Community Listings for March 26

Bringing Down the House: June 4-6 at Newton North

Join in a fun-filled retrospective of student and community life at Newton North on June 4-6, before the building closes its doors for the last time. “Bringing Down the House” celebrates the more than 30 years of high school life at Newton North. The weekend features a free Open House from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, with a walk down memory lane on Main Street, memorabilia displays, video and music clips, alumni gatherings, art activities, live music, dining and the Great North Yard Sale. Other festivities include a Theatre Ink retrospective on Friday night, Jubilee concert on Saturday night and Alumni Jazz Brunch on Sunday morning. Times and ticket prices for these events will be announced soon.

We are looking for volunteers to help plan and execute the commemoration. Please email klgrannan@northptso.org or phone 925-324-4519 for more information on the event or how to get involved.

Mason-Rice’s 50th Birthday

RSVP Today for Mason-Rice’s 50th Birthday from 1-4 pm May 1, 2010 (rain date May 2)! Are you a Mason-Rice alumni or former faculty member? Visit our website at MasonRice50.info and SUBSCRIBE today so we can send you an invitation to our 50th Celebration! Do you know anyone who attended Mason-Rice? Contact us at masonrice50@gmail.com to and let us so we can invite them to the celebration! There will be games, food, live music, and presentations. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event.

Kindergarten Soccer Spring 2010

All children entering kindergarten or first grade in Newton in the fall of 2010 are invited to join the program which has been introducing children to soccer since 1993. The program is co-ed and focuses on fun while developing confidence as children learn the basics of the game. Teams are typically organized by elementary school so this is a great opportunity to meet other families from your school and give your child a chance to make friends before starting kindergarten. Kindergarten Soccer will meet on 8 Saturday mornings, April 24 – June 19 (except 5/29) at Richardson Field. Kindergartners will play from 9:15 to 10:15, and pre-kindergartners will play from 10:45 to 11:45. Kindergarten Soccer is run by parent volunteers and we need parents to help as coaches and assistant coaches. No previous knowledge of soccer is required. The fee for Kindergarten Soccer is $60. (Financial assistance is available and is confidential). Your child will receive a team t-shirt, as well as a medal or trophy at the end of the program. Every child must bring a size 3 soccer ball and wear shin guards each week. The deadline to submit your registration is March 31, 2010. Enrollment is limited and handled on a first come first serve basis. You will be contacted by a coach the week prior to the first session. Please register now and tell your pre-school friends too! www.kindergartensoccer.org

18th Annual Newton Heartbreak Hill Youth Race

Sunday, April 18th, noon – 3 pm.
The race is one mile, up and down Heartbreak Hill. Pre-registration required.
Youths (9 – 18) $10, Adults (19 – 90) $12, Wheelchair athletes $10, Family walk $10. First 500
registrants receive free t- shirt. All registrants receive a race medallion, seedling tree and a free ticket to
pre-race pasta/pizza party on Saturday, April 17th, 5:30 pm at Newton City Hall. Sports celebrity
appearances include photo-ops with “Pat” the N.E. England Patriots Mascot, and face painting by the N.E.
Revolution cheerleaders! Call 617-527-8283 for more info, or register at www.newtoncivicpride.org

Parenting

Attention to parents who have a child with ADHD currently in 1st or 3rd grade.

The Floating Hospital for Children in cooperation with the Newton Public Schools is delighted to offer again a computer-based attention training systems to children with ADHD throughout 15 Newton Elementary Schools for children next school year in 2nd and 4th grades.One system uses EEG biofeedback (or neurofeedback, www.playattention.com) and the other uses a Standard Computer Format (www.braintrain.com) for cognitive training. Both systems are considered clinically equivalent. Private coaching sessions can be very expensive. This intervention does not involve any medication; however, if a child on medication can enroll. This research project is fully funded by a grant from the Federal Department of Education. Students enrolled will not pay for any services received. The project has been discussed and approved by the superintendent’s office of the Newton Public Schools. Enrollment is in April 2010. Interested parents contact Elizabeth Frenette, Enrollment Coordinator, at CATS@tuftsmedicalcenter.org.

