May 17-21, 2010 is Bay State Bike Week (and National Bike Week), and Newtonites will have lots of opportunities to participate right here in the Garden City. Kicking off the week will be the 3rd Annual Bike Newton Rally and Ride on Sunday, May 16, from noon-3pm at Newton City Hall. See here for details. On Monday May 17, at 6pm, the Bike Newton “No Rider Left Behind” bike ride will depart from the Main Library at 6pm. See the “rides” section of www.bikenewton.org for more info. On Friday morning May 21, a Bike-to-Work convoy will ride from Newton City Hall to Boston City Hall. Check the Newton Bike and Pedestrian Task Force website for details. For more information about the Bay State Bike Week, go here and here.
Parenting
Preparing For Summer Camp: Creating a Positive Experience for your Child
How Can I Help My Child Manage Emotions?
Events
Yard Sale and More to Benefit Community Rowing Saturday June 5th, 8am-2pm.
Open House with Free Barge Rowing and food available from the grill. At the wood-sheathed Community Rowing Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Road, on the Newton/Brighton line. (Down Charlesbank Road and straight ahead on Nonantu, on the left just past the Daley Ice Rink on the Charles River). Yard sale donations now being accepted. Drop off at the boathouse weekdays 9-noon or 5-8pm or weekends 10am-2pm. www.communityrowing.org. 617-779-8267.
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.
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.
Underwood School’s Annual Spring Fair
Rides, music, games, food, prizes and raffles, will be featured at Underwood School’s Annual Spring Fair. The fair will take place on Saturday, June 5th, 2010 from -10am-2pm, rain or shine, 101 Vernon Street! Take your chances at the Color Wheel or slide down the giant inflatable slide, the fair promises a day of fun for families of all ages. The school which is located in Newton Corner, is raising money for the school’s PTO. For directions or more information, please email Becky Manley, at becky@calare.com
ROOTS IN OUR HISTORY—THE 2010 NEWTON HISTORY SERIES
Newton’s 28th Annual House Tour – Sunday May 23rd, noon to 5pm. View distinctive Newton homes, innovative renovations, unique additions and inspiring interior and landscape design. This year features 8 private homes located in several of Newton’s historic neighborhoods and villages, as well as a carriage house and the 1732 Durant-Kenrick house and grounds. A special ‘Preview Party’ is to be held Saturday May 22nd. More info: 617-796-1450. Proceeds from the house tour benefit ‘Historic Newton’ and support its many programs at the Jackson Homestead and Museum and throughout the community. Tickets cost $25 ($20 for members) if purchased by May 21 or $30 ($25 for members) if purchased on May 22 or 23. They may be ordered online at www.historicnewton.org or may be ordered by phone at 617-796-1450.
Plant Exchange
May 22nd: 9am-3pm. Bring a Plant/Take a Plant: Ferns creeping out of bounds? Hostas growing like weeds? Lily of the Valley taking over your side yard? May is the month to divide and thin your garden plants. Why put those beautiful Iris divisions in the compost bin? Share them with your Newton neighbors at the 1st Annual Plant Exchange. Now’s the time to save old flower pots, milk cartons, coffee cans, large yoghurt containers, even plastic bags to pot up those divisions. If you can’t dig them up just before the event, keep them moist and in the shade until The Exchange Date: Saturday, May 22nd, 9am-3pm, rain or shine. Bring what you don’t want and find something new for your garden at 27 George Street just off Centre Street in Newton Corner. (One block north of the light where Sargent/Cabot Street crosses Centre Street). All exchanges are free, but please consider making a donation in any amount to the box marked ‘METCO Community Scholarship Fund’ which helps Newton METCO graduates attend college. For more information, email: BHoward617@aol.com. (This is a Bigelow Middle School Student’s Community Service Project)
Newton-Brookline Relay for Life Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
May 22-23 at Forte Park in Nonantum. Last year only Mason-Rice and Angier Schools had teams of walkers…the entire event had only 10 teams participate, but raised over $30,000. If you would like to organize a group for our school or for your neighborhood or for a group of friends, etc, go to: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=23334
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.
Newton Track and Field Camp
For Youth Ages 8-14. A fun, challenging and informative camp. Highly experienced and knowledgeable 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
Summer is almost here! The places are filling up quickly for our Summer Classes for children at the Newton Cultural Center. We have some spaces in the June Time for Families and the Time for Partners classes from 9:30 – 11:15. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share a special time each week with your child (18 months – 4 years) making art projects and singing with new friends in our cheerful, air conditioned classrooms. There is also Summer Swing, a drop-off program for 3 – 6 years olds from 9 am – noon from June 28 – August 5, with art, music and creative movement with a different theme each week. There is a lot of flexibility in the available days to fit your schedule. For more information, please call 617-527-8283 or visit www.newtonculturalcenter.org
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
MATH SUMMER
Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up and get ahead in Math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers individualized math summer programs in a fun, relaxing environment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps. Save $50 when you register before June 1. (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com
Classifieds
Affordable Housing Needed for VISTA Volunteer Beginning, August 1, 2010. The VISTA is the acronym for a Volunteer In Service To America, a domestic peace corps. Some VISTAs work in higher education, and the proposal we are writing is for a VISTA to help the Center For Community-Based Learning work in an inner city charter school developing a college awareness program with Lasell, and several other very meaningful projects. VISTAs work at the poverty level in terms of wages, getting a small stipend which is about $1300 per month. As you know, apartments in this area could easily be that much! So, anything we can do to get an inexpensive rental for the VISTA would be awesome. The student who is graduating that is applying for the position is fabulous, totally responsible, and is an education major. At Lasell she has been (already) a teaching assistant for four courses already and she has participated on three international service-learning trips, as well as served as a coordinator of our America Counts after school math tutoring program. She is currently student teaching this semester in Waltham (in a kindergarten and second grade). If you have affordable housing to offer, please contact Sharyn Lowenstein at SLowenstein@Lasell.edu .
