Author Archives: caroline-w

Why So Early: A Community Forum

The Impact of Early High School Start Times on Teens

Experts say that adolescents should be getting at least 9 hours of sleep every night.  Most high schoolers get less than 7.

Join Newton South’s School Council on April 7th at 7:00 pm in the Newton South Auditorium for a community conversation around the impact of inadequate sleep on our teens.  We will be joined by Dr. Judith Owens, Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, who was the lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 Policy Statement supporting a later school start time for teens.  Dr. Owens will speak on her research and the implications of inadequate sleep on adolescents.  You’ll also hear from students and get an update on School Council’s work to date.  This forum is the beginning of a city-wide conversation around this important mental, emotional, and physical health issue for teens.   If you’d like more information and to get updates on School Council’s work on school start times, please email sc****************@***il.com.

Odd Jobs and Services

“Newton Odd Jobs and Services” is Patrick Mahoney: Newton South HS Senior and Carter Harrison: Newton North HS Senior. They can be reached at 617- 610-4976 or
ne******************@***il.com

THEY RAKE (and more)!!

They rake small yards and large yards and prefer using RAKES over leaf blowers,because rakes do a better job, and, generally, they are easier!

What do they do with the leaves, you ask?: they take them back to the NSHS Farm compost bin…Three years later, they have gold!! (a.k.a compost)
Also, your leaves will be feeding the Newton South veggies!

They’ve been in the business for three years and rake Spring, Summer and Fall (but, mostly in the Spring and Fall). Fees are based on an hourly charge and free estimates are available. Call them today!

Two opportunities to attend a Solar Workshop

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 – SOLAR WORKSHOP – NEWTON UPPER FALLS AREA COUNCIL

Newton Solar Challenge is pleased to host a solar workshop together with the Newton Upper Falls Area Council.  Learn more in this community-based setting about how solar works, how solar can be designed aesthetically, and also about the new Village Bank “solar loan”:  www.village-bank.com/solar.  The goal is to help the Upper Falls community and homeowners across Newton by making it easier to own solar, to save money and to reduce carbon emissions.  Thank you to the Upper Falls Area Council for its help in hosting this Solar Workshop.

Address: Emerson Community Center,  45 Pettee Street, Newton Upper Falls
Wednesday April 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
For more info, please visit:  www.newtonsolarchallenge.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 – SOLAR WORKSHOP – WEST SUBURBAN YMCA

Newton Solar Challenge is pleased to host a solar workshop together with the West Suburban YMCA. As a core value of the YMCA – social responsibility – this is an opportunity for YMCA members and the community to learn more about how you and your family can adopt solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This work shop will help you learn how solar will “look” on your home and how you can save money while helping the environment. You will learn how the numbers work and how solar can now be financed through The Village Bank’s new “solar loan”: www.village-bank.com/solar.

There will also be a children’s educational program for school age children during the event hosted by the YMCA staff and Green Decade’s education team. This event is open to YMCA members and also the general public.

Address: West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church Street, Newton Corner
Sunday April 12th from 4:00 to 5:00 pm
For more information, please visit:  www.newtonsolarchallenge.com

Special Education Mediation

The NewtonPAC will host a session on Mediation with Board of Special Education Appeals Mediator Myrto Flessas. Have you ever wondered what mediation is about, and what it can accomplish in special education?  The BSEA website says:

Special Education Mediation is a voluntary and confidential dispute resolution process available at no cost through the BSEA. When school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of a student with disabilities, either party may request mediation.

In mediation, an impartial mediator helps parents and school staff clarify the issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, discuss options and collaborate to reach mutually satisfactory agreements that address the needs of the student. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute. When the parties resolve all or some of the issues, they work together with the mediator to put their agreement(s) in writing. What do you need to know in deciding if mediation is a good option for you?  What should you do to be prepared for mediation?

Myrto Flessas, the BSEA mediator who works with Newton, will be coming to speak to the NewtonPAC to answer these kinds of questions.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15th starting at 7:30 pm., with refreshments and networking starting at 7:15, in room 210 of the Education Center at 100 Walnut Street in Newton.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Eileen Sandberg at Ei***********************@***il.com.

Songs That Change the World

REVOLUTION ROCK:  Songs That Change the World (all ages and skill levels)

Register at:  https://pluggedin.wufoo.com/forms/x7hk36w1xa8iss/
Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1048633338485255/

•This hands-on workshop will cover the role music plays in making social change.

•Students will have the opportunity to expand their concepts of musical education.

•Study songs that have inspired movements and learn how to use your own music to create social change.

•Explore the work of artists such as Bob Marley, Rage Against the Machine, The Clash, Bob Dylan, and other musicians who have changed the world Continue reading →

High School Student Intern Program

Apply now for summer 2015 High School Student Intern Program at Newton Community Farm! Newton Community Farm is now accepting applications for our high school student intern program!   Summer internships are unpaid opportunities for high school age youth to learn about organic and community farming in a fun, friendly environment.   No experience is necessary; just a desire to learn and work hard!

The minimum requirement for the internship is a two-week trial period (consecutive weeks) during July 7th through August 27th, three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm (short break at 10:00 am).   After the trial period and with the agreement of the Farm Manager, interns can increase the number of hours, days (including Friday and Saturday), and/or weeks at the farm. Go to www.newtoncommunityfarm.org for more information about the program and to download application forms (due at the Farm by May 31st).

Weston Drama Workshop seeks “Munchkins”

The Weston Drama Workshop is seeking rising 4th or 5th graders to play Munchkins in their summer production of The Wizard of Oz. Munchkins rehearse one evening per week starting mid-June and participate in all 5 performances between July 15 – July 26.

Auditions are Wednesday, April 8.

Cost for the program is $250. Email for more information, including audition details: we**********************@***il.com.

Public Hearing on Homebuyer Assistance, April 9

The public is invited to attend the Newton Community Preservation Committee’s PUBLIC HEARING on a request for $1,057,000 in additional funding for the Newton Homebuyer Assistance Program at its meeting on Thursday, 9 April 2015, 7:00 pm, City Hall Rm 204.

The full proposal is online from “Proposals & Projects – Pending” on the CPC program website.

Family Events at Newton’s Festival of the Arts, May 9

Tanglewood Marionettes “Cinderella” – Saturday, May 9th: 10am

A classic fairy tale told with wit and style, the story unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting, featuring lavishly costumed marionettes. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming prince, but we do offer a few new surprises: Cinderella’s method of conveyance to the ball is NOT the traditional horse-drawn coach, and, when all hope seems lost, a clever little bluebird saves the day for Cinderella.
Tickets: $10 per person (2 yrs and older)/$25 Family of 4

Rock-A-Baby with Siagel Productions – Saturday, May 9th: 11:15am

After “Cinderella”, jam out with the Siagel celebrity puppet band to music that will get you on your feet and the whole family groovin’! Rock-A-Baby is free for everyone attending the puppet show, or $10 per family. Tickets are available at the Festival website. Be sure to check the website for the month of exciting cultural events throughout Newton in May.

 Family DanceFEST, Friday, May 9: 6 – 9pm

An evening of fun for the whole family, under the big tent and on the lawns of Newton City Hall. Pick up dinner from the Festival Food Trucks, join in the interactive games and dance party organized by Siagel Productions and The Dance Academy. Dress to move and be ready to dance with friends and family to today’s top musical favorites. Don’t miss the special appearance by The Dominoes with Abigail Matthews.

Tickets: $10 or $25 for family of 4. Check the Festival website for the month of exciting cultural events throughout Newton in May: 55 events in 31 days!