Category: Spotlight

Local companies highlighted in Newton, MA.

High School Finalists in Math/Science Competition
SIEMENS FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION CONVENE TOP INNOVATORS AND NEXT GENERATION OF STEM LEADERS FOR EXCLUSIVE WEBCAST EVENT

— ‘Innovators Lounge,’ Hosted by CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield, Will Bring Together Student Scholars and Top Executives from Kiva.org, StreetLight Data, RISE and 3D Robotics for Live, Interactive Mentoring Event —

WHAT:

On Monday, December 8, the Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education will host an exclusive live event convening a select group of today’s top innovators with scholar high school students that have advanced as National Finalists in the 2014 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, the nation’s premier research competition for high school students. The event will be live streamed to students and educators around the country.

Host and CNN Anchor Fredricka Whitfield will lead a lively, virtual conversation between the student finalists and top executives from companies on the cutting edge of changing the way we live, work and play, including:
- Chris Anderson, co-founder and CEO of 3D Robotics
- Suneel Gupta, co-founder and CEO of RISE
- Jessica Jackley, co-founder and former CMO of Kiva.org
- Laura Schewel, founder and CEO of StreetLight Data
These movers and shakers, whose innovations have changed the way we live and made the world a better place, will share their insights and personal stories of success. The guest speakers will answer questions from the student finalists and engage a nationwide virtual audience with their unique perspectives on business, entrepreneurship and the future needs of today’s world. Attendees will get an inside look at what motivates 21st century innovators and hear their invaluable advice to our next generation of scholars.

WHO:

Chris Anderson, co-founder and CEO of 3D Robotics

Suneel Gupta, co-founder and CEO of RISE

Jessica Jackley, founder of Kiva

Laura Schewel, founder and CEO of StreetLight Data

Fredricka Whitfield, CNN news anchor

WHEN: Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: L2 Lounge
3315 Cady’s Alley NW
Washington, D.C. 20007

OR

Join virtually here.

The Siemens Competition

This year marks the 15^th Anniversary of the Siemens Competition, the nation’s premier research competition for high school students. A record 2,263 students submitted a total of 1,784 projects for consideration – 408 students were named semifinalists and 97 were named regional finalists. Entries are judged at the regional level by esteemed scientists from six leading research universities which host the regional competitions: California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame and The University of Texas at Austin. The twenty regional winners will now compete at the national level, representing six individual and six team research projects.

For news and announcements about the Regional Competitions and the National Finals, follow us on Twitter @SFoundation (#SiemensComp) and like us on Facebook at SiemensFoundation.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation supports educational initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and Siemens Science Day. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies. For further information, visitwww.siemens-foundation.org or follow @sfoundation.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
December 7, 2014
How Do Artists Create? Make Do
If you are interested in artists’ process, here is a short documentary film (about 30 min.) by a young filmmaker, Brian Frank, who set out across the country to interview artists in different media about the idea of “Make do” in their work and processes.

My friend, Lisa Rosowsky, is one of the people he interviewed, and you can see her working in her studio a bit. Enjoy!

Lisa Rosowsky has been on the faculty at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design since 1996, where she teaches graphic design, typography, and book design. She earned her AB from Harvard College and an MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University. She produces mixed-media work in her studio in a converted factory building near Boston, Massachusetts.
November 29, 2014
Neighbors Recommend Wildlife Removal Service
Recently a neighbor asked for help in getting a wildlife removal service to remove a skunk living under her porch. Our neighborhood listserv kicked in and this is what they said:
- EHS (Environmental Health Services) for pest control 781-769-9111 and when we had skunks next door they recommended Bob Walsh (trapper) 781-727-0894
- Waltham Pest for termite trouble. They also do wildlife removal.
- My mother used a service recommended by Waltham Pest to remove a bat from her house. (Her mother lives in Waban).
- We use EHS as well.
What wildlife removal service do you recommend?

[polldaddy poll=8320235]
November 11, 2014
Rosemary Wells Reads for the Record at Lakeshore Learning

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® celebration with award-winning author Rosemary Wells reading her book Bunny Cakes at the Lakeshore Learning Store in Newton, MA.

They were hoping to set a record for the largest shared reading experience across all 60 Lakeshore Learning Stores across the country!

An annual event, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® celebrates literacy and promotes the need for high quality early education by encouraging adults and children nationwide to set a record for the largest shared reading experience.

Renowned author and illustrator of children’s books, Rosemary Wells read Bunny Cakes to the kids.

Families and children participated in fun crafts and activities inspired by the Bunny Cakes book including creating bunny masks and making “mud pies” using Mold & Play Sand.

Kids also received World Record Reader Certificates!

November 4, 2014
Parents: Want to be Cast for TV Show?
Now Casting

active

ambitious adventurous

*PARENTS*

…for a new show on a major television network…

If you and your spouse or a couple that you knkow would take on any challenge to win your child(ren) a SIX FIGURE trust fund, this show is for you.

Filming dates would be January 20 – February 14 (subject to change) in an undisclosed tropical location.

To apply, please send a separate email to msterbacasting@gmail.com with:
- Names & Contact Info (Phone, email)
- Occupations and/or any involvement in organizations (PTA, Scouts, Army, Navy, etc)
- How long you have been married
- How many children you have and ages
- What makes your (love, family) story unique?!
- Include RECENT Photos (of you as a couple and as a family)
November 3, 2014
Advertising and Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The next time someone says xexism isn’t real, show them these shocking role-reversal images including ads that depict domestic violence as a way to sell product.

Media plays a strong role in how we view ourselves and each other. Be aware and be critical of what you see.

p.s. The Second Step is a Newton non profit that fosters the safety, stability, and well-being of survivors of domestic violence.

