Chamber New Year Party, Author Talk, Choral Auditions

Chamber's Welcome to the New Year Party

The Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce hosts a Welcome to the New Year Party on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Paulette's Ballet Studio, 190 Oak St. in Newton. Members $15, non-members $25. Register online here.

Author Talk: Kristi Marsh

The Newton Free Library hosts an author talk with Kristi Marsh, author of "Little Changes: Tales of a Reluctant Home Eco-Momics," on Monday at 7 p.m. After her breast cancer diagnosis Kristi became an educated consumer who inspires and empowers others to join the movement for healthier homes and safer communities. Info at ChooseWiser.com. Elizabeth Saunders, Director of Clean Water Action/Massachusetts, will join Kristi in leading a Q and A after the talk. A book signing will follow.

Newton Choral Society Auditions

Newton Choral Society, an 85-95 member chorus directed by David Carrier, will hold auditions for experienced choral singers in all voice parts, on Tuesday. This season includes works by Schubert, Bloch and Schutz. Please visit http://www.newtonchoral.org, call 617-364-3697 or email roz415@rcn.com to schedule an audition or obtain further information.

Shabbat Shira Service with Shir Shalom Choir

Temple Shalom, 175 Temple Street, Newton, hosts services on Shabbat Shira - Shabbat of Songs - on Friday at 7 p.m., when Ari Sussman, an up-and-coming composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger currently studying at the New England Conservatory conducts Temple Shalom's Cantor Peter Halpern and the Shir Shalom choir in his commissioned piece "Shiru L'Adonai." This promises to be a special, musical evening. The event is free.

Saving the Scandinavian American Dream

The Scandinavian Cultural Center (206 Waltham St. in Newton) hosts the presentation on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. It is an opportunity for those interested in Scandinavian heritage in Massachusetts to learn about a project that highlights local Swedish history and "American Dream" historic preservation. Architect John Goff and preservation researchers will speak about their work to save the historic Prouty-Johnson farmhouse in Burlington. Swedish-America Heritage Online board member Jeanne Rollberg will discuss genealogy research and media related to the project and will give written "take away" tips on mining available databases and Facebook. RSVP to Janet Nyberg at jlnyberg@comcast.net or on Facebook.