Well-known sports personality Bill Littlefield, star and producer of NPR’s Only A Game, is
speaking at the Waban Library Center. Come to a fun reception and book signing of his legendary book, ”Only A Game,” and hear the inside scoop on our teams and much more!
$5 donation to the WLC is your ticket.
Tuesday, February 4th, 7:30 pm
1608 Beacon Street, Waban
www.wabanlibrarycenter.org
Citizen involvement in local government has been one of Mayor Warren’s highest priorities since taking office and Newton has the good fortune to be home to a wealth of knowledgeable and talented individuals. Current opening for talented residents to volunteer on a Board or Commission include:
BioSafety Committee
The Mayor is looking for volunteers to serve on the Biosafety Committee. This Committee oversees the use of recombinant DNA, infectious agents, and biohazardous materials in the course of research. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all applications, proposals, activities and facilities for the purpose of research. While the Committee has not met in more than 10 years, there is renewed interest in the economic development potential of biotech firms. The Biosafety Committee is comprised of nine (9) members including the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, two (2) members of the Newton Health Advisory Council appointed by the Commissioner, three (3) members appointed by the Mayor, at least one of whom is a scientist knowledgeable in the field of rDNA research and technology and the other two with experience in public health, occupational health, infectious diseases or environmental health and three (3) members appointed by the Board of Aldermen, one of whom represents public health. If interested, please send a resume along with a letter of interest to Reenie Murphy at rmurphy@newtonma.gov.
Traffic Council
The City of Newton is seeking a qualified Newton resident with expertise in traffic engineering or traffic planning to serve as the Citizen Representative on the Newton Traffic Council. The Citizen Representative will be appointed by the Mayor for a term of three (3) years. The Traffic Council reviews site-specific requests for traffic and parking changes and is composed of five voting members, including one Citizen, one Alderman, and three City staff members representing the Planning, Police and Public Works Departments. If interested, please send a resume along with a letter of interest to Reenie Murphy at rmurphy@newtonma.gov.
Youth Commission
There are several openings for membership on the Newton Youth Commission which is a volunteer body of high school students and adults working together to empower youth. The commission has seven voting members ages 13-19 from all over the city who are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. Commissioners learn about civic engagement and connect with city officials. Please visit www.newtonma.gov/youth for an application. Questions should be directed to Jenny O’Leary, Director of Youth Services, 617-796-1436, joleary@newtonma.gov.
Youth Advisory Committee
There are openings on the Advisory Board to the Youth Commission, which is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice of the youth commission. The advisory board has twenty youth and adult members selected to represent, police, schools, health, recreation and other public or private organizations concerned with youth. Adults interested in applying for the Advisory Board should submit both a resume and statement of interest. Youth interested should submit an application. Applications can be found at www.newtonma.gov/youth. Questions should be directed to Jenny O’Leary, Director of Youth Services, 617-796-1436, joleary@newtonma.gov.
Since 1993, Kindergarten Soccer has been introducing children to soccer in a fun and non-competitive environment, where girls and boys develop friendships, learn teamwork, and gain confidence. Games are played on Saturday mornings at Richardson Field in Waban, starting April 5th. Join in and meet other Newton families! The Kindergarten League is open to all Newton children who are currently in kindergarten; the Pre-K League is open to all Newton children who will start kindergarten in the fall of 2014.
Kindergarten Soccer is a program of the Zervas Elementary PTO since 1993. For more information and for online registration, please visit the website: www.KindergartenSoccer.org.
The Mayor’s Energy Smart Newton program is kicking off its Energy Smart Homes initiative to engage 350 Newton residents in $75,000 of annual energy bill savings by June 1st.
Representatives of Next Step Living will be on hand to explain how state efficiency programs work, including how you can get 75% off (up to $2000) energy improvements and access no interest loans, as well as other incentives. As a special incentive for Newton residents, if you complete a no-cost home energy assessment or heating and cooling assessment between January 29th and June 1st, you will also receive a $10 or $25 gift card to Newton Whole Foods.
Please join on Wednesday, January 29th, at 7:00 pm in the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall to help kick off the Newton Energy Smart Homes.
Older adults, members of Newton at Home, need your help. Consider becoming a volunteer for Newton at Home. Drivers are needed to accompany members to appointments, shopping and trips to Logan Airport. As residents of Newton you know your way around! Please be in touch to support a growing community of neighbors-helping-neighbors.
Please call Julie Plaut Mahoney at 617-795-2560 or email: volcoord@newtonathome.org and THANKS.
