Category Archives: Other

Newton Music Ambassadors Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert

Please join a very special night of jazz music featuring students from both Newton North and Newton South high schools, in support of the Newton Music Ambassadors Scholarship Fund. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available while you enjoy live entertainment provided by jazz ensembles from both high schools.

The Newton Music Ambassadors (NMA) is a collaborative initiative set up by teachers from both schools to empower their students with musical experiences beyond the classroom. Funds raised at the Benefit Concert will directly support students in pursuit of music enrichment opportunities such as travel, off-site performances, private music lessons, and summer music camps, and position them to serve as ambassadors to positively impact the world around them through music.

Ticket prices are $25.00/adult, $10.00/student and can be purchased at the door or online at newtonmusicambassadors.seatyourself.biz. You can also use this link to make a donation if you would like to support the fund but cannot make the event. If you have any questions, please email newtonmusicambassadors@gmail.com.

November 30th,  7:00 – 10:00 pm
American Legion Nonantum Post 440, 295 California Street, Newton

Drop off a dish to help

Drop off a dish to help feed the Boston homeless on Thanksgiving.

Gobble Gobble Give is a national effort of volunteers who prepare and assemble individual containers of Thanksgiving meals to deliver to homeless people in 16 major cities throughout the country.

Boston is just starting out, and they were able to deliver 100 meals last year.  This year their goal is 500.  Let’s help them exceed their goal!  You can drop off a warm dish on Thanksgiving morning or stay and help!  If you would like to help but will not be around on Thursday,  please email wrwoodruff@yahoo.com to arrange to drop off a donation on Tuesday or Wednesday  (something like cookies, pumpkin bread, corn muffins, pie as long as it does not need to be refrigerated).

For more information, go to gobblegobblegive.org.  Check the Facebook Gobble Gobble Give Boston page this week for more details about the drop-off location.  The drop-off location will be in or near Newton.

Annual Holiday Gift Drive

The City of Newton Health and Human Services Dept. and The Village Bank are teaming up again for the annual Holiday Gift Drive. Please help by donating gifts for children ages newborn to 10 years:

  • New, unwrapped toys
  • Gift cards from local Newton merchants

Donations will be accepted from November 12th – December 10th. Your gift will benefit deserving Newton families this holiday season. You can drop off donations at the following Village Bank locations:

Auburndale – 307 Auburn Street
Newton Highlands – 56 Winchester Street
Newtonville – 332 Walnut Street
Nonantum – 411 Watertown Street
Waban –  89 Wyman Street
West Newton – 1369 Washington Street

Food Service survey

We need your help to improve our food service! Please fill out the appropriate survey below and tell us what is working and what could be better. Thank you from the Newton Public Schools Food Service.

Parents survey: https://www.sodexosurveys.com/f/106965/1407/

Student survey (middle/high school): https://www.sodexosurveys.com/f/106963/3d77/

Student survey (elementary – to be filled out with parent/guardian): https://www.sodexosurveys.com/f/106964/171b/

Holiday Gift Drive

The City of Newton Health and Human Services Dept. and The Village Bank are teaming up again for the annual Holiday Gift Drive. Please help by donating gifts for children ages newborn to 10:

  • New, unwrapped toys
  • Gift cards from local Newton merchants

Donations will be accepted from November 12th – December 10th. Your gift will benefit deserving Newton families this holiday season. You can drop off donations at the following Village Bank locations:

Auburndale – 307 Auburn Street
Newton Highlands – 56 Winchester Street
Newtonville – 332 Walnut Street
Nonantum – 411 Watertown Street
Waban –  89 Wyman Street
West Newton – 1369 Washington Street

We Still Live Here: Learning about the history and present-day experience of the Wampanoag Nation

“We Still Live Here: Learning about the history and present-day experience of the Wampanoag Nation” is an opportunity to gain knowledge as well as guidance about talking with your children about how Native Americans in the New England region have been treated and how they are reclaiming their language today. A tribe member will join  to answer questions. Children 8 and up are welcome to attend!

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) All Schools Monthly Meeting. PLEASE REGISTER HERE: https://goo.gl/forms/d95JxnYvNZg49lwl2.  For more information, please email ericastreitkaplan@yahoo.com.

November 14th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Angier Elementary School, 1697 Beacon St, Waban

Your help needed

Centre Street Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help staff the pantry on Tuesdays and the first Saturday of each month.  Volunteer shifts are available in two hour increments and sign up is flexible.  Tasks include stocking shelves, helping clients shop, clean up and more.

