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01/27/2025

2025 BREEZERS BALL

Breezers Ball is returning to the Charles River Museum of Industry.

The 9th annual event will happen on Saturday, March 1.

Fun and formal, it features dancing, drinks, local food and much more. All are welcome.

Tickets are $60, with proceeds to Waltham scholarships.

Tickets / Info
breezersball.com

Photo: Aleksandra Maguire

01/27/2025

READY FOR RESCUES

Waltham Fire conducted its annual ice training exercises at Forest Grove on the Charles River Monday morning.

The exercises involve entering frigid waters to carry out mock rescues.

All Waltham firefighters will participate in the exercises this week.

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/26/2025

GIRLS HEADED TO TOURNEY AFTER BLOWOUT WIN

The Waltham High School girls varsity hockey team crushed Cambridge Rindge and Latin School 10–0 Saturday at Veterans.

WHS juniors Ava Anderson ( #7) and Sophia LaFauci ( #9) each scored twice as goalie Miyana Bahl ( #30) picked up a shutout.

The blowout home win qualified the Hawks for the upcoming MIAA state tournament. Congrats!

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/26/2025

FIREFIGHTERS DOUSE SUV FIRE

A vehicle fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. Saturday on I95 near Winter Street.

Responding Waltham firefighters found the BMW’s engine on fire, with extension into the interior.

They put out the fire in 15 minutes, and two vehicle occupants were not hurt.

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/24/2025

POWER LINES DOWN AT CONSTRUCTION SITE

On Friday morning around 7:30 a.m., Waltham Fire responded to 72 Pond Street for a report of downed power lines.

A forklift truck at a construction site for new apartments pulled down the lines.

There were no injuries, but the driver had to remain in the vehicle for an hour before the power was shut down.

Photo: Peter Lobo

01/24/2025

GOODWILL TRAILER SET UP AT WAVERLEY OAKS LEGION

The new donation trailer accepts a wide variety of items (computers, textiles, clothing, housewares, bikes, books), but there are just as many items that are not accepted (mattresses, televisions, used toys). See the link below for the list.

The trailer is located at 215 Waverley Oaks Rd. The hours are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Goods donated go to families in need or are resold, with proceeds used to help those in need.

www.goodwillmass.org/what-to-donate

01/24/2025

3-ALARM FERNALD FIRE WAS ARSON

Saturday’s fire at the Chipman building on the Fernald property was intentionally set, according to Waltham Fire.

WFD Lt. Mike Murphy described the arson fire as “incendiary in nature,” although the exact cause is “undetermined.”

After Waltham Fire responded around 10:00 a.m., multiple communities assisted, with the last units leaving around 4:45 p.m. No injuries were reported.

The 3-alarm fire caused extensive damage to the former Chipman Hall, completed in 1892 as a girls’ dormitory at the state-run facility.

The Chipman building’s location near the eastern edge of the property presented water supply challenges to responding firefighters, said Lt. Murphy.

Like most of the other buildings at Fernald, it has fallen into deep disrepair, and firefighters did not enter it on Saturday due to unsafe conditions.

Waltham and State Police fire investigators have posted flyers for the Arson Watch Reward Program at the scene.

Anyone with information about the incident, or who observed anyone in the area around the time of the fire, is asked to call 1-800-682-9229.

The fire is the latest in a series of arson blazes at Fernald in recent years.

Waltham Police patrol units are assigned on every shift to continuously monitor the 190-acre property.

Photo: Bill Hanley

01/24/2025

Harpoon fisherman Joe Dion is the son of retired businessman Peter Dion of Dion’s Liquors, a successful chain with locations in Waltham and surrounding communities.

Joe’s kids Peter and Maggie have Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2C (LGMD), a rare disease that causes a progressive weakening of muscles. It can lead to heart and lung complications and the loss of walking ability.

Joe and his wife Courtney, who live on the South Shore, established the Dion Foundation to fund LGMD research to help their kids and others like them. Their incredible efforts have led to the first-ever clinical trials set for this year.

To raise more awareness, Joe stars in a new Discovery reality series called Harpoon Hunters. The first episode airs on Friday, January 24 at 9:00 p.m. on Discovery.

More
www.thedionfund.org/captain-joe-on-discoverys-harpoon-hunters

01/23/2025

THE WRIGHT PRICE

Why is 341 Second Avenue now called The Point at Waltham?

Back in September, original developer Alliance Residential Company sold the 195-unit luxury apartment building to Pantzer Properties for a whopping $91 million.

Alliance paid $6.4 million for the property and developed it as a 40B, with 25% of the units deemed affordable.

The project was completed in 2023 and named The Wright after Franz Wright, a Pulitzer Prize–winning Waltham poet who passed away in 2015.

After the September sale, NYC property management giant Pantzer rebranded the luxury residence as The Point at Waltham.

It’s the latest high ticket residential property sale in Waltham.

Also back in September, another out-of-state developer bought the former GardenCrest apartments for $221 million and rebranded it as ReNew Waltham.

