Feeling like you suddenly have free time now that the kids are finally all in school or away at college? This free workshop is for you!
Blog
-
The Kids are in School-Now What?!
-
$20,000 College Scholarships through Coca Cola
This year’s Coca-Cola scholarship application is now available online at www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org. We are looking for 150 high school seniors who are socially-conscious and servant-minded leaders to be a part of our 28th class of scholars! These students will each receive a $20,000 college scholarship and join a network of alumni who have become a powerful force for change.
Since 1989, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has helped dreams come true for more than 5,550 outstanding students. Coca-Cola believes in investing in students who are leaders, both academically and in service to others.
-
College Essay Writing Workshops
Newton Free Library: College Essay Writing Workshops
Saturdays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24, 1:00 pm, Druker AuditoriumStudents, whether you accomplished a lot on your college essay over the summer or you’re still trying to decide what to write about when school begins next fall, these workshops are for you. Students will work in small groups with others who are at the same writing stage, and will be led by professional tutors and teachers.
We’ll cover some do’s and don’ts of college essay writing, work on your writing and spend some time in peer review. You’ll also get an opportunity for individual help and feedback.
Register online.
This free workshop is cosponsored by Newton Youth Services and is for students.
Please bring at least 5 copies of your essay draft and/or a laptop if you have one.
-
Win $500 Community Service Funding Awards
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today announced the launch of its TakeAction campaign that targets middle and high school students living in areas with wildfire risks. The campaign highlights important information about wildfire risks to life and property. Through TakeAction, students can use educational resources to implement local grassroots community service projects that increase resident safety and improve a home’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire.
In addition to the educational resources available through the TakeAction campaign, U.S. residents ages 13 – 22 who complete a wildfire risk reduction or post-fire project and submit an application are eligible to receive one of twenty $500 Community Service Funding Awards. Sponsored by State Farm, the funding awards are part of NFPA’s 2015 Year of Living Less Dangerously from Wildfire outreach effort. Winning applicants can use the award toward future educational costs, or it can be donated to the charitable organization of their choice. The deadline to submit applications is November 15, 2015.
WHITEBOARD VIDEO: This whiteboard animation video provides important information that increases middle and high school age students’ knowledge about wildfire and introduces them to the TakeAction campaign.
Find additional resources and learn more about the TakeAction campaign and the State Farm-sponsored Community Service Funding Awards at www.nfpa.org/takeaction.
-
Angino Fall 5K and Fun Day at West Suburban YMCA
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at the Y
from 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
When you participate in the Angino Fall 5K and Fun Day, you help us strengthen the community AND bring us closer to reaching our 2015 Annual Fund goal.We think of our donors as every day heroes because they help us empower families in need of support to lead healthier lives, achieve their full potential, and strengthen their ties to the community. That’s why we encourage you to come dressed to impress in your favorite super hero costume!Register here.Registration Fees
Registration is available online, or if you prefer, download our registration form and return it to Rosie Carey in the Development Office!
- $25 pre-registration fee for 5K runners and walkers valid until October 1, 2015
- $30 registration fee – day of event
- $10 registration fee for Kids’ Races
- Race Tshirts guaranteed for all participants registered prior to September 18, 2015
-
Baby Boomers on the Move Speaker Panel
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 3 TO 5 PML’AROMA CAFE, 15 SPENCER ST, W. NEWTONREFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
A move is more than just packing and moving boxes. It is about transition and preparation. Hear industry experts share insights needed to make great decisions about your next move!* Financial and estate planning – essentials for the next chapter* Organization and DE cluttering – a plan of attack to preserve the memories (and what to do with the rest)* Preparing the home for the market – tips for making your home a buyer’s dream* Strategies to maximize your profits – It’s easy but it’s not simpleOUR PANELRuth Barnett, Cambridge Savings BankJanet Porcaro & Wendy Rocca, Realtors®, Keller Williams RealtyMary Clements Pajak, Probate and Estate AttorneyLarry Deroche, Clean Out Your HouseDeb Ellis, Designer and Stager -
Best Club Soccer in Newton
Do we think that because a child is playing competitive soccer at 8 and 9, it will equate into success at 17 and 18? In fact, the opposite is more likely to occur, as we are finding that there are a lot more kids dropping out of soccer because the pressure to succeed has been placed on them at too young an age and they are no longer in the sport by the time they graduate from high school.
Do Europeans have it right when it comes to developing youth soccer players? TOO MUCH, TOO SOON! By Gordon Miller, VYSA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association) Technical Director is a great article about travel soccer and the best way to develop young soccer players:
If starting travel soccer this young were the right way to go then the rest of the world would be copying our model, but it doesn’t. In fact other countries are in the exact opposite direction with their soccer philosophies and programs. For example, the French, Germans, Dutch and Spanish believe that it is important to keep young players (under the age of 12) playing within their own communities, with their friends, and, with educated coaches.
