was born in Newton, was named to the 2014 Olympic Team. She will compete in Socchi, Russia next month.

Here’s Gracie Gold with the Wall Street Journal.

18-year-old Gracie Gold is here in the Ladies Short Program at the 2014 US Champs.

January 28, 2014
The Lake Language Glossary and Matt LeBlanc
My mom friend Penny grew up in Newton but not in Nonantum and she was the first person who told me about The Lake Language. We box at Nonantum Boxing Club so we had Nate who grew up in Nonantum explain it to us. He said the early residents of Nonantum were gypsies followed by Italians. Words from both languages evolved into The Lake jargon.

The mark of a true, old-school Lake resident is talent for the so-called Lake language – a collection of words and phrases believed to have roots in Romany, a language spoken by Gypsy immigrants from Europe, and brought back to the Lake early this century by local youths who worked for a time with traveling carnivals.

The Romany words mixed with Italian, English, and other street slang of the 1930s and ’40s to produce a lively mix that is one of the strongest links to the Lake’s proud and rough-and-tumble past. from Boston.com

quister jival [Quis-tah jiv-il] means pretty girl

divia mush [di-vy-ah moosh] is a crazy guy

quister mush is a good, stand-up guy

chor’d means stolen

chabby means young boy

Cuya moi [coo-ya moy] means shut up, or go to hell

“Sarge, mush has a coramunga in his cover!” or, loosely translated, “That guy is carrying a gun!”

Lake language – which is phonetic with no official spellings – is most often mixed with English words to make its meaning clear. For example, “How can you oy [eat] that inga [junk, crap]?” or “This mush is divia” [this guy is crazy] or “That mush has some overshay” [he lies, tells untruths, pronounced ovah-shay].

Nonantum isn’t a big place and you get the sense that everyone knows everybody. True to form, Nate’s uncle grew up with Matt LeBlanc. Will Lake Talk survive? Nate thinks he’s the last of the Mohicans though his kids can joke around in Lake Talk.

Want to understand Lake Talk? Here are more examples of words and phrases from the Boston Globe .
- mush (pronounced to rhyme with push) — “guy”, can be positive or negative depending on context
- wicked pissa, mush!–“extremely awesome, guy”
- chabby — “boy child”, possibly related to the Romany word chavvie = “boy”
- chor’d — “stolen”, possibly related to the Romany word choro = “thief”
- chuccuo — (chu-co) — “donkey”, “horse’s ass”
- cuya moi — “shut up” or “go to hell”
- divia (div-ya) — “crazy”, “jerk, screw-up, or harmless screwball”
- inga — “unattractive” or “bad-tempered person” or “junk” or “crap”
- jival — “girl”
- mush has a cormunga in his cover — “guy is hiding a gun”
- mush is the earie — “the guy is listening”
- over-chay or overchay (ova-chay) — “it’s a lie” or “he’s an actor”
- oy — “eat”
- pissa — “awesome”
- pukka to the mush — “tell the guy”
- quister jival (quest-ah dival) — “pretty girl”
- quister mush (quest-ah mush) — “good, standup guy”
- shapdude (shup-dude) — “how’s it going?”
- wonga — “money”
- geech — “go away”
- gash — “girly man”
- jawl — “steal” or “look at”
- dikki ki dotti — “unreal or unbelievable”
- minje — “dirty or unattractive woman”
- suv — “to have sexual relations”
- corey”– “the male sexual organ”
January 27, 2014
L’Aroma NNHS Student Photography Exhibit

Newton North High School Student photography exhibition and reception

Photography by Lee Guekguezian, a senior at Newton North High School, is on display during the month of January at L’Aroma Café, 15 Spencer St., West Newton.

A free, public reception will be held this Sunday, Jan. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m.

January 26, 2014
Auburndale Cove skating Open today for first time! FREE Ice Skating!
My neighbor Maxine alerted me that Auburndale Cove skating is open today for first time!

She says, “No better winter activity than outdoor skating at the cove on natural ice! It has rarely been open in recent years, but this Polar Express freeze brings this benefit!”

Update for today, Jan 25th, from Maxine, “We are just back and ice surface is crunchy and can be dangerous for falls. (I took a nice dive!). They say they will plane ice surface Sunday morning and should be better.”

Auburndale Cove

West Pine Street

Auburndale, MA 02466

Map from Paddle Boston

Image from Endless Knots

Operational Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 2:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays & Vacations 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

The following standards are used in determining sufficient ice thickness for skating:

6” Black Ice – Black Ice is formed by the freezing of water without a snowcap on it; thus creating a non-porous ice that is strong in consistency.
9” Snow Ice – Snow Ice is formed when a snow covers, over a thin layer of black ice melts and re-freezes to form a white porous ice.

Skating Hotline: 617-796-1536

When is ice safe?
There really is no sure answer. You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors — plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.

There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.

Some cold facts about ice:
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
- Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
- Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
- The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
- Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
- Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through.
Note that there are no ice skate rentals.

Other free outdoor ice skating rinks in Newton:

Newton Centre: Check their Facebook page for when it opens.

Newton Highlands

Other places to ice skate:

Daly Rink in Brighton

Reilly Rink in Brookline Cleveland Circle

Veterans Memorial Rink Waltham

Larz Anderson Park in Brookline

Lessons at Fessenden School

Babson College Ice Skating Lessons

Cheryl Franks Creative Skating Academy at BB&N

The Skating Club of Boston
January 25, 2014