Understanding Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing

is the topic of the Newton PAC for Special Education Meeting, Thurs. April 15th at 7:30pm.  Speaker: Dr. Joseph Moldover, developmental neuropsychologist specializing in evaluating children, adolescents and young adults will talk about what the tests measure and what the results mean, the concepts and theories behind testing, different types of tests, understanding test results and important questions for parents to ask.  Targeted at parents whose children undergo neuropsychological assessment to determine special education needs.  Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 followed by the presentation.  The Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 210, Newtonville.  For more info or to join the online discussion group, email info@newtonpac.or or visit the website: www.newtonpac.org.

Understanding Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing.

Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 pm. Dr. Joseph Moldover will speak on Understanding Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing.  What do the tests measure, and what do the results mean?  The seminar is particularly intended for parents whose children undergo neuropsychological assessment to determine the presence of special learning needs. Dr. Moldover discusses the concepts and theories behind testing, different types of tests, understanding test results, and important questions to ask when your child participates in testing.  Dr. Moldover is a developmental neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of children, adolescents and young adults. Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm, 100 Walnut St, Room 210, Newtonville. For more information about the Newton PAC or to join our online discussion group, please email info@newtonpac.org or visit our website at www.newtonpac.org.

April Vacation Events

BC Soccer School

The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding their April Vacation clinic for girls ages 6-14 during April 20-23, 9:00am-3:00pm at the BC Newton campus. Come join us for soccer fun and development. Registration may be found at: http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps-april.html.

April Break Rock Star Boot Camp

For details about this event, click the link below: http://www.teenlife.com/events/event_details.asp?id=100308

April Vacation Programs with Newton Community Ed for All Ages

From Babysitting Certification for older kids to programs for elementary and toddler kids: ‘Marble Machine Madness’, ‘Create a TV Show’, ‘Engineering with Legos’ and more. Summer camp offerings for all ages through middle school, as well with lots of new offerings this year. See what Newton Community Ed has to offer at: www.newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

A Step Ahead Basketball April Vacation program.

Location: Mackenzie Center Newton (1337 Centre St)
Age: Boys & Girls 8-15
Dates: April 20 – 23
Time: 9AM – 1PM
For more information please visit www.asahoops.com
or contact Coachb@asahoops.com / 617-909-5990

Events

‘Food and Wine for the Soul — Technology for the Schools’

Join special guests Mayor Setti Warren and Shelley Chamberlain, Newton Public Schools Director of Information Technology for a night of fabulous food and wine pairings and an impressive demonstration of new 21st century technology currently being used in our schools.  At the Charles River Country Club, Friday April 30th 7-9pm.  Ticket/donation: $75 per person, 100% tax deductible.  Bring family and friends!  All proceeds support the Newton Schools Foundation’s campaign to outfit every NPS classroom with 21st century tools in support of Newton’s strategic goal of 21st century teaching and learning.  Purchase tickets at http://www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org/news%20and%20events/2010/wineforsoul_dinner.html. More info at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org or contact Tori Filler at tori_filler@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6120.

4th Annual Winter Dinner Series to benefit programs of The Newton Schools Foundation.

“Tailgate 2010″ on Saturday March 27th funds technology in the classroom.  “4th Annual Winter Dinner” April 10th raises more funds to keep classrooms technologically up-to-date. “Turkish Delights” Sunday April 11th helps fund The Newton Schools Foundation.  Find out more about these great nights out at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

FitKids Jamboree at NCSC, West Newton: Saturday, March 27th.

Parents, looking for a new way to get the wiggles out? Bring your kids ages 2-5 to the FitKids Jamboree. Athletic activities provided by Knucklebones, healthy snack choices provided by Whole Foods Market, and the Lakeshore Learning Art Experience gives kids the ability to create things that reinforce active, healthy lifestyles. Divided into three 2 hour sessions (9-11 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., and 2-4 p.m.). Located at 492 Waltham Street, West Newton. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.FitKidsJamboree.com or call 617-935-9856.

