The Newton Voice - 12/27/16 by Jessica Rice

Newton VOL 1, NO 8

NEWTON’S VOICE

Dec. 27 – Jan. 10, 2017

CJP admits forgiveness for Shrage’s home loan Photo | Joshua Resnek The beautiful young women at Ceri in Newton Centre – Jackie, Tali and Brittany (from left) – all appear to be welcoming shoppers into their lovely store. They know how to make a shopping experience everything it should be.

The decision not to run for mayor By Alex Culafi

The Voice Newton City Councilor Rick Lipof is going to be seeking reelection for city council. What he will not be seeking in 2017, however, is mayorship. “After serious consideration I have decided that now is not the right time for me to run for the office of Mayor,” he said in a letter to friends, family, and supporters on December 5. The Ward 8 Councilor at Large’s decision not to run for election comes after a period of indecisiveness, when he was figuring out whether to run for office and his fellow councilors, Scott Lennon and Ruthanne Fuller, had already decided to cross the threshold into candidacy. I got very curious. What makes someone decide not to run for public office? “It comes down to balancing everything. Balance is really the word,” Lipof told me. “You’ve got to balance your personal life with your professional life and your political life.” After serving on City Council for 12 years, Lipof took 6 years off to focus on his family before coming back to serve another 4 years. “The kids were getting to that age where they were doing homework and they’re saying, ‘dad, stick around,’ you know?”

The idea of taking time off from public office is nothing new. Lipof ’s father did the same when he was an alderman in the 1970s, as did Lisle Baker and John Stewart, according to Lipof. “When you run for public service – when you run for mayor – it must fit in with the rest of your life: your profession and your family. Both are important, although I would say family comes first,” he said. “I do see myself running for mayor someday. It’s just that today is not the day.” He says that he has more than enough time to work on city council, but with his 25year business, Lipof Real Estate Services, flourishing, and with his children being in the middle of high school, candidacy just doesn’t make sense for him right now. “The tug to be engaged and there with my kids for the final three years before they go off to school is a strong pull. I was taking my time with this decision because I was being encouraged not only by my family, but also by others. They said this was the time. In my heart, I knew that I didn’t want to miss out on some things, and I have a business that needs me fully engaged.“

By Joshua Resnek

The Voice Combined Jewish Philanthropies CEO Barry Shrage's home loan was forgiven by the CJP Board of Directors as part of his compensation package, but the CJP did not announce this advantageous arrangement for Shrage to its contributors, or make any direct mention of it when it was forgiven in increments between 2008 and 2012. Although the CJP disclosed the existence of the loan in its annual and public Form 990 tax return during the years it existed, Shrage’s connection to the loan was one of the charitable organization's best kept secrets. The CJP Board’s failure of oversight to inform the charity’s contributors and employees of this privately-arranged perk for its long time leader conflicts with the Board’s ethical requirements. Personal loans to charity heads are frowned upon by the Internal Revenue Service, but they are not considered illegal. In admitting to the personal loan, CJP officials noted that it was part of Shrage’s compensation package, but referred to it as a relocation loan when he came from Ohio to Boston to head the CJP in 1987.

office admonishes against conflicts of interest between personal financial interests and duty to the charity. It warns such transactions may look questionable to the public. Charitable boards are expected to remain pristinely transparent about compensation arrangements with its CEO and operating officers, according to protocol measures written and endorsed by the AG’s office. A closer look into the financial shadows of one of Boston’s major charities reveals hundreds of thousands of dollars of perks for the CJP’s chief employees in addition to rich compensation packages for its top ten paid employees. Thirty-two of the CJP’s 199 employees received salaries of $100,000 or higher during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The richest compensation package of them all is Shrage, whose $1.9 million 2014-2015 salary and benefits have raised eyebrows, caused some concern and a great deal of discussion throughout the Jewish community in Greater Boston and on the Internet.

Will that be different in four years, or eight years?

“In 2006, the Committee determined that Barry’s compensation was below that of peers in his cohort, and as a result began a program of loan forgiveness as one component of his overall compensation. In June of 2008, the Committee made a recommendation to the Board to forgive the balance of the loan over a period of years,” this, according to a statement from the CJP to the Voice.

Continued on page 4

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s

Continued on page 3

Shrage’s package from the Board included an alleged retirement bonus of $1.3 million.

International E ditorial

Newton

The Newton Voice THE NEWTON VOICE PUBLISHER AND PRESIDENT Joshua Resnek jresnek@voicestaff.net

EDITOR Joshua Resnek

SENIOR REPORTER Alexander Culafi aculafi@voicestaff.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorenzo Recupero lrecupero@voicestaff.net David Stanford dstanford@voicestaff.net

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Ashley rashley@voicestaff.net Jared Charney jcharney@voicestaff.net

CALENDAR EDITOR

The Newton Voice

From the publisher

CJP NEEDS TO REASSESS ITSELF

ur look into some of the institutional actions by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies and its CEO and Board indicates a lack of transparency that cannot be denied about some of the Board’s financial dealings. In addition, after 30 years of one man’s leadership, it is not unreasonable to suggest that new leadership at the CJP might be justified in order to give the next generation a chance to move the charity into the uncertainties of the future. The Greater Boston Jewish community is in a state of disintegration or transition, however one chooses to look at it. Christian institutions are all challenged as well and in the same way, especially churches, which have been closing as synagogues have been closing because of declining membership and attendance. At the CJP, the Board prides itself in overseeing an institution that has $1 billion in assets and which collected $360 million last year in donations. After it spent $190 million to sustain certain privileged elements of the Greater Boston Jewish community and held others at bay by making small contributions to them, the CJP’s overseers banked the remaining $150 million. A new generation of leadership needs to determine whether or not the meaning of a charity is to have $1 billion in assets while the community it serves crumbles and disappears, rather than attempting to save the community by distributing, say, an additional $75 million yearly to sustain the community. These types of decisions can only be made by a Board that is independent and not controlled by the CEO, and who fail to act independently in fear of upsetting him. This is why the Board and the CJP are not transparent about dealings that add up to millions of dollars in compensation packages, including the CEO’s which we have reported.

Sheila Barth sbarth@voicestaff.net

This isn’t about a character attack on the CJP’s CEO Barry Shrage.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Rather, it is an eye-opener about private dealings costing millions of dollars that enrich a small handful of

Carolyn Lilley Resnek cresnek@voicestaff.net

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

privileged employees while at the same time the CJP and its leadership tells failing Jewish institutions in need of money that there simply isn’t enough to go around. No, it's not a character attack. It is a shot across the bow concerning ethics and transparency. The fact of the matter is that the CJP needs to change the way it conducts its business. It also needs a change in its view of how it is to work for the community it serves, which is staring into an uncertain future. What good is a $1 billion charity raising and banking more and more money, and determining its leadership needs higher and higher salaries, while the community it serves is declining and in need of greater intervention with cash and assets than ever before? Recent events concerning Shrage’s outrageous compensation package and the loan for his home from the charity without donors being made aware of this is cause enough to warrant further scrutiny of the CJP. What else might have been done for millions in raised charity giving that we don’t know about? I think this is a good question. Perhaps Attorney General Maura Healey should look a bit closer into the politics of money that is played at the CJP by its CEO and its Board.

NEWTON AS A SANCTUARY CITY A great deal of personal pride can be shared among Newton residents that leaders wish to make Newton a sanctuary city. Such a designation sought, say, 25 years ago would have failed dramatically. The times, however, are a changing, as was sung by Bob Dylan so many years ago. Some of us have to wonder what exactly making Newton a sanctuary city does in the real sense of the expression. I sent out our reporter Lorenzo Recupero, who lives in Chelsea, who is Hispanic, who understands exactly what a sanctuary city is. After all, he lives in an immigrant city where there are thousands of illegals who can’t read or write in the English language and can’t read or write in their native Spanish. Chelsea as a sanctuary city makes great sense. Newton as a sanctuary city without many to offer sanctuary to is another matter, I think.

DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

I sent Lorenzo out to find Newton illegals.

Trevor Andreozzi tandreozzi@voicestaff.net

He’s been having a tough time finding any.

PRINTING Graphic Developments Inc. Norwood, MA.

DISTRIBUTION

What does this mean? In this soon-to-be sanctuary city, it means that symbolism above all else matters, even in an upper class, upper income, highly educated, effete, almost entirely white community like Newton. Newton is nearly absent of the kind of folks who would take advantage of it as a sanctuary city.

