Category Archives: Events

Newton South English Teacher will run 2020 Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation

Jasmine Lellock, Newton South High School English teacher, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). Her goal is to raise $5000 to support important programs that enhance students’ educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

Jasmine began running in 2003, when her students encouraged her to run some laps
with their indoor track team. That spring, she ran her first 26-miler, the Cape Cod Marathon, and she’s run 12 marathons since.

“Students inspired me to start running, and they’ve been part of my journey ever since,”
said Jasmine. She coached the Randolph High School track team and ran the Providence
Marathon twice alongside members of the Newton South Dreamfar Team. This year she met her life goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon–by 8 seconds!

“I feel honored to run my first ever Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Jasmine. ”NSF supports programs that encourage high achievement for all students, and as a teacher at Newton South High School, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of their work,” she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous Conversations About Race program, which NSF funds, and I’ve attended several professional development workshops through the Teachers as Scholars Program, funded by a grant from NSF, I’ve also been part of NSF’s annual Honor Thy Teacher recognition program.”

“We’re thrilled and privileged to have Jasmine run for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Marcia Tabenken, NSF co-president. “Her commitment to helping students achieve success in the classroom and on the track makes Jasmine an ideal ambassador for NSF in this year’s Boston Marathon.”

NSF is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the Newton Public
Schools, by funding programs in three broad areas: New and promising initiatives, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity. NSF-supported programs span all grades, preschool-high school, and include the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, and social/emotional development.

To donate to Jasmine’s run, click
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/jasmines-boston-marathon-charity-run

Jasmine will host a trivia night fundraiser on March 12th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm at Baramor, 45 Union Street, Newton Centre To purchase tickets at $40.00 per person, please Venmo @Jasmine-Lellock.

Newton Schools Foundation is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, whose mission is to advance excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools by funding promising initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity.

Newton Porchfest 2020 Sign ups are open!

Spring is just around the corner. Let’s get ready for Porchfest 2020!

PorchFest is an afternoon of music performances on porches and driveways around Newton. Porchfest 2019 included 100+ musical groups performing all over Auburndale, Lower Falls and in Waban Center.  They hope to match or exceed the number of performances this year!

NewtonPorchfest 2020 is scheduled June 6th (raindate June 7th).

Participate in Porchfest as a

•Host:  Sign up to host a band on your porch, lawn or driveway.  PorchFest will take place in Auburndale, Lower Falls and Waban Center.
•Performer:  Are you a singer-songwriter, part of a jazz quartet, rock band, or dancer?  All forms of musical talent, all ages are welcome!
•Volunteer:  They’d love your help!
•Donor:  Newton PorchFest is funded entirely by donations.  Any and all donations are welcome.

Sign up to participate or to learn more about Porchfest 2020 at https://newton.porchfest.info/

Come to the 31st Annual Project Manna Concert

Temple Emanuel is hosting the 31st Annual Project Manna Concert this month.  This benefit concert supports the Mass Ave Baptist Church’s food pantry and soup kitchen in Cambridge, MA.

This concert is a celebration of Gospel and Jewish Music.  Fabulous choirs raise their voices in song at this festive celebration of diversity, as local Gospel and Jewish choirs come together to make joyful music for an important cause.  Tickets are $20.00/adult, $15.00/student and seniors.  Purchase your tickets online today at   https://www.templeemanuel.com/product/project-manna-concert-tickets/

March 24th. 7:00 pm
385 Ward Street, Newton

Update on Jesse Appell’s Fundraiser

Read on for an update on the result of the fundraiser – Comedy for a Cause with Jesse Appell in February. Donation on the night of the show and tickets sold at Newton North reached $8,684, and online tickets and donation accumulated to $3,600.  The Newton exchange school, Jingshan School in Beijing, has asked us to donate all the funds raised for their students to Wuhan as well. Therefore checks of these funds have been made out to WeStar Corp,  a Weston-based non-profit organization that purchases medical supplies and ships to Wuhan and surrounding cities in Hubei Province.