Lincoln-Eliot PTO Year of the Tiger Fundraiser

When: Friday, April 9, 7 PM
Where: American Legion Post 440, 295 California Street, Newton, Ma 02458
What: An adults-only evening of sipping cocktails, eating hors d’oeuvres, socializing with other parents, and bidding on great items like restaurant and spa certificates … and much more. Tickets are $10 ($15 at the door).
Why: We need to raise $10,000 to continue excellence in Arts and Sciences for Lincoln-Eliot.
please contact president@lepto.org for tickets or information

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Musical

The Newton Country Players proudly presents “THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE”, a Tony award winning musical to be performed April 16-17 and 23-24, 2010 at MassBay Community College. Please go to www.ncpspellingbee.org to meet the cast, see previews and buy tickets. 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. This show is recommended for audiences age middle school through adult

Newton Children’s Cooperative Nursery School FUNRAISER Concert.

Get ready for some sing-along, dance-along, laugh-along family fun in this rockin’ musical journey through classic kids’ tales and original songs with Debbie and Friends (www.debbieandfriends.net). Parents and kids join in this interactive “variety show”, which includes a diverse array of styles including rock, pop, country, reggae, and Broadway-esque tunes. You’ll become the Big Bad Wolf and blow the house down, fix Rosie’s wrong rhymes, test your skills with the Simon Sez Song, and share a special moment with your loved ones singing “Love Is a Family.” Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:30 a.m. Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands, MA 02461. $6 in advance, $8 at the door – children under 1 free. Tickets available at Learning Express, Newton Centre starting Monday, March 22nd. Ticket info: 617.527.8539

‘Mother’s Day Walk for Peace’ reaches out to Newton with a Visit by its Founder

Stand Up Against Violence – a Great Community Service Event for Families. Every year, thousands of people from across the state gather for the annual 3.6 miles Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. ‘The Walk’, held this year on Sunday May 9th, was started in 1996 by Tina Chery after her 14 year old son, Louis, was killed on his way to a “Youth Against Gang Violence” meeting near his Dorchester home. Tina Chery has since become an outspoken proponent for peace. ‘The Walk’ is one way to show that “people care”. Funds raised from ‘The Walk’ go to The Louis D Brown Peace Institute to educate young people about the importance of peace and to provide crisis management and counseling to Boston families impacted by violence. More at www.louisbrownpeaceinstitute.org. Tina Chery will be in Newton to talk about her son and about ‘The Walk’, Sunday March 28th from 4-6pm at 49 Kenwood Avenue, Newton Center. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact JosieGreene49@comcast.net or 617-513-0130.

Turtle Lane Playhouse Newton Youth Talent Show

Turtle Lane Playhouse will have its first ever Youth Talent Show March 27th, 2010. The show is open to students from the Newton area with any kind of performance talent. Finalists will perform on the Turtle Lane stage and the winner will receive a $500 savings bond. NEWTON YOUTH ONLY! Ages 8 to 18. Perform live on our professional stage.Top Prize includes a $500 Savings bond.Professional Judges. If you have a talent and would like to participate you must have your parent or guardian fill out an Application at http://www.turtlelane.org/talentshow.html or call 617 244 0169.
Auditions March 18 & 19 5:00-9:00PM
Semi Finals March 20 at 2:00 and 7:00PM
Finals Rehearsal Saturday March 27, 12:00PM
FINALS SATURDAY MARCH 27, 7:00 PM

Spontaneous Generation

Presented by Theatre Ink and student directed by Mercer Gary and Graham Techler. In a world where fear rules and all hope is lost, there is only one improvisational troupe the planet can depend on: SPONTANEOUS GENERATION! It’s back and it’s better than ever. Spontaneous Generation is Newton North High School’s only improv troupe and stuffed to the brim with chuckles, giggles, and snorts. Spon. Gen. performs at Newton North and at improv clubs around the Boston area. So call the neighbors because Spon. Gen. is back. April 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th at 7:30. Little Theatre at NNHS, 360 Lowell Avenue, Newtonville. Tickets $5 at www.theatreink.net or 617-559-6406.