Max’s Trucking

Yet the designation of Newton as a sanctuary city fits well here with the population, and that says something very

Winthrop, MA.

positive about the people of this city.

BANK

Joshua Resnek

East Boston Savings Beacon Street Brookline ___________________ The Newton Voice THE NEWTON VOICE Owned and operated by: THE CHELSEA PRESS LLC 1309 Beacon Street Suite 300 Brookline, MA Arnold Jarmak, President Joshua Resnek, Chairman of the Board

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CJP admits forgiveness for Shrage’s home loan Continued from page 1 Shrage’s package from the Board included an alleged retirement bonus of $1.3 million. The CJP did not detail whether or not forgiving Shrage’s home loan impacted on his compensation package, nor did the CJP enumerate the amount of the loan, the interest rate, if any, and the original amount of the loan or how much exactly was forgiven. The compensation packages and benefits for the CJP’s top employees – for travel, health care, automobiles, and expense accounts – some as high as $77,000 a year – were not revealed for 2 years or until the charity’s tax returns were recently released after a series of extensions. Charity Navigator, perhaps the most highly respected institutional tracking agency of the nation's charities, reported recently that the CJP did not provide a copy of IRS form 990 to the organization’s governing body in advance of its tax filing for 20142015. “Providing copies of the Form to the governing body in advance of filing is considered a best practice, as it allows for thorough review by the individuals charged with overseeing the organization,” it is written in Charity Navigator’s overview of the CJP and its accounting practices. “The form 990 asks the charity to disclose whether or not it has followed this best practice,” it was written in that report. According to a report used by the AG’s office, the board is responsible for setting compensation of the charitable organizations’s CEO and other senior managers. “When setting executive compensation, you should be mindful that the public, which supports the charity and uses its service, is interested in knowing the amount,” the AG office report states. “Complaints of excessive compensation or private benefit, whether from regulators or the public, can expose the organization to legal action and damage its good name,” the report states. Withholding public disclosure of Shrage’s retirement bonus and his $1.9 million compensation package for 2 years, as well as the compensation packages of his highest paid staff members, may have exceeded the Board’s ethical standing to grant it without public knowledge or notice. Shrage failed to return a text to his personal cell phone and a call to his High Street office by the Voice for comments about the personal home loan given to him and forgiven by the Board. “The process for setting executive compensation, the amount of such compensation, should all be well documented, approved by the full board, and be sensitive to public concerns and regulatory oversight,” the AG’s office recommends. A series of IRS extensions put off public knowledge of the CJP’s Board of Directors handing Shrage his $1.3 million retirement bonus for at least 24 months. That retirement bonus given to Shrage

almost 2 years ago, and his salary of $600,000 in addition was revealed in our front page story in our December 13 edition. Two other publications also carried the story in whole or in part – the online daily the Forward and The Jewish Advocate. Shrage has not announced his intention to retire. He has told colleagues and friends that he is not retiring, the Voice reported. The naming of the $1.3 million payout and the Board’s failure to announce it is deemed problematic by some members of Boston’s Jewish community. Now comes the forgiven home loan likely worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (center) visits an armory museum in the Russian capital of Moscow June 8, 2016. The museum housed an Israeli tank captured by the Syrian army during the First Lebanon War’s battle of Sultan Yacoub, but following a request by Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to return the tank to Israel.

The CJP, by all appearances, is cash rich with more than $1.1 billion in assets with over $392 million in contributions and $38 million of other revenues in 2015.

Scorned by Obama, Israel forges beneﬁcial ties with Russia and others, expert says

Although it is a non-profit, it banked $241 million after spending $190 million in program, administrative and fundraising expenses.

By Rafael Medoff/JNS.org Although Israelis were distressed by the tension in their relationship with the outgoing Obama administration, that state of affairs has compelled Jerusalem to forge ties elsewhere that have greatly beneﬁted the Jewish state, according to a leading expert on the Middle East and Russia. Dr. Ariel Cohen, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and director of the Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics, analyzed Israel’s growing ties with Russia and other nations in a Dec. 20 conference call and a subsequent interview with JNS.org. “With President [Barack] Obama and the left wing of the Democratic Party turning against Israel, Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu has made a great effort to build better relationships with Russia, India, African countries and others,” Cohen said.

The forgiven personal home loan is a bump in the road for Shrage. “These payouts are one thing. The insider dealing and misuse of charitable funds to influence personal goals and views is another,” said a prominent member of the Greater Boston Jewish community who wished to remain unnamed. “Transparency and priorities are real issues,” added the source. A further look into the CJP’s use of charitable contributions reveals that Gil Preuss, the CJP’s executive Vice-President was paid $397,000 in 2014-2015. This included $68,689 in perks. Judy Shapiro, Chief Operating Officer, was paid $297,628 during the same period and her compensation included $77,003 of perks. Zamira Korff, Senior Vice-President for Strategic Philanthropy, received $329,213, and this included $75,837 of perks. David Strong, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, received $396,933, which included $65,718 of additional perks. Seth Rosenzweig, Vice-President for Development, received $192,063 and $56,405 of perks for a total of $248,468. Amy Mitman, AVP Development, received $173,564 and $65,874 of perks for a total of $239,438. Peter Brau, Vice-President of Finance, received $175,530 and $62,497 of perks for a total of $238,027.

Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, holds up a photo of Aleppo while brieﬁng journalists following a UN Security Council emergency meeting on the situation in Syria Dec. 13, 2016. Credit: UN Photo/Amanda Voisard.

‘We Are All Hezbollah:’ the mark of shame By Ben Cohen/JNS.org Do protesters who chant “We Are All Hezbollah” understand the nature of the organization they so heartily embrace? Do they grasp that “We Are All Hezbollah” means “We Are All Executioners, Rapists and Child Murderers?” These are not poorly armed ﬁghters. They are a well-armed, well trained force of killers, as we have known for too many years now. The 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut? It was the work of Hezbollah. The 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish Center in Buenos Aires? Ditto. Look at the current situation in Aleppo, and then imagine what would happen if Hezbollah was unleashed upon the people of Israel. Sometimes, you need an apocalyptic scenario to bring you to your senses, writes JNS.org columnist Ben Cohen.

Nancy Katz, Director of Israel Advocacy, received $188,392 and $34,547 of perks for a total of $222,939. July Somers, Vice-President of Marketing, received $232,712, including $27,337 of perks for the same period. Cheryl Aronson – no position listed – received $165,143 and $18,422 of perks for a total of $183,565. Paula Barta, Assistant Secretary, received $113,796 and $31,104 in perks for a total of $116,900.

The changing world of philanthropy The CJP’s recently released tax returns revealed the way donors are giving is changing, and rather dramatically. During the past several years, CJP’s donor-advised fund program has grown significantly and has generated significant revenue. The only caveat with this type of giving is that the CJP is raising funds that are destined for other charitable venues. “A small number of donors have made significant contributions to the program resulting in a significant decrease in CJP’s public support percentage… this percentage has decreased from 72.14% in fiscal year 2010 to 44.14% in fiscal year 2015,” it was reported in CJP’s tax filing.

The new Israel Defense Forces City of Training Bases in the Negev. Credit: Judy Lash Balint.

‘City’ of military training bases is the latest game-changer in southern Israel By Deborah Fineblum/JNS.org A not-so-quiet demographic and geographic revolution is taking place in Israel these days. After years of planning, concrete efforts are underway to shift population sectors away from the overcrowded and overpriced center of the country. The new destination is the southern Negev region and its wide-open spaces. JNS.org proﬁles the expansive new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) City of Training Bases in the Negev, where base commander Col. Avi Motola explains how the region is affected as the IDF closes old training bases scattered throughout Israel and centralizes the world’s most advanced training for defense forces. With 10,000 soldiers from every part of Israel’s armed forces, the “city” of bases functions like a small town. “They call me Mayor Motola,” quips the commander.

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The Newton Voice

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

The decision not Battle over sanctuary city status rages on to run for mayor The battle over Newton’s status as a sanctuary city is heating up.

Continued from page 1

On December 15, Newton Mayor Setti Warren, Police Chief David MacDonald, and Council President/candidate for mayor Scott Lennon co-docketed an ordinance that addressed concerns over how officials deal with undocumented immigrants.

“Yes it will,” he tells me definitively. “When the time is right, I would love to run for mayor.” As we were talking, I asked him offhand how old he is. When Lipof said 50, I made the remark that he’s still got plenty of time.

