News from Beacon Hill

State Primary Election on 9/14

Residents will vote on four ballot questions on 11/4

Election Day is set for November 4th, 2014 and voters will see four questions on the ballot, according to Secretary of State William Galvin, the state's elections chief.  The questions will include the potential of the elimination of gas tax inflation indexing at the top, the proposed expansion of the bottle deposit law, the initiative aiming to repeal the 2011 casino law and an initiative looking to guarantee earned sick time for employees.

Environmental Bond Bill Includes Funding for UMASS Center for Urban Sustainability

The House and Senate approved an Environmental Bond Bill which included $20 million for University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Center for Urban Sustainability in Waltham.  The funding was cut by the House during the legislative process but Rep. Stanley and Rep. Lawn filed an amendment to restore funding for this important program.

The allocation will fund the design, rehabilitation or construction of a 20,000 square foot research and extension building at the Center, which will conduct research and advance urban sustainable agriculture through public-private partnerships.  The research will focus on urban agricultural issues related to food security, safety and access, environmental stewardship and workforce development.

The Center's goal is to create a financially self-sustaining entity in which UMass Amherst collaborates with private and public organizations and agencies on metropolitan Boston's first "sustainability mall".   The building will feature organizational offices, conference and learning spaces, complemented by community-supported farming, agricultural incubator enterprises practicing urban farming of the future inside, as well as applied research and demonstration of best green landscape practices for urban and suburban residents on the surrounding land outside.  The Center will become a hub for programs related to food security and access, environmental stewardship, urban agriculture and workforce development in urban settings.

New and innovative science-based and best management practices and research will be on display and taught to visitors for them to bring back to and share with their own communities.  Solutions for managing urban natural resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, pollution, and wildlife will be available to learn.  This includes being instructed how to install a working roof top garden, managing storm water practices, what to do with contaminated soils, and best practices for composting food waste.  Methods and techniques for sustainable environments, urban agriculture and food systems will also be educational features of the center.  Visitors will be able to find information about water and wetland remediation tools, low input plants, community gardens, nutrient crop production, and greenhouse management.  Those seeking training for sustainability careers will be able to use the new UMass Green School, and agriculture and green industries for workforce development.

Gov. Patrick signs bill to authorize the sale of the Fernald property

After 10 years of fighting on behalf of the Fernald property, Waltham can now purchase the 200-acre Fernald property for $3.7 million. Gov. Patrick signed legislation to finalize the purchase and sale of 200 acres of land at the Fernald Developmental Center to be transferred to the city of Waltham. The Legislature voted in favor of the bill in late July.

In July, Rep. Stanley, Mayor McCarthy and Rep. John Lawn testified at a public hearing held by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in support of H.4252, an Act authorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to convey certain parcels of land in the city of Waltham. This bill would finalize the purchase and sale of 200 acres of land at the Fernald Developmental Center to be transferred to the city of Waltham.

Since being elected to office, Rep. Stanley and other elected officials have worked hard to improve and reform the state land disposition process for everyone's benefit and protect the City's open space.  Since 2005, when Governor Romney first announced his decision to close the Fernald Center, Rep. Stanley has fought to ensure Waltham's legislative participation regarding the disposal of state land and encouraged increased community participation in the disposal process.  When Gov. Romney and then Speaker DiMasi wanted to change the state land disposition process, he led the charge to prevent that from happening, helping to preserve local control through the legislative process. He also wrote the Fernald Reuse Committee language which passed into law, establishing the 16-member Fernald reuse committee composed of city leaders and citizens to evaluate Waltham's options.  In fact, Rep. Stanley's language creating the committee was included in a larger bill to improve the state land disposition process and help satisfy the needs of state and local government and housing and environmental advocates.

Rep. Stanley's language included in Signed Domestic Violence Bill

The Governor recently signed domestic violence legislation which creates new criminal offenses and elevated penalties, boosts prevention efforts, seeks to empower victims and establishes new employment rights.  The bill incorporated Rep. Stanley's Employment Leave bill (H.1764) which establishes employment leave for victims of domestic violence, providing up to 15 days of leave within a year for employees to address issues related to domestic violence, including obtaining medical attention, accessing courts, and receiving counseling and support services.

