Community briefs 8/21

YMCA GOLF TOURNAMENT, Sponsor, players sought
The Waltham YMCA is having it's annual golf tournament Thursday, Sept. 25, Stow Country Club. Playing in the tournament of being a sponsor are two ways to support the YMCA.
More information can be found on www.ymcaboston.org/waltham.

GORE PLACE, Heirloom bulbs for sale
Gore Place is now offering heirloom flower bulbs for sale. These rare and hard to find flowering bulbs have been selected for their beauty, hardiness, and unique qualities. Many date back to the mid 1800s and some as early as circa 1750. Varieties include Tulipa biflora (circa 1775), the multi-floral tulip Candy Club, Allium triquentrum (circa 1790), the miniature species Narcissus jonquilla simplex (circa 1750), and many more.
Photos and descriptions can be found at www.goreplace.org/bulb-sale.htm. An order form can be printed out and mailed-in with payment by check or credit card. Orders may also be made by calling 781-894-2798. Orders must be placed by Sept. 1. Bulbs will be available for pick-up starting Oct. 4.

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Season begins in October
The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra will begin its 23rd season with, New Traditions: Celebrating Cultural Diversity, on Oct. 25, at McDevitt Middle School. The new season will present some surprises and new, exciting talent, along with familiar, beloved classical pieces. The concert series continues with the popular Holiday Pops Concert in December, a Valentine's Concert on Feb. 14, and shows in April and May.
For subscriptions and advance ticket sales, call 781-891-7968, or visit www.wphil.org.

DAY OF PLAY, Seeking ideas
In September, the Waltham Recreation Department, Waltham Family YMCA, Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Waltham Partnership for Youth, Healthy Waltham, and many other local organizations are collaborating to bring you a city-wide Waltham Day of Play. This event, on Waltham Common, is being organized as an effort to get families and kids of all ages to be more physically active and to encourage more positive, healthy and playful lifestyles. We also plan to compile and distribute a list of daily fun family activities for October, including ideas for fun (TV off) activities for the winter months.
To contribute ideas for the Day of Play or the activity guide, or for more information or to help, contact Kim Scott at kascott@city.waltham.ma.us.

VIRGIN MONEY, Helping secure student loans
The social lending firm Virgin Money wants to make sure college students can still access affordable loans despite the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority's announcement that it is unable to secure funding for 2008-09 academic year education loans. Waltham-based Virgin Money is waiving its $199 Student Payback set-up fee between now and Aug. 31, 2008, for all Massachusetts residents that set up a loan between a student and a relative or friend to pay school bills exclusively available through www.virginmoneyus.com/freesp.

FARMERS MARKET, Fridays and Mondays
The Newton Parks & Recreation Department announces the Farmers' Market on Fridays, 1:30 to 6 p.m., at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St.; and Tuesdays, 1:30 to 6 p.m., at Cold Spring Park, 1200 Beacon St. On sale will be fruits, vegetables, turkey pies, beef, fresh fish, goat cheese, cider, jams and jellies, breads, pies, cookies, ice cream, plants and flowers. Special events are featured each week. This season Newton's Angino Farm will be at both markets. The farmer's market will be open through the end of October.
For more information, call Judy Dore at 617-796-1525.

GORDON MORIARTY, Journey through Iceland
Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., presents, Journey through Iceland, by Gordon Moriarty, through Thursday, Aug. 28. His silver gelatin prints will be on display during normal library hours.
For details, call 617-796-1360. Free.

TOM DAHIL, Swimming with Fish
Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton, presents, Swimming with Fish, by Tom Dahil, through Thursday, Aug. 28. Pencil, pen and water color drawings will be on display.
For details, call 617-796-1360.

EPOCH, Book club meeting
EPOCH Assisted Living at Boylston Place, 615 Heath St., will host a book club meeting Friday, Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m. The book club is free and open to the public. Book reviewer Gail Rice will discuss ``1185 Park Avenue,'' by Anne Roiphe, a poignant memoir of the novelist's childhood. Roiphe reveals what it was like to grow up rich and Jewish in New York in the 1940s and 50s. Lurking behind the mah-jongg games and fancy cocktail parties was a family that was falling apart at the seams.
Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 617-244-6400.