Category Archives: Events

Important information for voters

Here is some important information for voters from the League of Women Voters of Newton:

• The State Primary Election is on Tuesday, September 4th, which is the day after Labor Day

• If you need an absentee ballot (because there is no early voting in this September election), the deadline to file an application is on Friday, August 31st. This is the Friday before Labor Day.

• The League of Women Voters has worked with partner organizations to create several Candidates’ Forums for voters to learn more about the candidates and their positions:
o 4th Congressional District: Kennedy and Rucinski
o District 3 Governor’s Council (Carter-Devaney) and Middlesex County DA (Patalano-Ryan)

• Click here for the Online Voters’ Guide from the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts to read the responses from candidates for statewide office or go to www.informedvoterma.org

For other questions you might have, go to the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ or to the Elections Office for the City of Newton at http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/elections/default.asp.​

Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)

Dear Newton Public School Families,

As part of our district’s commitment to creating welcoming, supportive, and safe communities for all, we have worked together over the past year with Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a parent-led group in Newton. It is our hope to provide interested families with opportunities, information, and resources to become better equipped to address issues of race, culture, and identity with their children. Last year, the work was focused in our elementary schools and this year will expand to our middle and high schools.

To facilitate this effort, we are working with Amy Behrens, a FORJ Leader, diversity educator, and parent coach and Gloria Pascual, a seasoned community leader in Boston and Framingham, who will be the FORJ Co-Coordinators for 2018-2019. They, and a diverse set of parent leaders, will continue supporting parent volunteers from all Newton schools to help them:

  • Identify needs and action plans specific to their schools
  • Create opportunities, through events and activities, for face-to-face conversations and dialogue
  • Provide families with valuable information, tools, and resources

Amy and Gloria will work in concert with PTOs and existing school groups to develop personalized programs for each school community. The work will rely on volunteers interested in engaging their schools on issues of race, culture, and identity. Please sign up here https://goo.gl/forms/ZBa8uQTcKkUeLXHC2 OR email Amy at amy@amybehrens.com to be placed on the mailing list for information about upcoming meetings.

The first FORJ meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, October 2nd 7:30-9pm at the Angier Elementary School, 1697 Beacon St, Waban, MA 02468, accessible by the Waban T stop on the Green D Line.

We are eager to continue expanding this partnership with families this school year. I hope that you will consider getting involved.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent

Newton Destination Imagination registration now open

Registration for Newton Destination Imagination (DI) is open! Click HERE to register.

Newton DI is an inclusive STEAM- based creative problem solving competition for students in grades K-12. Teams of up to 7 kids will choose to work on one of six challenges that will test their teamwork, project management and creativity skills.

To learn more about the program, please go to the website for FAQs and a short intro video. Questions? Please email matthew@newtondi.org.

Coming in October: Webinar on Teen Stress and Depression

Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free Teen Depression webinar. Presenter Amy Saltzman, M.D. will discuss how caring adults can encourage teens to manage stress. The program is designed for parents, caregivers, school educators and personnel, youth workers, and anyone interested in teen mental health. Register to join a live webinar discussion. Informational flyer available here: webinar

After the webinar, complete the online evaluation and they’ll send you a free set of Depression and Bipolar Wellness Guides for Parents and Teens, in English or Spanish.

Can’t attend the live webinar? Register today to submit your questions and watch the recorded webinar after it airs.

Webinar will be on October 11th, 7:00 pm

Webster Woods Proposal to Newton CPC Now Online

The next Newton Community Preservation Committee meeting is scheduled for September 13th at 7:00 pm, City Hall Room 204. Please note the unusual day of the week, to avoid Rosh Hashanah.

This agenda includes a public hearing and potential CPC funding vote on a proposal requesting $100,000 for professional services related to preservation of open space at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway / Webster Woods. The proposal is now online from Proposals & Projects – Pending at www.newtonma.gov/cpa.

Written comments on this proposal that are received by August 24th will be forwarded to the CPC ahead of the hearing. Any additional agenda requests and their associated written materials for this meeting must also be received by August 24h.

Save the Date for Newton Community Farm’s 2018 Fall Festival!

Even though summer is still at its height, at Newton Community Farm they are already thinking of fall sweaters, apple cider, and cool nights. And that means NCF’s Fall Festival—a fun, annual community event for kids and families with pumpkin decorating, a farm treasure hunt, delicious snacks and food, and a lively kids’ sing-along. Come down to the farm and join in on the fun on September 23rd from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

NCF is currently looking for volunteers to help run the event, a few folks to help put lawn signs around Newton (http://bit.ly/FFlawnsigns) to help us get the word out and some friends to help on the day of the festival (http://bit.ly/2018FFvolunteers). It’s a really fun event and a great way to support your local community farm.

Please consider signing up today!

Historic Newton Events

FREE WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
September 1st and 2nd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Everyone is invited to enjoy free admission to the museums.

Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue. Admission: Free. Information: 617-796-1450

STORYTIME – STORMY WEATHER
September 5th, 10:00 am

Learn more about Native People in Newton and get the chance to handle some historical artifacts. They’ll read Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie, and preschoolers and their caregivers will make their own storm cloud windsocks. For a complete schedule of ongoing Storytime events, go to www.newtonma.gov/story.

Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street. Admission: Free. Information:  617-796-1450

STORYTIME – WELCOME AUTUMN
September 22nd, 9:30 am

Explore the Durant-Kenrick House and Ground and welcome the fall foliage to Newton! They will read Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert. Preschoolers and their caregivers have the chance to go outside and create their own nature collages. For a complete schedule of ongoing Storytime events, go to www.newtonma.gov/story.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue. Admission: Free. Information: 617-796-1450

HOMESTEAD HAYFEST
September 30th, Noon – 4:00 pm

Drop in for a day of old-fashioned fun at the annual hands-on family festival. Try 19th century activities, including butter making, cider pressing, and candle dipping. Jump into a burlap sack for a race or play the hoop-tossing game of graces. Enjoy ice cream from Cabot’s and a bake sale.

Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street. Admission: Free. Information:  617-796-1450

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Fall 2018 After School Program

Enrollment for Fall 2018 Out-of-School Time at the West Suburban YMCA is open. Out-of-School Time (OST) is an engaging after-school care program for grades K-8. The school-year program follows the Newton Public School calendar, including extended hours and Early Release Days, and transportation to the Y is available from most elementary and middle schools in Newton. For more information, visit wsymca.org or contact Jeremy Smith at 617-244-6050 x3068 or jeremys@wsymca.org.

Fall Program Registration – Discover What You Can Do!

Registration is open for Early Fall Programs at the YMCA! Programs begin the week September 4th. Pick up a fall program guide at the Y or view online at wsymca.org/find-a-program. Highlights include:

  • Sports: Discover teamwork and sportsmanship by registering for one of the many sports programs at the Y. The YMCA’s Youth Soccer Association (YSA) League welcomes children ages 4-8 to have fun learning the game of soccer. Saturday NFL Flag Football is another option for kids to learn football skills and positions while playing in a fun league. Teen 3v3 Basketball League is starting up this fall as well. Visit wsymca.org for more sports programs including basketball, gymnastics, lacrosse, adaptive sports and more.
  • Music & Creative Arts: Discover your voice and learn to collaborate with a group in our Rock Band class! Rock Band is a 13-week program for ages 9+. Students have weekly rehearsals with their group in preparation for performances and will explore a variety of genres. The Y also offers private music lessons for guitar, bass, drums, piano and voice. New students can schedule a free introductory lesson.
  • Fitness & Wellness: Discover your strength with new offerings from our Fitness & Wellness Department. Try Run 101, a class for participants who would like to learn the basics of running with a small, supportive training group, Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi, a program to help participants relieve pain and improve balance through gentle, fluid movements, and Y Warriors, a fun class for ages 10-12 that uses games, obstacles and other activities to keep kids active and healthy.
  • Also new this fall is Y Empower, a new free program designed specifically for girls ages 10-14. This program will allow girls to explore their health holistically and be prepared to manage the stress that adolescence often brings. Participants will learn about topics such as nutrition, social media, job preparedness and self care, while also trying fitness activities like yoga, Zumba and swimming in a supportive environment. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information about this program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The next session will begin in late September. To learn more or participate in an upcoming session, contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org.

Swim Lessons for All Ages

Learn and improve upon a lifelong skill so you can be confident and capable in the water. YMCA Swim Lessons are available for all ages – infants through adults – and accommodate all abilities with three categories of lessons (swim starters, swim basics and swim strokes) and eight developmental stages.

For Teens

The Y offers a variety of options for teens at the YMCA. Students in the Leaders Club develop leadership skills through community building and volunteer service, while those interested in participating in a model government and learning how to create change can get involved in the Youth and Government program. The Y also offers regular open recreation hours and teen fitness hours.

Blue Waves Swim Team Try Outs

The Blue Waves Swim Team at the West Suburban YMCA is a nationally ranked competitive swim team for ages 6-17. All new swimmers looking to join the Blue Waves Swim Team for the Fall/Winter Short Course Season are required to try out. Try outs slots are available August 21-23 and September 4-6. Swimmers must pre-register for a try out slot ($5 for members / $10 for community). Try out registration is available online at wsymca.org or by calling 617-244-6050 x3086.

Fall 2018 Preschool

Fall 2018 Preschool is enrolling. The Y’s Preschool Center for Youth Development is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and provides a year-round, high quality early education experience for children 2.9 years to 5 years old. The program features a safe teacher-child ratio, a large, bright and open classroom with secure entrance, a weekly 30-minute swim lesson, and access to the Y’s outdoor playground, turf field and full gymnasium. For more information, visit wsymca.org/preschool or contact Kim Benzan at kimberlyb@wsymca.org.

Pickleball starts up September 4th!

Come to the Y on Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:30am and take up a new sport: Pickleball! Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. All are welcome. Free for members and a $10 drop-in fee for non-members.

Poetry Night – September 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm

Organized by Barbara Helfogtt-Hyett of Poemworks, the event begins with readings by two local poets. Then 10-12 guests participate in the Open Mic portion of evening to share their own written work. This event is free and open to the public.

Family Fun Night –  September 11th, 6:00-7:00 pm

Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs

The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is our mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Visit wsymca.org to register online or stop by the Y’s Welcome Center at 276 Church Street.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Newton

Kids’ Morning

Free event for children ages 3 – 12 years. Children and families are invited to join in the Grande Pet Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Teddy Bear Parade and Foot Races. Free ice cream, candy and drinks complete the morning celebration – courtesy of Cabot’s Ice Cream. Kids Morning is cancelled in the event of rain.

July 4th, 10:00 am – 12 Noon
Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace

Afternoon/Evening Events

The fun continues with kiddie amusement rides, face painting, craft vendor booths and food trucks. Look for the Circus Arts performances from students and staff of Gravity Alternative Movement! Then, the fun moves over to the main stage with the fabulous Bo & Bill Winiker Band (courtesy of the Village Bank) for music and dancing from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Bring lawn chairs, try out the delicious food from the many food trucks and pick up your light-up novelties. At 9:00 pm, don’t miss the grand finale…a fantastic fireworks display! In the event of rain, the concert and fireworks will be rescheduled for a date to be determined. Visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org for details.

July 4th, Noon – 10:00 pm
Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex.