Category Archives: Events

“Is Our Constitution Holding Up to the Test of Time in 2019?”

“Is Our Constitution Holding Up to the Test of Time in 2019?”

Join members of the League of Women Voters of Newton (LWVN)  as they host a community discussion led by constitutional law professor, Jed Shugerman. You’ll be talking about our constitution and how it is holding up; is our constitution still working the way it was intended? is there still a balance of powers among the three branches of government? is the Supreme Court still an independent branch of government or should structural changes be made? what about the independence of the Fed, the Attorney General and the Department of Justice? are we near a constitutional crisis?

Jed Shugerman, a Newton resident and former Bowen PTO co-chair, is a law professor and legal historian at Fordham University in New York. He teaches torts, administrative law and constitutional history.

Jed is the author of The People’s Courts: Pursuing Judicial Independence in America (2012), on the evolution of judicial elections and politics in America. He is working on a new book, The Rise of the Prosecutor Politicians, on the history of American prosecutors and mass incarceration. His articles often appear in law reviews and major national newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and The Atlantic. He appears on MSNBC, CNN and CBC to discuss legal issues, and he writes about law and politics at shugerblog.com and on Twitter @jedshug.

A question and answer session and open discussion will follow after Mr. Shugerman’s presentation. RSVPs to info@lwvnewton.org are appreciated!

September 15th, 5:00 – 6:30 pm at the Durant Kenrick House, 286 Waverly Avenue, Newton

Join School Connections – Next meeting August 29th

Are you looking for a way to make your child’s school healthier and more sustainable? Healthier lunches? Recycling? Come add your voice to the GN Schools Connections group.

Green Newton’s Schools Connections group provides a forum for parents, students, and educators to promote sustainability in the classroom and beyond. You are welcome to participate and share experiences and ideas that support green initiatives in our schools.

After the group reached out to the Newton School Committee about the need to improve recycling in Newton’s schools, the committee passed a new school recycling policy in the spring of 2019. In addition, this advocacy was instrumental in getting the city to consider environmental practices and waste reduction in schools when selecting a new food service vendor. Representatives of the group will also participate in discussions to improve food quality and sustainability in school cafeterias.

In June, they worked with city leaders to submit a state grant application to support the expansion of the school recycling program and they are also advocating for the city’s approval to set up textile recycling collection containers outside of each school building. For more information contact schoolconnections@greennewton.org or visit schools.greennewton.org.

August 29th, 3:45 – 5:00 pm in the third-floor arc area of the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street

Join Cub Scout Pack 355 Newton

Interested in Scouting? Pack 355 is a large, active group of girls and boys from Newton and Brighton in grades 1 to 5. Another fun year starts in September!

Sign up for updates at bit.ly/pack355signmeup or come to the info session on September 3rd,  6: 30 pm at Our Lady Church and /or  welcome BBQ on September 8th, 3:00 pm at Auburndale Cove. Please email jonflynn@newtonscouting.org with questions.

Teen Anxiety Webinar

Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free Recognizing and Managing Teen Anxiety webinar on September 25th, 7:00 – 8:15 pm. In this webinar, Lisa M. Schab, LCSW, a practicing psychotherapist and international best-selling author, will discuss the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, anxiety management skills adults can practice with youth, and ways adults can encourage teens to be a part of choosing treatment options.
This program is designed for parents, guardians, caregivers, youth workers, and any adults interested in teen mental health. Register to join the live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs.

If you are new to the topic of teen depression or in need of a refresher, please watch Understanding Teen Depression as a foundation to this upcoming webinar.
After the webinar, complete our online evaluation and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free copy of Lisa M. Scahb’s book!

For questions, please contact Arielle Cohen at 781-890-0220 or ari@familyaware.org.

Highlands After-School Program Open Houses

The Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting Open Houses for interested families. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of Oak Hill and Brown children to learn more about the program as they plan for the upcoming school year.

