News from Beacon Hill

State Primary Election on 9/9

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.

 Waltham Receives Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants

Rep. Stanley announced that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has awarded grants to cultural organizations, schools and communities in Waltham.  These grants support a wide variety of cultural activities and projects that benefit local residents, while supporting jobs in the nonprofit cultural sector. The announcement was made as part of MCC's statewide funding program, which benefits from a $1 million increase to its state appropriation approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in July.  The grants are part of MCC's $10.3 million statewide investment in the nonprofit cultural sector.

Waltham Cultural Council will receive $14,790 to support local arts and history, fund school fieldtrips, and sponsor local concerts and exhibitions.  The Community Outreach Group, Inc. will receive $3,600 to provide pro bono design services and be a catalyst for the implementation and stewardship of beautiful, safe, and useful public green spaces in underserved communities.  Musicians of the Old Post Road will receive $3,600 for its Cultural Investment Portfolio Program.  Funds will be used to make live period instrument chamber music accessible to diverse audiences, to stimulate and educate through innovative creative programming, and to contribute to the cultural experience of audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Additionally, The National Center for Jewish Film, Inc. will receive $6,000 for its Cultural Investment Portfolio Program.  Funds will be used to collect, preserve, restore, and disseminate films of historical, educational and artistic value referable to the Jewish experience from around the world; to assist in the distribution, exhibition and production of Jewish film and video worldwide; to provide the public, educators and scholars with access to these films; to help 150 independent filmmakers distribute their films; to produce and curate film and cultural programs in Massachusetts and worldwide.

The Robert Treat Paine Estate will receive $3,600 to benefit its Cultural Investment Portfolio Program.  Funds will be used to provide guidance and financial support to the City of Waltham, the property owner, in its preservation of Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine Estate, and its oversight of the estate as an educational resource for the local and national community.

The MCC is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. MCC's total budget for the current fiscal year is $12 million, which includes annual grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, please visit www.massculturalcouncil.org. 

The council unanimously approved Thomas Drechsler, a criminal and civil rights attorney, for a seat on the Superior Court. Drechsler will fill a seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Jane Haggerty. Drechsler is a partner at the Boston firm Byrne & Drechsler, where he has worked since 1985. The Council also unanimously approved David Dacyczyn to become a probate and family court judge in Franklin County.  Dacyczyn has served with the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan, and continues to serve as a captain in the Navy Reserves. Dacyczyn is the judicial case manager in the Hampshire Probate and Family Court, conducting pre-trial conferences and uncontested hearings.

Lynn Coffin Brendemuehl was unanimously approved for a seat on the Framingham District Court. Coffin Brendemuehl is currently an administrative judge at the Department of Industrial Accidents. Brendemuehl previously worked for Councilor Christopher Iannella's law firm Iannella & Mummolo for nearly a decade. Worcester family law attorney Geoffrey German was unanimously approved to become a judge in the Hampden County Probate and Family Court. German received his bachelor's degree from UMass-Amherst and his law degree from New England School of Law. He has 28 years of experience in family law.

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Offers Info on Recycling

Nearly all Massachusetts cities and towns offer their residents the opportunity to recycle. To learn more about recycling and hazardous household product management opportunities and programs in or near your community, click here.   This page also provides how-to information on reducing waste and donating, reusing or recycling unwanted items and links to information about recycling of specific items and materials.

State Seeks Turnpike Air Rights Developer near Hynes

The Commonwealth is soliciting bids on a project that would make the Hynes Convention Center station accessible to people with disabilities and refurbish a pedestrian tunnel that runs under Massachusetts Avenue.  The project, located at the corner of Mass. Avenue and Boylston Street, would reconnect the underground trolley station to Boylston Street.   The development opportunity would make use of air rights above the Massachusetts Turnpike before it goes under Boylston Street. The MBTA will fund all design and construction costs related to station improvements. 

Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Improvement Project Update

Throughout the months of September through November 2014 the MBTA will be continuing construction of major improvements on the Fitchburg Line. This is the second year of a 3-year improvement project to improve track, signals, bridges, and stations to reduce trip time and increase service reliability.  To facilitate the efficient completion of this work, weekend service has been suspended on the line from July 12th through November 16th, 2014.  Click here for additional information.

Government Center Station Closure

GWArc's 44th Annual Harvest Breakfast on 10/19

Greater Waltham Arc (GWArc) will celebrate its 44th Annual Harvest Breakfast, a signature annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, on October 19, 2014 between 8am and noon at the Embassy Suites in Waltham.  Rep. Stanley will be donating a lunch and State House tour for the silent auction. This family-friendly community event is attended by over 450 business leaders and legislators, community members, program participants, their families and guardians, and dedicated staff and volunteers to celebrate the enduring presence and progress of GWArc.  All proceeds from the event go to support GWArc programs and services. To learn more about the breakfast, visit

On Monday, September 8, Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar (388 Moody Street, Waltham) will host a Benefit Gala for supporters of the Waltham Symphony Orchestra (WSO) celebrating six years of great classical music by WSO. The WSO Benefit Gala begins with a 6:30-7:30pm cocktail hour, followed by a 7:00-9:30pm buffet. To register, purchase tickets and learn more about WSO and its programs, visit www.walthamsymphony.com.

The Highland Glee Club will open its fall season with its first rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, at the First Baptist Church in Needham. The first three rehearsals are open to all male singers, with or without formal training. The group will hold its winter concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, featuring Civil War era music, as well as holiday favorites.

In the spring, the HGC performed two songs at the rededication of the Newton Cemetery Civil War Monument, and the group looks forward to putting together a comprehensive program of music from the time period.

Male singers who are interested in joining the chorus are encouraged to attend open rehearsals on September 8, 15, 22 and 29. The only requirements are a love of singing, the ability to hold a tune and attend weekly Monday rehearsals. For information, contact Aaron Todd at aaronmtodd00@hotmail.com, or at 781-444-3053, or visit www.highlandgleeclub.com.

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.  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.