Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Experienced tutor available

Retired Wellesley Public Schools teacher who is currently working at MassBay Community College, Haralie Alpert,  tutors K-5th grade in reading, writing and math and also works with middle school, high school and college age students in executive functioning, writing, note taking, organizational skills, test preparation, and self-advocacy.

Each lesson is a positive and fun learning experience. Please contact Haralie Alpert, M.Ed., MS at haralie@gmail.com or 617-630-0608.

Farlow Park restoration project update:

” At the end of August, there were unanticipated issues discovered by the Newton’s construction contractor for the Farlow Park restoration project, AJ Virgilio. It is not uncommon with any large capital project that the vendor runs into obstacles, not discovered when doing both the feasibility study and initial project planning. These unforeseen issues were inaccessible during the discovery and initial project analysis as the original pond basin sat under 18 inches of loam. We are fortunate that much of the original basin is intact, amazing considering this man-made pond was originally constructed in the late 18oo’s. In order to make the basin watertight, seeps holes needed to be expanded and then patched and the expansion joints needed to be cleaned and resurfaced. Also the edging around the basin was in bad shape in certain places and needed significant repair.

Our project manager and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, were presented with the necessary changes by the contractor, design and structural engineers and landscape architect. With the recommendations in hand to move forward with the project, we negotiated the cost changes and are now moving forward. We are back on track, and the new bridge is being constructed off-site.

Once we have a updated timeline, it will be shared with the community via email (Newton Corner Google Group), Facebook (both Newton Corner and Farlow Park pages, and the Friends of Farlow Park website.
The City of Newton is committed to the Farlow Park restoration project as the Friends of Farlow Park have been since 2004. This is our community and our neighborhood, and we invite all residents of Newton Corner and the city of Newton to join us renewing our commitment by joining the Friends of Farlow Park. http://farlowpark.org.”

CPA project link:  http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/cpa/projects/farlow.asp#2013-proposal

Come spin to support the Centre Street Food Pantry

Come spin on September 18th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at Healthworks at 1300 Boylston St in Chestnut Hill to raise money for the Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton.

Funds will be used to purchase nutritious and delicious food. Suggested donation of $100 per person or $150 per couple but any amount of donation welcome. Please click here to sign up.

Newton’s Parks & Recreation Fall activities

The Newton Parks & Recreation Department is kicking off the fall season with lots of opportunities for residents of all ages to be active, engaged, and have fun:

On October 7th, there’s a Picnic in the Park at Kennard Park from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, with music, dancing, and lots of activities. Designed for children and adults, the picnic is a great way to spend time outdoors and explore the park. More information about the picnic is available here.

The Lower Falls Community Center is home to lots of great classes, offering fun and fitness for Newton residents of all ages. Some of the diverse offerings include: SAT Tutoring, Softball Pitching Clinic, Tai Chi, a Boot Camp, Zumba, and an infants’ playgroup. A complete list of these classes can be viewed here. For more information on the Lower Falls programs please contact jdore@newtonma.gov or call 617-796-1541.

The first series of the always popular ice skating lessons begins in September, and the full schedule is available here. For more information on ice skating, email parks@newtonma.gov or call 617-796-1510.

Funtastic Fridays are back! Held on select Friday evenings throughout the school year, Funtastic Fridays are exclusively for fifth graders, and feature games, music, prizes and snacks at the Hyde Community Center. These evenings are great ways for fifth graders to have fun while meeting peers from different parts of Newton, whom they may see again next year in middle school. More information about Funtastic Fridays is available here.

Super Saturdays are held monthly on select Saturday evenings throughout the school year. Designed for ages 5 – 12, these fun Saturday evenings at the Lower Falls Community Center are a great childcare option for parents who want a few hours to themselves, while knowing their children are busy with games, movies, and arts and crafts activities. More information on Super Saturdays is available here or contact jdore@newtonma.gov or call 617-796-1541.

Newton Community Education Fall ACT & SAT Prep Classes

Sign up now for Fall ACT & SAT College Prep classes:

ACT Prep – October 21st – November 30th (includes 2 Saturday morning practice tests and 4 Thursday evening sessions) at Newton South High School.
SAT Math Review – Mondays, October 18th – November 15th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Newton North High School
SAT Verbal Review – Wednesdays, October 23rd – November 20th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Newton North High School

NCE is also offering the following college related programs for parents:

Reduce the Stress of College Funding –  September 26th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm at Newton North High School
You Can Afford College If… –  September 19th at Newton North or November 2nd at Newton South, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Is Your High School Grad Ready for College –  October 19th at Newton South, 7:00 -9:00 pm
Navigating the Student-Athlete College Search and Recruiting Process – (2 session program)  November 1st and 2nd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Newton South. Parents and students welcome.
For more information about these programs, or to register, visit newtoncommuityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

Newton Community Farm’s Annual Fall Festival

Come enjoy your local community farm at 303 Nahanton Street in Newton during an afternoon of fun family activities There will be live music by the High Strung Strummers, a sing-a-long (11:45 – 12:30) led by Julia of Music Together , pumpkin decorating, face painting, and spider web cutting.

Your family can play corn hole together, or take a great family photo. Come for lunch and enjoy a fresh-made sandwich from around the world, grilled corn, apples, and delicious treats provided by our community bakers. It’s a perfect way to welcome the fall season!

We depend on our community of volunteers to make these public events possible. Please consider volunteering for a shift, and/or baking  for the bake sale to make your contribution. Please visit the website  for more information or to sign up to volunteer.

September 24th,  11:00 am – 3:00 pm
303 Nahanton Street, Newton

Kids in Grade 2-5: Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument, while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks!

Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:00 pm (We are able to open a second session of Uke 1 on Tuesdays at 2:15)

Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”.

Tuesdays, 2:15 – 3:00 pm To register: www.activityreg.com , click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental.

Fall Session: Tuesdays, September 26th – December 5th
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall

Middle School Speech Team

Newton Public School students in Grades 6-8*, join the Speech Team to become a better public speaker, gain confidence for class discussions and dramatic presentations, win awards for yourself and your school, make friends with kids from all over the state, and have fun as part of an amazing team.

You’ll compete in tournaments through the Massachusetts Middle School Speech League (formerly the Forensics League) in the event you choose, from among prose or poetry reading, original oratory, impromptu, and more. All students are expected to attend a minimum of six tournaments in order to represent their team and improve their public speaking skills. For more information or to register click here or visit newtoncommunityed.org.

September 27th – May 16th, Wednesdays,  3:30 – 5:30 pm
Newton South High School

*Fifth graders are welcome to join this class, but per league rules they can not participate in tournaments except for the Newton tournament that takes place in the spring.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Hope Walks 2017

Join Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s 8th Annual Hope Walks. Hope Walks is a 3.3 mile neighborhood walk to benefit the life-enhancing Integrative Support Services at the Vernon Cancer Center. The annual fundraiser starts and ends at the hospital and brings together nearly 1,000 patients, families, caregivers, residents and volunteers to help cancer patients and their families through treatment and recovery. Register by September 15th and save $10.00 at www.nwh.org/hopewalks

October 1st, 9:00 am
Walk Day Event Details

· Registration Fee $40
· Check in/ registration will open at 9:00 am on Sunday, October 1st
· Opening Ceremonies will begin promptly at 9:30 am
· Walk begins at 10:00 am following Opening Ceremonies
· Post-walk BBQ lunch will be served, along with entertainment, until 12:30 pm
· Feel free to arrive a bit early or stay a bit later to check out sponsor booths and walk day activities!