Category: All About Newton

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

Giroux Brothers Martial Arts Turns 15!

Giroux Brothers Martial Arts just turned 15 years old this month!

by Steve Giroux

If you are like me, when you hear about business’ anniversaries not much thought goes into it.

For me, however it brings up so many memories. I started the studio when I was 22 and finishing up my last semester at Bentley College. I had no money, no credit, and no business plan. While in high school, my brother and I ran my instructor’s school (Champion Karate Center), eventually taking it over when he moved away. But, the experience I had over those 3 years and then going off to college really made me miss teaching and that is when I realized that it was what I wanted to do for a career.

Going against everyone’s advice not to open a business, I somehow managed to convince my landlord that I would be successful. I had recently won a tournament in Las Vegas and showed her the picture and write up about it in Black Belt magazine. Luckily for me, she took a leap of faith in me and the rest is history…

The journey has been one with many ups and downs and constant transistions. I’ve come to realize that growing pains never go away and different challenges will constantly present themselves. What’s really worked though has been the idea of constant and never ending improvement.

I’ve never stopped trying to make the school better through our programs or environment. We’ve made mistakes (and will continue to). But, we’ve always acted on them quickly and learned from them so that they didn’t happen again – and we’ve never stopped trying …That’s the main message I hope our students and instructors are learning in addition to the kicking and punching taught on the mat.

It gives me great pride to see so many of our students who started in Kindergarten now driving themselves to the studio as high ranking black belts teaching classes of their own.

We have some new improvements coming in the New Year, one being that we are implementing a Black Belt “Wall of Fame”. We are going to have a display of all of our UFAF black belts (past, present, and room for future) with the names and their black belt # starting with my brother Jeff and I. Right now,we have just under 50 names…

Again, thank you to everyone for making Giroux Bros. Martial Arts a reality all of these years. We truly are part of the Newton community and I feel so fortunate to continue to be a part of you and your families lives.

Thanks again!

Steve Giroux

January 6, 2014
Arsenal Center’s Winter Art Classes & Workshops

Arsenal Center’s Winter Art Classes & Workshops for Children and Adults Begin January 5

The Arsenal Center for the Arts starts off the new year with a program of winter art classes and workshops for adults and children beginning the week of January 6, 2014.

Adult offerings include a range of media and techniques: Art Sampler, Digital Painting, Pastels, Watercolor, Printmaking, Ceramics, Drawing, Glassmaking, Writing Poetry and more.

Children’s classes (for K-6 and Teens) include Art Adventures, Clay Projects, Mixed-Media, Comics & Cartoons, Wheelthrowing, Drawing, Painting and more.

Fun Parent/Child workshops (for Toddlers and up) are also available.

Classes are held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, with free parking and access to public transportation. Scholarships and Membership discounts are available.

For class descriptions, visit here. To register, call 617-923-0100, ext. 8309.

January 5, 2014
Newton First Blizzard of 2014
Our first snow day in Newton coincides with just one day back at school after winter break. We can expect to get 12 to 16 inches of snow.

What will YOU do with this day home? Capability:Mom said that she would be baking. We will be writing Christmas thank you notes!

Boston Blizzard Information

Boston’s Logan Airport will resume operations at noon on Friday, today.

These Numbers Might Come in Handy
- Police/Fire EMERGENCIES ONLY dial 911
- Non-emergency police: 617-796-2100
- Non-emergency fire: 617-796-2210
- Service request in the city: Make a request online; dial 311 from any Newton landline or 617-796-1000
- NSTAR: Report an Outage online; (800) 592-2000
- National Grid gas emergencies: (800) 233-5325
- Comcast: (800) 266-2278
- Verizon: (800) 837-4966 (VERIZON)
- RCN: (800) 746-4726 (RING-RCN)
Snow Removal

Residents are required to clear paved sidewalks next to their home within 30 hours of the storm ending. Elderly homeowners physically or financially unable to clear to the walkways can call 617-796-1660 for assistance.