My three kids have played club soccer and this is my take on the best club soccer teams in Newton.
What makes a great soccer club for kids? In my opinion:
- Curriculum that is consistent across all coaches and age groups.
- Opportunities to train with top players within age group.
- Coaches who focus on player development not win/loss record.
How are the girls clubs in Massachusetts ranked? Check it out here.
125 Wells Avenue
Newton MA, 02459
Phone: 617-964-0140Located off Wells Avenue at the Solomon Schecter School, Valeo FC has strong boys program and has recently added a girls program too. My son has been playing at Valeo since he was eight. What I like about Valeo is that the entire age group trains together doing the same technical drills, then breaking into small groups for more drills. Finally, the group organizes by what team they are on to scrimmage each other. Their philosophy to have a player pool per age group so there is fluidity moving up and down between teams as well. Valeo starts at U9 and does not cut players until U13 when games are 11 v 11. (Update: due to rapid growth, Valeo now is limiting years to 50 players. Current players were offered contracts in early May. Those who did not receive a contract were given a plan of what they needed to do to remain on the team. Any spots leftover will go to outside kids during tryouts. Kids with contracts do not go to tryouts). Valeo is FREE for boys U15-U18. U11 Boys received U.S. Development Academy Status which means the first and second teams are considered the academy teams. The U11 boys all practice together. Development team members attend 3 practices but the third practice is open to anyone else who wants to move up. Finally, Valeo has sent 7 boys to U.S. Soccer National Team camp.
Global Premier Soccer (GPS)85 Central St #204
Waltham, MA 02453
Practice fields at Fessenden School
250 Waltham St, Newton, MA 02465
My U14 daughter just joined GPS after a bad experience at FC Boston Breakers Academy (aka Boston Breakers Academy & Scorpions FC). What I like about GPS is how professionally organized they are. Their communication to the team and parents is the best I’ve encountered in Club Soccer. The practice location at The Fessenden School is extremely convenient. Their coaching staff seems great and there is consistency across all ages in terms of training.
This is a very difficult girls’ club to make but it is well known for producing very technical and highly skilled soccer players. Alison Foley, Women’s Soccer Head Coach at Boston College, is the new Senior Director of Coaching. Foley will provide direction for the older age groups in all aspects of their college preparation, ultimately making Select a premier model of top training and development for all age groups. For those age groups that she oversees, one practice a week is held at Boston College.
Newton Girls Soccer – AcademyNewton Girls Soccer Academy is perfect for kids who want a little more than travel soccer but not an intensely competive environment. This club team practices once a week and the practice is scheduled so as not to conflict with Newton Town Travel soccer. The fields are conveniently located in Newton too! Because of just one practice a week, this is also a well priced club option!
Nor’Easter Soccer ClubCoach Mike Almeida, my daughter’s private soccer coach, recently started the Metrowest branch for Nor’Easter Soccer Club, the club he grew up playing for. He has both boys and girls teams that practice near Newton and what is great about Coach Mike is that he makes every player better. Nor’Easter has practice fields in Chestnut Hill at Pine Manor College and in Waltham.
FC BostonPractice fields at Harvard’s Allston location, Dedham and Acton.
For boys who want to play college soccer, FC Bolts is only one of three soccer academy programs (and the other two are VC Valeo in Newton and Foxborough).
This club merged with Scorpions Soccer Club and then divorced, so suffice it to say that the merger was unsuccessful.
It should be noted that the policy for players leaving FC Boston is quite punitive. Families are required to pay the entire year’s club fee, even if they quit before the year even begins. In addition, FC Boston will not give the player release from FC Boston requiring parents to take legal action. This is not only costly but can take several months, in which your child will miss an entire season of games.
All other clubs will refund, pro rata, the remaining time left in the year and will process give the player release from their club in a prompt manner. Are you really sure you want to play for a club like this?
James Bede Soccer ClubPractice fields at West Suburban YMCA in Newton
My kids have never played on James Bede but I know moms who are happy here. Their practice fields are conveniently located at the YMCA in Newton.