On December 16, seven councilors filed a separate docket item using stronger language covering a lot of the same ground.

“Those are the same words that many I’ve reached out to said,” he said with a chuckle. “At 50 years old, I’ve still got many opportunities left in the future.” In the same breath, he went on to talk about what it means to be mayor. “The job of mayor is not 9-to-5, five days a week. You are married to that job, and there is almost always something to do seven days a week. You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to love being with people. You’ve got to love the city first and foremost. You’ve got to do it because it’s your passion, because you want to guide this city and care for it. You’ve got to be a manager. You’ve got to be a chief executive officer.” Does he have those qualities? “I feel that I do. My understanding of the city after serving for 16 years is the foundation, but I started my company in 1991. We just celebrated 25 years in business, managing a staff of 50-60 people dealing with banks and law firms in the real estate business. I’ve built a successful business that is here and strong 25 years later, and I think that would hold me in good stead.” It’s clear that Rick Lipof is a man of

Long story short, Mayor Warren and co. are basically advocating for sanctuary city-like policies without being as restrictive as sanctuary city policies. The other city council docket wants more formal restrictions. In other words, it’s an argument over whether our city agrees with sanctuary city policies a little or a lot.

balance. It’s also clear that Lipof, rightfully, sees the job of mayor as one of immense importance that requires one’s complete attention. And, as we know, Lipof is a man of business, who would have to put his professional life on hold in order to hold office for a long, long time. But he still wants to be mayor. I had to ask: does the idea of being mayor – and leaving everything behind – scare you? “It does not scare me – I welcome it. At the right time, I will be able to walk away from my business.” Special thanks to Councilor Lipof for his time!

Many formal sanctuary city ordinances make it so that, outside of limited circumstances, an undocumented immigrant can’t be detained based on

immigration status for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, nor can officials report one’s immigration status to ICE. Mayor Warren’s docket has few specific prohibitions – only a whole bunch of guidelines. “Newton is a welcoming and inclusive city for all,” Warren’s policy says. “Immigration status shall have no bearing on a person’s treatment by officials and employees of the city. There is no expectation that officials and employees of the city will report persons to federal immigration authorities based on immigration status.” The councilors’ proposal, which has yet to be turned into a full ordinance, is fully explicit. It says that no city official will report, respond, or cooperate to or with ICE unless an undocumented individual "has been convicted of a felony, is on a terrorist watch list, poses a serious substantive threat to public safety, or is compelled to by operation of law."

Newton-Needham bridge opens with a celebration The Elliot Street/Central Street bridge reopened with a celebratory parade on December 17, featuring everyone from elected officials to Santa Claus. It was a symbolic day, because it signaled the reopening of a bridge that connected Newton to Needham – which closed for repairs in July. It was a parade about two communities coming together for the sake of communities coming together.

But to take the romance away for a second, the bridge closed for a few months because it was built in the 19th century and was riddled with stones cracked from over a century of travel. It was becoming unsafe for heavy vehicles and loads, so work was necessary. The parade was organized by NewtonNeedham Regional Chamber as a thank you to leaders in both communities for completing the project.

SALES AND MARKETING PRO SOUGHT The Newton and Brookline VOICE are seeking a sales and marketing professional to bring to the local and wider business community the value of advertising in THE VOICE publications. This sales professional will be a self-starter who makes his or her own hours, whose salary will be based on sales generated for the publications. Dependent upon the level of experience, the final choice for this position will be given a draw and a generous commission scale unmatched. Perfect for a cracker jack real estate broker tired of the game and of the competition, and looking for a future with our publications. Please contact publisher Josh Resnek at 978-239-8860.

Coming soon to your favorite grocer, and now available at Katz Bagel in Chelsea:

The pizza bagel. A tradition since 1938. Fruitations is available at Roche Bros., Bros. Marketplace, Gordon's Downtown Crossing, Kappy's Peabody and Whole Foods Market. Find Fruitations behind the bar at Woods Hill Table, RedBird, backbar, Porto Boston, Envoy Hotel. Recipes on our website: Justaddfruitations.com

139 Park St., Chelsea

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

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To view these fine and stylish timepieces, please contact Fabrizio at his Darling Street Italian coffee shop in downtown Marblehead. These are wonderful holiday presents for the people you love — and if you’re in the area, Bello Preciso Cafe has the finest Italian coffee you will savor, delight in, and come back for — guaranteed!

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Alex Picks: T

he five best games of 2016

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

When I’m not busy going to bank openings or taking pictures of colorful trees I saw, I’m usually playing video games. My apartment is absolutely riddled with them, and my Twitter account has more commentary on video games than anything else – by far. That’s why, for the purposes of this article, I thought I would tell you all about the best stuff I played this year, coming from a guy who played a lot of video games in 2016.

Final Fantasy XV (PS4, Xbox One) Final Fantasy XV is the best game I played in 2016, hands down. Playing as Prince Noctis, you go on a road trip with your three best friends to retake your homeland from the evil empire of Niflheim. An open world action role-playing game, you explore the enormous kingdom of Lucis, fighting monsters, exploring dungeons, visiting rest stops and cities, and ultimately vanquishing evil. The game’s development took place over ten years, and it’s easy to see why; it looks absolutely gorgeous, the world feels more alive than any game I’ve ever played, and the combat is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s also dozens of hours long, so this game is one that will keep you busy for a few weeks.

DOOM (PS4, Xbox One, PC) DOOM is the biggest surprise of this year. Although the original DOOM games on PC were fun, ultraviolent shooters in the 1990s, the series started putting out games of lesser quality, and expectations for this one could not be lower. However, when it came out, I was nothing short of blown away. It’s a very fast, difficult, and violent shooter game that has everything you love about the original classics brought into the modern era. This game is so fun that I would often find my hands shaking at the end of play sessions. Best soundtrack of the year, too. It’s a simple game too; all you’re doing is shooting, ripping, and tearing demons apart for 15 hours.

Titanfall 2 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) If you’ve played Call of Duty, this is like that but better. Developed by Respawn, founded by guys who were responsible for some of the best Call of Duty games in the series, Titanfall takes everything they learned from Call of Duty and makes it faster and more fun. It’s a military first person shooter that takes place in the future, where giant mechanized robots – Titans – are as crucial to the combat as any of the boots on the ground. It feels great to play – better than any Call of Duty game I’ve ever played – and features an excellent story campaign that fully teaches you everything you need to know about playing. It also has a well-made multiplayer mode that kept me entertained for a very long time.

Pokemon Sun and Moon (3DS) Pokémon, that craze from the 1990s and 2000s where you collect monsters and battle them against your friends, is still going strong. It celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Alongside plenty of new spinoffs and re-releases of old games, the main celebration of this year was Pokémon Sun and Moon, a new step for the series that takes place in a world based on Hawaii. The mechanics of playing Pokemon are better than ever before, the new Pokemon (there are over 800 now!) are very cool and fun to use, and the game rethinks a lot of series conventions. Remember gyms? Totally gone. Remember HMs? Totally gone. The series has never felt fresher. Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest (3DS) Fire Emblem is a game of strategy – a thinking person's video game. You are a military commander in a fantasy setting who orders units to take down the enemy in the most strategically effective way possible. Depending on the battle, you may elect to fight from afar, over sea, or you might try a dangerous all-out assault, surrounding the opposition. You need to be careful though; if one of your units dies in battle, they die for good (there’s a way to turn this off, but what’s the fun in that?). You have a lot of freedom to play how you choose, and as a result, the game is very hard and very rewarding. There are three versions of this game with three different storylines about warring kingdoms, but Conquest is the best one by far. Better story, and more challenging gameplay.

All of these should be available at your nearest GameStop, but if not, Amazon is your best bet. That does it for 2016! I love writing about video games, so if you have anything else you want me to write about in The Voice, let me know at aculafi@voicestaff.net. See you next year!

