Category Archives: Community Notes

Free rain gauge

On behalf of the Newton FFL Lego Robotics Team, the Robotics Team of 4-8th graders in Newton,  thank you so much for taking the time to complete the lawn water survey!

They received almost 100 responses and are now in the process of making rain gauges to help Newton residents determine how much they should water their lawn every week. If you are interested in a FREE rain gauge please email at newtonbotanists@gmail.com.

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for Tuesdays, January 16th – April 3rd at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall.

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! 1:15 – 2:00 pm

Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. 2:15 – 3:00 pm

Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. 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.

Time for Partners

The popular art & music class for children ages 18 months to 4 years with an adult is thriving in the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall! A terrific way to learn, have fun and make friends – and that’s not just for the kids! Parents, nannies and grandparents enjoy this long-running program also. Children make creative and enriching art projects and enjoy singing and fun with beloved performer David Polansky.

The classes fill up very quickly, so don’t wait! Classes are Monday – Friday, 9:30 – 11:15 am, January 30th – June 1st.  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 Time for Partners and choose your day. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Public Speaking and Debate Workshop

Lumos is running a 2-day Debate Workshop during December, February, and April vacation breaks. Your child will study public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership with experienced instructors.

The class is lots of fun and very active – a good class even for shy or quiet kids. The class is open to students Grades 6-9. For more information call 617-901-4564. Register at: camp.lumosdebate.com/workshop/

Highlands After-School Program

The short winter days are upon us and if you’re looking for after-school activities for your child … the Highlands After-School Program has openings! The program is just for middle school kids attending Brown, Day and Oak Hill.

After School meets in Newton Highlands and has daily use of the Hyde Gym and a wide range of activities; including homework time, games and field trips. Transportation is provided daily. It’s not too late to sign up, with both regular monthly enrollment and day passes are available. For more information or to arrange a visit please, contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or visit highlandsafterschool.org.

Update on Crescent Street Affordable Housing and Playground Project

The discussion of the anticipated funding request for the Crescent Street project (affordable housing and playground) in Auburndale/West Newton has been rescheduled for a special Community Preservation Committee meeting.

For additional information, go to www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/cpa or contact Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, at aingerson@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1144.

November 28th, 7:00 pm, City Hall Room 204

There’s SO much going on at Newton Rotary!

Annual Newton-Brookline Thanksgiving Football Luncheon! Go team! Celebrate an old rivalry, enjoy some fellowship, music, networking, inspiring speakers and a delicious turkey lunch with the Newton & Brookline Rotary Clubs and friends. Sponsored by The Presti Realty Group and First Commons Bank. Please bring donations of toiletries for local food pantries to the event! November 21st, 12 noon at the Braeburn Country Club. To attend, contact your favorite Rotarian in either club or click HERE!

Lunch Meeting Honoring the “Student of the Month”. Help Rotary and The Village Bank recognize the outstanding community service work of this month’s “Student of the Month”, who hails from Mt. Alvernia High School. November 28th, 12 noon at the Braeburn Country Club. Click HERE if you’d like to attend.

Newton Rotary Holiday Party! Bring your family & friends to an evening of food, fellowship and cheer! (There’s a rumor that Santa will make an appearance!). Kick off the holidays at Gregorian Rugs, 2284 Washington Street, Newton Lower Falls. December 5th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Please bring an UNWRAPPED gift for a child at The Second Step! For details and to RSVP by December 1st, please click HERE.

Preschool Open House

Currently enrolling for the 2018-19 school year at Rockwell Preschool at Lasell College. Come to an OPEN HOUSE to:
• Hear about the ½ day preschool program, the new extended flexible hours, and a new full day, full year option
• Speak with some current families
• Visit the classrooms and meet the teachers
• Coffee and light refreshments

Please RSVP by November 29th at 617-243-2355 or rockwell@lasell.edu

Newton Holiday Craft Show

It happens every holiday season…“What can I get for Aunt Sarah? My next-door neighbor’s baby? My boss?”

With over 60 talented artisans displaying their one-of-a-kind treasures, you are sure to find something for the most discerning person on your shopping list at the Newton City Hall Holiday Craft Show. Admission is Free!

As you wander the many hallways and rooms of Newton City Hall, you will discover stall upon stall of beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, hats and scarves, pottery, cards, glass works, tablecloths, paintings, purses, delicious chocolates and so much more that will help you solve your gift giving challenge this year. Be sure to pick up a map when you arrive as the booths are tucked into every nook and cranny of the building and you don’t want to miss any!

With ample free parking on the streets around City Hall, all entrances will be open. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. For more information, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org.

December 2nd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Newton City Hall

Women in STEM event

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 5962 is hosting a Women in STEM event for girls in grades 7 – 12  At this event, students get to participate in fun hands-on activities led by female engineers. During lunch, there will be a question and answer panel for students to ask the engineers and UMassLowell Society of Women Engineers (SWE) members any questions they have.

The event is free and lunch is provided. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
https://sites.google.com/view/mvrobotics/women-in-stem-event?authuser=0

December 9th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in the UMass Lowell Makerspace in Falmouth 102.