painting of people at the beach by william glackens

American Art: 1900-1950

Tuesday, April 13, 10:00-11:00 on Zoom

We’re bringing the museum to you with this engaging presentation by ArtMatters, an art awareness and education organization. The center of the art world has always been Europe, and American artists have, by necessity, mostly followed those evolutions. The American independent spirit pushed the boundaries of acceptable traditions, and in the early part of the 20th century Americans begin to develop their own unique voice. The Ash Can School, the flowering of photography and the consciousness of Social Realism were just some of the new developments that reflected the history of those times. Join us for a look at how American Art grew from the baby in the back seat to an adolescent growing, experimenting, gaining attention and earning respect. This program is supported by a grant from the Weston Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Forbidden City

Wednesday, April 14, 1:00-2:00 on Zoom

The Forbidden City – so-called because for centuries it was off-limits for commoners to enter without special permission – was the center of the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912, when a revolution overthrew the last emperor. Today 14 million visitors a year flock to Beijing, China to view its wonders. Avoid the crowds and travel virtually to the world’s largest imperial palace. Our tour guide, Marilyn Harris, worked in education for over 40 years and in her retirement has continued to teach classes on history and travel.

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group on Zoom

Thursdays, April 1 & 15, 10:00-11:30

If you are seeing memory changes in a loved one, this group might help you. Members share stories and wisdom as well as resources and strategies for coping with the challenges of caring for someone at any stage of dementia.

Neuropathy Support Group

Thursday, April 15, 1:00-3:00 on Zoom

These group meetings are open to anyone with neuropathy as well as family and friends. Our April speaker will be Dr. Kristy Townsend, co-founder of the company Neuright Inc., that is developing technology from the University of Maine. She will present their work on a medical device for the earlier, more sensitive detection of neuropathy.

Project Linus

Monday, April 12, 12:30 at the COA

Join our group of knitters to support Project Linus, a non-profit organization that provides new handmade blankets to children in need.

Register in advance with the COA if you plan to attend. Yarn is available, but bring any other supplies you need as supplies may not be shared.

Spring Succulent - Register by 4/14

Friday, April 23, 1:30-2:00
Bring spring into your home! Stop by the COA for a beautiful succulent plant. These small succulents are easy to care for and thrive year-round. Do you know someone who deserves a treat but is stuck at home? Pick one up for them and deliver it as a special surprise. For the safety of all, masks are required during pick up.

Sign up by April 14.

Massachusetts Chocolate History

For those who missed our chocolate history presentation and virtual tasting event... GOOD NEWS! You can watch it at home!

For those who want to enjoy the chocolate tasting component, contact Kristen frady.k@westonma.gov or 781 786 6280 to arrange pick up of the chocolate. Presentation is free to watch. The discounted cost for chocolate is $8.

Most students of American history know the story of the Boston Tea Party, but did you know that when the colonists stopped drinking tea due to taxation they turned to drinking chocolate? Boston and the state of MA have many historical connections to chocolate, including being the home of the very first chocolate factory in North America, the first roadside retail confectionary operation and the first forays into commercial white chocolate production. Learn more about our sweet history with this fascinating program hosted by chocolate educator and tour guide, Victoria Kichuk of Cocoa Beantown in Boston.

Help Field School Students Make Recycled Bags!

The Field School Green Leadership Team, a group of 4th and 5th grade students committed to make small changes to help the environment, is using recycled fabrics to make reusable bags. With some cutting and sewing, the old materials will become new, reusable tote bags for our community members.

The students have cut out the patterns and begun sewing but they need your help! Can you lend a hand in sewing the designs? Instructions will be provided. A sewing machine is required, as this is done in your own home. If you'd like to lend your sewing skills to this project contact the COA to pick up materials 781-786-6280.

More Programs to Come!

Don't miss these programs this month:

Birds of Prey Rehabilitation
Hearing Loss
Trail Walk
U.S. Experiences & Reflections From an Italian’s Perspective
Afro-Caribbean Dance and Drumming
Brooklyn Bridge and Leonard Zakim/Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge

Details can be found in the April newsletter.

Around Town

Dana Farber Blood Drive

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

11am-5:30pm
Appointments recommended. Walk-ins taken as time allows. Register online.
Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Blood Mobile
180 Boston Post Road By-pass Weston, MA 02493

All blood collected benefits patients at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. A photo ID is required for all donors. Be sure to drink extra water and eat before donating. As a thank you, donors will receive a Kraft Family Blood Donor Center $5 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card

Trees, Woodlands, Lawns and Right-of-Ways: Best Practices for Biodiversity

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Many species of birds, bees, and other pollinators face a precarious future in our urbanizing landscapes. Biodiversity is threatened at local to regional scales by habitat degradation. But there is some hopeful news: homeowners, individuals, organizations, and corporations that influence perceptions and decisions around land management from the neighborhood, municipal, or larger levels can change the current trajectory of biodiversity loss in residential ecosystems! At this special TAG recommended event, learn easy and no-cost actions that can result in more functional habitats around us; current findings on the biodiversity dynamics of local woodlands, and best practices in care and stewardship that can improve ecological processes and reduce risk of tick-borne illnesses; and, industry best practices in Integrated Vegetation Management designed to protect biodiversity along utility rights-of-way (electric, pipeline, roadway and railway). Registration information available online.

Through the Lens of Art: Building Bridges with Rosa Rodriguez-Williams

Thursday, April 15 7-8pm

Through the Lens of Art: Building Bridges is a series of vital conversations set to illustrate the power of art in building bridges of empathy, understanding and inclusion in today’s charged world. The AIC is offering three talks from the point of view of the artist, the audience and the collector. Facilitated by artist Linda Bond, each month’s event will focus on the perspective of one these key groups. Join us Apr 15th at 7pm as we welcome our 2nd speaker, Rosa Rodriguez-Williams, Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion at the MFA.

Hosted by the Weston AIC. These events are free and open to the public. Registration is required with the AIC. Zoom link will be provided the day before. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Weston Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. This series is also supported by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.