Being in the Waltham American Legion Band and being the 2010-2011 Chair of the 3rd Middlesex Area Democrats (which currently covers the towns of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford. Concord, Lexington (part), Lincoln, Sudbury (part), Weston, and the city of Waltham) - I have had the great fortune of speaking to both current state Senator Scott Brown (R) and the six Democratic hopefuls vying for his seat in the fall. First, you're thinking - it's too early for "politics". But, it's not. These men and women are fighting for their hopes, dreams, and aspirations and have been for months so that in the September primary and November election day - you will vote for THEM.
I'm going to give you my personal perspective on my personal observations (and not the opinions of the Patch online newspapers, the WALB, or the 3MAD). First, Senator Brown. I am a Democrat who did not vote for Senator Brown and am not currently working for his re-election. That being said - the stories that he is full of himself and doesn't shake hands or talk to the people is pure horse manure. I obviously have a giant D stamped on my forehead and Senator Brown has taken pictures with me, my son, my family, the WALB - at the Newton Memorial Day parade, on the 4th of July in Franklin - and has introduced us all to both his wife Gail (who is a Waltham HS graduate who graduated with the WALB Color Guard Captain & Trolley Driver Paul Nichols) and their dog Koda. Senator Brown talked to the WALB about our upcoming travels to Washington, D.C. Sorry to have to say it, but, he's a nice guys who was very respectful to the veterans who shook his hand. He's our Senator so let's give him the respect the job deserves. http://www.scottbrown.com/
But, I have been speaking to all of the candidates for US Senate on the democratic side (all of their websites are listed for review of their ideas, qualifications, and what-not) - and I will tell you my abbreviated tales in alphabetical order for fairness -
Tom Conroy - http://www.tomconroy.org/
Tom is literally walking the walk. He is walking through our 351 community state to meet people and get involved - to see exactly what the people of MA are suffering through, talk directly to constituents, and see what the state of the Commonwealth is with his own eyes. He is terrifically friendly, intelligent, motivated, and obviously energetic. He has met the strategists, the activists, and the grassroots organizers but now he's hitting each and every section of the state and talking to Mayors, DPW workers, volunteers, business-people, parents, etc. in each town to find out what works and what doesn't. I'm not privy to the data collected but I think Tom has a great track-record and is using a great method to get people to know and support him. My Godmother is supporting Tom - and if anyone knows her - her record of candidates supported to candidates winning is EXCELLENT. I may end up in the families political doghouse (which is never good) on this one.
Maria DeFranco - http://marisadefranco.com/
If there is one person in this race that I think can surprise me, it is spitfire immigration lawyer Maria DeFranco. Marisa is savvy, smart, energized, and focused on people, their differences, our commonality, and breaking down how issues affect all of us. She wants to "put government back in the hands of the people." "I help people bring back their American Dream." Her jobs as a lawyer is to fights for the rights of people and win - and she does so every day. Marisa supports single-payer healthcare, unions, and insists that politicians stop using women as "political footballs." Marisa has spoken to me by phone, twitter, email, Facebook, in person - again and again and again. She knows that I am supporting another candidate - but is determined to include me in her vision. Marisa discussed the idea of high-speed rail and mag-lev trains with my 8 year old, weighed his opinion, and asked questions about the math and science of his idea. That speaks very clearly of her belief in the intrinsic value of weighing all ideas and it resonates with me.
Alan Khazei - http://www.alankhazei.com/
I try to be as balanced as possible in my writing. (which is why all 7 of the current declared Senate candidates on both sides are listed in this blog) I can say nothing about Khazei is because despite the many, many MA events to which we have both been invited - he has never appeared. All of the activists and pols that I know feel he spends too much time out of state fundraising - and that does not build trust and support here.
Bob Massie - http://www.bobmassie.org/
Mr. Massie is a minister, activist, candidate and non-profit executive. Bob has an amazing track record of positive-change accomplished in several arenas. He was at the Cafe on the Common in Waltham in January to have a town hall with Walthamites - and he has come back several times to meet more of us. I have spoken to Bob in person in Waltham, Watertown, Newton, Franklin, Concord, and Carlisle, by email, by Facebook, and by tweet. He works hard keeping in contact with constituents - not just "voters". He is conversant in details of issues and solutions/ideas about casinos, unions, Citizens United, healthcare, economy, climate, homeownership, etc....... He's personable, dynamic, and smart. Bob spoke of what he will do, what his grassroots activists will do - and he listens when people speak to him; really listens and means it. Bob stood in Carlisle(Disclaimer: I'm volunteering for Massie for US Senate)
Herb Robinson - http://herbrobinson.us/
Mr. Robinson of Newton, MA is a fiscally conservative, engineer who is in this race to fix the energy problem and to create jobs. He wants to say goodbye to big government without saying goodbye to humanity. He knows he has little chance of winning but does not want to give in because the chance is small. My belief after speaking to Herb is that he wants the government for run as a business - but since businesses get to pick and choose whom they work with - a government can lean to a more business-like model but can not be run a profitable business can be run. Government must accept those with bad credit, are security risks, and those in need of asylum with no assets to back them up. His model can't sustain the humanity of what government is bound to do by unwritten moral contract. I do like that Herb wants to mandate a balanced budget. The state of Massachusetts manages to do this annually, and have for centuries. The federal government should try it - they might like it.
Setti Warren - http://settiwarren.com/?no_splash=1
Newton Mayor Setti Warren is a Navy veteran, fiscally responsible Democrat who has saved the Town of Newton over $8 million thus far, and he has held 24 town halls thus far. When he speaks he speaks mainly of what Senator Brown is doing or not doing, of his family, and names the issues we are all concerned about. When he spoke at the 3rd MAD BBQ in July, it was the first time in many meetings that he spoke directly about what he wanted to do to fix the problems that he was listing. I know now that he intends to invest in renewable energy, invest in rail projects, fix the economy, engage in fair trade deals, and vote the way that the population of MA asks. When my 8 year old discussed a topic of job creation with him - candidate Warren patted him on the head and walked away. I think how a person talks to children and the elderly is indicative of what's inside them deep down. I have heard him speak on many occasions and his vision just does not resonate with me; nor of any of the activists or lay-people of whom I discuss this topic.
Get involved, speak up, do something - no matter which political party you belong to, because the more people who participate - the stronger this "republic under which we stand" becomes. We are all in this together - win or lose so let's make it the best. May the best candidate win!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The now and future of Scouting...and Waltham
This past weekend temperatures were in the 100's - and Waltham Cub Scout Pack #274 went Family Camping down at Camp Massasoit in Plymouth, MA. Boy Scouts of America Boston Minuteman Council Scout Executive/CEO Chuck Eaton was there and described it as this "Think of yourselves as strapping on your pointy ears and weird uniforms and going to a Star Trek Convention. That's what non-scouts think of us." Let me summarize the weekend - and then add some thoughts about what's so great about scouts...
We left Waltham at 6:50 P.M. and arrived in camp at 8:07 P.M. with health forms filled on and ready in hand. We got expressed through the wait to check-in line - always be prepared! Cam (our 8 year old son) ran off to watch the "Lion King" movie under the dining tent with popcorn and bug juice (non-campers call it Kool-Aid). My husband and I drove over to our lean-to, unloaded the car, and changed from city-mode (unloaded cell phones & wallets) to camp-mode (doling out bug spray, pocket flash-lights for all, and organizing.) Our family isn't ready for the tent yet - we graduated from full-cabin with electricity and flush-toilets to lean-to with shower/toilet facilities nearby. But we brought the tent. Maybe next time we'll break it out.
By 9pm it was only 80 degrees but had a 75% dewpoint - ugh! We hiked up to meet Cam at the movie just as - brown out! So, we gathered him up and the 30 of us from Pack #274 went to the main tent-site and we made a campfire, S'mores (best part of camping ever!), and roasted wieners. The boys then made up skits that only young boys "get" and laugh at... But we all clapped anyway.
Quiet time 10pm - lights out 11pm.
Cam, Ev, & I struggled to sleep on our -30 degree rated sleeping bags in the soaking heat. I made my son an ice-pack to sleep with and he fell right asleep. Middle of the night temperature drops and he climbs into my bag with me. Too hot for me so I climbed out and slept on his! Hmmm...I love campfires & s'mores & skits - it may be many moons between camping but the best parts are still the same!
Saturday was a modge-podge of flag ceremony, breakfast, horseshoes, reading, tether-ball, playground, swimming proficiency testing, swimming, boating (5 types of boats), archery, BB range, & slingshots. By lunch thunder & lightning were over-head so the waterfront closed - thank goodness. As Cams swim-buddy I had been in the water for two and a half straight hours! During which time, I learned how to kayak. Flipped the kayak a few times in the process but "try and try again" was my mantra - and when I did it the trip around the lake was AMAZING! RAIN STORM! Run to the lean-to where 4 boys and 3 parents waited out the rain. Trusty playing cards used for Knock!, War, card-houses, and a Dungeons & Dragons map. Even after the rain ended - the imaginative boys stayed for hours in their make-believe world of fantasy and fun. So, the parents challenged themselves to Slingshot (Ted is king here!), BB Gun Range (Ev is king here!), and Archery (I reign as Queen of Archery.) Dinner is a camp staple of pasta, sauce, bread, and ice cream dessert.
At 8pm there is a all-camp campfire and skit show - put on by boys, leaders, camp counselors, and songs which are audience participation required. Our sons are mortified when the parents sing and dance around. After campfire there is talk of S'mores but Cam crawls into bed and drops to sleep.
Sunday is flag ceremony, breakfast, arts & crafts, fishing, packing up, & cleaning up. My journal of the weekend is many pages longer than this. I wrote column to tell you that Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting are alive and well. And, if as a parent you want to see what scouting is like - you can go on a family Scouting weekend camp (there are cabins, with electricity, running water, toilets, showers, and a cook) with planned activities so you ans your boys and girls can see what it's all about. It's inexpensive, all-inclusive, and nearby.
The best part of this camp experience for me, was what Eaton summarized for me as "a community of parents raising each others children." I didn't have to know where Cam was to know he was safe. Everyone knew every childs' name by the end of the weekend; children roamed in packs, parents watched out; staff reminded them of unwritten Scout Rules ("leave it cleaner than you found it") and of written camp safety rules. Check out Scouting and all it can offer you and your family. You'll be happier having tried it. I'm told by my husband the non-camper that he insists we sleep in the tent in August. And that says Eaton "is the whole purpose of the Family Camping weekend."
(P.S. to the makers of Off Personal Mosquito Fan - no mosquitoes bit us for 2 nights - those fans work exactly as described as field- tested by my family!!!)
We left Waltham at 6:50 P.M. and arrived in camp at 8:07 P.M. with health forms filled on and ready in hand. We got expressed through the wait to check-in line - always be prepared! Cam (our 8 year old son) ran off to watch the "Lion King" movie under the dining tent with popcorn and bug juice (non-campers call it Kool-Aid). My husband and I drove over to our lean-to, unloaded the car, and changed from city-mode (unloaded cell phones & wallets) to camp-mode (doling out bug spray, pocket flash-lights for all, and organizing.) Our family isn't ready for the tent yet - we graduated from full-cabin with electricity and flush-toilets to lean-to with shower/toilet facilities nearby. But we brought the tent. Maybe next time we'll break it out.
By 9pm it was only 80 degrees but had a 75% dewpoint - ugh! We hiked up to meet Cam at the movie just as - brown out! So, we gathered him up and the 30 of us from Pack #274 went to the main tent-site and we made a campfire, S'mores (best part of camping ever!), and roasted wieners. The boys then made up skits that only young boys "get" and laugh at... But we all clapped anyway.
Quiet time 10pm - lights out 11pm.
Cam, Ev, & I struggled to sleep on our -30 degree rated sleeping bags in the soaking heat. I made my son an ice-pack to sleep with and he fell right asleep. Middle of the night temperature drops and he climbs into my bag with me. Too hot for me so I climbed out and slept on his! Hmmm...I love campfires & s'mores & skits - it may be many moons between camping but the best parts are still the same!
Saturday was a modge-podge of flag ceremony, breakfast, horseshoes, reading, tether-ball, playground, swimming proficiency testing, swimming, boating (5 types of boats), archery, BB range, & slingshots. By lunch thunder & lightning were over-head so the waterfront closed - thank goodness. As Cams swim-buddy I had been in the water for two and a half straight hours! During which time, I learned how to kayak. Flipped the kayak a few times in the process but "try and try again" was my mantra - and when I did it the trip around the lake was AMAZING! RAIN STORM! Run to the lean-to where 4 boys and 3 parents waited out the rain. Trusty playing cards used for Knock!, War, card-houses, and a Dungeons & Dragons map. Even after the rain ended - the imaginative boys stayed for hours in their make-believe world of fantasy and fun. So, the parents challenged themselves to Slingshot (Ted is king here!), BB Gun Range (Ev is king here!), and Archery (I reign as Queen of Archery.) Dinner is a camp staple of pasta, sauce, bread, and ice cream dessert.
At 8pm there is a all-camp campfire and skit show - put on by boys, leaders, camp counselors, and songs which are audience participation required. Our sons are mortified when the parents sing and dance around. After campfire there is talk of S'mores but Cam crawls into bed and drops to sleep.
Sunday is flag ceremony, breakfast, arts & crafts, fishing, packing up, & cleaning up. My journal of the weekend is many pages longer than this. I wrote column to tell you that Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting are alive and well. And, if as a parent you want to see what scouting is like - you can go on a family Scouting weekend camp (there are cabins, with electricity, running water, toilets, showers, and a cook) with planned activities so you ans your boys and girls can see what it's all about. It's inexpensive, all-inclusive, and nearby.
The best part of this camp experience for me, was what Eaton summarized for me as "a community of parents raising each others children." I didn't have to know where Cam was to know he was safe. Everyone knew every childs' name by the end of the weekend; children roamed in packs, parents watched out; staff reminded them of unwritten Scout Rules ("leave it cleaner than you found it") and of written camp safety rules. Check out Scouting and all it can offer you and your family. You'll be happier having tried it. I'm told by my husband the non-camper that he insists we sleep in the tent in August. And that says Eaton "is the whole purpose of the Family Camping weekend."
(P.S. to the makers of Off Personal Mosquito Fan - no mosquitoes bit us for 2 nights - those fans work exactly as described as field- tested by my family!!!)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Culture of Waltham - part four Museums/Mansions
Waltham and Museums - a great combination! I have friends coming into town for a week and I've been looking in depth into Waltham destinations.... Everyone thinks they have to leave Waltham to see gthings great and small. You don't - and I'll show you below. Checking some facts for this blog, I found out some new things I hadn't known before.
Cedar Hill Girl Scout Museum http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/aboutus/girl-scout-museum.html
I didn't even know there was a Girl Scout Museum at Cedar Hill. It is what its name suggests - a history of Girl Scouting begun under Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. And, there are opoortunities for hands-on activities. Who knew?
Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation http://www.crmi.org/
The CRMII is such a fun place for history buffs and technology geeks alike. CRMII is located in the historic power plant of the Boston Manufacturing Company Mill. The first floor is a misture of Waltham History (The horse-drawn Waltham Fire Dept. 1 engine is there), minature feats of engineering (the New England Model Engineers have a display of working The second floor is dedicated to the Waltham Watch Factory.
Gore Place http://www.goreplace.org/
Gore Place, the historic home of Governor Christopher Gore is so vibrant with activities - its hard to describe in brief. Gore Place = dusty old mansion, right? Wrong! The mansion alone has a state of the art fire suppression system made specifically to preserve it in case of fire but not destroy the historic handiwork....but, I digress. There is a farm, historic tours, Christmas tea, snowshoeing in the winter, Sheepshearing Festival, scavenger hunts, musical concerts, charity benefits, and you can rent the grounds for a wedding if you wish...... And so many more things - you just have to go there to see...
Lyman Estate/The Vale http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/lyman-estate-greenhouses
From their website: "Salem, Massachusetts, architect Samuel McIntire designed the Federal-style mansion in 1793 for wealthy shipping merchant Theodore Lyman. The family enlarged the house in 1882 in the Victorian style and then remodeled it in the Colonial Revival style in 1917. The property contains historic greenhouses, a carriage house and gardener’s cottage, and thirty-seven acres of pleasure grounds, gardens, and woodlands." The greenhouses are open year round and are a beautiful spot to walk in Waltham.
National Archives and Record Administration, New England Region http://www.archives.gov/northeast/boston/
Paine Estate/Stonehurst http://www.stonehurstwaltham.org/
Rose Art Museum www.brandeis.edu/rose
Waltham Historical Society http://www.walthamhistoricalsociety.org/
Waltham Museum http://www.walthammuseum.com/
And the best part is that many of these museums off discounts to military personnel/families with ID, seniors, children AND you can get passes to some of them if you sign up for them IN ADVANCE at the Waltham Public Library!
Cedar Hill Girl Scout Museum http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/aboutus/girl-scout-museum.html
I didn't even know there was a Girl Scout Museum at Cedar Hill. It is what its name suggests - a history of Girl Scouting begun under Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. And, there are opoortunities for hands-on activities. Who knew?
Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation http://www.crmi.org/
The CRMII is such a fun place for history buffs and technology geeks alike. CRMII is located in the historic power plant of the Boston Manufacturing Company Mill. The first floor is a misture of Waltham History (The horse-drawn Waltham Fire Dept. 1 engine is there), minature feats of engineering (the New England Model Engineers have a display of working The second floor is dedicated to the Waltham Watch Factory.
Gore Place http://www.goreplace.org/
Gore Place, the historic home of Governor Christopher Gore is so vibrant with activities - its hard to describe in brief. Gore Place = dusty old mansion, right? Wrong! The mansion alone has a state of the art fire suppression system made specifically to preserve it in case of fire but not destroy the historic handiwork....but, I digress. There is a farm, historic tours, Christmas tea, snowshoeing in the winter, Sheepshearing Festival, scavenger hunts, musical concerts, charity benefits, and you can rent the grounds for a wedding if you wish...... And so many more things - you just have to go there to see...
Lyman Estate/The Vale http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/lyman-estate-greenhouses
From their website: "Salem, Massachusetts, architect Samuel McIntire designed the Federal-style mansion in 1793 for wealthy shipping merchant Theodore Lyman. The family enlarged the house in 1882 in the Victorian style and then remodeled it in the Colonial Revival style in 1917. The property contains historic greenhouses, a carriage house and gardener’s cottage, and thirty-seven acres of pleasure grounds, gardens, and woodlands." The greenhouses are open year round and are a beautiful spot to walk in Waltham.
National Archives and Record Administration, New England Region http://www.archives.gov/northeast/boston/
Paine Estate/Stonehurst http://www.stonehurstwaltham.org/
Rose Art Museum www.brandeis.edu/rose
Waltham Historical Society http://www.walthamhistoricalsociety.org/
Waltham Museum http://www.walthammuseum.com/
And the best part is that many of these museums off discounts to military personnel/families with ID, seniors, children AND you can get passes to some of them if you sign up for them IN ADVANCE at the Waltham Public Library!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Waltham Culture part 3 - Theater
Part three of the Culture of Waltham - Theater
When I was a kid I went to the theater twice - once to see my cousin Maia in the Sound of Music at the Reagle Players (she was one of the Von Trapp children) and once in downtown to see "Annie." Thus began my life long love of theater. When you think of going to the theater, if you're like me you think: Waltham.
I admit there are theaters in Boston - but you can see fantastic work right here without leaving the City limits!
the Hovey Players (http://www.hoveyplayers.com/)
Currently the Hovey Players are performing:
Private Lives by Noel Coward
Directed by Ronni Marshak May 13 – May 28, 2011
The Hovey Players do wonderful plays. And, my favorite part is that they give back to the community. What more can you ask for in a community group? A hand-up to the next organization pays it forward, so to speak. They do it through their "...successful Hovey Gives Back program, which allows each director the opportunity to help raise awareness for a charitable organization of his or her choice. The designated organization for Private Lives is the American Red Cross. Audience donations will go towards relief efforts for the victims of the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Visit them at www.redcross.com." How cool is that - you go to the theater and they help save lives.... I can dig that.
Then there's my favorite - and I'm biased - the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston (http://www.reaglemusictheatre.com/) Currently the Reagle Music Theater is performing:
Ballroom With A Twist May 15th at 2 p.m.
Robert Eagle, his amazing staff, and an outrageous number of volunteers put on many great shows throughout the year. You might not know all the ways in which Reagle gives back to the community. First, every winter hundreds of Waltham and local children audition and participate in "It's Christmastime." Kids have fun and get the chance to sing and dance. My son has found a LOVE of theater I never previously guessed at. And, they offer a children's summer theater program. And, Reagle Actors work with the Waltham High School English Department to offer "Shakespearean Actors in the Classroom." Reagle Actors perform Shakespeare with our children and make these works fascinating rather than obscure or old. There are so many layers of what these Reagle performers do for this community along with their enrichment of our cultural offerings.
We're so blessed to also have two universities in town that have excellent theatre choices as well (right now)
the Spingold Theatre Center at Brandeis U. (http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/theater/)
"The creation of the Brandeis Theater Company, an ensemble-based group of actors, designers and directors drawn from the students, faculty, staff and professional guest artists of the theater arts department breaks new ground in the training of theater students. "We want to train students on a professional model," professor Eric Hill said, "Medical internists are not trained in a classroom, and theater artists should not be either." The company produces challenging, forward-looking programming that promotes multiculturalism and artistic achievement."
at Bentley University, (campus-life.bentley.edu/living-bentley/student-activities/arts) you can enjoy "The Bowles Series includes theater-based performances offering a taste of the cultural arts to the Bentley community and beyond. Additionally, two student productions by the theatrical honor society Alpha Psi Omega are included in the Bowles line-up."
When I was a kid I went to the theater twice - once to see my cousin Maia in the Sound of Music at the Reagle Players (she was one of the Von Trapp children) and once in downtown to see "Annie." Thus began my life long love of theater. When you think of going to the theater, if you're like me you think: Waltham.
I admit there are theaters in Boston - but you can see fantastic work right here without leaving the City limits!
the Hovey Players (http://www.hoveyplayers.com/)
Currently the Hovey Players are performing:
Private Lives by Noel Coward
Directed by Ronni Marshak May 13 – May 28, 2011
The Hovey Players do wonderful plays. And, my favorite part is that they give back to the community. What more can you ask for in a community group? A hand-up to the next organization pays it forward, so to speak. They do it through their "...successful Hovey Gives Back program, which allows each director the opportunity to help raise awareness for a charitable organization of his or her choice. The designated organization for Private Lives is the American Red Cross. Audience donations will go towards relief efforts for the victims of the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Visit them at www.redcross.com." How cool is that - you go to the theater and they help save lives.... I can dig that.
Then there's my favorite - and I'm biased - the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston (http://www.reaglemusictheatre.com/) Currently the Reagle Music Theater is performing:
Ballroom With A Twist May 15th at 2 p.m.
"This ground-breaking show, starring a rotating roster of celebrity hosts and fabulous young dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars and High School Musical, pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest "hip-hop" styles."
Here's the synopsis of Reagle History taken straight from their website:
"Reagle Music Theatre was founded in the summer of 1969 as an outlet for talented high school and college
students by Robert J. Eagle, a Waltham Public Schools teacher and administrator, who received a grant from the Waltham City Council to support a summer theatre. The superintendent of schools thought this was a good use of the empty school theatres, and he arranged the rent-free use of the theatres, the Robinson and the Crawford.
In subsequent years, because no grant funds were available, the players embarked on an endless round of bake sales, car washes, and auctions in order to support the summer theatre. During those early years, as the group became better known, people from other communities joined. From the outset, Reagle’s purpose has been to produce the most professional productions possible, while providing unique educational, recreational, and entertainment opportunities for its members. Even in 1969, careful research was done on the original Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and a full orchestra was engaged in order to reach the standard established by Mr. Eagle."
Robert Eagle, his amazing staff, and an outrageous number of volunteers put on many great shows throughout the year. You might not know all the ways in which Reagle gives back to the community. First, every winter hundreds of Waltham and local children audition and participate in "It's Christmastime." Kids have fun and get the chance to sing and dance. My son has found a LOVE of theater I never previously guessed at. And, they offer a children's summer theater program. And, Reagle Actors work with the Waltham High School English Department to offer "Shakespearean Actors in the Classroom." Reagle Actors perform Shakespeare with our children and make these works fascinating rather than obscure or old. There are so many layers of what these Reagle performers do for this community along with their enrichment of our cultural offerings.
We're so blessed to also have two universities in town that have excellent theatre choices as well (right now)
the Spingold Theatre Center at Brandeis U. (http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/theater/)
"The creation of the Brandeis Theater Company, an ensemble-based group of actors, designers and directors drawn from the students, faculty, staff and professional guest artists of the theater arts department breaks new ground in the training of theater students. "We want to train students on a professional model," professor Eric Hill said, "Medical internists are not trained in a classroom, and theater artists should not be either." The company produces challenging, forward-looking programming that promotes multiculturalism and artistic achievement."
at Bentley University, (campus-life.bentley.edu/living-bentley/student-activities/arts) you can enjoy "The Bowles Series includes theater-based performances offering a taste of the cultural arts to the Bentley community and beyond. Additionally, two student productions by the theatrical honor society Alpha Psi Omega are included in the Bowles line-up."
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Give Back and Get Out on Saturday, May 7 in Waltham
There are many organizations in the great City of Waltham, MA who need time, stuff, or money. During spring renewal - clean out your junk and donate it, give some time to a local charity, or go out to eat on a night that benefits a non-profit (I love when these fall on my night to cook!) If you are already doing all you can - thank you! If you have some time - volunteer, donate, give. You can click here to see a list of organizations in Waltham looking for volunteers: http://www.city.waltham.ma.us/personnel/volunteer.html
Also, get your Watch City Discount Card at Marcou Jewelers, the Tea Leaf, or the Chamber of Commerce and SHOP local. Keep these businesses in business - and they'll reward you for doing it!
May 6, 7, & 8 - it'll be easy to shop local because all of our favorites are in full swing during International Steampunk City. The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation was severly damaged in last springs' flooding and profits from the festival will get the museum back on its feet. Steampunk is "Ringling Brothers meets the Industrial Revolution" (CRMII website). There are events everywhere from Main Street up Moody Street. Volunteers are still needed. http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/
What else can you do for FREE on Saturday, May 7th?
The Farmers Market Spring Preview is 9:30am-2:30pm in the Sovereign Bank parking lot (corner of Moody and Main) (Admission is free - products cost $$)
It's Free Comic Book Day and Outer Limits on Moody Street is participating.
If you live in the 10th Middlesex (Peter Koutoujians' old rep. district) - it's 3 days until you VOTE for your new state rep. John Lawn (D) will be in Waltham for a rally at City Hall, 610 Main Street, at 10am. Jim Dixon (R) will be in "the district walking and talking" on Sat. Talk to these men and remember to VOTE on Tuesday. http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
It's also Hardy Pond Cleanup Day (Hardy Pond Assoc. and Waltham Land Trust) 9:30am-12n - meet at the back of Lazzazero Playground (Prepare to get dirty - children are welcome!) http://walthamlandtrust.org/calendar-events/annual-hardy-pond-clean-up
Waltham Field Community Farm Seedling Sale is happening at the Farm, 240 Beaver Street from 9am-1pm. These are non-treated seeds, and organic seeds when possible, and grown using organic methods with nutrient-rich potting soil. (Seeds cost $)http://communityfarms.org/index.php/involved/calendar-of-events
Waltham Healthy Kids Day at the Waltham YMCA on Lexington Street, 12n - 3p. There will be healthy snacks, a bounce house, face painting, games, prizes, and over 20 local organizations.