This legislation establishes a first offense domestic assault and battery charge. Current law includes penalties for subsequent offenses but fails to include a first offense, making the statute unenforceable. The bill creates a specific felony charge of strangulation and suffocation, actions that statistically indicate an abuser is more likely to commit domestic violence related homicide in the future, and establishes penalties of up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2 1/2 years in a house of correction, by a fine of up to $5,000 or by both a fine and imprisonment. It also enhances penalties for strangulation in a number of ways including when the action results in serious bodily harm or is committed against a pregnant woman.

The bill takes steps to help victims recover and continue to make a living by requiring employers with 50 or more employees to allow up to 15 days of leave, with or without pay, to any employee who is a victim of domestic violence or lives with a family member who is a victim of domestic violence. Employees can use the leave to obtain medical attention, counseling, housing, protection orders and other legal assistance. Employers can require employees to provide official documentation to certify that the employee or employee's family member is a victim of domestic violence. Under this bill, all information about the employee's leave must be kept confidential. In addition, employees must exhaust all available leave, such as vacation and sick time, before seeking leave established under this bill; however an employer may waive this requirement.

Economic Development Bill includes Rep. Stanley's parking management assistance program, will benefit Waltham

The House and Senate enacted an economic development bill which includes language authored by Rep. Stanley which will help qualified municipalities, including Waltham, address their downtown parking demands.  Under the criteria, municipalities will receive up to $1 million in grant funds for qualified municipalities to use for the study and implementation of a downtown parking management plan.

Traditionally, cities and towns seek to resolve parking issues by constructing new garages which often seem like a quick fix at the time.  However, to build a garage, communities need to make a major capital outlay for construction and then come up with continued funding for operations and maintenance.  Sometimes parking covers these expenses, but more often than not, they don't.  In addition to the high costs of construction and maintenance, parking garages also use up valuable land in downtown areas that could otherwise put into productive, revenue-generating uses for the community.

Earlier this session, Rep. Stanley filed an amendment to the bill aimed at providing municipalities seeing more than 30,000 daily visitors, with assistance to address downtown parking challenges.   According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's latest published data set (2012), there are 15 communities across the Commonwealth, including Waltham, that host at least 30,000 jobs, which meet the criteria for this benefit as a major jobs center.

The legislation also invests $1.5 million in MassCAN, a partnership founded by a coalition including Google, Microsoft, Mass Business Roundtable, Mass Tech Collaborative, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and Mass Tech Leadership Council, to establish widespread, progressive computer science education in public schools. Upon implementation, Massachusetts will be the first state in the nation to offer a dollar-for-dollar match with private industry for computer science education.

It also creates and provides $2.15 million for the Big Data Innovation & Workforce Fund to promote the big data and analytics industries, provide tools for related career development and explore how analytics can help address problems of public concern like transportation, energy and public health. 

Rep. Stanley writes letter to Gov. Patrick on undocumented children

Dear Governor Patrick,

One of the great things about Waltham is its diversity and compassion for those in need. I see this first hand as an advisory board member of the Waltham Family School (WFS), which prepares immigrant children and their parents for life in America, and as a founding member of the Friends of WFS, which is just getting off the ground. To read the full letter, click here. 

Rep. Stanley Votes in Favor of Legislation to Promote Public Safety, Protect Access to Care

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that enhances public safety and protects access to reproductive health care facilities in Massachusetts. The bill passed the House 116 to 35. The Governor signed the bill into law. The bill does not create a new buffer zone but instead authorizes law enforcement officials to issue a withdrawal order to someone blocking access to a facility entrance or driveway. Following dispersal, the individual must remain at least 25 feet from the facility's entrances and driveways for a maximum of eight hours. The legislation requires the boundary to be clearly marked and the withdrawal law to be posted.

The bill prohibits a person from intentionally injuring or intimidating, or attempting to do the same, a person trying to access or depart from a facility by force, physical act or threat of force; impeding a patient or staff member's access or departure to a facility with the clear intent to interfere with the person's ability to receive or provide services; and recklessly interfering with a vehicle attempting to access or departure a facility.