Calling all Kids to participate in the 5th Annual Pan Mass Challenge

The Newton/Needham/Brookline Bike Ride to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.  Sunday May 23rd Noon-4 at 180 Wells Office Park in Newton.  Teens age 13 and up can ride in the 17-mile road race, starting promptly at 1:30.  (Strong 12 year old 6th graders may participate with the teens at their parent’s discretion).  Younger kids ride as long as they want, starting at 1pm, on the office park course.  Post-party celebration includes refreshments, music, games, kids’ activities, a raffle with great prizes and more!  The minimum fundraising amount per rider is just $50, but additional money raised would be most welcome.  Come on your own or build a team with friends, school or teammates, or your neighborhood and make a long-lasting difference in the fight against cancer.  Register online at www.kids.pmc.org/nnb.  For more info, or to learn about how you can volunteer to help with the event, contact Jordana Alford: jlalford@rcn.com, May Chiu: mayfchiu@earthlink.net or Jane Quinn: janequinn419@gmail.com.

Suzuki School of Newton Artist Concert Series

April 25, 2010. Carol Wincenc, flute; Ann Hobson Pilot, harp; and Joy Cline Phinney, piano will perform a delightful chamber music program in Newton Centre’s Wilson Chapel on Sunday, April 25 at 3PM. This concert is part of Suzuki School of Newton’s Artist Concert Series, and is made possible by grants from Henschel Community Award of Harvard Musical Association and Mass. Cultural Council organizational support. Ticket prices: adults $16, students and seniors $10, families $50 (for two adults and up to five children). Call us at 617-964-4522 or visit www.SuzukiNewton.org for more information. All proceeds benefit need-based music scholarships.

Family Concert at Symphony Hall

The Boston Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra presents ”Music and Magic” Saturday, March 27th at Noon.  Featuring the ‘Young People’s String Orchestra’ and members of the ‘Intensive Community Program’.  Kids under 18 are free with adults paying $20.  Up to four children per adult. Additional children $10.  More information and tickets at www.bso.org or call 617-266-1200.

Summer Camps

NCSC Summer Day Camp at Hale Reservation (Grades 1 – 8)

Registration is now open for the Newton Community Service Center Summer Day Camp at the beautiful Hale Reservation in Westwood (transportation from our West Newton location is included). Join us for fun-filled days of boating, Red Cross swim lessons and free swim, arts and crafts, fishing, boating, archery, a ropes challenge course, nature activities, sports, cookouts, special events, overnights and more at our ACA-accredited camp. From June 28th through August 27th, join us for two, four, six, eight weeks – or the entire summer! For more information or to register, please go to our web site at www.NCSCweb.org. If you have questions, please contact Megan Cap-Renzi at mcap-renzi@ncscweb.org or (617) 969-5906, ext. 224.

Club Invention!

July 12-16 & July 19-23 NSHS. Club Invention focuses on projects that enhance creativity, teamwork, and inventive-thinking skills. Children entering grades 1-6 participate in 5 project modules promoting science, math, history, and the arts through creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Newton teachers lead the curricula and Judi Fitts, a Cabot 4th grade teacher, returns as director. Register for one or both weeks: July 12-16 and/or July 19-23. Newton South High School, 9-3:30. Extended day program available. $275 includes all materials and a T-shirt. For more info or to register, contact Newton Community Ed at www.newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

JCC Kaleidoscope Creative Arts + Science Camp Open House

Sunday March 28, 2-4pm Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street. Meet the director, tour the facilities and learn about this day camp for boys and girls K-8. (CIT program grades 9-11) Camp dates June 28-August 20. www.kaleidoscopecamp.org. Contact: 617-558-6523 or kaleidoscope@jccgb.org