French American Victory Club annual yard sale fundraiser 193 Elm Street 9a-3p http://favclub.org/default.htm
Waltham Historical Society presents the The Henry F. Warren photography collection 760 Main St, from 9a-1p http://whistsoc.waynemccarthy.com/index.htm
Luckily, this week my son has his seasonal non-Saturday soccer game - otherwise I don't know how we'd do it. Yeah, we've got First Communion to fit in there, too! I bet there's more that I'm missing! I'll see you all out and about this weekend - no reason to stay home!
Also, get your Watch City Discount Card at Marcou Jewelers, the Tea Leaf, or the Chamber of Commerce and SHOP local. Keep these businesses in business - and they'll reward you for doing it!
May 6, 7, & 8 - it'll be easy to shop local because all of our favorites are in full swing during International Steampunk City. The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation was severly damaged in last springs' flooding and profits from the festival will get the museum back on its feet. Steampunk is "Ringling Brothers meets the Industrial Revolution" (CRMII website). There are events everywhere from Main Street up Moody Street. Volunteers are still needed. http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/
What else can you do for FREE on Saturday, May 7th?
The Farmers Market Spring Preview is 9:30am-2:30pm in the Sovereign Bank parking lot (corner of Moody and Main) (Admission is free - products cost $$)
It's Free Comic Book Day and Outer Limits on Moody Street is participating.
If you live in the 10th Middlesex (Peter Koutoujians' old rep. district) - it's 3 days until you VOTE for your new state rep. John Lawn (D) will be in Waltham for a rally at City Hall, 610 Main Street, at 10am. Jim Dixon (R) will be in "the district walking and talking" on Sat. Talk to these men and remember to VOTE on Tuesday. http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
It's also Hardy Pond Cleanup Day (Hardy Pond Assoc. and Waltham Land Trust) 9:30am-12n - meet at the back of Lazzazero Playground (Prepare to get dirty - children are welcome!) http://walthamlandtrust.org/calendar-events/annual-hardy-pond-clean-up
Waltham Field Community Farm Seedling Sale is happening at the Farm, 240 Beaver Street from 9am-1pm. These are non-treated seeds, and organic seeds when possible, and grown using organic methods with nutrient-rich potting soil. (Seeds cost $)http://communityfarms.org/index.php/involved/calendar-of-events
Waltham Healthy Kids Day at the Waltham YMCA on Lexington Street, 12n - 3p. There will be healthy snacks, a bounce house, face painting, games, prizes, and over 20 local organizations.
French American Victory Club annual yard sale fundraiser 193 Elm Street 9a-3p http://favclub.org/default.htm
Waltham Historical Society presents the The Henry F. Warren photography collection 760 Main St, from 9a-1p http://whistsoc.waynemccarthy.com/index.htm
Luckily, this week my son has his seasonal non-Saturday soccer game - otherwise I don't know how we'd do it. Yeah, we've got First Communion to fit in there, too! I bet there's more that I'm missing! I'll see you all out and about this weekend - no reason to stay home!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Culture of Waltham - part two Music
If you want Music - you've come to the right place. Waltham, MA rocks, rolls, sings, and swings!
I'm starting with musical performance groups in Waltham and will move to listening to music in Waltham:
I begin with the benchmark of PLAYING music in Waltham - the Dot Hill American Legion Band.
The Waltham Legion Band was begun in 1948 under Dot Slamin Hill and brought international luster when they were the 1st American band to march in Red Square. This patriotic veterans band has performed everywhere from Dublin to Honolulu! You can see them year round in both concerts and parades. In May they'll play in Newton, Somerville, Waltham, & Watertown. After 63 years, they're fundraising for new uniforms - check out their website & contribute. www.walthamlegionband.org
Next up is the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra - they just performed in Boston and will be back in Waltham for an Italian Night at the Opera on May 19th at the Westin Hotel. Now in their 25th year - they have an annual student competition and a local student joins the orchestra for a concert as a soloist. Talk about giving back to the community! Visit http://wphil.org/ for more info (and to buy tickets).
Then there are local acts: Waltham, The McMurphys (playing May 21 at John Brewers, Waltham 9pm), The Moody Street Swing Band, Soft Touch Band, Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders, musicians Gerry Beaudoin, Gail Rundlett, Julian Rundlett, & Michael Williams....
And our local music schools & private instructors - MJ's Music School on Main Street (www.mjsmusicschool.com) , Lexington Music on Moody Street, LearnQuest Academy of Indian Classical Music -[Hindustani and Carnatic] (www.learnquest.org), & the Fine Arts Dept. of Brandeis, and the Waltham Public Schools (each Elementary/Middle/High School has a choir, concert band & orchestra, plus there are Jazz Band, Pep Band, Show Choir/Band, Orchestra and private lessons and small ensembles) - if you want to learn to play an instrument look no further than down the street!
Then - if you just want to LISTEN to great music in Waltham:
* Gore Place Music Series - the historic mansion has a GREAT (ticketed) summer music series from May 15 through June 22nd. And a museum to tour, and historic gardens, and a farm....... (www.goreplace.org)
* Waltham Farmers Market - June 11 - Nov 5 - there is a concert almost every week at 11am - and you can buy GREAT local, fresh food and products as a bonus! (This Saturday May 7th is the Spring Preview Market from 930a-230p at the corner of Moody & Main in the Sovereign lot. Be there! http://www.waltham-community.org/FarmersMarket.html (Free)
* Waltham Arts Council Summer Concerts on the Common series - every Tuesday night from July 5 - August 23, 2011 (www.walthamarts.org) features John Penny Band, Waltham Philharmonic, Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders, Continentals, Legion Band, Soft Touch, Reynolds Band, and the Reminisants. (Free) This is their 31st year -and the July 5th concert is a fundraiser for their Bill Walsh Scholarship - to be given to a Waltham High student, so on opening night - bring your lawn chair and some $$ for a good cause!
