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Shop Local Event in Newton!
GET READY FOR SHOP LOCAL WEEKEND, Dec. 13-15

Four days of events bring local businesses, musicians and visual artists together

Shop Local Weekend will take place from Friday Dec. 13 to Sunday Dec. 15 with special events planned in three Newton villages and Needham Centre.

In an effort to encourage shoppers to explore as many businesses as possible, the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce will be distributing Shop Local Weekend cards, which will offer participants chances to win prizes, including an iPad Mini and gift cards from local merchants and restaurants.

For more details and contest rules, go to “Shop Local” tab here.

Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton

The Newton Cultural Alliance makes it fashionable for you to support local with its Third Annual Arts Stroll & Shop held in Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre and West Newton. This enchanting event highlights the collaboration between Newton’s local arts and business communities while encouraging visitors to “Shop Local. Eat Local. Art Local.”

The Arts Stroll & Shop events include pop-up art galleries in empty storefronts, spontaneous performances, special store discounts, restaurant tastings, giveaways, and more. Each participating village has its own signature look – visit all three for the full experience!

The Arts Stroll & Shop is being presented by THE STREET (Chestnut Hill) where the Stroll Kickoff Event will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. with a grand community party sponsored in part by Boston Magazine. Other Stroll highlights include the Second Annual Celebrations! performance by the New Philharmonia Orchestra, Boston Ballet School, and Newton’s All-City Chorus in Newton Centre and the first ever Stroll in West Newton where visitors will find their new favorite shops amongst the haven of handmade and fine arts businesses. For a full list of participants, performance schedules and more information, visit www.ArtsStrollandShop.com.

Needham Holiday Stroll

The Needham Merchant Association is hosting the Needham Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Needham Center. There will be street performers, musicians, carolers, singers, minstrels and an appearance by Santa Claus. There wil also be a hot chocolate stand to warm up the strollers, collection boxes for the Needham Firefighters’ Toys for Tots and Needham Community Council’s food pantry, a tiny train (sponsored by Wingate) bringing children to Santa, and, of course, children bringing their parents to find their art. Visit www.discoverneedham.com for additional information.

Shop Local Weekend Schedule:
- Friday, Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.
  THE STREET (Chestnut Hill)
- Saturday, Dec. 14, noon-6 p.m.
  NEEDHAM CENTER (noon-5 p.m.)
  THE STREET
  WEST NEWTON SQUARE
- Sunday, Dec. 15, noon-6 p.m.
  NEWTON CENTRE
  THE STREET
For more information contact Greg Reibman at the Newton-Needham Chamber 617-244-1688 or greibman@nnchamber.com
December 9, 2013
Volunteer Opportunity for Families

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly

This year, we have no time to lose – our Christmas & Hanukkah Holiday Program is only a few weeks away! We have begun the volunteer and elder registration process, so please RSVP today!

Please click on the link below to register.

Get more information

Register Now!

December 8, 2013
The Discovery Museums Holiday Hours & Programs

Looking for something hands on to do with kids this Winter Vacation? Why not visit The Discovery Museums in Acton?

Here’s the schedule:

Monday, December 23 – Wednesday, December 25: Both museums will be CLOSED.

Thursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30: Both museums will be OPEN 9:00am – 4:30pm.

Tuesday, December 31: Both museums will be OPEN 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Wednesday, January 1: Both museums will be CLOSED.

Thursday, December 26

Wishing Woods

10:00 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help create an indoor forest built upon wishes for the New Year. This space will change and evolve through the end of the month as it is designed and built by staff and visitors.

FETCH! Stack ‘Em Up

Drop-in 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Science Discovery Museum

Build a tower made only out of cups. How high can you go? Remember, the sky’s the limit. ©2013 WGBH Educational Foundation

Friday, December 27

Wishing Woods

10:00 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help create an indoor forest built upon wishes for the New Year. This space will change and evolve through the end of the month as it is designed and built by staff and visitors.

Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science

Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery Museum

Join us for hands-on educational activities about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Explore the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale.