Newton Track and Field Camp

For Youth Ages 8-14. A fun, challenging and informative camp. Highly experienced and knowledgable staff. Small camper to staff ratio
Week One: July 5-9
Week Two: July 19-23
Week Three: August 2-6
For more information and to sign up visit: http://newtontrackcamp.weebly.com or email tomdavis@letsrun.com

Newton Cultural Center Summer Programs for Children

Art and Music programs for children, with and without a caregiver for the summer at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newton // June Time for Families: Twice a week, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 – 11:15 am,  June 1,3,8,10.  Leading up to “Time for Partners”.  Art each day with Kim, Jacques or Mary Bruno and music with David Polansky.  $85. Call 617-527-8283 to register, or visit www.newtonculturalcenter.org for more information. // Time for Partners: For children ages 18 months – 4 years with an adult Choose Mondays – Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:15 am June 28 – August 5. Music and art every day.  Mondays – $100, Tuesdays – Thursdays – $120.  Call 617-527-8283 to register, or visit www.newtonculturalcenter.org. for more information // Summer Swing A drop-off program for children ages 3 – 6 // June 28 – August 5, 9 am – noon 2, 3 and 4-day options available.  One hour lunch bunch available $10 per day.  Art, music and creative movement program with different themes each week.  2 – day: $465, 3 – day: $665, 4 – day: $865. Call 617-527-8283 to register, or visit www.newtonculturalcenter.org for more information

Joanne Langione Dance Center

Registration has begun for 2010 Summerdance programs. Playdance (ages 2-5) has class offerings every morning 10-11:30 am. The Full Day Dance Program (ages 6-14) runs July 5th- August 13th from 9-5 pm. Students may register for any number of weeks. Summerdance Intensives (ages 9-12, 13-18) for Intermediate/Advanced students run throughout the summer. info@jldancecenter.com * 617-969-8724 * www.jldancecenter.com

Classifieds

Pierce Elementary School Family Provides Pet Sitting. While you are on business trips, vacations, day outings, etc. give your dog a fun time too! Your puppy/dog will be well cared for while you are away. Your pet will be fed, walked, pampered, played with – in short, will be having fun! Two Pierce School Family kids, age 17 and 10, with experience with their own family dogs, look forward to taking care of your dog while you are away. They have been providing this service for the last few years and it works very well for the animals and the kids. Only one or two dogs will be taken care of at a time. Reasonable rates. References provided. Contact: EMagids@aol.com or 617-527-6654

Pragmatic Mom Blog. Looking for parenting advice on How to Get an Athletic Scholarship? or Top 10: Korean American Children’s Books, or How to Get Rid of Lice? or Science Projects? or Public vs. Private School? or need book ideas for your children? If so, please check out parenting blog by Newton Mom, http://pragmaticmom.com

ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC. Your source for in-home tutoring. Effective, Personalized and Convenient. All grades/all subjects, including test preparation (MCAS, SSAT, ISEE, SAT…). Sign your child up for academic success and receive a free lesson! Call: (617) 663-5700 during business hours, or (617) 227-2225 Eve/Wknds. Please visit our web site at www.activemindstutoring.com

All That Jazz Dance Studio is pleased to announce our next Free Fairy Princess Tea Party!  Sunday, April 11th from 2:00-3:30 at All That Jazz Dance Studio  232 California St.  Newton, MA 02458.  Come dressed as your favorite Fairy or Princess and be prepared to Dine and Dance the afternoon away!  Also, please come see the All That Jazz Dancers at Kids FunFest at Newton City Hall on Sunday, May 2nd- Free Performances at 11:30 and 2:30 and Booth open from 10:00-5:00 and at the Atrium Mall on Sunday, May 16th- Free Performances at 12:30 and 2:00.

Two Newton South Juniors have started a new DJ company specializing in Bar and Bat-Mitzvahs, Birthday and Sweet 16 Parties,  Graduation Events, Family Functions, Holiday Parties and School Dances. The M&A DJ Company will bring to you a successful dance party or background music for any type of event. High quality professional equipment and an array of enjoyable music for all occasions.  Prices start at $300 per function. For booking information, contact Alex at vwlyon@verizon.net or 617-866-3871.