October 30, 2014
Watering Plants Through Fall (Advice from Mahoney’s )
This is not typically the time of year we think of drought. We usually talk about drought in months of July and August, but this fall has been extremely dry. In the month of September some areas in Massachusetts have received as little as 5% of their normal rainfall. Some areas are worse than others but we are all at the point of drought stress affecting both new plantings and even established plants.

Watering through fall prevents winterkill

On sunny days moisture evaporates from plants’ foliage. In the winter plants can’t take moisture in through their roots to rehydrate the foliage because the ground is frozen. When spring rolls around, the leaves turn brown and the plant can’t recover, this is known as winterkill.
By thoroughly watering your trees and shrubs until the ground freezes, your plants are more prepared to deal with the moisture loss that occurs during the winter. Plants like holly, azaleas, rhododendrons, and andromeda are most susceptible to winterkill because they have relatively larger leaves, and more surface area for evaporation to occur.

When we have an especially dry fall like we’re experiencing this year, winter damage is typically worse in the spring since the leaves have retained less water to being with. So please do your plants a favor and give them the water that they’ll need to survive the winter.

Tips for watering efficiently

To get the greatest benefit from the water used, it’s best to apply water at a trickle over a long period of time. The goal is to let the water seep down into the soil and saturate the area around the roots.

What you should do
- If you have a large area it’s best to use a soaker hose, or to section it off and concentrate on those areas individually.
- For individual plants it’s best to remove the nozzle and place the end of the hose at the base of the plant with the water trickling slow enough to prevent it from running off.
- Use mulch around all planted areas to prevent evaporation from the soil surface.
What you should not do
- Do not rely on lawn sprinkler systems to water trees and shrubs. They are designed to only moisten the top couple inches of soil.
- Do not spray water at the plant with a nozzle. This will cause the water to run off, spread across the surface, and not reach the root system where water is absorbed.
More tips on watering from Mahoney’s here.
October 15, 2014
1538 Beacon Street House For Sale

My friend Veronica is the developer for this beautiful 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom new construction house.

She designed a house that takes into account what families need including play spaces, au pair suite, mud room, exercise room as well as spaces with versatility. It also has curb appeal!

This parlor space is off the entryway.

The house then opens up to a great room with a living room, dining room and kitchen all flowing seamlessly.

There are two dining areas in the great room with makes it a great entertaining space.

There is even a Butler’s Pantry off the great room!

The first floor also has a bedroom with bathroom that can also be used as a office.

This 6000 square foot house boasts 6.5 bathrooms! Here are a few of them!

There is a spacious master suite with his and her walk in closets.

For more information, go here.

October 14, 2014
Beautiful Window Box Ideas for Fall

I found some beautiful fall planters in Boston and my friend Zoe Forbes of Fleuri Designs did one for me as well in Newton, MA. I have more of her designs here and here. Here are some ideas to bring flowers into your garden this fall.

Beautiful window box and container gardens in Back Bay, Boston

October 12, 2014
YogaBox™: A New Fitness Class
What is YogaBox™?

What: Join us for the launch of a new fitness class: YogaBox™! It combines strengthening, conditioning, stretching, core work and cardio for a fun and time efficient workout.

We will be using the heavy bag, boxing gloves and wraps, and a yoga mat.

What is it exactly? I made a video with clips from the YogaBox™ Open House class.

You start with a half hour of heavy bag work with Marc in which you learn to punch the heavy bag and the punches of boxing (jab, cross, hook). You’ll alternate with cardio exercises off the bag like burpees, jumping jacks and push ups. (You can go at your own pace and rest when you need to.)

Next comes 45 minutes of Vinyasa yoga with Dawn working the core and stretching the muscles in an invigorating and dynamic flow. Dawn boxed for one year and has designed the yoga around releasing the muscles used for the first part of YogaBox.
- You do NOT need to know how to box OR do yoga.
- Please bring a yoga mat and boxing gloves and wraps if you have them.
- You can also borrow boxing gloves from Nonantum Boxing Club.
Where: Nonantum Boxing Club at 75 Adams St

Who Is Teaching It?: Dawn Davis for Yoga and Marc Gargaro for Boxing

MARC GARGARO

Marc Gargaro is a certified Level II USA Boxing Certified coach and licensed Professional trainer as well as a licensed boxing promoter. He was an accomplished amateur boxer for several years and was a finalist in the Heavyweight Division of the 2005 USA Northeast Regional Championship Tournament as well as a Lowell Golden Gloves semi-finalist in 2007. He has extensive experience in strength and conditioning programs and sport specific training.

DAWN DAVIS

Dawn Obeidallah Davis brings a rich set of experiences to the teaching of yoga. She is a Developmental Psychologist, a mother of three, and is trained in both the Baptiste and Elemental yoga traditions. In addition to her expertise and formal training, Dawn brings great enthusiasm to teaching yoga, celebrating the joy of life through movement and breath. A soulful teacher, Dawn helps students cultivate energy in an energetic yet systematically calming way. She is a former Harvard Medical School faculty member and is the author of scientific articles on child development. Dawn received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, and has trained in Elemental Yoga with Bo Forbes and in Baptiste Power Yoga with Coeli Marsh.

When:

Tuesday at 9 am – 10:15 am (75 minutes)

Thursday at 7 pm – 8:15 pm (75 minutes)

Cost: $100 for 5 classes (never expires)

$25/drop in

Questions: Contact Marc Gargaro at 617.340.3700 or info@nonantumboxingclub.com

We hope you will come to check out this new fitness class! First class free for anyone NEW to Nonantum Boxing Club. If you are not new to Nonantum Boxing Club, you can earn a free class by bringing a friend who is!
October 11, 2014