A few nights ago I went to the “Newton Inspires” event at Newton South high school. I hadn’t been before and I loved it. Its an annual event and this is its fourth year.
The organizers recruit an impressive line-up of Newton residents from a broad range of fields and they give 30 minute presentations. As a guest, you sign up for three 30 minute sessions. I learned about bio-materials, nano-technology and human tissue engineering from Robert Langer, an MIT inventor and engineer. I heard some great anecdotes from Barry White, the former ambassador to Norway. I finished the night with a talk about the future of media in politics and news by Herbie Ziskend, a former White House staffer and Huffington Post chief of staff. These were just three of maybe 20 presentations that night, all from Newton residents.
As somebody said to me that night, it was like being back at school with only the best parts …. but no homework or tests.
One striking thing about the night was the level of talent and experience of many of our Newton neighbors.
In the same vein, but coming at it from a different direction, the Newton Festival of the Arts just put up its web site. The festival will be held in May and will feature an amazing range of about 65 events featuring Newton based artists, groups and performers – music, dance, theater, literature, cooking ….. Once again the breath and depth of local talent is amazing.
On a totally different axis, I was really wowed back in November when we put on the first Nomad Story Slam. Twenty two regular folks from (mostly) Newton got up in front of an audience and told an amazing collection of stories – heartfelt, funny, moving, wacky …. We’ll be doing it again tomorrow night and I’m sure the stories will be just as good.
There’s all sorts of better know virtues to living Newton (goods schools, proximity to Boston, etc), but the longer I live here, the more I’m beginning to appreciate that the residents of Newton may be among its biggest assets.
“There’s all sorts of better known virtues to living Newton (goods schools, proximity to Boston, etc), but the longer I live here, the more I’m beginning to appreciate that the residents of Newton may be among its biggest assets”
Jerry that is so true, and thanks for the shout out regarding the Festival. I’m amazed at the breadth and scope of talent and the passionate engagement and enthusiasm of the people of Newton. As Chair of the May Festival of the Arts I am so thrilled and excited to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Newton Community Pride to help out with this celebration and showcase of Newton’s talent. I think we have something for almost everyone to enjoy. Many events are free and some are fundraisers which will support Newton’s 4 food pantries and smaller non profit arts and cultural organizations so that they may continue to thrive and support Newton’s young artists. The month of May is really going to be something special!
Here is the website – take a look and click on an event for more details. http://newtoncommunitypride.org/festival/