Community briefs 7/10

ESSAY CONTEST, Still time to enter
There is still time to enter Waltham's History-The Nation's History essay contest. This contest is offered to encourage young people to explore local history and visit the city's treasures. Students in grades 4-8 in September 2008 are eligible. Students must use at least two of Waltham's historic resources. All historic organizations will offer free admission to participating students and their family members through Aug. 4. Prizes will be awarded.
Enter by sending an e-mail to walthamessay@nara.gov, or visit the National Archives and Records Administration, 380 Trapelo Road. Full contest rules are available at www.historicwaltham.org.

HIGH ADVENTURE CREW, Fundraiser car wash
The High Adventure Crew of Boy Scout Troop 250 will be holding a car wash Saturday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Government Center, 119 Lexington St. Proceeds will help defray expenses for an 83-mile backpack trek in the mountains of New Mexico this summer. Rain date is July 13.
For more information, call Barry Stearns at 781-899-7115.

CHILDREN'S LEARNING GARDEN, At Community Farm
The Waltham Parks and Recreation presents, Children's Learning Garden at Waltham Fields Community Farm, 240 Beaver St. Children in grades 1-4 will learn how farmers in Waltham grow vegetables and fruits, plant seeds, making compost, weeding and harvesting. Session one is Tuesdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m., July 8 to Aug. 12. Cost is $35. Session two is Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m., July 7 to Aug. 13. Cost is $70.
To sign up or for more information, call Kim Scott at 781-314-3480.

HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, Meeting in Waltham
The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, a regional nonprofit housing agency that serves Waltham and 29 nearby cities and towns, will have a discussion about housing challenges and resources Monday, July 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St. The meeting is co-sponsored by Sen. Susan C. Fargo, Reps. Peter J. Koutoujian and Thomas M. Stanley, Waltham Alliance to Create Housing, Middlesex Human Service Agency, Inc., Waltham Housing Authority, and The Waltham Interagency Council. Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP by calling Rennie Elliott at 617-425-6762.

SALVATION ARMY, School supplies
Each year, Waltham Salvation Army provides needy families help with school supplies. Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are assigned sponsors who purchase grade-appropriate school supplies and one back-to-school outfit, including shoes/sneakers. In 2008, the Salvation Army will serve 100 families, including 300 children.
To donate or for more information, call 781-894-0413 or stop in at 33 Myrtle St.

PAL PROGRAM, Begins July 7
The Waltham Police Department begins its PAL Summer Program with expanded offerings, with junior and senior flag football, street hockey and soccer. This program is free to all area youth and runs from July 7-Aug. 15, at Kennedy Middle School, 655 Lexington St. Street hockey is at 4:30 p.m., soccer at 6:30 p.m., junior flag football at 4:30 p.m., and senior flag football at 6:30 p.m.
Application forms are available at the Waltham Police Station, 155 Lexington St., and Carter Street Substation, 11 Carter St. For further information, contact Officer Gerry Corbett at 781-314-3600 or gcorbett@police.waltham.ma.us.

EPOCH, Derek Mann
World traveler, entertainer and author Derek Mann will present comedy and music at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill, 615 Heath St., on Tuesday, July 15, 2:30 p.m. Mann was born in London, England, and spent much of his life performing music on cruise ships and in hotels. Retiring from the sea in 1998 after more than a million miles of travel, Mann now enjoys performing around New England with his lectures, concerts and comedy.
This presentation is free and open to the public. Call 617-243-9990 to request a reservation.

CHILDREN'S SERIES, Beanie Bunch
The Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs and Arts in the Parks, Newton Parks & Recreation Department will present a Free Tuesday Afternoon Children's Performance Series at 1 p.m., at the Newton Center Playground, Tyler Terrace, Newton Center. Tuesday, July 15, will feature the Beanie Bunch, an engaging, highly interactive children's music band. It mixes a healthy dose of humor, great songs and quality musicianship. This performance series is generously sponsored by Citizen's Bank.
For further information, call 617-796-1540 or 617-527-8283, or visit www.newtonpride.org.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Real Estate seminar
The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce Lawyer's Council Committee will be presenting a seminar, Uncovering Issues/Opportunities in Today's Real Estate Market, on Wednesday, July 16, 8 a.m., at The Law Office of Goldman and Pease, First Floor Dining Room, 160 Gould St., Needham. The seminar will be presented by Attorney Howard Goldman of The Law Offices of Goldman and Pease, Amy Tierce of Fairway New England Mortgage and Fran Yerardi of Homevestor's Bay State Properties. Short Sales, Buying Opportunities and Finance Challenges are a few of many topics that will be covered during this event.
The cost of the event is $10, $15 for guests and includes continental breakfast. For more information or to register for this event please visit the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce at www.nnchamber.com or call 617-244-5300.