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

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Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

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The Nutcracker By Sheila Barth Throughout its multi-year performances, Boston Ballet’s renowned “The Nutcracker,” at the palatial Opera House in Boston remains the glittering gem - the piece de resistance - of traditional holiday family shows, enchanting child and youngat-heart theatergoers with its profound beauty of motion, costumes, scenery, special effects, and magnificent orchestral accompaniment. The ballet, accompanied by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s exquisite music, is timeless, casting its magical spell, from the time of its original debut at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, December 18, 1892. Audiences remain awestricken and overwhelmed at the performance’s magnificent effects, including a Christmas tree that grows enormously, a battle

BOSTON ENTERTAINMENT AND BEYOND THE MAKING OF A GREAT MOMENT

Merrimack Repertory Theatre ushers in the new year with its world premiere, one-act, 90-minute comedy by ATCA/Steinberg award-winning playwright, Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Jan. 4-29, 2017, showcasing comedians Danny Scheie and Aysan Celik. The two actors portray performers on tour of their play about human history, bringing it to audiences nationally, while riding their bicycles. Nancy L. Donahye Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. $26-$70; senior discount, 10 percent off adult tickets; students, $15; group, military, other discounts also. mrt.org, 978-654-4678.

waged between life-sized Mouse King and his ratty minions and the Nutcracker Prince’s toy soldiers.

Did Clara dream this wonderment? Her visions of dancing sugar plums and snowflakes remain in theatergoers’ hearts, too.

Theatergoers are whisked from an elegant 1892 Christmas house party to a fantasy-filled land of the Snow Queen and King, their dancing snowflakes, and glittering snowflakes falling on stage.Little Clara Silberhaus and the Nutcracker Prince also arrive at his kingdom via a puffy cloud.

The Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker” closes Dec. 31. at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Showtimes vary. Tickets start at $35. bostonballet.org, 617-695-6955.

In gratitude for the prince’s return, the Queen entertains Clara and magician-toymaker Drosselmeier with Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, pastoral dancers, including shepherds and shepherdesses, white sheep and the single proverbial black one; Mother Ginger and her dancing polinichelles, and a regal pas de deux.

BOAT TRIP TO THOMPSON ISLAND

Kick off the new year afternoon Sunday , Jan. 1, with a 45-minute boat trip on this fascinating Friends of the Boston Harbor Island, pack a [icnic lunch and explore on your own on this Seafarers Island Holiday. Board at 11:45 a.m., Boat MV Freedom departs 60 Rowes Wharf, Mass Bay Lines, Boston, at noon and returns to the dock at 4 p.m. $30+ service fee, seniors, $29+ service fee; adult FBHI member, $25+ service fee; s tudent with current ID, $20+ service fee; children ages 3-12, $20 + sercice fee; FBHI child member, $17 + service fee. 781-740-4290, info@fbhi.org.

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE

Marblehead Little Theatre’s group will hold its Keg ‘N Komedy night, featuring Ted Neary, Brett Bovio, Bruce Whear, Erik Newmann, Susan Parker, Meghan Holtz, Mark Salvatore, Eric Johnson and Andrew Dunlop, Thurs-

Adding a special treat, they’re offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve fun-filled event, Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., The Boston Ballet Orchestra brass quintet plays popular holiday songs, 7-7:30 p.m., followed by several surprises, special appearances, unique props, costume twists, confetti cannons and more. Tickets start at $45.

day, Dec. 29, 7,9 p.m., 12 School St., Marblehead. Besides laughs, there’s beer and audience participation. $25. Audiences must be 21+ years old. mltlive.org.

DWIGHT AND NICOLE

The Regattabar hits heavenly notes with Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge.617-395-7757.

NEW YEAR’S EVE THE NUTCRACKER

Boston Ballet offers an exclusive cultural event ot kick off an evening of fun-filled festivities, Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Wshington St., Boston. Starting things off, the Boston Ballet Orchestra brass quintet plays popular holiday songs in a pre-show 7-7:30 p.m. concert, and there are plenty of surprises, special appearances, unique props, costume twists, confetti cannons and more. Tickets start at $45. bos-

tonballet.org, 617-695-6955.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ENTERTAINMENT CRUISES

Usher in the new year aboard Boston Harbor Cruise Ships Odyssey and Spirit of Boston, Friday, Dec. 30, New Year’s Eve lunch, Dec. 31, and New Year’s Eve gourmet dinner or New Year’s Day Starlight Dinner, all aboard the Odyssey, or New Year’s Eve dinner cruise, Dec. 31, New Year’s Day brunch cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston. Odyssey departs from 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston and Sprit of Boston boards at Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. odysseycruises.com/ boston/cruises/holiday/new-years-cruises; Spirit of Boston, www.spiritcruises.com/boston/cruises/holiday/ new-years-cruises.

THE DRIFTERS

Stoneham Theatre welcomes the Drifters and their melodic voices to usher in the new year, Saturday, Dec.

READY FOR THE NEW YEAR BROOKLINE 335 Harvard Street 617-975-0075

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017 31, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. 395 Main St., Stoneham. The iconic group is back by popular demand, after last New Year’s Eve sold-out show. VIP tickets, $75; premium, $65. Stonehamtheatre.org, 781-279-2200.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DONKEY SHOW

Club Oberon opens its doors December 31 for a special late night New Year’s Eve celebration. Cluboberon.com.

SCULLERS NEW YEAR PARTY

Delfeayo Marsalis features vocalist Cynthia Liggins Thomas as they ring in the new year with sounds of New Orleans, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. The 8 p.m. show is $110 per couple; 8 p.m. show with early dinner, $320 per couple; 11 p.m. show, $150 per couple. There’s also an ultimate package which includes a four course dinner in Boathouse 400 Restaurant, preferred seating at the 11 p.m. show, champagne toast, party favors, king bed standard suite, parking for one car, etc. Ultimate package, call 617-562-4111.

JAW GEMS

Ring in the new year Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., with Jaw Gems and Lettuce, featuring Antuwan Stanley and TAUK, House of Blues Boston. Doors open at 7 p.m. 15 Landsdowne St., Boston. Show is for all ages. $35-$50. 888-693-2583.

JIMMY TINGLE

That irrepressible comedian makes comic sense, New Year’s Eve,Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at The Cabot, 286 Cabot St., Beverly. $25,435,$45,$60 plus restoration charges. Top price includes meet and greet with Tingle and post-show glass of champagne Thecabot.org, 866811-4111.

BOSTON’S RESOLUTION BALL

Young professionals ages 20s-30s greet the new year in style, Saturday, Dec. 31, at Boston’s Resolution Ball at the Colonnade Hotel, 9 a.m.-2 a.m., 120 Huntington Ave., Boston. Reception stations, 9-10:30 p.m.; cocktail reception, cash bar, dancing, midnight champagne toast, party favors. BostonEventGuide.com.

BACK BAY AT THE TAJ HOTEL A 35+ PROJECT

Overlooking Boston Common is a five-star option for celebrating New Year’s Eve, at the Back Bay Ball, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., the Taj Hotel, 15 Arlington Ave., Boston. Dinner stations start at 7 p.m., reception stations, 9-10:30 p.m.;cocktail reception cash bar, dancing, midnight champagne toast, party favors. Guests over 21 years old welcome to attend this 35+ event. BostonEventGuide. com.

The Newton Voice BRILLIANT ADVENTURES

Calendar

FINGERSMITH

Apollinaire Theatre Company presents Alistair McDowall’s two-act, two-hour, darkly comic sci-fi thriller about brotherhood, addiction and breaking the laws of physics, Dec. 28-Jan.21,2017: Dec. 28-31, 8 p.m.; Jan. 6-21, Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., Chelsea Theatre Works, 186 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea. Post-show reception in the gallery. Advance tickets,$20;at the door, $25; students, $15.617-887-2336, apollinairetheatre.com.

URBAN NUTCRACKER

The Tony Williams Dance Center presents its annual two-act, 2-1/4 hour “Urban Nutcracker” that’s fun for all ages through Dec. 31 at John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Boston. $25-$85, group discount for 15+. Urbannutcracker.com. 888-596-1027.

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse at Unitarian /Universalist Church of Wakefield presents Mile 12 and Local Freight performing blue grass music, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m., 326 Main St., Wakefield. $20; patrons under 18 years old, $10. Reservations recomended. 781-246-2836, LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org.

BOSTON BAROQUE FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT

Partnering with the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Boston Baroque presents its free community concert Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, 2 p.m., at Boston ‘s Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester. The concert includes Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks; two works by JS Bach, featuring concertmaster Christina Day Martinson. Advance tickets insure seating. bostonbaroque.org,617-987-8600, communityconcert@ bostonbarque.org.

BIG THIEF

The group performs Friday, Jan. 6, Brighton Music Hall, Boston. Livenation,com.

LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT

The group performs Saturday, Jan. 7, Brighton Music Hall, Boston. Livenation,com.

EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT

Wellesley Repertory Theatre presents Lauren Gunderson’s play about the exciting 18th century female scientific genius, Jan. 5-29: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sunday. Jan. 8,15,22, at 2 p.m., Jan. 29, 5 p.m.; Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre, Wellesley College. $20; seniors, students, $10. Wellesleyrep.org, Reservations,

By Sheila Barth

barths@comcast.net At American Repertory Theater’s (A.R.T.) thrilling New England premiere production of Alexa Junge’s play, “Fingersmith,” Christopher Acebo’s two-tiered, partitioned set is intriguing. Deborah Dryden’s costumes are wonderfully Victorian, and the plot is riddled with social, psychological and dramatic twists and turns. Directed by Bill Rauch, artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), where “Fingersmith” originally premiered in 2015, this talented cast allows no passive moments. Theatergoers must pay close attention to the intricate plot and action, because it shifts in seconds. What seems like it is, isn’t. People actually aren’t who they’re supposed to be. And this blooming love story isn’t what you’d expect. “Fingersmith” involves two young women, born about the same time, but have vastly different lives. Sue Trinder (Tracee Chimo) is a young, lightfingered pickpocket from London’s sordid streets, and Maud Lilly, (Christina Bennett Lind), Sue’s foil and unsuspecting, cloistered, privileged heiress, lives in the country with her harsh, crusty uncle, Christopher Lilly (T. Ryder Smith). The elderly biographer-book purveyor raised Maud from childhood, after his sister’s confinement in an insane asylum and her death. Con man Richard “Gentleman” Rivers (Josiah Bania) has conjured a plot to get Sue hired as Maud’s companion, marry Maud and steal her fortune,after getting Maud committed to an insane asylum, he says. He promises to split the money with Sue and Sue’s street-wise mother-baby farmer, Mrs. Sucksby (Kristine Nielsen). But things develop differently, more diabolically and shockingly. There also are some startlingly nightmarish insane asylum scenes and two women’s executions by hanging. “Fingersmith” isn’t your typical Christmas holiday fare. It’s dark and dreary, like a Dickens’ tale of a Victorian, class-driven society, with its legal,social, and moral injustices. Two-act, 2-3/4 hour play by Alexa Junge, based on the novel by Sarah Waters, at American Repertory Theater Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge through Jan. 8, 2017. Tickets start at $25. 617-547-8300, AmericanRepertoryTheater.org.

THURGOOD

781-283-2000.

THE RAT PACK IS BACK

Provincetown Theater’s new year’s gala celebrates Vegas-style with the Rat Pack, Dec. 29,30, and Jan. 1,7:30 p.m., featuring Cape Cod performers and special guest stars, cash bar, no food. 238 Bradford St., Provincetown. Dec. 29, $20; Dec.30, $40, light snack, cash bar; Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m., cocktails, drinks, extensive food service, casino gambling, $150; premium tickets, $200, includes VIP side-stage seating.Corporate rates also. provincetowntheater.com, 508-487-7487.

FIFTH ANNUAL FIRST NIGHT JUBILEE DAY CONCERT

Renowned director Benny Sato Ambush directs New Repertory Theatre’s production of George Stevens Jr.’s play about Justice Thurgood Marshall, starring award-winning actor Johnny Lee Davenport, Jan.7-Feb. 5, Mosesian Center for the Arts Black Box Theater, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. previews, Jan. 7, 8 p.m.; Jan.8, 4 p.m.showtimes, Jan.9, 12,18,19, Feb. 1,2, at 7:30 p.m.;Jan.13,14,20,27,Feb. 3, 4,at 8 p.m.; Jan. 15, 26, at 2,7:30 p.m.;Jan 21,28, at 3,8 p.m.; Jan.22,29,Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. $19-$42, student, senior, group discounts.617-923-8487, newrep.org.

SUB ROSA COLLECTIVE

Scott Allen Jarrett conducts Handel and Haydn Society and the Museum of African American History’s presentation of music and readings celebrating liberty, Dec. 31, 1:30 p.m., at Boston Public Library central branch’s Rabb Lecture Hall, 700 Boylston St., Copley Square, Boston. The event is free and open to the public.

IMPROVBOSTON NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWS

The group presents a marathon of six fully improvised comedy celebrations, with audience participation, and 100 comics getting two minutes on the Cambridge stage, New Year’s Day, in “100 First Jokes,” two shows, 50 comics at 7:30 and 50 others at 9:30 p.m.. New Year’s Eve shows include Family countdown for ages 4-12, 4 p.m. , adults, $16, kids, $10; family comedy showcase for teens,6 p.m., $16/$10; all aes comedy showcase, 7 p.m., $16/$10; Comedy Showcase, 8 and 9 p.m.p.m., ages 16+, $20 online, $25 at the door; Comedy Countdown, 10 p.m., ages 21+ only, includes a champagne toast, online, 430; at the door, $35. ImprovBoston.com/nye.

Club Passim welcomes back the Sub Rosa Collective sharing their reunion Jan. 9,10, at 7 p.m., with their Songwriting Retreat, Songs from Three Mile Island, as part of its Discovery Series 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. members, $20; non-members $22. passim.org, 617492-7679.

GREAT SMALL WORKS

Trudi Cohen and John Bell present “Great Small Works,” a brief entertaining history of Toy Theater, a livng newspaper, Episode 2: Sidewalk Ballet, and Ode to Common Things, free of charge, Sunday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Midway studios, 15 Channel Center St., Fort Point, Boston. Light refreshments served. The event is sponsored in part by the Mass. Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. Reservations recommended. fortpointtc.org.

THE MOUNTAINTOP

Trinity Repertory Company presents Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play, “The Mountaintop,” a re-imagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night, starring Joe Wilson Jr. and Mia Ellis, appearing Jan.12- Feb. 12, Dowl-

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The Newton Voice

IC nternational alendar

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017 Young Jean Lee’s “Straight White Men,” and Amelia Bullmore’s “Di and Viv and Rose,” running in rotating performances, now through Dec. 23, 393 Broad St., Providence, RI. $15-$25. thewilburygroup.org, or call 401-400-7100.

GLOWBERON

Oberon presents monthly shows, Glowberon and the Afterglow Festival, through March 9, 2017, featuring solo performances and cabaret.

THE NUTCRACKER

Boston Ballet’s magnificent two-act, two-hour production of Mikko Nissinen’s reimagined classic ballet, featuring music by Tchaikovsky, is performed through Dec. 31, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Times vary. Tickets start at $35. bostonballet.org, 617695-6955.

THE TEMPEST

Actors’ Shakespeare Project returns to Brookline’s Willet Hall at United Parish, performing Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” through Jan. 8, 2017, 210 Harvard St., Brookline. $30-$50. Actorsshakespeareproject.org, 866-811-4111.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

ing Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. Tickets start at $25. trinityrep.com, or call 401-351-4242.

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES

The group performs with different support acts each night, Dec. 28-30, House of Blues, Boston. Livenation,com, Ticketmaster.com.

THE GHOST OF PAUL REVERE

The group performs Friday, Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, Boston. Livenation,com.

PINK TALKING FISH

The group performs songs from their thriller, PTF in the Mirror, Saturday, Dec. 31, Paradise Rock Club. Livenation,com.

SAVED BY THE ‘90S- NEW YEAR’S EVE

The group rings in the new year Saturday, Dec. 31, at Brighton Music Hall. Livenation,com.

SCULLERS JAZZ CLUB

The jazzy night club has added the following acts to its January line-up: Joey DeFrancesco, Jan. 12, Christian Scott and Tunde Adjuah, Jan.13, Roy Hargrove with Roberta Gambarini, Jan. 20-21. Doubletree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. info@scullersjazz.com.

IMPROVISED HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Every Friday at 10 p.m., throughout December, ImprovBoston features the National Touring Company and others, performing improvised holiday entertainment at ImprovBoston. Special added performances, too.$18. ImprovBoston.com.

COLIN CAMPBELL

As part of ImprovBoston’sMainstage Spotlight Series, Variety Entertainer Colin Campbell performs at the Cambridge venue, Jan. 5, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. $18. Improvboston.com.

DANCE ALTERNATIVES

Critically acclaimed holiday dance favorites, Peter DiMuro/Public Displays of Motion’s “Gumdrops and The Funny Uncle,” an alternative non-Nutracker dance/theater performance celebrating families of choice through an LGTBQ lens, will also be performed at the Dance Complex’s Winter Wonder Festival, Dec.28-30.

GUMDROPS $30;PILLOW SEATS PLUS FEES, $12. BOSTONTHEATRESCENE.COM.

