Category Archives: Community Notes

Historic Newton Upcoming Events

Community Weekend at Historic Newton
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to both our museums. Please note that part of the Jackson Homestead is closed for renovations.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue and
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street
December 5th and 6th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

From Ginger to Jello: Unexpected Christmas History
The nineteenth century poem that begins, “‘Twas the night before Christmas” has given us visions of sugarplums, but in reality, the Puritans banned Christmas in 1659 and celebrations were somewhat muted until Christmas became a Massachusetts holiday in 1856. This program traces the authentic history of Christmas celebrations in New England through popular foods of the 1770s, 1850s and 1930s. Sample and smell the tastes of Christmas and leave with historic recipes to try.

Tickets are $10 per person; $8 for seniors, students, and members.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
December 9th, 7:00 pm

Wellesley Theatre Project presents Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.

See Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical come to life onstage! Join Troy, Gabriella, and the rest of East High as they deal with first love, making new friends, and the challenges of being in high school. When basketball team captain Troy and brainy Gabriella decide to audition for the school musical, they cause an upheaval within their own cliques by going against the grain. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Purchase tickets online HERE  or by calling 781-235-1550.

December 3rd, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
December 4th, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
December 5th,  2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
December 6th, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Ellsworth Theatre at Pine Manor College
400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill

Writing Tutor Available

Does your son or daughter have difficulty with writing assignments? Jane Hirschhorn can help your child become a more successful writer. She has more than 20 years of experience and has worked with students from middle school through graduate school. She tailors her approach to make the best use of each student’s strengths and learning style to help him or her move through the writing process with calm and confidence.

For more information, please contact Jane at ja**@*********ng.com or at 617- 957-7208. Please learn more at jbhtutoring.com.

Tutor available

Tutor with a Massachusetts Department of Education Academic Educator Licensure: Elementary Grades 1 to 6; Special Education: Moderate Disabilities Grades Pre-K to 8 is available to teach people aged 2 years-old to senior citizens.

Duer McLanahan teaches English, ESL, Mandarin Chinese, listening comprehension, verbal skills, literacy development, reading, and writing and will tutor students in Grades Pre-K to 8 in English, Social Studies, guitar playing, folk-rock and children’s songwriting, singing and harmony singing. Please contact: du***********@***il.com or cell-text 617- 817-3440. Resume and business cards available at parents’ and tutees’ request.

NNHS Science Team fundraising

Nick Zhang, vice president of the Newton North Science Team shares that they are actively raising money in order to pay for competition fees and for supplies needed for building and studying. Currently, they are raking leaves to fund-raise for the team. If you are interested, please decide on a rate and contact Nick at ni********@***il.com. Thank you!

Newton Girls Basketball Association (NGBA)

Registration is underway for the upcoming Newton Girls Basketball season. Join the more than 500 players from second graders through eighth graders who play NGBA basketball. This is a recreational basketball league for Newton girls and girls attending Newton schools with fun for beginners and experienced players alike! Games are played on Saturdays, starting early December and continuing into mid-March.

Scholarships are available based on need; please see the website for details. To register, obtain additional details and to find out more about the league, please visit www.ngba.net. $15.00 Late Fee after November 21st.

Top 10 Reasons to Play NGBA Basketball this Winter
10. No goalkeepers to block the shots
9. Great exercise
8. Participate in another team sport
7. Learn basketball skills
6. Make new friends!!!
5. Off-season cross training for soccer
4. Entertainment for parents on Saturdays
3. Girls get new sneakers
2. The March Madness tournament rivals the NCAA?s
1. It really is a lot of fun!!!!

Zervas Turkey Trot 5K

Please join the 2nd annual Zervas 5K Turkey Trot to support the Newton Food Pantry. Registration is now open at newtonturkeytrot.racewire.com and long sleeve tech T-shirts will be given to all participants who register online before November 18th. $25.00 online, $30.00 race day.

Like last year, there will be a 1 mile fun run starting at 8:30 am. Not a runner? please consider volunteering race day on the website: newtonturkeytrot.com

Organizers are also looking for a few small financial sponsors to be a part of this amazing community event. Please contact ne**************@***il.com for more details if you are interested in having your company logo on the T-shirt, registration page or website.

Race day is November 21st at 9:00 am!  (The Saturday before Thanksgiving.)

Special Education meeting on November 16th

The Birds and the Bees: Age-Appropriate Sex and Relationships Education at home and at school, a talk for parents of pre-teens and teens with special education needs.

Lack of access to sexuality info puts all young people at risk, but even more so for young people with special needs. It is often too little too late and with incorrect and incomplete information. This talk by Newton parent and sex and relationships educator Megara Bell will address the need for age-appropriate sex and relationships education for all Continue reading →

FIRST Lego League Competition on November 21st

The LigerBots are hosting a FIRST Lego League (FLL) qualifying tournament. FLL teams have spent the past two months designing and building robots, researching their projects, and practicing their FIRST core values, and are ready to show off their acheivements. Come and watch the robot games, see the project presentations in an “FLL Idol” event, and explore the mini-Maker’s Faire. This event is free and open to the public, and suitable for kids kindergarten age and older!

FLL is part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and is open to students in grades 4-8. FIRST is an international non­profit youth organization created specifically for “to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders”. Student participation in the FLL enhances independence and personal growth, while also highlighting skills needed for teamwork and leadership.

November 21nd, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Newton North High School

Celebrate Newton Craft Fair

Come to Celebrate Newton, the holiday craft fair sponsored by Newton Community Education, where more than 50 local artisans will be selling hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, photography, soaps, culinary treats, glass work, tote bags, and more. Local musicians and choral groups will perform throughout the day, providing a lovely backdrop while you shop. There will even be a kids craft table and food available for purchase, so bring the kids and make a day of it.

Shop locally this holiday season and buy one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family at Celebrate Newton. Please visit celebratenewton.com for more details and a complete listing of the artisans who will be selling their work. Net proceeds from the fair support NCE’s scholarship fund. Admission $3.00 (kids under 12 are free).

December 6th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Newton South High School