Category Archives: Community Notes

Ice skating lesson

Winter is coming and Newton’s Parks & Recreation Department has released a schedule of its always popular ice skating classes.  Children ages 4 – 18 learn to skate or improve their skills in small, supportive classes based on age and ability.  Classes are held at several local rinks, with many options of days and times.  For more information, please call 617-796-1500.

A complete class list and registration information can be viewed here:  http://www.newtonma.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?t=45886.68&BlobID=91277

All Newton Music School

Do you know… that Newton is home to one of the oldest non-profit Community Music Schools in the nation? Enroll yourself, or your child, at any time during the year at All Newton Music School. Experience the synergy of taking private lessons at All Newton Music School along with 800 of your friends and neighbors.

They offer lessons in over twenty instruments doing their best to be flexible and find times that work with your busy schedule:

•Piano*
•Violin**
•Viola
•Cello
•Bass
•Bassoon
•Clarinet
•Flute
•Oboe***
•Recorder
•Saxophone
•Horn
•Trumpet
•Trombone
•Tuba
•Percussion****
•Voice
•Guitar
•Bass Guitar
•Ukulele
•Music Therapy

* Piano slots available on Friday and throughout the week
** Violin slots available on Tuesday from 1:00 to 7:00 PM
*** Oboe slots available on Monday Afternoons
**** Percussion slots available on Tuesday and Wednesdays

The faculty has degrees from Juilliard, New England Conservatory, The Boston Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and more! Request lessons for you or your child in under 60 seconds online: https://www.allnewtonmusicschool.com/inquiry or by phone 617- 527-4553.

Other programs include:

FREE Early Childhood Drop-In Classes each week – Spend Thursday Mornings with your children (ages 0 – 5 years) and enjoy instructor and entertainer Ken DoRosario! Musical Mornings combines rhythm instrument play and exploration to live music and seasonal songs, musical movement, story, and active listening. No Charge but must RSVP on website as space is limited.

Thursdays,  11:00 – 11:45 am


Rock Bands for Grades 4th and up! Performing with others is an essential element to any musical education. With a professional coach, students (ages 9 and up) will learn performance skills, improvisation, communication as a group, as well as practice techniques. All bands will participate in live performances throughout the year, including one in a professional venue.

Rock Bands are scheduled throughout the week. For more information, visit https://www.allnewtonmusicschool.com/rock/

Winter is Coming!

Winter is Coming! Playing an instrument is a great indoor activity during the cold months.
The Conservatory at Highlands is here to help! With music lessons you can stay motivated with fun songs and have fun making great music.

The teachers are experienced, patient, kind and supportive and they can help musicians of any age reach their goals. Try learning an instrument along with your child in parent/student lessons. It is an amazing and educational activity for the family.
Book time in our state-of-the-art recording studio for audition tapes or other projects!

Sign Up/Inquire Here (no commitment necessary)  or contact by phone 617-903-0944  or email info@highlandsconservatory.com

The Conservatory offers music lessons on almost all instruments, including: piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, drums, bass, saxophone, flute, clarinet, trombone, baritone, oboe, ukulele, and even harmonica! Sign up for rock bands, which meet weekly; or record in our state-of-the-art recording studio with audio production lessons and more!

The Conservatory at Highlands is locally owned and operated and offers a 21st-century music education that is equally inclusive and challenging taught by the best musicians in Boston. The Conservatory is your community music school, where we can all learn and develop the craft of music together. Stop in and check out their unique space at 51 Winchester Street, Newton Highlands.

Feel free to e-mail info@highlandsconservatory.com with any questions.

Tutor available

Former Brookline and Concord teacher with 25 years experience (grades 1-12,) as a classroom teacher, middle and high school English teacher, Reading Specialist, and executive functioning specialist is available to tutor students in elementary, middle and high school in academic subjects, reading, writing, study and organizational skills.

SAT / ACT / SSAT / ISEE test prep.  Experienced with gifted and special needs students. Build skills and confidence. Excellent parent and professional references.  Please contact Cynthia Carpenter to discuss your child’s needs. You can reach her at cscarp@gmail.com  or 978-952-8871.

Curious about studying abroad?

Are you curious about studying abroad and the financial and educational benefits?  Want to hear about some of the options not only in Quebec but greater Canada?  Then join fellow parents and students for the following:

– Advantages to study in Canada,
– Who can apply and the application process
– What to expect when you get to Canada
– Specific information related to living & studying in Québec (education system, steps to take to study in Québec, learning French, etc.).
– Who can work during studies or after graduation, and how to apply

Validated parking will be available for the meeting.  Sign up:

A Guide to College Abroad in Canada – w/Consulate General & Quebec Delegation!

Monday, Dec 10, 2018, 6:00 PM

Canadian Consulate
Three Copley Place, Suite 400 Boston, MA

10 Members Attending

For this meetup we have two guest speakers – Marc Jacques and Josée-Anne Labrie to discuss applying to study in Canada (and some additional information specific to Québec) as an international student, getting your study permit, finding out about working while you study or after you graduate, extending your stay, etc. Topics: – Advantages to study i…

Check out this Meetup →

December 10th, 6:00 – 7:45 pm
Consulate General office, Copley

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.