Jesse Appell, Henry Turner, the Newton North principal, along with Emily Donahue, teacher from Peirce Elementary School, and David Minichiello, teacher from Memorial Spaulding Elementary School went to WeStar headquarters last week and packed our supplies for Wuhan. Some Chinese AP class students also participated in this meaningful mission!

The organizers of the event are immensely humbled and touched by the efforts, kindness and generosity that our community has demonstrated and feel very grateful for being part of this collective endeavor for humanity.

Building Resilient Teens talk

The Cannabis, Vaping, and Nicotine Addiction talk will be a discussion to learn facts and create a better understanding. Please see more information on this flyer.

March 4th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Shipley Auditorium, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington Street, Newton

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Early Spring Registration Has Started!
Early Spring Session runs February 24th – April 19th. Sign up for swimming lessons, small fitness training classes, sports, or creative arts! There’s still availability in some of the classes. Register and find out more information here.

Try the Y for Free on Mondays in March
Mondays are free in March!? Stop by the Welcome Center with a valid ID and your guest fee will be waived.

Kids Night Out
Parents, drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with qualified staff members for a Kids Night Out. They’ll order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25.00 per child for Y members and $30.00 for the community. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter. Everyone wins!
March 6th, 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Family Fun Night
Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, gym games and more! Free and open to all. Family Fun Nights occur on the second Tuesday of every month.
March 10th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Camp Registration is Now Open!
Send your child to day camp at Camp Pikati or Camp Chickami, or try the overnight experience at Camp Frank A. Day.? Learn more and register at https://www.wsymca.org/camps

Camp Info Session
Want to learn more about summer camp offerings?? Stop by the Y for one of the camp info sessions on March 10th,  3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in member services, childcare and youth development, aquatics, fitness and more. The Y offers generous benefits, free membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

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 our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 ext. 3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

March events from Historic Newton

FREE WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Everyone is invited to enjoy free admission to the museums.
March 7th and March 8th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Books.”
March 7th, 9:30 am
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Books.”
March 11th, 10:30 am
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Rainbow.”
March 21st, 9:30 am
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street

LOOK CLOSER: HIDDEN HISTORY GALLERY TALK
How does art tell a story? What can a painting tell us about Newton and America in 1852? With a Historic Newton educator, examine the newly acquired landscape painting, The Great Curve, in a 30-minute gallery talk and activity. Admission included in museum admission. Information: 617-796-1450
March 21st, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Rainbow.”
March 25th, 10:30 am
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

Female Zionist Series

Please join Hadassah Boston for the Female Zionist Series featuring Professor Tamar Frankel in conversation with Professor Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, Director of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute  Please complete the information below to register.

A donation of $18 or more to support Hadassah Medical Organization is greatly appreciated. Register at
https://secure2.convio.net/wzoa/site/Ticketing?view=Tickets&id=104481

April 30th, 7:30 pm
Brandeis University, Waltham

Camp Fair in Dedham

This camp fair is hosted by the Avery School PTO and gives families from all over the region the opportunity to connect with representatives from 60+ overnight camps, day camps, and other summer programs for children and teens. Many of the participating day camps/activities are held in locations convenient to Newton, and the attending overnight camps come from all over New England.

There are options for children aged 3-17. All are welcome to attend the Discover Summer! Camps & Activities Fair.

March 7th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
336 High Street, Dedham

Camp Fair in Dedham

This camp fair is hosted by the Avery School PTO and gives families from all over the region the opportunity to connect with representatives from 60+ overnight camps, day camps, and other summer programs for children and teens. Many of the participating day camps/activities are held in locations convenient to Newton, and the attending overnight camps come from all over New England.

There are options for children aged 3-17. All are welcome to attend the Discover Summer! Camps & Activities Fair.

March 7th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
336 High Street, Dedham