NEXT FUNDING DEADLINE – February 1st
Yes, that’s a Saturday! To qualify for the fall 2014 funding round, new projects must start by contacting staff by February 1st to request an orientation meeting, then submitting a pre-proposal to the CPC by March 1st.
Contact Program Manager Alice Ingerson by phone at 617-796-1144 or by email at aingerson@newtonma.gov . Projects that miss these deadlines cannot qualify to submit a full funding request until fall 2015. For more information about the funding process, see the Guidelines & Forms page of the program website at www.newtonma.gov/cpa.
PUBLIC HEARINGS on NEW PROPOSALS
The CPC will not vote on whether to recommend funding for any proposal until it has completed public hearings on all proposals. Written comments on any proposal will be accepted through February 26th.
February 26th (rescheduled from February 13th)
7:00 pm, City Hall Room 209
– City Archives Strategic Plan (historic resources), CPA request $20,000
– City Hall Veterans Wing Historic Artifacts (historic resources), CPA request $19,000
– City Hall Accessibility & Acoustics (historic resources), CPA request $749,950
From the program’s website at www.newtonma.gov/cpa , use these links in the top-left Navigation section to find additional information:
– Committees & Meetings for detailed agendas
– Proposals & Projects to read the proposals
Theatre Ink presents: The Book Of Days, by Lanford Wilson. When murder roars through a small Missouri town, Ruth Hoch begins her own quest to find truth and honesty amid small town jealousies, religion, greed and lies. This tornado of a play propels you through its events like a page turning mystery. Tickets $7.00 at theatreink.net or contact adam_brown@newton.k12.ma.us
February 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th at 7:30 pm
Little Theatre, Newton North High School
457 Walnut Street, Newtonville
An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. With colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! Don’t be stuck inside with cabin fever over school vacation, this show is a delight for the whole family. Tickets in advance at www.newtoncommunitypride.org for $8, or $10 at the door. Open seating. 617-796-1540 for more information.
February 23rd, 1:00 and 2:30 pm shows
Newton City Hall
From sports and swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kid’s Choice February Vacation Program. For boys and girls entering grades K-6 (and CITs in grades 7-9 at a reduced rate). Special highlights include JCC Magic Ark performance of Josh Casey Comedy and Juggling Show, President’s Day activity, trip to see Hairspray at the Wheelock Family Theatre, Purim Carnival and Snowman Building. Special treat for Kid’s Choice participants — see the 2013 World Series Trophy at the JCC on February 20th!
Come for one day or as many as you would like. Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations. For more information, contact 617-558-6529 or schoolvacations@jccgb.org.
February 17th – 21st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Leventhal-Sidman JCC
333 Nahanton Street, Newton
Teen Crafternoons, Tuesday, February 18th, 3:30 pm
Get creative on Tuesdays in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library where teens will be hanging out working on Valentine’s day hearts and crafts.
Wearable Wednesday for Teens, Families and Adults, Wednesday, February 19, 3:00 pm (Teens) and 7:00 pm (Families and Adults)
Get creative at the Newton Free Library on February 19th at 3:00 pm (Teens) and 7:00 pm (Families and Adults) in Druker Auditorium by creating your own wearable art. Experiment with EL Wire to make wearable EL Wire Art! EL Wire is a flexible, glowing wire that is powered by small battery packs. Deck out your clothing, glasses, lunch box, messenger bags, hoodie, necktie, bike or ski helmet. It’s easy to use to spice up any outfit. Feel free to bring your own clothing or items to decorate, or use what we have available. Kevin Osborn, local Maker and long-time engineer with a passion for teaching people to create things they may never have dreamed of, will lead the workshop. The Teen session is open to grades 6-12. Space is limited at both sessions. Register online, call 617-796-1389 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net.
Ender’s Game Movie Screening, Friday, February 21, 3:00 pm
Based on the classic dystopian novel by Orson Scott Card, we will be holding a screening of the film Ender’s Game in Druker Auditorium on February 21st at 3:00 pm at the Newton Free Library. Rated PG-13, run time 114 min. Open to ages 13 and up. Snacks will be provided.
Teen Writing Workshop, Saturday, February 22, 2:00 pm
Join local YA writer, Kirsten Feldman, in the Newton Free Library Teen Area on February 22nd at 2:00 pm. Bring a writing sample to share with the group – a story, article, poem, or novel in the works. Ms. Feldman will read from her first book, No Alligators in Sight. The group will have the opportunity to comment on and ask questions about each piece as well do some writing, time permitting. Grades 6-12.