The bill aims to improve compliance by allowing for an affected individual, entity or the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Superior Court seeking injunctive relief, damages and attorneys' fees.  The court would be able to award civil penalties. Any violation of an injunction would result in a criminal offense.

Under this legislation the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act would be updated to give the Attorney General the power to obtain compensatory damages, recover litigation costs and fees, and seek penalties for the interference of constitutional rights.

Earlier Sunday Liquor Store Openings Approved

New legislation will allow retail liquor stores to start selling alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sunday instead of noon. The bill (H 228) was approved by the House in March and passed the Senate in July. the Governor approved the bill. Liquor sales were allowed statewide on Sundays starting in November 2003.

Governor Patrick Signs Fiscal Year 2015 Budget

Governor Patrick signed a $36.5 billion Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) budget that supports the Patrick Administration's proven growth strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure to create growth and opportunity across the Commonwealth. The FY15 budget includes a $100 million increase in Chapter 70 local education aid and an additional $24 million for early education to move 1,700 children off the waitlist for early education programs in FY15. 

Together with last year's investments in early education, 5,000 more children will have access to the high-quality early education opportunities that are critical for their future academic and economic success. 

The budget also invests in the Commonwealth's public universities and colleges to promote future growth and prosperity, including a significant increase in funding for public higher education, which will allow the University of Massachusetts to freeze tuition and fee increases for students for the second consecutive academic year.

The FY15 budget includes investments to make the Commonwealth's communities stronger and safer and provides supporting services and opportunities for our most vulnerable residents, including $10.2 million for the summer jobs program for at-risk youth, $8.2 million for Shannon Grants and $4.6 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative.

New Legislation Prohibits Possession, Sale, Trade & Distribution of Shark Fins

Governor Patrick signed H. 4088, "An Act Prohibiting the Possession, Sale, Trade and Distribution of Shark Fins." With this legislation, the Commonwealth prohibits the commercial possession and sale of shark fins in Massachusetts, although licenses can be issued to possess shark fins for scientific research. Additionally, the possession and sale of fins from several locally caught species such as skate, smooth hound sharks and spiny dogfish is not prohibited.

Punishment for violating this provision would include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 60 days and the suspension or revocation of fishing licenses. The bill primarily affects distributors and retailers of imported shark fins, including markets and restaurant, and will have a minimal impact on Massachusetts commercial fishing and processing due to the exemption of locally caught species.

Three Attorneys Nominated to Probate and Family Court Bench

Governor Patrick announced the judicial nominations of three experienced attorneys to the Probate and Family Court: Kathryn M. Bailey for the Worcester County Division; David J. Dacyczyn for the Franklin County Division and Geoffrey R. German for the Hampden County Division.

Bailey has been in private practice in Clinton since graduating from law school in 1996. For the first 10 years of her career, she maintained a general practice, including some bar advocate work in District Court. Since 2006, Bailey has focused her practice on Probate and Family Court litigation.  Dacyczyn has been the judicial case manager at the Hampshire County Probate and Family Court since 2012. From 2001 to 2012, he served as an assistant judicial case manager at the Franklin County Probate and Family Court. German has been a sole practitioner in Worcester since 1985, with a concentration in family law. He has extensive trial experience in Probate and Family Court and has served as a guardian ad litem, conciliator and parenting coordinator.

Cities and Towns Receive Federal Funding For Community Improvements

Fifty-four cities and towns from across the Commonwealth will receive $27.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure.  The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while building and repairing infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. The infrastructure projects help communities create and maintain jobs while providing important improvements to the lives of residents in each city and town. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.

Task Force Report on School Safety and Security Released

Governor Patrick released the report of the state's Task Force on School Safety and Security, which has been designed as a resource for school leaders and community members to enhance safety and security in preparation for the upcoming school year.  The report includes 29 recommendations presented by the Task Force that will strengthen school safety and security if adopted. The Governor also announced the establishment of a state-level technical assistance team that will offer strategies for school districts to use to improve school safety and security. The technical assistance team will be charged with helping school districts, at their request, create and/or enhance their school safety plans, and will be appointed later this summer by the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Services and Public Safety. This team of volunteers will consist of professionals from the education, mental health and law enforcement communities among others.