The Scottsboro Boys If you missed this brilliant Kander and Ebb musical when it appeared last month to accolades, take heart. The play returns to SpeakEasy Stage Company, Dec. 30Jan.22, 2017, Roberts Studio Theatre, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion,Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. Get your tickets early before they sell out again. speakeasystage.com.

A DOLL’S HOUSE

Huntington Theatre Company presents Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic dramatic play, Jan. 6-Feb. 5, 2017, BU Theatre, Avenue of the Arts, select Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.;select Sundays, 7 p.m.; matinees, select Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, at 2 p.m.264 Huntington Ave., Boston. Related events also. Tickets start at $25; senior, military, subscriber, BU community, 35-year-olds and younger, student discounts.huntingtontheatre.org, 617-266-0800.

CLUB OBERON

Sailor Moon Shoujo Spectacular performs Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ,$10-$15; Sganekess: New Year’s Eve Eve, 9 p.m., $15-$35; and much more, Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge: and The Moth StorySLAMS, Usual Suspect,,Jan. 31,8p.m.;. Visit cluboberon.com, or call 617-5478300.

LIVE NATION NEW ENGLAND CONCERT LINE-UP

Live Nation has added the following performers to its

January line-up: Palmistry performs Jan. 17, at Middle East-Opstairs; Joe Purdy, Jan. 29, Brighton Music Hall; Deorro, Jan. 30, House of Blues Boston; Sammy Adams performs Dec. 27, House of Blues Boston; The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dec. 28-30, House of Blues Boston; The Ghost of Paul Revere, Dec. 30, Brighton Music Hall; Lettuce, Dec. 31, House of Blues Boston; Pink Talking Fish, Dec. 31, Paradise Rock Club; Saved by the ‘90s -New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, Brighton Music Hall; Big Thief, Jan. 6, Brighton Music Hall; Last Podcast on the Left, Jan. 7, Brighton Music Hall; Mat Kerekes of Citizen, Jan. 11, ONCE Ballroom; Circa Survive, Jan. 12, House of Blues Boston; Kings of Leon, Jan. 13, TD Garden; New York Funk Exchange, Jan. 13, Brighton Music Hall; godheadSilo, Jan. 14, Brighton Music Hall; Reel Big Fish & Anti-Flag, Jan. 15, House of Blues Boston. livenation.com

BOSTON BAROQUE NEW YEAR’S PROGRAM

The Boston Baroque presents Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” and Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor BWV, with violinist/ Boston Baroque concertmaster Christina Day Martinson, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. and Jan. 1, 3 p.m., Sander’s Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. $30-$90;students, $10; seniors, $20; under 30 years old, $30; discounts available at the box office 90 minutes pre-performance. bostonbaroque.org, 617-9878600.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST

Central Square’s accomplished, versatile Artistic Director Lee Mikeska Gardner directs “Journey to the West,” a comical adaptation of a 16th century Chinese novel, now through Dec. 31, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. $16-$61. 617-576-9278, centralsquaretheater.org.

Poor milkman Tevye wishes he had Trump’s fortune and fame, in New Repertory Theater’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” featuring a Boston all-star cast. The show expanded performances to January 1, 2017, because of popular demand. Charles Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Associated events also. $35-$65;student, tickets, $20; senior, group discounts. Newrep.org.

STRAIGHT WHILTE MEN

The Wilbury Group Theater has extended its run of the New England premieres of Young Jean Lee’s “Straight White Men,” and Amelia Bullmore’s “Di and Viv and Rose,” running in rotating performances, through Dec. 30, 393 Broad St., Providence, RI. $15-$25. thewilburygroup.org, 401-400-7100.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Jordan Furniture’s Sunbrella ImaxTheatre in Reading and Natick has tickets for the new, spectacular film featuring 4K laser technology. Natick, call 508-844-5170, Reading, 508-844-5171.

FINGERSMITH

American Repertory Theater presents the New England premiere of Alexa Junge’s play, based on the novel by Sarah Waters, through Jan.8, 2017, Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. Tickets start at $25. 617-5478300, AmericanReperotryTheater.org.

RHEA SIMON

Her Nov. 11 Cabaret gig at Club Café was canceled last-minute, but rescheduled for Dec. 30, 8-11 p.m., at the popular club’s Napolean room, Columbus Avenue, Boston.

HAND TO GOD

“MATCHLESS” AND “THE HAPPY PRINCE”

As a new year treat, SpeakEasy Stage Company presents Robert Askins‘ Broadway,multi-nominated, two-act, two-hour comedy, “Hand to God,” featuring Boston’s stars Lewis D. Wheeler, Marianna Bassham, Tyrone the Puppet and more, Jan.6-Feb. 4, 2017, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600, bostontheatrescene.com.

THE WILBURY GROUP

The Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre features Lillian Hellman’s powerful Depression Era drama, Jan. 12- Feb. 12, 2017, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI.$44,$52. Preview performances, Jan. 12-15, $33.401-723-4266,gam-

Underground Theater director Debra Wise presents adaptations of Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Matchless,” based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, and Oscar Wilde’s beloved “The Happy Prince,” now through Dec. 31, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge.$15-$55. 617-576-9278, centralsquaretheater.org. The theater will hold the New England premieres of

THE CHILDREN’S HOUR

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM KATZ BAGEL OF CHELSEA

SINCE 1938

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017 mtheatre.org.

GUSTER

The group returns to Boston to celebrate its 25th anniversary performing four shows at Paradise Rock Club, Jan. 12-15,with opening acts Steven Page, Jan. 12, And the Kids, Jan. 13, The Bogmen, Jan. 14, and John Wesley Harding a.k.a. Wesley Stace, Jan. 15,967-969 Comm. Ave., Boston. Shows are 18+ years old. Doors open 7 p.m., shows start 8 p.m. Four-show pass, $125,includes meet and greet, special surprises. Single show tickets, $36. Ticketmaster.com, 8000-745-3000.

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

Multi-award winners Paula Plum, Steven Barkhimer, Erica Spyres and Dan Whelton star in Lyric Stage Company of Boston’s production of Edward Albee’s classic play, Jan. 13-Feb. 12, 2017: Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3,8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Jan.18, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. 140 Clarendon St., Boston. Tickets start at $25, seniors, $10 disocunt, student rush, $10; group rates. Lyricstage.com.

TAPESTRY – THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK

Stoneham Theatre presents Suzanne O. Davis recreating the sound of a Carole King concert, performing her songs in this musical tribute to the Grammy Award winner, Jan. 13-15: Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., 395 Main St., Stoneham. VIP, $55; premium, $45. Stonehamtheatre.org, 781-279-2200.

DORRANCE DANCE IN CONCERT

World Music/CRASHrts presents Boston premiere work, “Dorrance Dance in Concert,”Jan.13,14, 8 p.m., and Jan.15, 3 p.m., Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston. Reserved seats, $40-$65. 617-8764275, WorldMusic.org.

I.D. FESTIVAL

Oberon presents this festival exploring gender identtiy and clebrating diverse experiences of the trans community, presented in conversation with ART’s production of “Trans Scripts, Part 1: The Women,” performed at Loeb Drama Center, Jan. 19-Feb. 5. The festival includes GLOWOBERON: Johnny Blazes and Brian King, Jan. 13, 8 p.m., $25; Alison Young and the Swinging Steaks, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., $20; Becca Blackwell, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., $25; Peacock Rebellion, Jan. 27, 8 p.m., $20, Our Lady J, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35; NIC KAY, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., $15-$20; The Moth, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., $10; Kit Yan, Feb. 3, 8 p.m., $20; ART of Human Rights, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., free requires advance reservations; and Calpernia Addams, Feb. 4, 7 p.m, $25. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 617-547-8300, cluboberon.com. u/events

FAMILY FUN BCT WINTER CLASSES

The Newton Voice 26,27, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. $15; Pumpernickel Puppets performing “Sir George and the Dragon,” Dec. 28,29, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.$15; and The Gottabees performing “Squirrel Stole my Underpants,” Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.; Dec. 31, Jan. 1, 1,3 p.m.,$15. Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. 617-731-6400, Ext. 101, Puppet Showplace.

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM IMAX

Explore Galapagos and visit its natural inhabitants in “Galapagos: 3-D: Nature’s Wonderland,” see “Great White Sharks” and their underwater world, and follow whales and see how they communicate with each other in “Humpback Whales:3-D,” all ongoing, at New England Aquarium’s IMAX Theater, Boston.