Nurturing, goal oriented FLUTE TEACHER welcomes new students of all ages and levels. Professional Flute Studio in Newton. First lesson is complimentary. Barbara@newtonfluteteacher.com or call Barbara Nakazawa (617)527-4413
Boston College Summer Soccer Clinic. BOYS Ages 6-12. Boston College Newton Campus. July 26-29, 9:00am-3:00pm. For registration contact us at saccoccs@bc.edu. 617-552-4085
The Newton Mustangs Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Program announces that registration for the 2010 Season is now open. The Newton Mustangs compete in the Greater Boston League. Come join our returning GBL championship B Squad team. The season starts in early August and runs through late October. For more information please write: Registration@newtonpopwarner.org or visit our website: www.newtonpopwarner.org
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
Parents, are you starting to think about summer reading lists? Please check out this great Summer Reading Program at Borders for ages 6-12. Read any ten books and get one book free (their list but great selection!). Details at http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=7103 I have other reading lists as well as suggestions for math and phonics if that is part of your summer plans as well. Pragmatic Mom, http://PragmaticMom.com Type A Parenting for the Modern World.
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
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.
Calling All Dancers! All That Jazz Dance Studio is having our Spring Open House on Sunday, May 23rd from 4:00-5:30 at All That Jazz Dance Studio, 232 California St. in Newton. There will be sample classes, informal performances, refreshments and more! We are now accepting registration for our summer and fall classes. Please check out our website, www.allthatjazznewton.com, or call Miss Deb Lifson Vogel at 617-641-0784 for more information about all of our exciting classes!
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.
Relay for Life – Now’s the time to organize a team to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Newton-Brookline Relay this year will take place at Forte Park in Nonantum on May 22nd and 23rd. For more information or to register: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=23334
Who knew that Jewish Education could be this much fun?!? Fall registration is now open for the Ansin Religious School of Ohabei Shalom (a few blocks from Coolidge Corner). This school prides itself on being on the cutting edge and constantly striving to “break the mold” of a traditional Jewish Education. The goal is to ensure that students and families who walk through the doors feel at home. Offering an exciting and innovative Tuesday-only (K – 6) classroom program in a newly renovated facility along with a robust selection of hands-on Jewish experiences: Shabbat services, retreats, shul-ins, mitzvah projects, youth group events, etc, which compliment classroom learning. Offering a flexible choice in scheduling. Education programs are open to the community and non-members. For more information or to schedule a visit contact Shari Churwin, Education Director 617-739-9200 – schurwin@ohabei.org or visit www.ohabei.org.
Art and Music programs for children, with and without a caregiver. 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. 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. 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.
School of Rock Boston invites you to find out why 42% of our music students hail from Newton! Come visit our studios at 120 Elm Street in Watertown, and sign up for a free bass, keyboard, guitar, or vocal lesson. Accepting new students ages 7-17 all year round. Call 617-923-3434 or attend our open houses every Saturday from 9a-5pm.
The Pine Manor College Child Study Center has openings for the 2010-2011 academic year. This private, non-profit, preschool program serves families with children ages 2 years 9 months up to Kindergarten age. If you have any questions, you may reach Lynne Love, Director at 617 731-7039.
NSHS Book Sale for literacy. Sale dates: May 25, 26, and 27 in Wheeler House Commons. We’re currently collecting books for the sale and need your donations! Looking for gently used or new books, including fiction, non-fiction, classics, best-sellers, test prep materials, etc. for all ages!! Books may be dropped off in collection boxes located in Wheeler Commons or at the POD located in the parking lot outside Wheeler House starting May 3rd daily from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. If you’re unable to drop off books during these times, please email Patrice Wilson @ pwwilson1@verizon.net to arrange a drop off.
DONATIONS OF PROM DRESSES NEEDED. Clean Your Closets and Make a Teenager Happy! Newton South High School juniors Rachel Davidson and Sammie Levin are collecting new and “gently worn” prom dresses, purses and shoes to donate to Becca’s Closet, a global non-profit that provides formal attire to high school students with financial need. Please bring all donations to Holly Cleaners, 1314 Centre St, Newton, by mid-May. Send questions to dressdonation@gmail.com.
Are you looking for a unique creative Jewish educational experience for your children after school? Kesher Newton provides excellence in Jewish and Hebrew education on weekday afternoons. In a joy-filled, camp-like environment, we explore Jewish knowledge and cultivate a sense of community as our children grow to become proud, educated Jews. Limited openings remain for new students for 2010-11. For more information and a tour please contact Dan Brosgol at (617) 244-5390 or check our website www.keshernewton.org Kesher is licensed by the state of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding their summer clinics clinic for girls ages 6-14 during June 28-July and also July 19-22, 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/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/bc/sports/w-soccer/auto_pdf/summerreg
MATH SUMMER PROGRAMS – Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up and get a jump start on next year’s Math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers individualized math summer programs in a fun, relaxing environment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps. Save $50 when you register before June 1. (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com