Come to see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617, highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit highlandsafter-schoolprogram.org

Open houses: August 28th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, September 30th, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon  Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands

Tickets for Newton’s Community Table on sale soon

Newton’s Community Table, a fundraiser to benefit the Newton Food Pantry, is back October 17th!  The event will once again be held at the Windsor Club from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale September 9th and will sell out quickly.

Get both dates on your calendar today and stay tuned for updates in September.

All That Jazz Dance registration open

All That Jazz Dance Studio is still accepting registration for the 2019-2020 school year.  Entering their 22nd year, they specialize in building self-esteem and creating a warm, supportive and nurturing environment for all children as they learn the art of dance.

The director, Miss Deb Lifson Vogel is a Newton native and currently has children in the Newton Public Schools.  Please call or email for more information or to register at 617-641-0784, missdeb@allthatjazznewton.com/ or www.allthatjazznewton.com Ask about the free trial classes.

Open Houses: August 28th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, September 5th,  5:00 – 6:30 pm, September 6th,  4:30 – 6:00 pm, and September 8th, 1:00-2:30 pm.

College Essays that Make a Difference

Come to Writing College Essays that Make a Difference.  Dr. Adam Schwartz will provide students with strategies for writing a college application essay that can make the difference between a “Yes” and a “Maybe.” You’ll look at case studies of successful essays and student will have the opportunity to have their essays assessed.

Dr.Schwartz has:

  • Taught writing at Harvard and Wellesley College for twenty-five years
  • Worked on the Board of Admissions at Wellesley College
  • Published stories in The New Yorker
  • Won additional awards for his novels

Teens and their adults are welcome to this event. Click here to see the flyer and here to see the facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/933610620337017/

June 25th, 7:00 pm
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium

What’s Happening at the Y

Free Summer Saturdays – Try the Y for free every Saturday this summer! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and your guest fee will be waived.

Summer Membership at the Y – Perfect for college students or those visiting for the summer, the West Suburban YMCA Summer Membership that automatically expires on August 31st. $150 for an individual or $275 for a family (1 or 2 adults plus all children under age 26). Cost is prorated for anyone signing up after June 1st. For more information about summer memberships, contact the Welcome Center at 617-244-6050.

Summer Food Service Program – June 24th – August 16th – The West Suburban YMCA has been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a Summer Food Service Program site. The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children ages 18 and under when school is not in session. Any child in the community can show up and receive a free lunch between the hours of 12:30-1:30 pm at the West Suburban YMCA. Children attending YMCA Camp Pikati are also able to take advantage of the service while at camp.

Summer Swim Lessons for All Ages – It is never too early or too late to learn to swim. Swimming is a lifelong skill that is crucial for both kids and adults. Sign up for swim lessons at the Y, starting with classes for children as young 6 months through teen and adult classes. The Y offers options and session dates for every schedule, including lessons once per week, twice per week, or daily Monday-Friday. Learn more by calling 617-244-6050 ext. 3650 or email Amanda Pierce at Amandap@wsymca.org.

Summer Creative Arts Programs – Fill this summer with singing, dancing, painting, and more! With Creative Arts programs at the Y, youth can explore their creative side through group lessons, unique projects, and exploring what it means to be an artist. Get a little messy in the new Explorations! art program for ages 6-10, jam with a band in our Summer Rock Band program for ages 8+ or sing out loud with our Vocal Workshop for ages 11+. More info at www.wsymca.org/arts/summer.

Summer Sports Programs – Sign up for basketball, soccer, football or ultimate frisbee at the Y! Programs run Monday-Thursday evenings for two-week sessions. View the schedule online at www.wsymca.org or contact Chris Ellison for more information at chrise@wsymca.org.

Adult Fitness Programs – Sign up for one of the Y’s summer fitness classes. Classes run for seven weeks and begin the week of July 8th. Options include TRX suspension training, Boxcon boxing conditioning class, and Metcon functional fitness and strength class. Get motivated by training with a small, dedicated group!

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in child care and youth development, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, free membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs. The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and their mission is to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 ext. 3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.