The Governor also announced a state-funded grant program will allow school districts to apply for funds that can be used to enhance school safety and security. Fiscal Year 2015 budget, signed by the Governor last week, dedicates $200,000 for this purpose.

Legislature Sends Capital Bond Bill to Governor

Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation providing for capital facility repairs and improvements in the Commonwealth. The bill authorizes up to $1.25 billion in bonds for various investments in educational, safety, recreational and cultural updates and for general government operations, including: $450 million for general state facility improvements; $318.8 million for health and human services state facility projects; $25.5 million for accessibility improvements at state facilities; $50 million for cultural facilities funded through the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund; $8 million for a school equipment grant program at vocational schools and community colleges; $116.4 million for a municipal facility improvement grant program; $10 million for the maintenance, improvement and expansion of the Massachusetts Hospital School in the Town of Canton; $151.2 million for public library facility improvements; and funds deferred maintenance at state universities, community colleges and the University of Massachusetts.

The legislation includes numerous investments to bolster public safety by making equipment and facility improvements and funding forward-looking initiatives: $15.6 million for a municipal public safety facility and equipment grant program; $10 million for equipment improvements within the Department of Correction and other offices within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; $15 million for an automated motor vehicle citation system for the Department of the State Police; $60 million for the replacement of state police cruisers; and $20 million for a municipal police grant program for automated motor vehicle citation systems.

Governor Patrick Signs Legislation to Support Investments In Massachusetts' Technology Infrastructure

Governor Patrick signed H. 3770, "An Act Financing Information Technology Equipment and Related Projects," which expands opportunity and access for all Massachusetts residents by making targeted investments in the Commonwealth's technology infrastructure, including increasing access to broadband for underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

The bond legislation authorizes funding to bring high-speed internet to schools and underserved parts of the state, including a $38 million pilot grant program for school connectivity and $50 million for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) to develop "last-mile" solutions that bring broadband connectivity to more homes and businesses in western and central Massachusetts communities. The bill also supports innovative, customer-focused investments in state systems to make our government a digital business. In support of this goal, MassIT (formerly the Commonwealth's Information Technology Division) is leading the Commonwealth to develop smaller, high-impact projects that streamline access to government services, such as a public housing waitlists and client management systems that will make the current paper-based process more efficient for renters, housing authority employees and taxpayers.

Governor Patrick Signs Legislation to Improve Oversight, Efficiency of Local Housing Authorities

Governor Patrick signed legislation to professionalize and modernize the operations and financial management of the Commonwealth's housing authorities. The bill will strengthen the governance structure of the housing authority system in order to protect the safety net that public housing provides for the Commonwealth's most vulnerable families, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The legislation significantly increases the transparency among Local Housing Authorities (LHAs), provides the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) with the tools necessary to monitor LHAs operations and hold them accountable, increases efficiencies and economies of scale for delivery of services to tenants, increases staffing and assistance in the field and incentivizes LHAs to creative innovative practices to improve the lives of residents.

The bill establishes a performance-based monitoring program to provide uniform assessment standards for evaluating LHA operations, and establishes new guidelines for designating a LHA as "chronically poor performing." The bill also creates the position of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) to oversee troubled LHAs, and establishes capital assistance teams to allow LHAs to work collaboratively and provide capital, maintenance and repair planning and technical assistance to LHAs. DHCD would appoint a CAFO for each LHA designated as "chronically poor performing."

Learn about the West Nile Virus

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2013, there were eight human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes, click here. 

Government Center Station Closure

SWITCHBOX Art Project

The City of Waltham, through its Mayor's Office, and the Waltham SWITCHBOX Art Committee, invites any person who lives or works in Waltham to participate in a public art project.   To represent the vibrancy and spirit of Waltham, a switchbox art project will be instituted to "transform" plain electrical boxes throughout the City into public pieces of art. These metal canvases will present an exciting opportunity to turn background urban utilities into conversational pieces that celebrate the historical and cultural wealth of our City and increase the beauty of our public space. To learn more or complete a form to participate, click here.