DOCTOR STRANGE

Besides checking out the latest in furniture, food and fun at Jordan’s Furniture, you can purchase tickets for Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” film, at the Reading store, 508-844-5171, or Natick, 508-844-5170. “Inferno”. Current films are “Jack Reacher2,” rated PG-13, and IMAX Experience, “Voyage of Time,” rated G. Visit jordans.com.

ENCHANTED VILLAGE

Jordan’s Furniture Store has opened its Enchanted Village, featuring a 20-minute Polar Express 4D ride ($6), Enchanted Ice, an indoor iceskating rink, a holiday laser light show, picture taking with Santa Claus, and sumptuous blueberry muffins. Jordans.com.

EXPLORE RASHI SCHOOL

The independent Reform Boston-area school for children in grades K-8 holds an information session Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. rashi.org, 617-969-4444.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Charles Dickens’ immortal tale of stingy curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge appears through Dec. 31 in Trinity Repertory Company’s family-friendly production, 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. trinityrep.com, 401-351-4242.

WHEELOCK FAMILY THEATRE VACATION WEEK CLASSES

JCC FAMILY FUN DAY

FAIRY TALE TEA PARTIES

Boston Cyberarts Gallery will hold an opening reception Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, 6-8 p.m., for exhibition “Not of This Earth: Contemporary Art and Science Fiction,” appearing at the gallery, 141 Green St., Jamaica Plain, Jan. 14-Feb. 26. Artist include Sophia Brueckner, Micah Ganske,Tatiana Gulenkina, Carol Hayes, Michael Lewy, Joseph Poppper, Chris Rackley and Marion Tampon-Lajarriett. bostoncyberarts.org, 617-524-8495, info@ bostoncyberarts.org.

HOLIDAY POPS

The celebrated Boston Pops continues its traditional holiday favorite performances, through Dec. 31 at Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston, playing holiday favorites, a sing-along, visit from Santa Claus, children’s matinees, special treats, post-Christmas concerts featuring movie “Back to the Future,” with orchestral accompaniment and a New Year’s Eve celebration with the Pops’ Swing Orchestra, conducted by Bo Winiker. BSO. org, SymphonyCharge, 888-266-1200.

PARENTING THROUGH A JEWISH LENS

TheaterworksUSA presents its adaptation of the Broadway musical, “Seussical,” for young audiences, ages 3+ years old-up, Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a,m,and 1 p.m., Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. $18, center members, $15. bostonjcc.org/ magicark, 617-965-5226,866-811-4111.

NOT OF THIS EARTH

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE IMAX

Winter Break camps for children ages 4-6, 7-8, 9-11,1216 will be held Dec. 27-30. More information, registration, check out the theater group’s website.

SEUSSICAL

Ongoing films at the museum’s mega-screen are “Dolphins,” “Extreme Weather,” and “National Parks Adventure,” Science Park, Boston.

Boston Children’s Theatre is offering weekend and weekday classes for children, ages 4-7, 7-10, 9-14, and 1419, in Boston and Beverly. info@bostonchildrenstheatre. org. Children’s class demonstrations, visits from Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” and much more await participants of Winter Wonderland- A Day of Family Fun, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, that’s open to all, at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton.Try soccer, hip hop dance class, the bounce house, face painting, drawing, and free swim evaluations at the center’s Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. There also are refreshments, free photos, giveaways, and a one-time discount on class registrations. bostonjcc.org/winterclasses, 617-5586411.

Calendar

Registration is open for Hebrew College and Combined Jewish Philanthropies-supported fall parenting classes for all ages and stages, held at several locations in the Greater Boston area: children under 18. Daytime classes include free babysitting. Scholarships, couples discounts available. Registration, information, hebrewcollege.edu/parenting, parenting@hebrewcollege.edu, or call Ahava Rosenthal at 617-559-8734.

BABY AND ME CLASS

Bring children ages 6 months to 3-years-old to the Marblehead Jewish Community Center, Fridays, 10:15-11:30 a.m. for fun, baby-focused classes and the chance to meet other parents and caregivers, while children play together. Jccns.org.

FITNESS CLASS

North Suburban Jewish Community Center and Temple Ner Tamid sponsor Pilates, Sunday mornings, 10:3011:30 a.m., and zumba, Monday nights, 6:15-7:15 p.m., at Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody. RSVP to arlyneg@nsjcc.org.

JCC GROSSMAN CAMP OPEN HOUSE

A free, open house for JCC Grossman Camp will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, 2-4 p.m., at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC 333 Nahanton St., Newton. Meet the camp director and staff. learn about JCC Grossman Camp, its various activities for campers ages 4.5 to 15 years located on 75 acres of the Hale Reservation in Dover. Bus transportation available from more than 40 communities throughout Greater Boston. Extended day available in Newton at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC. Financial assistance available. Everyone welcome. bostonjcc.org/ grossman, grossman@jccgb.org or 617-244-5124.

GOT SHABBAT?

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland St., West Newton, welcomes the community to join in “Got Shabbat?,” Saturday Jan. 14, 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon. The event kicks off with songs and blessings for adults and children, followed by several activities, from yoga to drumming to art midrash to discussion and services. There’s also reading from the little Torah to close the service. Tot shabbat is included. dorsheitzedek.org, 617-965-0330.

KIDS NEW JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM

Experiential skill-building classes connecting children to Jewish life is offered beginning in January, at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The classes are part of the center’s new program, Discovery Club, and include Earth Adventurers, Early Astronomers, Spicing it Up, Spectacular Storytellers, and Growing Gardeners, for children ages 5-8. Registration started December 8. bostonjcc.org/discoveryclub, discoveryclub@jccgb, 617-558-6483.

NEW JCC HIP HOP CLASS

Eight-week dance classes teaching children ages 4-5 years old new hip hop moves and fun dance combinations are offered Saturdays, Jan. 14-March 18, 1010:45 a.m. at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The developmentally appropriate class includes hip hop technique and choreography, and freestyle improvisation. $160. Classes are open to the community. bostonjcc.org/register, 617558-6486, artclasses@jccgb.org.

ADAPTIVE MUSIC PROGRAMS

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center at 333 Nahanton St., Newton offers educational musical and performance-based program for children age 6-17 with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Wednesdays, Jan. 18-March 22: ages 6-12, 4-5 p.m.; ages 13-17, 5-6 p.m. Participants will write songs, stage, choreograph and perform a show for family and friends. Nine-week class, $315, scholarships available. Open to all. The progrm is in collaboration with amplifi-adaptive

music programs for life. Registration, more information, inclusion@jccgb.org, 617-558-6507.

COMMUNITY EVENTS POTLUCK SHABBAT SHIRAH

Temple Emmanuel of Wakefield welcomes members and non-members to a dairy-vegetarian-fish potluck dinner, with food prepared either at your home or bought, then followed by a joyous Shabbat Shirah, Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. 120 Chestnut St., Wakefield. RSVP with your menu item - appetizer, main dish, side dish - to Svitz9@gmail.com, 919-605-0523. For more information, visit WakefieldTemple.org.

YIDDISH BOOK CENTER FILMS

2014 films “The Last Blintz,” and “Life and Hummus,” and 2015 film, Bagels in the Blood,” three short films about food, are shown January 8, 2 p.m., at the Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West St., Amherst, Mass. yiddishbookcenter.org.

MEN’S PILATES CLASS

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center offers men’s 11-week Pilates classes on Thursdays, Jan. 5-March 16, 2017, from 8:30 a.m.to 9:20 a.m. $231. Classes aer open to all. Registration, bostonjcc.org/ register. More information, call 617-558-6459, or visit fitness@jccgb.org.

‘INTO THE WOODS’ AUDITIONS

Riverside Theater Works is holding auditions for its production of “Into the Woods,” Jan. 15, 16, 7-10 p.m. or by appointment only Prepare 32 bars in the show’s style and character. Contact SBESTVINA@RTWBOSTON.ORG.

FOOD DRIVES

The Lynn Youth Alliance is joining hands with Move for Hunger to host a Fill A Truck food drive on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, 2017, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with trucks parked outside of Super Stop & Shop,25 Washington St., Lynn, taking donations of non-perishable food. There also is a collection box at Compare Supermarket, 2 Adams St., Lynn. Two Men and a Truck will deliver the donations to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY OF SUDBURY COLLECTION DRIVE Y3K

Tutor in Your Home of Newton is conducting its annual collection drive of various items now through Jan. 10, 2017, for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. They need blankets, towels, office supplies, toys, etc. that may be left at drop-off locations or picked up at your home. Y3KTutorInYourHome.com, NewtonTutor.com.

