Come to a very special concert. In addition to performing songs by legendary folk rock artist Neil Young, NFS will be singing some well-known and beloved songs by Crosby Stills & Nash, John Fogerty and Buffalo Springfield, as well as a few song surprises. In recognition of Neil Young’s environmentalism and advocacy for small farmers, proceeds from this concert will benefit the educational programs of the Newton Community Farm. The farm’s mission is to teach and model sustainable agricultural and environmental practices in our community, on the historic Angino Farm.

So bring your family to enjoy the Newton Family Singers benefit concert on May 14th! It will be a fun filled afternoon including great music, concern for our environment, education and community.

To purchase tickets online, please visit www.newtonfamilysingers.org. Please also consider purchasing a family sponsorship for $100. Family Sponsors will receive four tickets, a mention in our program and our undying gratitude!

May 14th,  3:30 pm at the Newton South High School auditorium.

Finding Your Quiet Place: Mindfulness Skills for Children & Families
Being a parent can be stressful. When your child experiences a meltdown or has difficulty concentrating and following directions, it can be difficult to keep your cool-let alone help your child to calm down and focus. Mindfulness can help. In this discussion, Mindfulness authors and clinical social workers Deborah Sosin and Carla Naumburg share their experiences helping parents and children learn how to pay attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity.

In addition to learning the benefits of mindfulness, participants will practice fun exercises that they can do at home to bring peace to their daily lives and build more harmonious family relationships. Register online at newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999. Tickets: $14.00 in advance ($20.00 at the door).

May 3rd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Newton South High School

Growing Up Mindful: Encouraging Compassion and Connection in Children and Teens
Many of us are seeking ways to share Mindfulness with our children to prepare them for a world that is often less than compassionate. We cannot protect them from every challenge, but we can offer them the lifelong gift of mindful awareness to ease their way.

Christopher Willard will discuss how Mindfulness can help kids build resilience for dealing with life’s challenges and cultivate emotional, cognitive, and spiritual intelligence. Willard is a Boston-based psychologist and educational consultant specializing in Mindfulness for adolescents and young adults. He has been practicing meditation for over 15 years and teaches at Harvard Medical School and is a published author. Copies of his new critically acclaimed book “Growing Up Mindful” will be available for purchase.

Register online at newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999. Tickets: $14.00 in advance ($20.00 at the door).

May 10th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Newton South High School

Musical experience is not required for songwriting workshop for ages 8-19.

During the workshop students learn songwriting techniques from professional songwriters and how to write, perform and record an original song for a CD. Participants will also learn about Tunefoolery, the organization being honored at the Plugged In spring session benefit concert. Tunefoolery is a non-profit organization for musicians in mental health recovery.

On the first day of the workshop, a representative from Tunefoolery will talk with the students about their work. They hope that by acquiring a deeper understanding of the cause, the experience of performing in the concert becomes more meaningful for the students. Later in the day, students break into groups, led by professional songwriters, and write songs based on their reactions to what they have learned (and/or on any subject of their choice).

On the second day, they will record the students performing their original songs and create a CD of these performances. The CD will then be sold at the show to raise additional funds for Tunefoolery. Students also perform their original songs at the concert.

The first day of the workshop will be April 23rd from 1:00 – 6:00 pm. On the second day, April 24, each group will come in for 2 hours between 11:00 am – 8:00 pm to do their recording. The fee for the workshop is $175.00. The workshop will take place at Plugged In at 40 Freeman Place in Needham.

For more information and/or to register online, please visit www.pluggedinband.org.