* Waltham Riverfest is an annual arts performance extravaganza that takes Waltham by storm and in 2011 is June 10 and 11, 2011 - and focuses on local talented artists. Watch out for more info - http://www.walthamriverfest.com/performers.html
* Oct - May Brandeis Concert Series (http://www.brandeis.edu/arts/concerts/index.html) Some concerts are ticketed and some free - world music, new music, and everything in between!
* You can eat and listen to live music at John Brewers (www.johnbrewerstavern.com/waltham), The Skellig (www.theskellig.com), and Shoppers Cafe (www.shopperspub.com).
*** A big REMINDER - please purchase tickets to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovations fundraiser festival THIS weekend May 7 & 8 $20 for both days adult/$10 both days child. It is a HUGE fundraiser to restore and repair the museum that was ruined during last years' flooding. I'll be there! http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/
I'm starting with musical performance groups in Waltham and will move to listening to music in Waltham:
I begin with the benchmark of PLAYING music in Waltham - the Dot Hill American Legion Band.
The Waltham Legion Band was begun in 1948 under Dot Slamin Hill and brought international luster when they were the 1st American band to march in Red Square. This patriotic veterans band has performed everywhere from Dublin to Honolulu! You can see them year round in both concerts and parades. In May they'll play in Newton, Somerville, Waltham, & Watertown. After 63 years, they're fundraising for new uniforms - check out their website & contribute. www.walthamlegionband.org
Next up is the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra - they just performed in Boston and will be back in Waltham for an Italian Night at the Opera on May 19th at the Westin Hotel. Now in their 25th year - they have an annual student competition and a local student joins the orchestra for a concert as a soloist. Talk about giving back to the community! Visit http://wphil.org/ for more info (and to buy tickets).
Then there are local acts: Waltham, The McMurphys (playing May 21 at John Brewers, Waltham 9pm), The Moody Street Swing Band, Soft Touch Band, Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders, musicians Gerry Beaudoin, Gail Rundlett, Julian Rundlett, & Michael Williams....
And our local music schools & private instructors - MJ's Music School on Main Street (www.mjsmusicschool.com) , Lexington Music on Moody Street, LearnQuest Academy of Indian Classical Music -[Hindustani and Carnatic] (www.learnquest.org), & the Fine Arts Dept. of Brandeis, and the Waltham Public Schools (each Elementary/Middle/High School has a choir, concert band & orchestra, plus there are Jazz Band, Pep Band, Show Choir/Band, Orchestra and private lessons and small ensembles) - if you want to learn to play an instrument look no further than down the street!
Then - if you just want to LISTEN to great music in Waltham:
* Gore Place Music Series - the historic mansion has a GREAT (ticketed) summer music series from May 15 through June 22nd. And a museum to tour, and historic gardens, and a farm....... (www.goreplace.org)
* Waltham Farmers Market - June 11 - Nov 5 - there is a concert almost every week at 11am - and you can buy GREAT local, fresh food and products as a bonus! (This Saturday May 7th is the Spring Preview Market from 930a-230p at the corner of Moody & Main in the Sovereign lot. Be there! http://www.waltham-community.org/FarmersMarket.html (Free)
* Waltham Arts Council Summer Concerts on the Common series - every Tuesday night from July 5 - August 23, 2011 (www.walthamarts.org) features John Penny Band, Waltham Philharmonic, Steve Taddeo and the Swing Senders, Continentals, Legion Band, Soft Touch, Reynolds Band, and the Reminisants. (Free) This is their 31st year -and the July 5th concert is a fundraiser for their Bill Walsh Scholarship - to be given to a Waltham High student, so on opening night - bring your lawn chair and some $$ for a good cause!
* Waltham Riverfest is an annual arts performance extravaganza that takes Waltham by storm and in 2011 is June 10 and 11, 2011 - and focuses on local talented artists. Watch out for more info - http://www.walthamriverfest.com/performers.html
* Oct - May Brandeis Concert Series (http://www.brandeis.edu/arts/concerts/index.html) Some concerts are ticketed and some free - world music, new music, and everything in between!
* You can eat and listen to live music at John Brewers (www.johnbrewerstavern.com/waltham), The Skellig (www.theskellig.com), and Shoppers Cafe (www.shopperspub.com).
*** A big REMINDER - please purchase tickets to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovations fundraiser festival THIS weekend May 7 & 8 $20 for both days adult/$10 both days child. It is a HUGE fundraiser to restore and repair the museum that was ruined during last years' flooding. I'll be there! http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Culture of Waltham - part one Books & Art
We are surrounded in Waltham by art, artists, musicians, theater, dance & celebration wherever we go! You live in a vibrant city, people. This is going to have to be a multi-part blog as there is a lot of art going around to celebrate. Celebrate Waltham bookstores/printers, local artists, and local shops selling local art!
Today, I'm talking about the art of the printed page, drawn page, painted page.... And I'm starting with shopping locally - and here's why - "When you shop at an independently owned business, the entire community benefits:
So, when I want to buy a book:
I go see Alex at Back Pages Books on Moody Street (who just re-printed a book about the history of Waltham you can only buy there!) Local writers are celebrated here. http://www.backpagesbooks.com/
OR
I see the young ladies and gents at More Than Words books on Moody Street and grab a cup of coffee and a cookie while I'm at it! http://mtwyouth.org/
Both of these stores have author events and support other artists in the community so giving back to them is giving back to Waltham. Hey, and if it's raining again - buy from them online including e-books. But, I also shop there because they sell the art of local independent artists.