Waltham Farmers' Market

The Waltham Farmers' Market runs every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will now be held at School and Lexington Streets, in the Government Center lot, Waltham. Parking is available behind the building off Lexington Street and at the Central Square Parking Deck, accessible by both Lexington and Common Streets. The market will have pedestrian access from both School and Lexington Streets.  The market is held rain or shine, and will run from every Saturday through November 8. The market is wheelchair-, bicycle- and stroller-accessible. Leashed pets are welcome.

Nearly three dozen vendors will sell their goods at the market this year, bringing fresh, Massachusetts-grown fruits and vegetables, organic and specialty produce, herbs, cheese, goat milk and cheese, eggs, maple syrup products, beef, pork, chicken, fish, smoked fish, coffee, wine, preserves, sauces, baked goods, pasta, gluten-free baked goods, candies, soap, jewelry, bags, handcrafts, plants and cut flowers. A food truck will also be on site.

SNAP EBT cards can be used at eligible vendors and SNAP purchases up to $10 per person per week will be matched, with support from Waltham Fields Community Farm, Waltham Farmers' Market, First Parish in Waltham and Watertown Savings Bank. Credit and debit cards are accepted by all vendors. WIC coupons are accepted by participating farmers.

Eight free one-hour concerts will be held at the market. The series begins June 28 with a concert of medieval and Renaissance music by The Solstice Sackbuts. On July 12, folk singer/songwriter Terry Kitchen performs. July 26, Steve Taddeo and his Swing Senders play Big Band music. August 9, Joe Pete and Ruth Rappaport perform acoustic music. Gerry Beaudoin brings his jazz guitar trio to the market on August 23. On September 13, Eric Royer's One Man Band plays bluegrass in a concert that will delight all ages. The Moody Street String Band performs Celtic, Scots and Yankee traditional music on September 27. On October 25, Dave Birkin and the Hot Shots play jump blues, swing, R&B and jazz in the final concert of the season. Concerts are sponsored by Watertown Savings Bank, Doctors Express Waltham, Waltham Local First, Brookline Bank and the Waltham Cultural Council, with additional support from Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, please call (781) 894-0357 or go to www.walthamfarmersmarket.org.

The Girl Scouts of America programs are also available for the same age range. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

http://www.girlscouts.org/join.asp.

News from the Waltham Symphony Orchestra-"World Class Music Right in the Heart of Waltham"

Maestro Patrick Botti invites all Waltham residents to its FREE concerts of orchestral and chamber music.  In keeping with the orchestra's mission of community outreach and promotion of young artists, many concerts feature the participation of Waltham students.  For dates and times of upcoming performances, visit www.walthamsymphony.org.

The City of Waltham's procedure for the collection of televisions and computers has changed. Capitol Waste will pick up televisions and computers, VCRs, printers, cables, etc. at curbside on your regular trash day.  The pick-up must be scheduled and called in by 3:30pm on the day before.  Please call 617-569-1718.  Leave a message, if necessary. The driver does not assist with transport to curb.  Items should be placed curbside by 7am. Please report any abandoned computers or TV's with the address to Capitol Waste for pick-up.

Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra News

The mission of the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra is to provide the community opportunities to perform in and attend orchestral and chamber concerts of the highest quality.  Please find below a preview of upcoming events. For more information, click here.

Waltham Council on Aging Seeks Volunteers

The Waltham Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels Program needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors.  Volunteering involves 45 minutes one day a week to deliver about 10 meals in a designated neighborhood.  Please contact Debbie Barry at 781-314-3300.

Waltham's School Health Advisory Committee Seeking Members

The Waltham Public Schools School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meets four times a year, and welcomes new members. The SHAC is open to all parents, community members, school personnel and students.  The goal of the SHAC varies each year.  This school year the goal of the SHAC is to review our current Wellness Policy and concussion data.  We need your input!  Please join the committee.  The SHAC meetings are one hour and we meet at Waltham High School in Room 118 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.   For more info, email Marie DeSisto, Director of Nurses and District 504 Coordinator at

mariedesisto@k12.waltham.ma.us or call 781-314-5462.