Saturday, December 28

Wishing Woods

10:00am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help create an indoor forest built upon wishes for the New Year. This space will change and evolve through the end of the month as it is designed and built by staff and visitors.

Pocket Tech

Drop-in 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Science Discovery Museum

Try out a variety of hands-on activities that explore the technology of personal electronic devices. With real electronics and interactive models of “software” and “hardware” functions, discover how pocket-sized computers input, store, display, and communicate information to connect us to the world.

Sunday, December 29

Wishing Woods

10:00 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help create an indoor forest built upon wishes for the New Year. This space will change and evolve through the end of the month as it is designed and built by staff and visitors.

LEGO ZONE

Drop-in all day Science Discovery Museum

You bring your imagination and we’ll supply the LEGOs. Try your hand at one of our LEGO challenges or build your own unique creation. Add to our community board to inspire your fellow visitors.

Monday, December 30

Wishing Woods

10:00 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help create an indoor forest built upon wishes for the New Year. This space will change and evolve through the end of the month as it is designed and built by staff and visitors.

LEGO ZONE

Drop-in all day Science Discovery Museum

You bring your imagination and we’ll supply the LEGOs. Try your hand at one of our LEGO challenges or build your own unique creation. Add to our community board to inspire your fellow visitors.

Tuesday, December 31

Bessie’s New Year’s Eve Party Prep

10:00 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

We want to get ready to shake, rattle, and roll into the New Year by making our own party hats and noise makers! We’ll be doing prep work all the way until our count down at 12 (noon).

Bessie’s New Year’s Eve PJ Dance Party!

11:30 am Children’s Discovery Classroom

Help us count down to 12 (noon) with a dance party with special guest Bessie!

Ring in the New Year!

Drop-in 12:00 pm – 3:00pm Science Discovery Museum

Make some noise this New Year’s Eve! Construct your own noise makers to use as you celebrate the coming of a new year. 3…2…1… Happy New Year!

December 7, 2013
Sing with the Newton Family Singers

Sing with the Newton Family Singers at Waban Lights on December 8th!

The Newton Family Singers invite you to join us in singing cheerful holiday songs at Waban Lights, organized by the Waban Improvement Society, on December 8th at 4:30pm in Waban Square, Newton. In addition to singing seasonal songs, the community gathers to celebrate the lighting of the evergreen tree in Waban Square and to enjoy hot cocoa donated by Starbucks.

To be extra prepared and to enjoy more time singing as a community, please join us this Wednesday night at 7pm at the Waban Library Center to sing through the eight holiday songs we’ll be singing on Sunday.

All are invited — you don’t need any singing experience. Adults and children are welcome!

RSVPs are not necessary but are encouraged so that we can be prepared with lyrics for all! Email us at newfamilysingers@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays from the Newton Family Singers!

December 6, 2013
Winter Class Schedule at NewTV

NewTV offers over 20 classes each quarter, and features several additional workshops throughout the year.

Members and interns can take any class in four of our production tracks: Studio Production, Field Production, Post Production, media related workshops, and other exciting new courses including, 2D Animation, The Art of the Interview, Social Media and You, Film Composition, and Film Theory.

To learn more about NewTV’s upcoming winter lineup, including what’s new, please click here.

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December 5, 2013
Polar Express Readings at The Prudential Center

GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH A TRIP ON THE POLAR EXPRESS AT THE SHOPS AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER

Barnes & Noble Sponsors Polar Express Readings on Dec.7 and Dec. 14

In celebration of the holiday season, The Shops at Prudential Center will host a children’s event to bring an infamous holiday story to life.  Kids are encouraged to dress in their pajamas and visit The Shops at Prudential Center Food Court for a Polar Express Story Hour on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

Following the readings, kids are invited to stay for a special musical performance put on by local Boston children’s performers. While at The Shops at Prudential Center, stop by for a visit and photograph with Santa Clause. Santa’s workshop will be set up in the Belvedere Arcade near Isis Parenting, details here.