On to art in Waltham - I will save official art museums and museums of Waltham 'til another day - but where can I buy unique one-of-a-kind gorgeous art for gifts, holidays, or whatnot? It's safe to start on Moody Street - the heart of our cultural district -
1. The Tea Leaf Moody Street - proprietress Sally Collura has the greatest tea shoppe in New England IMHO and I die for her hot cinnamon tea and scones - anytime! But, she sells on her walls the art of local artists for sale to the public. She sells calendars for the HS show choir, ducks for the WEBF duck race, and notecards made by the Artists of GWArc. Sally is not just a small business owner, and a civic icon - she is a connector - making Waltham a COMMUNITY; not just a place to live. http://www.thetealeaf.us/
2. The Mills Artists Association - the artists of the Mills are open during the year by appointment or the first weekend in November every year during their Open Studios. "More than 30 years ago, a group of artists began to rehabilitate space in the same buildings that once employed hundreds and had fallen into disuse. Using our money, talent, and labor, we transformed the neglected and degenerated buildings into studios where creativity thrives." Click on your favorite artist and call them to see when you can shop OR join their email list and go to their next opening or art show! http://www.wmaastudios.org/
3. Gourmet Pottery on Moody Street - This shop has the best gifts and every year I shop local for the holidays. Their website is under construction but you can buy metal sculptures, hand-dipped fair trade beeswax candles, hand made note cards, blown glass, paper lanterns - all from independent local artists. And if you join their mailing list - they'll send you the secret sale word and you get a discount! For helping a local artisan stay in business! And, it's quality stuff that you will pass down as heirlooms.
4. The Artists of GWArc - one of my favorite local art producers! I met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council - and any time I can buy their art, I do. The Artists of GWArc sometimes sell their art (paintings, calendars, sculptures, notecards, jewelry) and sometimes they just have showings. The sales go either to the artist or to fund the art program - depending on the choice of the artist. The WCI Art Initiative sells the available art right from their website Call 781-899-1344 or email gwarc@gwarc.org to see what they have now.
5. WCI Art Initiative - the second of my favorite local art producers! I also met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council - and again, any time I can buy their art, I do. You can buy their notecards at Fulcinitis sub shop ( http://www.fulcinitismarket.com/ ) on Hammond St. (and get the BEST lunch in town) or their paintings right from their website. http://www.wearewci.org/Employment%20Day%20Supports/art%20initiative/artinitiative.htm
You can shop right here in town and get cute, little graduation gifts to high-end royal wedding gifts. You make the choice but shop local and keep Waltham thriving!
Today, I'm talking about the art of the printed page, drawn page, painted page.... And I'm starting with shopping locally - and here's why - "When you shop at an independently owned business, the entire community benefits:
The Economy
- Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
- Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
- More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.
- Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.
- Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you.
- Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
- More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community."
- - quoted from IndieBookseller.com
I go see Alex at Back Pages Books on Moody Street (who just re-printed a book about the history of Waltham you can only buy there!) Local writers are celebrated here. http://www.backpagesbooks.com/
OR
I see the young ladies and gents at More Than Words books on Moody Street and grab a cup of coffee and a cookie while I'm at it! http://mtwyouth.org/
Both of these stores have author events and support other artists in the community so giving back to them is giving back to Waltham. Hey, and if it's raining again - buy from them online including e-books. But, I also shop there because they sell the art of local independent artists.
On to art in Waltham - I will save official art museums and museums of Waltham 'til another day - but where can I buy unique one-of-a-kind gorgeous art for gifts, holidays, or whatnot? It's safe to start on Moody Street - the heart of our cultural district -
1. The Tea Leaf Moody Street - proprietress Sally Collura has the greatest tea shoppe in New England IMHO and I die for her hot cinnamon tea and scones - anytime! But, she sells on her walls the art of local artists for sale to the public. She sells calendars for the HS show choir, ducks for the WEBF duck race, and notecards made by the Artists of GWArc. Sally is not just a small business owner, and a civic icon - she is a connector - making Waltham a COMMUNITY; not just a place to live. http://www.thetealeaf.us/
2. The Mills Artists Association - the artists of the Mills are open during the year by appointment or the first weekend in November every year during their Open Studios. "More than 30 years ago, a group of artists began to rehabilitate space in the same buildings that once employed hundreds and had fallen into disuse. Using our money, talent, and labor, we transformed the neglected and degenerated buildings into studios where creativity thrives." Click on your favorite artist and call them to see when you can shop OR join their email list and go to their next opening or art show! http://www.wmaastudios.org/
3. Gourmet Pottery on Moody Street - This shop has the best gifts and every year I shop local for the holidays. Their website is under construction but you can buy metal sculptures, hand-dipped fair trade beeswax candles, hand made note cards, blown glass, paper lanterns - all from independent local artists. And if you join their mailing list - they'll send you the secret sale word and you get a discount! For helping a local artisan stay in business! And, it's quality stuff that you will pass down as heirlooms.
4. The Artists of GWArc - one of my favorite local art producers! I met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council - and any time I can buy their art, I do. The Artists of GWArc sometimes sell their art (paintings, calendars, sculptures, notecards, jewelry) and sometimes they just have showings. The sales go either to the artist or to fund the art program - depending on the choice of the artist. The WCI Art Initiative sells the available art right from their website Call 781-899-1344 or email gwarc@gwarc.org to see what they have now.
5. WCI Art Initiative - the second of my favorite local art producers! I also met these artists through the Waltham Cultural Council - and again, any time I can buy their art, I do. You can buy their notecards at Fulcinitis sub shop ( http://www.fulcinitismarket.com/ ) on Hammond St. (and get the BEST lunch in town) or their paintings right from their website. http://www.wearewci.org/Employment%20Day%20Supports/art%20initiative/artinitiative.htm
You can shop right here in town and get cute, little graduation gifts to high-end royal wedding gifts. You make the choice but shop local and keep Waltham thriving!
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