Fuel Assistance

Need fuel assistance? Contact the Community Social Worker at 617-796-1282.
January 3, 2014
Holocaust Blood Memory Art Exhibit by Lisa Rosowsky

Lisa Rosowsky Boston-area solo show! I went to college with Lisa and she was in my Freshman dorm room. I was thrilled to be a very small part of her Kickstarter project, Blood Memory. Now, she has a solo show at Brandeis!

The opening reception is Thursday January 23rd, from 5:00-7:30 pm (the show is up through March 7)

She will also be giving an artist gallery talk on Monday February 10 at 12:30 pm

Brandeis University
Kniznick Gallery, Women’s Studies Research Center
515 South Street, Waltham

For those of you who work during the day, there will be 3 special weekend days on which “Blood Memory” will be open to the public:

Sunday February 9, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday February 15, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday March 1, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

And if you missed recent press coverage about the show, you can check out:

The Boston Globe West article

Metrowest Daily News article

In Blood Memory: a view from the second generation, artist Lisa Rosowsky explores the “second generation” experience as the daughter of a hidden child and refugee from the Holocaust. Themes of repression and loss emerge, as do memories and stories about a family…

“Blood Memory” exhibition, Holocaust Museum Houston, September 2012 from Lisa Rosowsky on Vimeo.

January 1, 2014
FREE Yoga Class with Dawn Davis in Waban!

FREE YOGA CLASS

with Dawn Davis

of Dawn Davis Yoga

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1st

1PM – 2PM, NEW YEAR FLOW

THE WINDSOR CLUB

1601 Beacon St, Waban, MA 02468

I hope you can join us for an amazing yoga practice this Wednesday at 1pm!! (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS FREE CLASS).

Happy New Year!!

Regular classes resume on Friday, January 3rd at 9:30.

December 31, 2013
Cabaret Troupe at Newton North High School

Cabaret Troupe coming January 9 and 10 to Newton North High School! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased here.

Cabaret Troupe is a group of dedicated performers who tell stories through the unique medium of contemporary musical theatre. This year, we look forward to showcasing a balance of comedic and dramatic numbers, as well as fostering vibrant acting performances through song.

December 29, 2013
Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices Expo at NNHS
Join the Newton North PTSO for Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices, an expo featuring approximately 30 community organizations. Parents/guardians and all those who help guide teens in making sensible decisions that will lead to a long, happy, and productive life are one focus. Teenagers are the other focus. They can participate in exhibitors’ enriching and fun activities, and they can also learn how to navigate the challenges of academic, peer, and societal pressures in order to stay safe and healthy. The expo will include several short presentations and discussions on current issues teens face every day.

Be one of the first 50 students who come with a parent and receive a goodie bag with a chance to use the Newton North principal’s parking space for a week. Come, have pizza and stroll Main Street at Newton North High School on Wednesday January 22^nd from 5-7:30 pm .

Exhibitors

Educational and prevention information:
- A Promise to Adam
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Boston Chapter)
- Bike Newton
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
- CHADD
- Director of Youth Services for the City of Newton
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- In Control Driving
- Journey to Safety
- MADD Massachusetts
- Mentors in Violence Prevention
- Middlesex Partnership for Youth
- Multi-service Eating Disorders Association
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Newton Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force
- Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education
- Newton Health and Human Services Department
- Newton Police Department
- NNHS Prevention/Intervention Counselor and Services
- Parents Helping Parents
- Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Newton
- Project INTERFACE
- REACH
- Riverside Community Care
- Riverside Trauma Center
- Samaritans, Inc.
- The Newton Partnership
- Whole Foods Market
Great Activities:
- Dreamfar
- John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton
- Newton ASC
- Newton Free Library
- Newton Mentoring Alliance
- Newton Teen Center
- OurNewton.org
- TeenLife Media
- West Suburban YMCA Music Studio
December 27, 2013
Ring in the New Year at The Metropolitan Club

The Metropolitan Celebrates the New Year with Special Dinner and New Year’s Day Brunch!

