Category Archives: Other

Emergency Text Messages

A note from the Newton Public Schools:

The Newton Public Schools has implemented an emergency text messaging system. In the event of an emergency, NPS will alert you via text on your cell phone. Please note that this system will ONLY be used for emergencies, including weather-related school closings or delays. It will not be used to share information about regular school events or operations.

To receive emergency text messages, you MUST opt-in to receive text messages. You can do this by logging into Aspen and selecting “yes” in the drop-down box below your cell phone number in the contact information section.

Opportunity to join the board at the Centre Street Food Pantry

The Centre Street Food Pantry board is looking for an energetic new board member who has strong connections in the business community in Newton. They are a working board and in addition to managing programs, members also help out at pantry-related events and host work days at the pantry. The Board meets monthly on Tuesday evenings. If you are interested in being part of this fun and meaningful non-profit board, please send a resume and letter of introduction to in**@****************ry.org.

In addition, the Centre Street Food Pantry is seeking candidates for a part-time paid Volunteer Coordinator position (total of 10-12 per week including working at the pantry every Tuesday 4:00 – 8:00 pm). Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, good planners, kind, easy to talk to and have experience in volunteer management or training. To express your interest, please send your resume to m.******@****************ry.org.

Save the date: Bring your teen to the Just Think Expo

The Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices Expo is the place to be for parents/guardians and their teens. The expo is a free, fun gathering of many non-profit organizations that support teens and families in Newton.

Enjoy live music, fitness demos, a prize drawing, free henna tattoos, refreshments, and more while you peruse the exhibits and learn ways to keep your teen safe and healthy. Find FAQs and a short video at NorthPTSO.org. Click here for a flyer: Just Think

Support prevention efforts for Newton teens by saying you are coming and inviting Facebook followers at https://www.facebook.com/events/2176888325663451/

January 8th, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Newton North High School

Shop for A Cause for Newton Schools Foundation

Shop for the holidays and make a difference for Newton’s students! Bring your friends and neighbors for a fun, festive evening of shopping and socializing. The Street, Chestnut Hill is hosting a Shop for a Cause night and a percentage of sales from participating stores will be donated to Newton Schools Foundation.

Participating stores include Copious Row, Legit Activewear, Simon Pearce, J. McLaughlin, Kodomo, Portobello Road, Vince and Polka Dog.

Register ahead of time and check in at Simon Pearce (between Juice Press and Splendid) the night of the event to receive your shopping pass and special treat.
For more information and to register click here.

December 12th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Newton Food Drive BREAKFAST FOODS for our Newton Food Pantries

Come to City Hall to help sort the food with the Mayor! Please help our neighbors facing food insecurity. Newton’s four food pantries provide meals for more than 1,800 people each month, and they need everyone’s help to keep up with the growing need right here in Newton.

Donate to the Newton Food Drive—the four pantries are asking for breakfast foods including cereal, granola, oatmeal, energy and granola bars, non-perishable milk boxes, coffee, tea, and peanut butter. (Sorry, no open or expired food can be accepted.)

Donations are being collected now through December 27th at City Hall and more than 30 other locations across Newton. A complete list of the sites can be found HERE.

Bring extra donations and help sort the donated food on December 31st from 10:00 – 10:30 am in the War Memorial at City Hall. Everyone can help, from youngsters to seniors. Plus, enjoy craft making, face painting, and refreshments for the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Open House until noon.

Community Service Camp

Community Service Camp is currently registering for their monthly service programs which are run on Saturday and Sundays and for the April vacation Camp. In addition, the summer program will be open for registration this weekend.

Each day focuses on a different service theme and you’ll work together on a service project, play games and have small group discussions about the different service organizations.

Winter and spring programs are for grades K-5 and their summer camp will have two age group offerings: K-3 and 4-8. Parents can learn more about program offerings and register here: https://sites.google.com/view/service-stars/home. See the program in action on here: www.facebook.com/servicestarsnewton.

Announcing new clubs at the Makers’ Corner!

The Makers’ Corner after school program serves students in grades 6-8, and is located in the Underwood School. To see course descriptions and register for all clubs or the regular Makers’ Corner program, visit www.underwoodafterschool.org and click “Visit Our New Makers’ Corner Page.”

All clubs open to grades 6-8:

Intro to Hands-On Electronics – Mondays, January 7th – February 11th, 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Make Your Own Comic Book (Print or Digital) – Wednesdays, January 9th – February 13th, 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Survey of Printmaking – Fridays, January 4th – February 8th, 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Sewing Stuffed Animals – Tuesdays, March 5th – April 9th, 2:00 – 4:15 pm
Scene Shop: Props, Costumes, and Sets – Thursdays, March 7th – May 9th, 2:45 – 4:15 pm (includes final show)
Build Your Own Infinity Light Table – Fridays, March 1st – April 5th, 2:45 – 4:15 pm

Be a vital part of the Centre Street Food Pantry!

The Centre Street Food Pantry is seeking candidates for a part-time paid Volunteer Coordinator position. 10-12 hours per week including working at the pantry every Tuesday 4:00 – 8:00 pm. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, good planners, kind, easy to talk to and have experience in volunteer management or training. Send resume to m.******@****************ry.org.

West Newton Arts Stroll & Shop

Get into the Holiday Spirit in West Newton at the annual Arts Stroll & Shop presented by The Newton Cultural Alliance. As you stroll along Washington Street throughout the day, you can listen to strolling carolers and musicians. Buy beautiful handmade gifts at The Paper Mouse, Artitudes and Hipstitch, and enjoy some cider at Sweet Tomatoes, or a hot cup of coffee and a treat at L’Aroma Café.

You can even visit with Santa between 10:30 and 12:30 at the ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ in Captain Ryan Park.

Please bring an unwrapped present to benefit the Village Bank/City of Newton Holiday Gift Drive, and put it right into the police cruiser! There are also toy collection boxes at the Police Station and the Village Bank. Pick up a brochure at any of the merchants for some special coupons. The event is rain or shine, and a few snowflakes might even enhance the festive atmosphere! The Stroll is a collaborative event presented by Newton’s local arts and businesses to create an enchanting holiday tradition for the community. For a full calendar of events, please visit www.artsstrollandshop.com.

December 8th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Upcoming family events

STORYTIME – COLONIAL WINTER

How do we make clothes to keep us warm? Join Storytime to explore how people in the past made their own things to wear. You will read The Mitten by Jan Brett, and preschoolers and their caregivers will get the chance to try our drop spindle and create their own cotton ball mittens. Admission is Free. For information: 617-641-9142.

For a complete schedule of ongoing Storytime events, go to www.newtonma.gov/story.

December 15th, 9:30 am
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF DURANT-KENRICK HOUSE

Built in 1734, the Durant-Kenrick House was the home of families who observed the
winter holidays in different ways. Take a special tour of the house by candlelight led by
Historic Newton staff, enjoy winter caroling, and sip hot cider and cocoa. Kids can create
winter crafts, too. Space is limited. Advance registration is recommended through historicnewton.org.

Admission: Adults: $15 non-member, $10 Historic Newton members and children ages 10 and over. Information: 617-641-9142

December 16th, 4:30 pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

STORYTIME – WINTER HIBERNATION

Learn how animals live through the winter, and how people at the Jackson Homestead stayed warm, too. You will read Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, and preschoolers and their caregivers will make their own wintry paper bag trees. Admission is Free. Information: 617-796-1450