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COMMUNITY EVENTS
CHAMBER MEETING The Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2009 annual Meeting & Business Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Westin Waltham-Boston Hotel, 70 Third Ave. Keynote speaker is Robert K. Coughlin, president & CEO, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council; Community Achievement Award winner is Thomas Jewell, retired director of the Waltham Public Library. Information: www.walthamchamber.com; 781-894-4700, Ext. 120.
GREEN DECADE The 2009 Green Decade Coalition Environmental Speaker Series kicks off Monday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., with, Green and Blue: Fixing Our Cities and Towns to Work with the Environment. Charles River Watershed Association's Executive Director Bob Zimmerman will talk about the EPA and DEP's new storm water rules for the Charles watershed. Information: www.crwa.org; 617-796-1360.
POE Boston College celebrates the bicentennial of Poe's January 1809 birth, The Raven Returns to Boston. The two-day BC celebration, Jan. 15-16, includes remarks from Poe author Matthew Pearl on Thursday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., the screening of the new independent film ``The Last Days of the Raven,'' the first feature film based on Poe's life. All events will take place in Devlin Hall, Room 101, 140 Commonwealth Ave. Information: www.bc.edu/poe.
BAD ART Louise Reilly Sacco, the permanent acting interim executive director of The Museum of Bad Art, will give a talk at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. If you have a piece of art that you think belongs in MOBA, bring it along for consideration. Information: www.museumofbadart.org; 617-796-1360.
INTERNATIONAL JUDGE Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Fahey will give a program at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., on Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. Judge Fahey took an unpaid leave of absence to serve as an international judge on the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Information: 617-796-1360.
HOLIDAY RECYCLING Residents can recycle cardboard boxes from Christmas presents by flattening them and puting them under the recycling bin. Very large appliance boxes should be cut in half. Also, Christmas trees can be put out to the curb for three weeks following Christmas. No plastic bags or wreathes that contain metal rims. Information: 781-314-3391.
`YOU DON'T SAY' The Waltham Channel presents a new program, ``You Don't Say.'' Waltham residents are allowed 5 minutes of airtime to speak on topics that are important to them. Commercial content is not allowed. Information: 781-899-8834.
WALTHAM MUSEUM Experience the rich history of Waltham at The Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington St., open Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission $4, seniors and children under 12, $2. Information: www.walthammuseum.com.
LITERACY The Newton Free Library's Legacy for Literacy program provides free tutoring services for adults of limited English proficiency. Volunteer tutors are needed for this rewarding work. No experience is necessary. An informative Introductory Meeting for prospective tutors is Thursday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m., in the Trustees Room at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Information: 617-796-1364; legacyforliteracy@minlib.net; www.newtonfreelibrary.net.

SALES/FAIRS/FUNDRAISERS
PAJAMAS The Stanley and Plympton PTOs are collecting new or like new pajamas, birth through preteen, for PJ's Drive hosted by P.J. Axelsson of the Boston Bruins. These pajamas will go to Massachusetts children in need through Cradles to Crayons. Drop off at schools, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Feb. 12. Information: plymptonpto@yahoo.com; 781-799-2284.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts's annual Girl Scout cookie sale runs Jan. 5-March 15. Girl Scouts only sell cookies for a limited time each year, so be sure to stock up while you can. Information: www.girlscoutseasternmass.org.
HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS Atrium Mall and the Mall at Chestnut Hill invite shoppers to help Homes for Our Troops, an organization that remodels or builds homes for soldiers returning from Iraq that have sustained severe injuries. The Giving Tree is at both malls Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Information: DTravers@homesforourtroops.org; 508-823-3300.
SUPPLIES FOR TROOPS Waltham VFW Post 2152 and Ladies Auxiliary will be collecting donations to send to our soldiers in Iraq - Master Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga, Sgt. Chris Physic, Spc. Jeremy Bray, Spc. Paul Briggs, Spc. Daniel Fernandez, Maater Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga and 2Lt. Ryan Galluzzo. Items: www.carepackageproject.com. Information: 781-894-9243.
OPERATION SOLDIER Operation American Soldier is collecting items or donations for shipping costs. Soldiers have requested the following items: candy, cookies (small packages), snacks, microwave popcorn, powdered drink singles, socks (crew), T-shirts, toiletries (unscented), feminine products, blank note cards, playing cards, DVDs & CDs. We need help packing boxes, paperwork and more. Information: 617-504-0532.
BOOKS TO SOLDIERS Got Books can send someone who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces overseas a care package full of books. To submit the name and address, visit www.GotBooks.com/troops. Got Books provides all books and also handles and pays for all labor and shipping costs. Information: www.GotBooks.com; 978-396-6026.
CLOTHING EXCHANGE The Waltham Clothing Exchange at the Unitarian Church, 50 Church St., is open for the season, Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 781-893-6240.

