Category Archives: Events

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.

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!

The NSHS Book Sale is on! Donations needed!

Despite snow days and changes to the MCAS schedule, the Newton South Book Sale will take place this spring — and YOUR donations are needed.

Book donations will be accepted beginning just after April vacation. Start your spring cleaning and put your surplus books to good use.

The book sale will take place May 20 – 22.

The Book Sale’s success depends on the efforts of many volunteers. The more the merrier! Watch your inbox for details on how you can be part of this great tradition.

Mark your calendars!

Swing into Spring CASCMark your calendars for the “Spring into Swing” Jazz concert and Reception to benefit Creative Arts & Sciences

When: Friday, April 10th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road
Tickets: $35/person purchase here: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/CASC

Ticket price includes light fare and open bar. No one under 21 will be admitted.
Proceeds from the event will benefit enrichment programming during the 2015-16 school year.

Creative Arts & Sciences began bringing enrichment program into the classroom in 1960. Fifty-five years later it continues to be is a part of every grade and middle school PTO and a vital part of our student’s education experience. Please attend! Please support Creative Arts & Sciences!

Support the Newton Food Pantry

Shop at Whole Foods in Newton and support the Newton Food Pantry!
Both Whole Foods stores in Newton are running a Register Coupon and food drive for the Newton Food Pantry during the entire month of April.

Cashiers will be asking customers if they want to donate to the Newton Food Pantry when they check out and there will be bins at the stores to collect donations during the month.

Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

Spring is just around the corner (yes, it’s true!) – and it’s time to start dusting off those running (or walking) shoes! The 23rd annual Heartbreak Hill Road Race and Family Walk is a perfect way to shake off some of that cabin fever!

Every runner receives an official digital-clock time, a race medallion, goody bag and a free ticket to the pre-race pasta party at Newton City Hall on Saturday, April 18th. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place runners in each category win a trophy!

There are free games and activities organized by Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios of Wellesley, CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit and the Lasell College Special Events students. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org. The first 500 registrations receive a free t-shirt.

April 19th, Newton City Hall

Programs and Events at the West Suburban YMCA

  • Zumba Party and Fundraiser with and 80’s Theme:
    April 10th from 6-8pm
    Join for an evening of ZUMBA, dance, laughs and fun all for a great cause. Bring a friend or make it a family night out. All proceeds will benefit the Annual Campaign, which allow the Y to provide financial assistance to our neighbors in need.
    $25.00 for ages 15 & up
    $15.00 for ages 14 & under
    Visit www.westsuburbanymca.org and register today. For more information, contact Jane Carroll at 617-244-6050 x3007.
  • Late Spring Class Registration Opens March 30th:
    Registration for the West Suburban YMCA’s Late Spring session opens during the week of March 30th. The Y offers programs for all ages and interests beginning on April 27th: creative arts, swim lessons, sports leagues including soccer and tee ball, summer camps, group fitness classes, toddler programs, and more.
    Visit the “Programs” page at www.westsuburbanymca.org to download a copy of the Late Spring Session flyer. For more information, stop by the Y or call at 617-244-6050.
  • Center for Creative Arts (YCCA) Announces Open Auditions for Summer Sessions:
    Summer Sessions is an audition-based summer music program held at the West Suburban YMCA for young musicians. Led by YCCA staff, Kevin O’Connell and Jesse Trepiak, the four two-week sessions alternate between Songwriting & Recording and Music Video Production. Participants will build and improve upon the creative skills of songwriting, filming, audio engineering, video editing, production, and instrumental or vocal performance while creating a complete industry-relevant piece – an EP or music video.Summer Sessions will offer enrolled students the opportunity to form advanced skills that mold young musicians into experienced, successful artists. These projects foster abilities and work ethic that are not exclusive to the music industry, but can be applied to so many other careers and educational experiences.

Session 1: June 29-July 10 – Songwriting & Recording
Session 2: July 13-July 24 – Music Video Production
Session 3: July 27-August 7 – Songwriting & Recording
Session 4: August 10-August 21 – Music Video Production

OPEN AUDITIONS: To book your audition time, please email yc**@**************ca.org
April 6 from 3-6pm at Newton North High School
April 15 from 3-7pm at the West Suburban YMCA
April 18 from 3-6pm at Newton South High School

  • Family Membership Special: Join the West Suburban YMCA with a family membership before April 24th and Receive Your First Month of Membership for Free!When you join the Y, you join a community organization where parents find a safe and nurturing environment for their children to stay active, be engages and learn positive values; where families come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other and connect with friends; where people from all backgrounds and walks of life come together and know they are accepted. Stop by the Y before April 24th and sign up for a family membership. For more information, call Cara Murphy at 617-244-6050 x3035, or email cm*****@**************ca.org.
  • The West Suburban YMCA is hosting a Solar Workshop by Newton Solar Challenge on April 12th at 4:00 pm. The workshop will help answer questions about going solar in Newton, such as:

· Will solar work on my home?
· How will it look?
· Can solar reduce my utility bill?
· What is a “solar loan” and how can it help me?

Children are invited to participate in an environmental education program during the workshop. For more information, visit NewtonSolarChallenge.com.

It’s Not Rocket Science – Shake it Up with Social Media

Like it, love it, or hate it, but you simply can’t ignore it-social media is here to stay! You’ve heard all the names – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and more. But the questions still remain: Why do I need them? How will my business benefit?

This presentation will provide you with a better understanding of the wide array of social media tools and social media’s tremendous potential to help sell your product, service, or personal brand. Learn how to use each platform to compliment your marketing/PR strategy, expand your social footprint, and amplify your brand.

About the Presenter:
Angela Pitter is Principal/Owner at LiveWire Collaborative, partnering with businesses to transform their passions into profits. An accomplished technology professional, Angela has over 20 years of experience in high-tech. She lives at the intersection of technology and people with an uncanny ability to connect people with technology in a unique, humorous and non-intimidating manner. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds both her M.S. in Administration and B.S. in Computer Engineering from Boston University. Angela currently serves as a Board Member of the Newton School Committee.

REGISTER HERE http://www.newartcenter.org/art/detail.aspx?id=AW15824&sem=44

“Social Media for Artists”
April 1st, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
$25.00