PSW, Inc. Helps Teens Get Jobs in Waltham

Youth employment is at an all-time low.  In the first two months of 2012, youth employment was at 25.6%.  Partnerships for a Skilled Workforce, Inc. (PSW, Inc.) partnered with Waltham High School (WHS) to place youth in jobs with local employers.   With funds from the Department of Education and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, 50 Waltham youth gained valuable work experience this summer.   

Gerard Leone, Middlesex County DA, is a champion for recognizing the importance of youth employment as part of a healthy community and has helped PSW, Inc. to provide summer jobs.  Waltham employers played the key role in our youth employment partnership.  Many Waltham employers have stepped up the plate consistently, investing in our future workforce.  Employers such as Boston Environmental and Engineering Associates, Harrison Transportation, True Value Hardware, Waltham Veterinary Hospital, and Watertown Savings Bank have hired teens through our career specialist Russell Chudnofsky at WHS for summer jobs.  

Young people need to learn to work.  PSW, Inc. is looking for employers who want to invest in student work experiences year round.  Many career goals start with a young adult's first job.  To learn more or partner with PSW, Inc., contact Kelley French, Youth Director at kfrench@pswinc.org or 508-281-6910 x7.  

Non-profit spotlight: Neighbors Who Care

Neighbors Who Care, based in Waltham, provides volunteer services such as companionship and transportation to medical appointments, assistance with grocery shopping and errands, and home visits for homebound elders and chronically ill adults in the greater Waltham community, free of charge.  Neighbors Who Care is looking for volunteers to help enhance the quality of life of homebound elders and have a direct positive impact on a person in the Waltham community. Volunteering just a few hours a week will have a great impact. To learn more about the program, please visit www.neighborswhocare.net or email heather@neighborswhocare.net.

About Waltham Fields Community Farm

Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) promotes local agriculture and food access through its farming operations and educational programs, using practices that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. It encourages healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows.  To learn more about this valuable resource in our community and view upcoming events, please click here.    

Waltham Women's Club

The Waltham Women's Club has been in existence for over 118 years. At one time there were over 125 members of the Waltham Women's Club whose mission is to "increase among women a spirit of cordial cooperation in addition to educational, philanthropic and civic awareness." The Waltham Women's Club is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to self and community. The club meets monthly from Sept. to April on the first Wednesday of the month. Check out or website for more information: https://sites.google.com/site/walthamwomansclub2/.

PET BEREAVEMENT Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England recognizes the important role pets play in people's lives and will offer a free bereavement support group for children and adults on the first Wednesday of every month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VESCONE, 180 Bear Hill Road, Waltham. Information: 781-684-8387.
 
OVEREATERS Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for recovery from over-eating, anorexia and bulimia, meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at St. Mary's CCD, 30 Pond St., Waltham. Information: 508-875-0001, select option #1.
 
PARENTAL STRESS, Parents Helping Parents hosts a free and confidential parent support group every Wednesday evening in Waltham. Come share your experiences and gain valuable support, parenting advice and encouragement from other parents in the group. Information: 1-800-632-8188; info@parentshelpingparents.org; www.parentshelpingparents.org.
 
WALTHAM TOASTMASTERS, Toastmasters International meetings are on the first and third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Meadow Green Rehab & Nursing Center, Trapelo Road. It is open to anyone at least 18 years old. Group works to help get over anxiety in public speaking and work on leadership skills. Call 781-894-7182 or e-mail howardlr@sprintmail.com.   

SERVE MEALS If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist the Middlesex Human Service Agency in serving meals, please contact Dick Rogers at 781-894-6110.
 
HOSPICE Evercare Hospice seeks volunteers for friendly visits with hospice patients 1-4 hrs per week in Waltham. Free training provided. Call Marjie Rochon at 781-472-8641 or e-mail marjorie_rochon@uhc.com.