5 Things To Do This Week – 1/29-2/4

*Historic Newton and Newton Free Library present the Newton History Series: A Century of Parks & Recreation in Newton on Thursday, January 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton. Join retired Boston College professor, Mike Clarke, for a talk that will trace the history of Newton’s parks, playground, and organized sports movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement was led in part by Newton’s Mayor, Edwin O. Childs, and Ernst Hermann, the first and longest-serving Superintendent of Playgrounds. Period photographs will illustrate the talk. This program is co-sponsored by the Newton Conservators. FREE and open to the public. More info at historicnewton.org and newtonfreelibrary.net.

*All Newton Music School presents its Con Brio Lunch Club #3 on Friday, January 31, at 11:00 a.m. at their location at 321 Chestnut Street, West Newton. Take a peek behind the musical curtain with violist Scott Woolweaver. Joined by talented musical guests, Woolweaver presents fascinating composer anecdotes and chamber music, while you enjoy lunch, coffee, tea, and dessert with friends. Lunch catered by L’Aroma Café and Bakery. Single tickets are $30. More info at allnewton.org.

*The Scandinavian Cultural Center presents Saga Thing (podcast) Live on Friday, January 31, at 7:00 p.m. at their location at 206 Waltham Street, West Newton. Join the Saga Thing podcast for a live presentation as John and Andy sort out the story of the Vikings in the New World. The legendary adventures of the Vinland settlers lead us to the modern search for evidence of Viking settlements from Dighton Rock to the Charles River and from Massachusetts to Newfoundland. Learn the story of how, where, and why Scandinavian explorers made their way West–-a saga a thousand years in the making! FREE with registration. More info at scandicenter.org.

*New Philharmonia Orchestra presents its A Musical Tapestry: A Silver Salon Evening on Saturday, February 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Gregorian Oriental Rugs, 2284 Washington Street, Newton Lower Falls. Join the New Phil for a special evening of chamber ensembles and culinary treats! The program for this tapestry-style event will include the music of Bach, Suk, Stravinsky, and Mozart’s great Symphony No. 40. The evening will include fanciful refreshments and a chance to explore the beauty of the exquisite Gregorian Oriental Rugs in Newton Lower Falls. Music at its very best–up close and personal! All tickets for this program are $35. More info at newphil.org.

*Newton Free Library presents a Joint Opening Art Reception for Veiled by Mary McSweeney (Gallery) and Wander and Wonder by Dan Brenton (Main Hall) on Wednesday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m. at their location at 330 Homer Street, Newton. For Veiled, the face is Mary McSweeney’s greatest inspiration, whether invented, from life, idealized, distorted, sculptural or flat. For Wander and Wonder, Dan Brenton explores a variety of mark-making techniques, from describing form and light with small strokes to creating ambiguous spaces with broad and untamed washes. These art shows will be on view from February 4-27. FREE and open to the public. More info at newtonfreelibrary.net