WHO:             The Shops at Prudential Center and Barnes & Noble are partnering to share a holiday classic with readings of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. The day will continue with a concert series featuring Boston-based singer-songwriter and children’s performer Vanessa Trien and Little Grove, host of educational music classes in the Boston area.

WHAT: The Polar Express Story Hour, featuring readings by “The Conductor”, hot chocolate, cookies and gifts for the children in attendance. Holiday craft activities sponsored by Barnes & Noble, California Pizza Kitchen, and 5 Napkin Burger.

WHEN:           Readings of The Polar Express will take place on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. ET.  Musical performances will follow. The Dec. 7 performance will feature Vanessa Trien with the Dec. 14 entertainment provided by Little Groove. Both concerts will take place from12:45 -1:45 p.m. ET.

WHERE:         All activities will take place in the Food Court at The Shops at Prudential Center at 800 Boylston Street in Boston.

December 4, 2013
New Elite Soccer Skills Academy with Diego Fagundez

Diego Fagundez and Dan Colwell are teaming up starting the Elite Skills Academy!

I was Diego’s youth coach from when he was 8 years old until he signed his professional contract with the Revolution. We now want to start passing along some of the skills and ways to think more creatively. It will start as a winter skills clinic over the month of December on Sundays. The focus of the clinic will be ball mastery, developing a creative mindset on the ball, and many technical components of the game we all watch Diego do on the field now with the Revolution.

The clinic will take place the the Fieldhouse in Sudbury and space is limited. Look forward to see you there!!

Dan Colwell
Elite Skills Academy – Director

Sign up here.

Come join New England Revolution phenom Diego Fagundez as he teams up with Boston University assistant coach Dan Colwell for what will be a memorable four-session winter skills clinic.

The Elite Skills Academy (ESA) is structured to provide youth soccer players with a positive and energetic environment focusing on technical skill, creativity, and speed of play. They will learn ball mastery gaining comfort on the ball, exposed to a creative thought process, first touch development, and technique allowing them to play and make quicker decisions on the ball.

COST: $125

12/8 – 11:30am – 1:00pm

12/15 – 10:00am – 11:30am

12/22 – 11:30am – 1:00pm

1/5 – 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Dan Colwell – Director

dcolwell10@gmail.com

image from fan phobia

December 3, 2013
Book Signings at Wellesley Books

Get in the holiday spirit during Wellesley Square’s annual Holiday Stroll on Sunday, December 8th from noon until 6:00pm.

This great community event brings families to Wellesley Square to visit Santa, enjoy merchants’ hospitality and do some holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere! Wellesley Books will be hosting Chef Joanne Chang, artist Ralph Masiello, and children’s author/illustrator Aaron Becker for book signings throughout the day. Let us help you pick out the perfect, personalized gift for your loved ones! Best of all, there is FREE PARKING in the Square from December 7th – 27th.

Journey by Aaron Becker is thought to be a front runner for a Caldecott!

Ralph Masiello is charming, funny and extremely talented. Kids love to draw using Ralph’s drawing books. Here are just a few of them:

Ralph Masiello’s Dragon Drawing Book by Ralph Masiello

Ralph Masiello’s Fairy Drawing Book (Ralph Masiello’s Drawing Books) by Ralph Masiello

Joanne Chang has a sequel to her wildly popular cook book Flour based on her wildly popular bakery.

Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston’s Flour Bakery + Cafe by Joanne Chang

Flour, Too: Indispensable Recipes for the Cafe’s Most Loved Sweets & Savories by Joanne Chang

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December 2, 2013
Cook Restaurant Opens for Lunch Starting Tomorrow

Chef Paul Turano, owner of Tryst restaurant located in Arlington, MA, recently opened Cook, an American Bistro style restaurant, just a few short months ago. “Cook,” which is currently open for brunch and dinner only, will soon be opening its doors for lunch!

Cook, located at 825 Washington Street in Newton, MA, highlights a variety of different dishes in its soon-to-be-launched lunch menu. Hungry customers can choose from Cook’s starters and salads including: udon noodles with peanuts and ponzu ($10), kale salad with brussels sprouts, parmesan, hazelnuts, verjus ($10), shrimp tacos with avocado, red onion, aji crema ($5 each) and cobb salad with blue cheese, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette ($10). Guests can also munch on a selection of Chef Turano’s sides such as bacon caramel popcorn ($5), sweet and spicy peanuts ($5), fries with “cool dips” and a housemade pretzel with mustards and salt ($3).

Cook’s main dishes are separated into three different categories on the lunch menu including sandwiches, flatbreads and entrees. Guests have an option of sandwiches including grilled cheese with tomato, herbs and greens ($12), lobster sliders ($13), a vegetarian pita with walnut lentil kofte, mushrooms, yogurt and sumac ($10) as well as a classic burger with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onions pickles. All sandwiches are served with house made ranch chips and greens. From the flatbread section, Chef Turano will be serving wild mushroom flatbread with fontina, ricotta, caramelized onions and truffle ($14), chorizo flatbread with goat cheese, poblano pepper and fingerling chips ($12) as well as a selection of heartier entrees including bolognese with veal, pork, beef, mascarpone, herbs ($13), winter vegetable lasagna, zucchini, kabocha squash, caramelized onions, mushrooms ($12).

Join Cook for its first lunch opening on Monday, December 2^nd, 2013. Cook will be open from lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

December 1, 2013
Cook Chef Hosts Holiday Fundraiser for Boston Children’s Hospital

When your child is sick, it’s hard to keep up a normal daily routine, and even harder doing so during the holiday season. This is something that Paul Turano, executive chef/owner of Tryst located in Arlington, MA and the newly opened Cook in Newton, MA, knows all too well, having spent time with his son at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Units over the past few years.

Both Turano’s children have Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (SCIDS), and when his son was just two months old he had a bone marrow transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital that saved his life. This holiday season, Turano is giving back to the hospital that was there for his family by holding a holiday fundraiser for the Patient and Family Resource Room, a program that helps provide services to over 45 families whose children are being treated at the Boston Children’s Hospital Oncology and Hematology Center.

In cooperation with Boston Children’s Hospital, Turano has set up a branded donation page online and will be encouraging holiday donations for the family resource program from December 1^st, 2013 through December 31^st, 2013.

To donate, guests can visit the donation page online, or can donate at either Cook or Tryst where a QR code will be set up which, when scanned, will take guests directly to the page where they can make a donation on their mobile devices. In exchange for donating, Turano will give donors a gift certificate to Tryst (for up to $20) with proof of donation.

“I can’t emphasize how much the Patient and Family Resource Room helped my family and I when we were going through this difficult time. It’s because of their team and services that we were able to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine, and I want to be able to give that back to other families that are going through it,” said Chef Turano, Executive Chef/Owner of Tryst and Cook.

Funded through donations from area businesses and families, the 6^th floor Patient and Family Resource Room is staffed by a patient and family educator who can help patients and families learn about their medical treatment.

The Patient and Family Resource Room also offers a space for patients and families to relax and connect with others going through a similar experience.

Whether the donated money be used for a morning coffee at the local Dunkin Donuts, or towards purchasing a generic American Express donation that can be used towards gas, or parking (daily routines that are often overlooked), each donation will help parents regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.

With the extra help of these funds, Chef Turano will be putting the holidays back in the hands of these families.

WHERE:

Tryst | 689 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476|  781-641-2227 | trystrestaurant.com

Cook| 825 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02460 | 617-964-2665 |cooknewton.com

WHEN:                          December 1^st, 2013 through December 31^st, 2013.

HOW:                            Donate here  or visit one of the restaurants and scan the QR code (displayed throughout the restaurant). After donation, present your receipt at Tryst to receive your gift certificate (of equal value, up to a $20 value).

ADDITIONAL:    Limited to one Tryst gift certificate per person per visit. Gift certificates cannot be combined with any other offer. To receive gift certificate diners must visit Tryst. Cannot be done online.

November 30, 2013