Education Job Opening, Part time: Newton Highlands Congregational Church (a United Church of Christ) is seeking a Director of Children’s & Youth Ministry. This person will provide leadership and teaching for the congregation’s children, including guidance for all aspects of our program.  NHCC is a faithful, progressive, Open & Affirming Christian parish, with an active and educated congregation. We seek a collaborative leader who celebrates “hands-on” praxis in a resource-rich community.  Up to 22 hours per week; salary commensurate with experience and training. For more information go to www.nhcc.net or contact ce@nhcc.net

Mindful Shopping: A Special Presentation & Book Signing with best-selling Dan Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence which was on the New York Times Best Seller list for a year and a half.  Goleman will be introducing his new book, Ecological Intelligence: The Hidden Impact of What We Buy, which reveals the hidden environmental consequences of what we make and buy and show how new market forces can drive changes essential to helping save our planet.  April 28th at 7pm at Oak Hill Middle School.  All are welcome.  This is part of a 4-part speaker series continuing through May sponsored by Newton Community Education.  Tickets for this event are $20 at the door with discounts available for the entire series at www.newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

Please join Burr Cooperative Nursery School for our spring Play Date & Open House, where parents and children can meet our teachers, talk to current families, and enjoy a craft and a snack! We are now enrolling for the 2010-2011 school year. Wednesday, April 7, 3:00 – 5:00p.m 64 Hancock Street, Newton, MA 02466. www.burrcoop.org

Blood Drive Donors Needed: A Red Cross Blood Drive is to be held Wednesday April 7th 8am to 1pm in the Newton North High School Auditorium.  Parents welcome.  Students can participate too.  Must be at least 17 years old, 110 pounds and in good health.  Students who are 16 may also donate if they complete the parental permission form.  To sign up or obtain a permission form, have your student see Ms. Reynolds (Math Dept, office 230A).  Volunteers are also needed to help during he day at the registration table and the canteen.

Greek Mythology“, part of the “Children’s Book Reading Series – Books of the World”, Saturday March 27th at 3pm.  This free series explores books from various regions of the world.  Children will enjoy samples of desserts from the featured region.  This week that region is Greece, with story books based on ancient Greek mythology.  For questions or to sign up, email customerservice@queenbeegirls.com or call 617-630-0006.  Include your name, and the names and ages of the children who will be attending.

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies is now accepting registrations for grades K-7 for the 2010-2011 school year.  The Sunday School is an independent school offering a once-a-week program for children in the greater Boston area for over 40 years.  Located at the Oak Hill School in Newton, our school is committed to providing a Jewish education that fosters a strong sense of Jewish identity for children and families with diverse traditions of Jewish observance.  Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is available but not required, and students may enter in any grade. Interfaith and nontraditional families are welcome.  For additional information, please visit our website at www.sundayschoolforjewishstudies.org or call 617.264.8855.

A few spaces have opened up in both classrooms of the Newton South Preschool Program for the 2010-2011 school year.  We are a Child Development Lab School based in the Family and Consumer Sciences Dept. at Newton South High School.  We provide a rich and nurturing learning environment that is focused on supporting each child’s individual interests and learning styles within a developmental play curriculum.  Our aim is to encourage children to acquire competence and self-confidence as they explore a wide variety of experiences and interact with our dedicated teaching staff. A full “school day” tuition option or a four-hour “half-day” tuition option is available.  The preschool one classroom serves children two years, nine months by September 1, and the preschool two classroom serves children three years, nine months by September 1.  The curriculum follows the NAEYC and MA. DOE guidelines and standards for quality early childhood education programs.  We follow the Newton Public Schools calendar, opening on September 1, 2010 for the upcoming school year. All interested families should contact Melissa Hammel, Director, by emailing, Melissa_Hammel@newton.k12.ma.us.