WHAT:

On Tuesday, December 31^st, 2013, The Metropolitan Club, Chestnut Hill, MA’s neighborhood restaurant, will mark the end of 2013 and the start of 2014 with a night of festive celebrations complete with menu specials served all night long!

From 5:00PM to 10:00PM, The MET Club will offer a delectable list of specials in addition to the regular menu. Guests can begin with a selection of appetizers including bay scallop & Maine shrimp ceviche ($16), trio of oysters, cider mignonette, Rockefeller and wasabi crusted ($16), as well as roasted mission figs & foie gras mousse($16) before moving on to the main event with two entrée specials: roasted wild salmon served with caviar crème fraiche, Russian fingerling potatoes, salsify ($32), and hand-carved tenderloin roast with cognac cream, wild mushroom & taleggio strudel ($36).

The meal, and year, will end on a sweet note with chef’s mocha bomb brownie with magic shell, espresso anglaise ($11). The Met Club’s full cocktail and wine list will be available all evening and The Met Club bar will be serving drinks until 11PM. Reservations are limited and highly recommended by calling: (617) 731-0600.

New Year’s Day Brunch:

Those opting for a New Year’s Day celebration will have an additional offering as The Metropolitan Club opens for a very special New Year’s Day Brunch from 11:30AM – 2:30PM. The MET’s New Year’s Day brunch is served à la carte and reservations are highly recommended by calling directly at (617) 731-0600.

WHERE:           The Metropolitan Club| 1210 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 | 617.731.0600

WHEN:             New Year’s Eve: December 31^st, 2013, Dinner: 5:00PM – 10:00PM, Bar: 5:00PM – 11:00PM.

                        New Year’s Brunch: Wednesday, January 1^st, 2014: 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

COST:              Cost varies. No entry fee.

December 23, 2013
Equinox Chestnut Hill Open!

WHAT: Equinox officially opens a new 33,000 square-foot club in Chestnut Hill Square, Newton.

WHERE: Equinox Chestnut Hill, 200 Boylston Street, Newton MA, 02467

WHEN: December 19^th, 2013 at 2:00PM. Club officially opens to members at 3:00PM.

ADDITIONAL:

Equinox Chestnut Hill has five fitness studios, including Equinox’s first ever barre studio, where instructors will lead a full range of yoga, including hot yoga classes, cycling, Pilates and group fitness classes such as Figure 4–a signature barre method workout unique to the Chestnut Hill location and classes such as METCON3, Shockwave, ViPR, and Tabata.

Equinox’s cardio and strength training areas unite free weights and cardio machines to create an inspirational setting where members can work out on their own, or with one of Equinox’s personal trainers, and Chestnut Hill hosts Equinox’s first local lap pool.

The Spa @ Equinox features a menu of luxurious ways to rejuvenate and pamper the body – from deep tissue massage to post-workout sports massages. The club offers high-end amenities including saunas, steam rooms and locker rooms equipped with Kiehl’s products and eco-friendly plush towels.

For parents, The Kids Club allows members to bring their children in for supervised play and activities. The Shop @ Equinox offers a selection of designer performance and fashion items carefully curated by Equinox’s team of New York based buyers. The club will also has a juice bar featuring healthy selection of juices and café offerings.

December 22, 2013
Help Kelsey Study Abroad!

West Newton’s Kelsey Loughlin wants to study aboard in Spain, and she seeks help paying for her trip.

She has dreamed of studying in Spain since she started taking Spanish classes, Loughlin. She started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her “Trip of a Lifetime.”

“Going to Spain to study another life and culture is a gift. This experience will not only enhance my academic achievements but help me grow and develop as a young woman,” Loughlin wrote on her GoFundMe page.

Find out more about Loughlin’s trip and how to donate on her GoFundMe page.

From the Newton Patch

December 19, 2013