FAMILIES/CHILDREN/TEENS
OPEN HOUSE The Waltham YMCA, 725 Lexington St., is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 10, noon to 3 p.m. Tours, answer any questions, personal trainers, free massages, gifts for new members, and guest passes. Information: 781-894-5295, Ext. 105; jweller@ymcaboston.org.
FOOD ALLERGIES Parents of children with food allergies are invited to a free meeting with clinical social worker Marianne Fougere on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m., at the Metro-Boston Allergy and Asthma Educational Support Group, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St. Information: 781-444-7778; www.asthmaandallergies.org.
LA LECHE LEAGUE La Leche League of Waltham will meet Wednesday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Mary's Religious Education Center, 30 Pond St. The meeting topic is The ABC's of Breastfeeding: A Journey Through the Alphabet of Breastfeeding Benefits. Information: 518-229-1684; lactavistmomma@gmail.com; 978-318-9934; LaLecheLibby@gmail.com.
NURSERY SCHOOL Parents are invited to attend an open house hosted by Belmont Cooperative Nursery School on Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., at 421 Common St., Belmont. Information: admissions@belmontcoop.org; 617-489-3259; www.belmontcoop.org.
ICE SKATING Celebrate the 40th season of Bay State Skating School's learn-to-skate classes at Newton-Brighton and Waltham rinks. Professional instructors teach recreational, figure and hockey skills to the beginner, intermediate and advanced skaters. Information: www.baystateskatingschool.org; 781-890-8480.
OPEN HOUSE The Brimmer and May School, a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coeducational, independent day school located in Chestnut Hill, will have an Open Houses: Lower School, Thursday, Jan. 8, 8:15 a.m.; Middle/Upper School, Thursday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m.; Drop-In Wednesdays, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, Jan. 14- March 4, 8:15 to 10 a.m. Information: brimmerandmay.org; 617-278-2316.
3 Rs Newton Parks and Recreation offers the program, The 3Rs, Rhymes, Rhythms, Routines, on Saturdays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., for ages 18 months to 3 years with a caregiver. Ages 3-5 can be dropped off for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Puddlestompers winter program is held during school vacation, Dec. 29 and 30; Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19 and February vacation, Feb. 17-20, for ages 3-6. The cost is $46.50 per day. An eight-week session begins Jan. 19 and costs $152. The Wondrous World of Winter for ages 3-6 is held Tuesdays and Thursdays and costs $248. Information: 617-796-1500; www.ci.newton.ma.us/parks.
GORE This winter, Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham, will offer the winter version of the year-round, family outdoor activity Take A Walk. This self-guided adventure is designed for children 3 to 9 years-old and includes an activities backpack and, when conditions allow, snowshoes. Information: www.goreplace.org/take-a-walk.htm.
WALTHAM YMCA PROGRAMS Registration is now available winter 2009 programs at the Waltham YMCA, 725 Lexington St. Non-member registration starts Dec. 29. Information: 781-894-5295.
READING Children are invited to picture book readings Friday mornings at Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., 10:30 a.m., with Bentley University. Information: 781-314-3425.
GAME DAYS Newton History Museum, 527 Washington St., will have card games, board games - including Newtonopoly! - during Saturday Game Days at the Museum. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Free with admission. Information: 617-796-1450.
CLIMBING WALL The West Suburban YMCA's new Climbing Complex opened July 30. The complex will feature a variety of programs and classes as part of the Outdoor Education series. Climbing safety, belaying, and responsible use of the climbing wall offered. Open climb sessions are available. Information: 617-244-6050, Ext. 3006; devinj@westsuburbanymca.org.
KIDS NIGHT OUT West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church St., Newton, hosts Kids Night Out, a drop-in program Fridays, 6 to 10 p.m., for kids 7-13 years old. Swimming, gym, arts and crafts, board games, pool, ping pong, air hockey, electronic basketball, Nintendo Wii. Students can showcase their musical talents with the YMCA's Band Nights. There will also be movies, special events and a pizza dinner. Cost is $20; $25 for non-members. Information: 617-244-6050, Ext 3006; gregge@westsuburbanymca.org; www.westsuburbanymca.org.

