Community briefs 7/30

SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Special meeting
There will be a special meeting of the Waltham School Committee on Wednesday, July 30, 7:30 p.m., in the Cannon lecture Hall at Waltham High School, 617 Lexington St. On the agenda are acceptance of Whittemore Elementary School and ratification of the new superintendent's contract.
For more information, call 781-314-5400.

NSTAR, Tree maintenance
Waltham and Newton are among the towns that are benefiting this year from NSTAR's award winning tree-maintenance program. The annual program, part of the company's commitment to providing reliable electric service to its customers, helps to reduce the frequency of tree-related power outages while maintaining the many benefits of community trees. NSTAR's work in Waltham will begin this week, July 28, and is scheduled to continue through the fall. Newton began in April and will conclude this week.
Customers are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property, including keeping tree branches away from the wires that connect their homes and businesses to the main utility wires on the street. NSTAR strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.
For more information, visit www.nstar.com.

TRINITY CHURCH, Organ concert
Trinity Church, 730 Main St., will hold an organ concert Sunday, Aug. 3, 3 p.m., including works of Campra, Johnson and many more. Featured recitalists are Christopher D. Maynard, director of Music, Trinity Church; and Chandler Noyes, director of Music, Saint Mary's RC Church, Georgetown. Admission is free. All proceeds will go toward the upkeep of Trinity Church's organ. Also CDs from the previous Organ Concert will be on sale for $20.
For more information, call 781-899-3891.

FIRE DEPARTMENT, Hydrant inspections
The Waltham Fire Department will conduct hydrant inspections throughout the city Aug. 1-30. Chief Richard Cardillo recommends that all persons who may use water for cooking, drinking or laundering during this period run their faucets utnil their water is free of rust. He advises citizens to watch for fire engines in their neighborhood as a sign that hydrandt testing is in progress.
For more information, call 781-314-3700.

SPRINGWELL, Compensation as provider
Are you caring for a loved one who has a chronic illness, physical disability, or mental disability? You could earn up to $18,000 per year through Springwell's Adult Family Care Program if the person lives in your home, is enrolled in MassHealth, and receives care from you. Springwell is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors and adults with disabilities live independently in the community.
For more information, call 617-926-4100 or email inforef@springwell.com.

CITIZENS BANK, Collecting school supplies
For the third consecutive year, Citizens Bank is collecting new school supplies for low-income children in Massachusetts. Beginning July 14, pencils, pens, notebooks and other supplies can be donated at any Citizens Bank branch in the state through Aug. 2.
For more information, visit citizensbank.com.

FARMER'S MARKET, Davidson and Katz perform
Kim Davidson and Rebecca Katz will give a concert of folk music and Americana on Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m., at Waltham Farmers' Market. The free concert, which is sponsored by Park Lodge Hotel Group, will be rescheduled for Aug. 16 in case of rain. The market is held rain or shine, and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 1, at the corner of Moody and Main streets, in the Sovereign Bank parking lot.
For more information, please call (781) 894-0357 or 899-6230 or go to http://www.waltham-community.org/FarmersMarket.html.

MOTORCYCLE RIDE, Supports Jane Doe Inc.
A police escorted motorcycle ride to benefit Jane Doe Inc. will journey from Everett to Waltham on Saturday, Aug. 2. The 3rd annual Serenity's Run will help support Jane Doe Inc., a coalition committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. The event this year is dedicated to the memory of Shannon Meara, whose life was tragically cut short as a result of domestic violence.
While Serenity's Run is a day of riding, eating, and fun, it's also designed to give hope to all victims, survivors, their friends, and families that there is a voice of support out there. Hundreds of riders from all over Massachusetts are expected to ride out to speak out against sexual assault and domestic violence at this year's run.
Registration is 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Bruce Rossmeyer's Harley Davidson Dealership, 1760 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett. The run ends at the New Landing Restaurant, 313 Moody St., Waltham. Everybody who participates will enjoy food, raffles, and entertainment. There is a requested donation of $20 per rider and $15 per passenger. For more information about the ride please visit www.serenitysrun.org.

NEWS TRIBUNE, Delivery routes available
The News Tribune will have an adult delivery route becoming available in the next couple of weeks. The streets include the Boynton Street, Cedarwood Avenue, Florence Road, Rockridge Road, Thornton Road and Villa Street. Papers need to be delivered by 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The News Tribune will drop the papers at the carrier's home and provide the necessary supplies to complete the route.
For information, call Lenny Costa at 508-634-7540 or lcosta@cnc.com.