Neverland Theatre welcomes families to the historic Philip Knight House,circa late 1600s, for 90-minute Fairy Tale Tea Parties, Dec. 29, 31, and Jan. 1, at 1 and 3:30 p.m., 20 East St., Middleton. Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast, characters from Alice’s Wonderland and more, located in three rooms, will greet guests. Enjoy storytelling, coloring, sing-alongs, photo-taking, Q&A’s and more, along with hot chocolate, apple cider, lemonade, cookies and cupcakes. Guests are invited to come in costume. Please bring socks and slippers to wear. $21. neverlandtheatre.com, neverlandtheatre@ comcast.net.

THE NUTCRACKER

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

The ART/MXAT Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University presents family musical, “James and the Giant Peach,” through Dec. 31, at morning and afternoon shows. David Wood has adapted the musical from Roald Dahl’s book. Loeb Drama Center 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. @20. AmericanRepertoryTheater.org, 617-547-8300.

PUPPET SHOWPLACE

Brad Shur and Chris Monti present “Pinocchio,” Dec.

Photo | Joshua Resnek Sam Patel holds a possible $10 million dollar winning scratch ticket inside his all-around shop on Harvard Street.

The Newton Voice

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

"'Hate Spaces' is a wake up call to the Jewish community and to civil society in America about the institutionalization of bigotry on college campuses." Alan Dershowiz

The Newton Voice

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

CHAPTER 2

eated by herself in Peets in the early morning at the end of December in Newton Centre, sipping a latte (with skim milk and one Splenda), reading The Voice (trying to read The Voice), Emily closed her eyes, sat back in her chair… and drifted off. This wasn’t meditation. There was no zen to this drift-off. It was more like going to an empty space – awake but asleep, numb but aware, far away but all wrapped up in the psycho drama consuming her life. One week ago she obliterated the charade of her 18 year marriage to her husband Bret. Just like that with the snap of a finger. Returning to their Pine Road residence at the end of the workday, Bret met her in the hallway. He went to kiss her. She turned her head away. “I can’t do this one more time,” she said to herself. The thought of kissing him, of touching him, of attempting to relate to him or to put up with him was at an end. Even looking at him was difficult for her. Familiarity over so many years of living together bred the contempt and her utter disinterest in him as a man. “We need to talk,” she told him. In the kitchen they sat at the table staring at one another. He had no idea what was about to happen. “What’s up?’ he asked. “I’m done with this marriage,” she said to him. “I’m done with you. I’m done with my life in this home. I didn’t sign up for any of this,” she added. Living with Bret she had learned what suffocation is all about. At times she felt she couldn’t move or breathe or think reasonably for herself about herself. Whatever the attraction had been that brought them together 18 years ago was entirely gone. After a fight over expenses and money between the two about six months ago, she stormed out of their home and went for a drink to the Cheesecake Factory at the Chestnut Hill Mall. She sat at the bar. Within four minutes of taking her seat, she was talking with the man seated next to her. One hour later, they left the Cheesecake Factory together, went to Bret’s home and made love, and what’s worse or better, she felt renewed and in touch with herself again for the first time in years. Now at the kitchen table, she was talking with Bret, but another man was on her mind. Freedom to love again was what she wanted. To have a man want her, to desire her, to speak with her about life and art and beauty.

Her cellphone rang. She knew it was Arnie, her lover. She reached into her bag. She rejected the call. “Who was that?” Bret asked her. “No one,” she answered. “Let me see your phone.” “No way,” she told him. “Its my phone. Who calls me on my phone is my business. Get used to it.” “Wow,” he said with a sigh. ‘What have I done wrong to deserve this kind of treatment?” “I don’t want to talk about it,”she said. But she did think about it. She sipped a bit more of the latte at Peets. She watched the traffic crawling by in Newton Centre during the height of the holiday rush, the automobiles appearing more like apparitions than machines. She went inside her head again, to her kitchen table in their Beacon Street residence. “So you’re leaving me,” Bret said to her she recalled. “And what about the kids?” he asked. “How the hell do I do that.” she said to herself. But Bret, her kids, their dog, their home, her job… not all of this added together or mattered as much as her new lover, Arnie. Arnie and what they were sharing had become her

world. Everything was about love, about Arnie, about passion, about Arnie, about sex with Arnie, about his touch, his face, his eyes, his hands. She wanted Arnie, all of him, all the time, every minute of everyday. Arnie wanted her. He was crazy about her. Without Arnie, without the affair, her emptiness reigned. She was done with being empty. Bret evoked a dead end for her. He was about being and nothingness for her. Arnie was new world rising. Although she understood the dynamic of an affair, and that most affairs are doomed to the dustbin of stale and failing human relationships, she didn’t have the power to stop much less to think it it out and where it might head. Lost in thought, feeling needy, wishing for excitement and renewal, she dreamed for a moment. The door to Peets opened,. She looked up. She came out of her thoughts. It was Arnie. They locked eyes – and in a moment he strode to the table and they locked lips. What could be better than this, she wondered to herself.

J.R.

The Newton Voice

, e m o h s ’ n o s r Thomas Jeffe

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

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Thank you sincerely for all of your support this year!

JARMAK RECLAIMED WOOD —

Jarmakwood.com 617-548-1829

The Newton Voice

Dec. 27 - Jan. 10, 2017

When a long fly ball is just another out By Joshua Resnek

The Voice There is a new cause celebre making the rounds in the United States. It concerns what is being called "fake news". Seems as though a variety of well -connected politicians and entertainers, businesspeople and individuals of all kinds have been putting out fake news, and with results at times that make us wonder if our society is going to make it to another generation. Fake news spreads like a gasoline-fed fire on the Internet, and especially on Facebook and Twitter. In fact, there are now efforts to teach younger people to discern fact from fiction. Isn’t this a nice how-do-you-do. The late great novelist Gore Vidal said that fiction is truth. Yet fiction is not truth. It is fiction. Or is it? Truth is all about subjectivism. One man’s truth is another man’s lie – and the same goes with women. A recent BuzzFeed analysis found that top fake election news stories generated more total engagement on Facebook than top election stories from 19 major news outlets combined.

I have been a devotee of CNN, that is, until I got so fed up with the anti-Trump diatribes, none of which have stopped, even though the CNN experts got the election wrong down to the last moment when they were denying to their public that Trump was going to win. That was on election night. Now everything and anything Trump suggests or anyone he appoints is subject to the CNN subjectivism and biased analysis. I think the same is true throughout the media – at the New York Times, the Washington Post, at nearly all major newspapers, television stations, and among their commentators. It has become such an amalgam of nothingness wrapped in not-so-subtle bias that it is impossible to discern truth from fiction or fake news from fact. In the 1930’s, the late great Orson Wells put on quite a radio show one night that caused the nation to believe we were being invaded by Martians. That fake radio show shocked America into senselessness. Millions believed we were being invaded by Martians. Now, millions of American’s believe we are going to be led by Martians because of Trump’s election.

The fake news came from hoax sites and from a variety of unidentifiable places undetected on the Internet.

They have been led to believe that he is like an alien from outer space compared to President Obama.

Two impressively absurd false stories claimed Hillary Clinton sold weapons to Isis, and the other major hoax story was that the Pope had endorsed Donald Trump.

The major news outlets have a strong bias for Obama and against Trump. Some of this bias falls into the category of fake news.

Other false stories included a report about Ireland accepting American refugees fleeing the United States because Trump was elected, and yet another was that Ru Paul said he was groped by Trump. Can you imagine the Pope endorsing Trump, or reading a story that expressed something like that? Even worse, can you imagine the gullible believing it? I can. All of the news we listen is so subjectivized these days that I find it hard not to notice the bias, the heavy sentiments expressed by those reporting it even on stations that pride themselves on being fair.

The bias is real. Even the most wellmeaning headlines are polluted by bias and subjectivism wrapped in a veneer of supposed truth. All of this comes down to the fact that none of us knows what exactly to believe anymore, and what not to believe. All the news seems fake and contrived. It all sounds lopsided to me, and I’m a bona fide news junkie. Fake news, real news, news of aliens taking over in Washington – well, it all has the ring of truth to it. This is why we tend to believe the unbelievable. This is why fake news resonates while real stories just die.

Editorial

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