MUSIC/DANCE
PIANIST Korean-born pianist Soomi Lee will give a concert at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m. The program will feature works of Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann and Debussy. Information: 617-796-1360.
VOICE LESSONS Sounds of Concord offers group voice classes for men who sing and who wish to become better singers, five classes Thursdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 5, at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington. Cost is $10. Information/registration: 781-484-3005; 508-740-7896; 781-643-7468; sing@soundsofconcord.org.
SINGLES DANCE There will be a singles dance party at Best Western Hotel, 477 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, on Friday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m. to midnight. Dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Best for ages 30 and over. Cost is $12. Information: 781-439-9401; www.SuperSinglesDance.com.
ERIC OLSEN Guitarist and vocalist Eric Olsen will perform on Friday, Jan. 9, 2:30 p.m., at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill, 615 Heath St. Olsen performers classic and contemporary music. Information/RSVP: 617-243-9990.
JAMBOREE The French American Victory Club Jamborees the first and third Sunday of the month, 2 to 6 p.m., at 193 Elm St., Waltham. All amateur performers are accepted. Donations appreciated. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.
OASIS COFFEEHOUSE The Oasis Coffeehouse features an acoustic show with Ryan Montbleau on Friday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. The Oasis Coffeehouse, 34 Alder St., provides a safe, inclusive and alcohol-free environment where all ages can enjoy live music, fair-trade coffee and tea, home-baked goods, and free Wi-Fi. Tickets are $15. Information/tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52110; www.oasiscoffeehouse.org.

EXHIBITS
BICYCLES The Bicycle Takes Off, a national touring exhibit, is making its final stop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, 154 Moody St., Waltham. It runs Jan. 8 through May 2009. The exhibit chronicles the history of the bicycle. An opening reception is Jan. 8, 5 to 8 p.m. Opening reception admission is $10 and includes light refreshments, wine and beer and music. Reservations are required. Information/reservations: 781-893-5410; elln@crmi.org.
STUDENT ART Back Pages Books has installed artwork by art students of the Waltham Public Schools at its store, 289 Moody St. The artwork, which will rotate monthly, is produced by students of every Waltham public school and will showcase the artistic talents over a large portion of the store's wall space. The installation coincided with the opening of a newly expanded children's book section at the downtown independent bookstore. Information: 781-788-9988; alex@backpagesbooks.com.
OASIS GALLERY Brandeis graduate Lauren Pasch's works will be exhibited at the Oasis Gallery, 34 Alder St., Waltham, through Jan. 11, along with photographer Scott Murray. Information: 781-795-1041; www.oasisgallery.org
BURNS Sixty Years of the Cuala Press: A Collaboration of the Yeats Family and Mollie Gill, an exclusive exhibition of rare artistic printed materials produced by the Cuala Press at Boston College Burns Library, 140 Commonwealth Ave., through March 2009. The Press was established in Ireland in 1908 by Irish Nobel Laureate William Butler Yeats and his sisters, Elizabeth and Susan. Information: 617-552-3282; www.bc.edu/burns.
ON EQUAL TERMS On Equal Terms addresses the cost of gender barriers in any occupation - and what it means to treat all individuals alike. Susan Eisenberg, an artist, poet, activist, Brandeis University Women's Studies Research Center scholar and master electrician, interviewed more than 30 women in the trades about their inspiration, frustration and experiences. Runs through Jan. 13. Information/related events: www.brandeis.edu/centers/wsrc/.

MEETINGS/LECTURES
MARKET VOLATILITY The Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington St., is hosting a free Market Volatility seminar Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m. (refreshments, 6:30), to learn more about strategies to deal with an uncertain economic market. A financial advisor from Ameriprise will provide a presentation on the current economic situation and answer your concerns. Free. RSVP: 781-254-8990; walthammuse@gmail.com.
REAL ESTATE The Boston Area Real Estate Investors' Association monthly meeting, on the the third Thursday of the month, hosts real estate expert Jason Gilbert on Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m. (networking, 5:30), at The Best Western, 280 Winter St., Waltham. Gilbert will discuss why today's commercial real estate market is the best time ever for investors. Free for members, $25 for guests. Information: www.BostonAREIA.com; 866-378-3037.
AUTISM SUPPORT Diagnosis: Autism; understanding autism spectrum disorders, is a new information and support group for parents of young children (2-5 yrs) recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders. It runs Thursdays, Jan. 9-March 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at WarmLines, 225 Nevada St., Newton. Cost is $200 for 10 sessions. Registration: www.warmlines.org; 617-332-3666, Ext. 123.

SENIORS
ASSISTANCE Springwell offers its new Personal Care Attendant who can assist with bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, toileting, range of motion exercises, and assistance with medication. Information: 617-926-4100; inforef@springwell.com.

HEALTH
LOOK GOOD The West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church St., Newton, will host Take It Off, Keep It Off, a new unique and holistic program designed to educate, cultivate, and support lifelong personal health changes and improvements beginning Monday, Jan. 5. Information/registration: 617-244-6050, Ext. 3017; jennifers@westsuburbanymca.org.
GET HEALTHY Newton-Wellesley Hospital is sponsoring, Get Healthy, Get Fit: Making Your New Year's Resolutions Last, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 100 Boylston St. The free health event will offer cardiovascular health screenings, consultation, healthy eating tips, fitness assessments, exercise demonstrations, and the opportunity to talk to hospital physicians. Information: www.nwh.org/community; 617-243-5900.