WATCH, Bed bug information
WATCH is organizing a bed bug session on prevention and education at the Government Center, 119 School St., on Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn from experts in your community - Rivard's Resources IMP will show people how to get rid of them and how to make your apartment or home safer and healthier for your family.
For more information, contact Darline at 781-891-6689, Ext. 206.

LIBRARY, Unleashing Your Inner Writer
The Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., will host a seminar, Unleashing Your Inner Writer, on Wednesday, July 30, 7 p.m. Bring your own pen and notebook.
For details, call 781-314-3425, Ext. 2.

NATIONAL JUNIOR COTILLION, Opening program in area
The National League of Junior Cotillions has announced plans to establish its program in Middlesex County. The purpose of the program is to give students instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them. In addition to the usual courtesies connected with dancing and etiquette, character instruction is also provided regarding the following: honor, respect, ethics, sportsmanship, acknowledgments of gifts, behavior at cultural and civic events, correspondence, inter-action in groups, introductions, paying and receiving compliments, receiving lines, table manners, instructional dinners, electronic etiquette, cell phone courtesy, and many other areas of social conduct.
Applications or nominations for cotillion director are currently being received. For additional information call 1-800-633-7947, visit www.nljc.com, or e-mail to cotillions@nljc.com.

COMBINED JEWISH PHILANTHROPIES, Seeking volunteers
Combined Jewish Philanthropies is in need of volunteers. Teach a child to read, share your time with an isolated senior, make a real difference in the lives of children, visit a new Mom, feed the hungry or use your professional skills.
For details, call Nancy at 617-558-6585.

HERITAGE FESTIVALS, Clarence Thompson and the New Spirits
The Newton Pride Committee and the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs present the Free Sunday Evening Heritage Festivals on the Newton Centre Green, Langley Road and Centre Street, from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the corner of Langley Road and Centre Street. Green Line to Newton Center. Event canceled in the event of rain. On Sunday, Aug. 3, Clarence Thompson and the New Spirits, perform their gospel music, with influences from R&B and soul.
For more information, call 617-796-1540 or 617-527-8283, or visit www.newtonpride.org.

NEWTON COUNTRY PLAYERS, `Once on this Island'
The Newton Country Players presents, ``Once on this Island,'' which runs July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3, at MassBay Community College, Oakland Street, Wellesley. Ticket prices are $20, $15 for students and seniors.
For more information or tickets, visit ticketstage.com or call 617-244-9538.

LEARNING PREP SCHOOL, Stroke screening
A complete screening package to reduce the risk of having a stroke, including a new Heart Rhythm screening which checks for irregular heartbeat, will be available at the Learning Preparatory School, 1507 Washington St., on Wednesday, July 30, 9 a.m. Screenings are fast, painless and affordable. They help identify potential health problems such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-697-9721 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

TOTEM POLE ORCHESTRA, At Pellegrini Park
Bob Bachelder's Totem Pole Orchestra will perform a free concert at Pellegrini Park, Hawthorne Street, on Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. This 15-piece ensemble takes its audience on a nostalgic journey back to the days of the big band sounds. Their uniqueness comes from its authentic interpretations of the music of Goodman, Basie, Miller and Ellington. Its name, Totem Pole Band, came from when it was the house band for nine years at the popular dance spot in Newton. The concert is sponsored by The Village Bank. In the event of rain, the performance will move into the adjacent gym.
For more information, call 617-527-8283 or 617-527-8283.

WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, Fitness classes
The West Suburban YMCA will host a new fitness series of 45-minute, three week classes designed for specific areas of the body. These classes will focus on the chest, back, arms, legs, and core which are all essential elements to strengthen during a workout.
The cost for each series of three week classes is $30 for YMCA Members and $45 for non-members. For more information on these classes schedules, contact Jane Carroll at 617-224-6050, Ext. 3007 or email janec@westsuburbanymca.org.

ARTHRITIS EXERCISE , New program available
Less pain, more flexibility, and the sense of feeling better overall are what many people with arthritis gain from the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, a free low-impact class designed specifically for those with arthritis. The program will now be available to the public locally through a six-week course at Evans Park at Newton Corner, 430 Centre St. A kick-off event for the class is Wednesday, July 30, 3 p.m., with refreshments. The sessions will run Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Aug. 5, 9:50 a.m.
Class participants may register by calling 617-965-9400. For additional information, call 800-541-8350 or visit www.arthritis.org.