Highlands Field (32 Winchester St, Newton Highlands, MA 02461)
My son did Junior Academy with Brian Kelly as a preschooler. Brian Kelly is like the Piped Piper for young kids and sports. He makes learning soccer fun and does a great job teaching them technical skills. For kids ages 3.5 through 8 who might want to try club soccer, this is a great option!
p.s. Other Guides to Newton:
Best Preschools in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of Birthday Party Locations and Ideas for Kids in Newton and Boston
Best Martial Arts Schools for Kids and Adult in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of After School Supplemental Math Classes in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of Dance Studios in Newton
Best Gymnastics for Toddlers and Kids in Newton Area
Best Caretaker and Child Music Classes in Newton
Best Tutors, Music Teachers etc in Newton
p.p.s. Related Posts:
Why Full Ride Scholarships Are Rare
How To Get An Athletic Scholarship
Top 10 Life Skills Kids Need Before College
How to Get Into College: Admissions Revolution
Top Art and Design Schools for Undergraduates
How To: Pay for College with Dr. Michele Borba
-
Teamwork Trivia Challenge Event
Teamwork Trivia Challenge Event Comes to Newton
On October 2, 2015 NewTV will be holding its first annual Teamwork Trivia Challenge event at the Post 440 in Newton. The event will consist of two hours of trivia, beginning at 7:30pm followed by an after party with a raffle, DJ and dancing until 11:30pm. Guests can arrive starting at 6:30pm to enjoy appetizers and desserts from local restaurants, including Baker’s Best and 3 Squares Needham.
Funds raised from this event will support NewTV’s scholarship and internship programs. Former NewTV interns have gone on to successful careers in their chosen field.
For more information about the event and to register online, visit newtv.org and click on the link for Teamwork Trivia Challenge or go directly here.
About NewTV
NewTV is Newton’s Emmy® award-winning, state-of-the-art HD media center, specializing in television production and training. Locally, NewTV’s three cable channels (Community, Education and Government) broadcast relevant programming to the diverse Newton community and provide a platform for members to express their vision.
-
Pops Concert & Picnic Sept 19th at The Street
Pops Concert & Picnic: Saturday September 19, 2015 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm: The Street’s Pops Concert & Picnic is the ultimate end-of-summer celebration. Fifty members of the New Philharmonia Orchestra will perform a diverse repertoire of classical and light classical music while select restaurants at The Street, including The Cottage, Davio’s, and Comella’s, will offer grab-and-go picnic lunches, allowing guests to dine al fresco as they enjoy the concert. Before summer clothes are stowed away for the year, guests are encouraged to don their summer whites. As detailed below, select stores, including Splendid, Treat Cupcake Bar, and the soon-to-arrive MiniLuxe, will offer special perks throughout the day. In the event of rain, the Pops Concert & Picnic will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
Box Lunch Picnic Specials during the Pops Concert & Picnic include:
- The Cottage: Two tacos, with the choice of Chicken or Mahi Mahi, topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, napa cabbage and homemade baja sauce; served with a side of black beans + papaya avocado salsa. ($12)
- Davio’s: Chicken salad with seasonal apples, served on homemade cranberry bread (no pecans) with homemade potato chips, chocolate chip cookies and water. ($16)
- Comella’s: Large cheese pizza with a garden salad. ($10)
- Additional offerings from Legal Sea Foods, Bernard’s and Treat Cupcake Bar will be available
Special Perks & In-store Events during the Pops Concert & Picnic include:
- Splendid will offer 20% off full-priced items and refreshments
- Calypso St. Barth will offer lite bites & refreshments, plus a Gift Card Event with the opportunity to save on purchases
- MiniLuxe Pop-up will give complimentary color changes from 11:30am-2:30pm in The Mews as it prepares for its Fall 2015 opening at The Street
- Treat Cupcake Bar will give mini cupcake decorating lessons, with an eye for picnic themed creations
In addition to the Pops Concert & Picnic, Summertime at The Street will offer 22 free events throughout September, ranging from 14 different fitness classes to kid-friendly fun activities and live music.
The complete calendar is available online at www.TheStreetChestnutHill.com
-
Live Music and Craft Breweries at Arsenal Center for the Arts
The Arsenal Center for the Arts to host an outdoor celebration of visual arts, live music and craft breweries on Friday, September 18th.
Arts & Drafts will be held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, on the grounds of the Arsenal on the Charles, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, MA and runs from 5 to 9pm.
The event features beverages from Downeast Cider House and Aeronaut Brewing Companyand live music from Boston Music community favorites Nemes, Gold Blood & Associates andDirty Bangs. Admission includes a beverage token and commemorative t-shirt that participants can tie-dye on-site.
“We’re excited to have one last celebration of summer here at the Arsenal Center,” says ACA Program Director Beverly Snow. “Arts & Drafts should be an excellent evening for Watertown, filled with great bands, great beverages and an arts project for everyone.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $30 at ArsenalArts.org Arts & Drafts is a 21+ event and proper ID is required to enter the festival grounds. Additional beverages available for purchase at the event.
