College Application Admissions Essay Writing 101, 10/24 at Newton Free Library

Want to learn how to write an outstanding college essay? Join Debra Berger at the Newton Free Library for a program that will cover the basics of college essay writing, such as:

How to highlight your strengths & what topics to avoid
Pre-writing techniques to narrow down & develop your ideas
Editing
Essential information on time saving techniques

Wednesday, October 24
7:00 pm
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium

Debra Berger has been supporting students in writing college application essays for the past eight years. Her goal is to help students write essays that reflect their interests and experiences. She has a Master’s degree in education, with a major in educational research, measurement, and evaluation from Boston College. An accomplished writer, Debra worked for over ten years as a contributing education writer for nationally recognized publications, including The Boston Globe and The Boston Parents Paper.

Preschool Open House – Pine Manor College Child Study Ctr.

Are you looking for a high quality preschool program for your child?  Visit the Pine Manor College Child Study Center in Chestnut Hill on November 3.

Open House – for families with children ages 2 years 9 months up to age 5
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The Ann Pappajohn Vassiliou Child Study Center is located on the campus of Pine Manor College at 400 Heath Street in Chestnut Hill.

  • Tour the Child Study Center and learn about our enrollment options.
  • Meet the director and staff and enjoy some refreshments.
  • Children are welcome too!
  • Reservations are not necessary.

Please visit our website to learn more about the curriculum, philosophy, and professional teaching staff.  For more information please contact Center Director Lynne Love by email or call 617-731-7039.

Register now for Newton Girls Basketball – deadline Oct 21 (gr. 3-8)

Registration is underway for the upcoming Newton Girls Basketball season. Join the more than 500 players from second graders through high school level who play NGBA basketball.

This is a recreational basketball league for Newton girls and girls attending Newton schools with fun for beginners and experienced players alike!

Games are played on Saturdays for all grades, starting early December and continuing into mid-March.

Registrations deadlines ($15 late fees apply for registrations received after these dates):
October 21 for Grades 3-8
November 2nd for Grade 2
December 1st for High School

Scholarships are available based on need; please see the NGBA website for more details and to register.

“Hayfest”: Jackson Homestead’s Annual Fall Family Festival, Oct. 20

Join us for our free family-friendly outdoor festival at the Jackson Homestead & Museum! Learn through hands-on activities how Newton families lived in the 1800s, like watching weaver Beth Guertin make cloth on her looms, then trying it yourself.

Try dyeing cloth, making your own butter, pressing cider, dipping candles, and more!   Don’t forget the hot cider and baked goods!  New this year, we’re welcoming the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers who will perform 19th Century dances in costume between 2pm and 3pm.

Saturday, October 20, noon-5:00 PM
(Raindate: Sunday, Oct. 21)
527 Washington St., Newton

Boys & Girls Club Annual Gala & Auction at Club 440, Nov. 2

Don’t miss the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club’s annual event featuring live, silent and premium auctions. Step back into a classic era of flappers, fedoras – and all that jazz!

Join close to 300 supporters at the new Club 440 for an evening of live, premium and silent auctions, jazz performances and a menu that would leave even F. Scott Fitzgerald speechless!

From second row floor seats to the Celtics to being whisked away to sunny Aruba, this year’s live (and silent) auction is packed with exciting items. Four Guys in Tuxes will bring back the sounds of the 1920s, and there will be live dance performances by the Lindy Bomb Squad.

Serving an upscale menu, guests may indulge in numerous courses including mushroom stuffed ravioli in balsamic vinaigrette to filet mignon with jumbo scallops.

Friday, Nov. 2, 7 – 10PM
Tickets: $100
Club 440, 295 California St., Newton
For tickets and more information, visit the event website.

Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, Nov. 14

What do NPR host Tom Ashbrook, Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr, author Anita Diamant, and Defending Jacob author William Landay have in common? All four writers and journalists are Newton residents, and all will headline the second annual Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF).

The free community event will take place Wednesday November 14, 7-9:30 p.m. at Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road.

Leaders representing an array of fields and interests will address topics ranging from business, education, science and medicine, journalism and the environment, to sports, literature, arts and entertainment. Participants choose three 30-minute speaker sessions from among 18 speakers. At the end of the evening, participants and speakers gather to reconnect over coffee and dessert.

The event is free and open to the public and speaker sessions fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. To view the full list of speakers, to register or for additional information visit the NSF website or call 617-559-6120.

Forums on Military Spending, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18

The First Unitarian Society will host two forums on military spending. Location is the Parish Hall at 1326 Washington Street, West Newton. They are free and open to the public.

The Deadly Connection: Endless War and the Ecological/Economic Crisis, October 21, 7-9 PM

Bruce Gagnon, Coordinator of the Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, will talk about missile defense, unregulated drone warfare, and the impact of US bases overseas.  What is current spending costing our communities?  What can be cut without harm to national security?

Bombs versus Budgets:  The High Price of Nuclear Weapons,
November 18, 7-9 PM

William Hartung. Director, Arms and Security Project, Center for International Policy.

The forums are presented by Fund Our Communities Not War, a committee of the Social Action Council of the First Unitarian Society.

Questions?  Email Nancy Wrenn:

School of Rock Halloween Party, Oct. 26

School of Rock Boston is hosting a free Halloween Rock & Roll Costume party on Friday, 10/26/2012 from 6-9 PM at our studios on 120 Elm Street in Watertown.

Contests, games, movies, prizes, and live entertainment by whimsical rock band Lucretia’s Daggers. Event is fully staffed, supervised, and open to the public. Please bring a treat to share.

Any new student who signs up for music lessons that night gets a 10% discount on tuition for the remainder of 2012. RSVP to: Boston@schoolofrock.com

Veteran’s Day at the New Art Center, Nov. 12

What is your child or teen doing this Veteran’s Day? Send them to the New Art Center for a one-day vacation art program!

Students will explore and create 2D and 3D artwork and be inspired through discussion-based tours and interactive activities in our galleries.

Monday, November 12th from 9-4pm
Grades K-10
Cost: $55
Call 617-964-3424 or visit our website to register.