Volunteers must be 16 and older to volunteer without an adult and 12 is the minimum age with an adult. For more information, please visit the Get Involved tab here:  https://www.centrestfoodpantry.org/get-involved-2

November events at Historic Newton

BOOKER T. JONES IN CONCERT

As the architect of one of the first racially integrated rock bands (Booker T. and the M.G.’s), Booker T. Jones set the cast for modern soul music. He created classic hits like “Green Onions,” and backed artists ranging from Otis Redding to Willie Nelson. Join an unforgettable concert featuring the legendary Jones, a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and his band performing “Songs and Stories from the Birth of Soul.”

Purchase tickets for individual seats and sponsorships through www.newtonma.gov/BookerT. For more information please call 617-796-1450.

November 17th, 7:30 pm
Newton North High School, 457 Walnut Street

MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY / MEET THE MAKERS

Get a head start on your holiday shopping when the shops at the Jackson Homestead and the Durant-Kenrick House offer a 25 percent discount on museum store merchandise. Also Meet the Makers! Artists from Newton will show and sell their work from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (1:00 – 3:00 pm authors including Barbara Berenson, Ken Bresler, Beryl Gilfix and Lenna Kutner will be stationed in each museum and you can purchase directly from them.

The shop selection includes posters and maps of Newton, Historic Newton’s custom-made ginger-pear jam, books about the Underground Railroad and abolition, interactive toys, and hand-made candles. Each purchase supports the mission and programs of Historic Newton. Museum Store Sunday takes place at 700 museum stores around the world.

Admission is Free. For information, call 617-796-1450

November 25th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

STORYTIME – THANKSGIVING

Come learn how Native people in Massachusetts grew their food. We will read a tale about the Three Sisters, the story behind growing corn, beans, and squash together. Preschoolers and their caregivers will have the chance to interact with our own three sisters crops and make a corn husk doll. Admission is Free. For information, call 617-641-9142

For a complete schedule of ongoing Storytime events, go to www.newtonma.gov/story.

November 28th, 10:00 am
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds

What’s going on at the Y?

Run the Boston Marathon for the YMCA – Apply by November 9th

The City of Newton has provided the West Suburban YMCA with one charity bib number for the 2019 Boston Marathon! The Y is seeking one dedicated runner to lace up and raise $7500 for the West Suburban YMCA. Runner will receive a free membershipto the Y while training, support for fundraising, team apparel and more. Deadline to apply for the bib number is November 9th. Visit wsymca.org/boston-marathon for more information.

Registration is open for YBA-Youth Basketball Leagues

YBA League is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league runs on Saturdays, November 17th – February 9th, and is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed. For more information and to register, visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Lifeguard Training Class

Become an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certificationsare included in the course. This class meets from 11;00 am – 7:00 pm on November 11th, November 18th, December 1st, and December 8th. Students must be present for ALL days. Visit www.wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Pickle Ball Added on Thursdays

Starting November 8th, the West Suburban YMCA will host drop-in pickle ball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and a $5 drop-in fee for non-members.

“A Night Under the Stars” Annual Gala –  November 10th,  6:00 – 11:00 pm

The Y’s Annual Gala, “A Night Under the Stars” features dinner, cocktails, silent & live auctions, dancing and entertainment and will highlight the life-changing impact of YMCA summer camp. Returning as emcee for the night is Jenny Johnson,co-host of NESN’s Dining Playbook. All proceeds will support financial assistance for local families.

School Vacation Day Programs on November 12th

The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options on November 12 (Veteran’s Day Observed).

  • Child Care Department – A well-rounded program that includes time for floor games, arts and crafts, snack, lunch and the option to swim. For more information or to sign up for this program, call 617-244-6050 ex. 3022.
  • Sports Department – For kids who like to be active and moving all day, sign up for the Y’s sports program. Activities include soccer, basketball, baseball, floor hockey, flag football, capture the flag and more. For more information or to sign up for this program, contact Ray Isales, at 617-244-6050 x3131

Winter Clothing Drive and Swap – November 12th and 13th

Tired of replacing winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves every year? The West Suburban YMCA invites members and the community to participate in a Winter Clothing Drive and Swap. Drop off gently used winter clothes on November 12th and 13th and the swap will take place on November 18th. Those who donate their gently used winter clothes will be able to participate in the swap at an earlier time on the 18th.

Family Fun Night –  November 13th, 6:00 – 7:00pm

Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation and occur on the second Tuesday of every month.

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in child care and youth development, human resources, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit www.wsymca.org/about/work-here.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs

The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Your help is needed to feed people

Centre Street Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help staff the pantry on Tuesdays and the first Saturday of the month.  Volunteer shifts are available in two hour increments and sign up is flexible.

Tasks include stocking shelves, helping clients shop, clean up and more. For more information, please visit the Get Involved tab on the website  https://www.centrestfoodpantry.org/get-involved-2. Volunteers must be 16 and older to volunteer without an adult and 12 is the minimum age with an adult.