01/23/2025

NEW ANIMATED FILM AT THE EMBASSY

In The Colors Within, visionary director Naoko Yamada combines themes of music and adolescence in a coming-of-age drama about Totsuko, a high school student who can see the emotional “colors” of others.

Colin Maher of the Embassy Theater described it as “a foreign film visual spectacle.”

“It’s an amazingly gorgeous movie, with a simple but wildly enjoyable story,” he said.

The Colors Within will be screened at the Embassy starting on January 23.

Tickets / showtimes
embassywaltham.com/theater

Images: GKIDS

01/23/2025

SOARING HAWK SCORES 29 IN HOME WIN

The Waltham High School boys varsity basketball team beat Arlington Catholic 59–46 Tuesday at home.

Sweet shooting senior Jace Meader ( #10) was the Hawks’ high scorer with 29 points. Back on January 11, he sank an electrifying buzzer be**er to beat Boston Latin.

On Friday, the Hawks will travel for a tough matchup against Cambridge Rindge and Latin.

On a side note, we've heard you Waltham about girls' sports, so stay tuned for more coverage from photog Peter Lobo...

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/22/2025

Last evening, Watertown Police officers demonstrated exceptional vigilance and professionalism during a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Mr. Isaiah Louissaint 19 of Waltham .

During the stop, Officers Civetti, Martino, St. Onge, Parent and Sgt. Vaughan uncovered that Mr. Louissaint was concealing a stolen firearm. Thanks to their quick thinking and decisive action, the suspect was safely apprehended, and the firearm was securely recovered.

Further investigation revealed ammunition in the suspect's vehicle, underscoring the potential danger that was averted. Today, the individual was arraigned at Waltham District Court, deemed dangerous, and held on bail.

This incident highlights the dedication and skill of our officers in protecting the community. Their proactive efforts not only removed a stolen firearm from the streets but also reinforced our commitment to keeping Watertown safe. Outstanding job by everyone involved!

01/22/2025

SCHOOL BUS CRASH UPDATE

A van driver has been cited after a multi-vehicle crash last week involving a WPS Dual Language School yellow school bus.

Waltham Police said Wednesday that the operator of a white Ford Transit van, a 38-year-old woman from Roxbury, was cited for failing to yield while making a left turn.

The crash took place on Friday, January 17 during morning rush hour.

Heading south on Lexington Street, the white van was attempting to turn left onto Beaver Street when it collided with the northbound school bus.

The impact caused the white van to roll over onto a Honda minivan stopped at a red light on Beaver Street, police said.

Seven people, including six children and the operator of the white van, were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries following the crash.

Photo: Peter Lobo

01/21/2025

LEARN ABOUT RODENTICIDE IMPACT ON RAPTORS

The Waltham Land Trust (WLT) is hosting a Zoom meeting on Thursday about the impact of anticoagulant rat poisons on Waltham wildlife, including owls and hawks.

The poisons take several days to kill targeted rodents such as rats. Predatory birds that catch and eat the dying rats also ingest the deadly poison.

In 2021, state wildlife officials linked the death of a bald eagle living on Charles River in Middlesex County to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) poisoning—the first such death in Massachusetts.

Since then, a Waltham-born bald eagle that once resided at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham was also killed by the poison. The issue is particularly relevant in Waltham given its recurring rodent issues and the raptors drawn to the area to prey on them.

The WLT forum is being hosted by Save Waltham Wildlife (SWW), a WLT initiative. Zoom participants can learn about SWW successes with the City of Waltham, alternatives to the deadly poisons and what’s next.

“Waltham’s threatened wild creatures need us all to become informed and to take a stand,” said WLT.

Save Waltham Wildlife (SWW) Community Forum
Thursday, January 23
7:00 – 8:30 p.m

Register for Zoom forum:
walthamlandtrust.org

Photos: Waltham Land Trust

01/21/2025

HAWKS TOP FALMOUTH

The WHS boys varsity hockey team earned a 6–2 away win versus Falmouth High School on Monday. Two Hawks forwards, Dylan McClay and Tim O’Toole, scored a pair of goals each.

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/17/2025

MINOR INJURIES IN ROLLOVER CRASH INVOLVING SCHOOL BUS

Seven were transported to area hospitals Friday morning after a yellow school bus heading north on Lexington Street struck a white van that was attempting to make a left turn east onto Beaver Street.

The white van then rolled over onto a Honda minivan stopped at a red light on Beaver Street, according to a Waltham Police release.

Six children were transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital with minor injuries. The operator of the white van was extricated from the vehicle, then taken by ambulance to the Lahey Hospital, also with minor injuries.

The yellow bus was transporting students around 8:30 a.m. to the Dual Language School at the former Waltham High School, said a police spokesman.

The remaining uninjured students were transported to school on a separate bus.

The crash remains under investigation.

Photos: Peter Lobo

01/15/2025

COMING TO REAGLE: CAROLE KING, EVITA AND NEWSIES

Reagle Music Theatre has announced the shows for its upcoming summer season.

The season will kick off on June 13 with Beautiful: the Carole King Musical. It explores the hit songwriter’s life, featuring chart toppers such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “It’s Too Late.”

The season continues with Evita, the riveting life story of Argentine icon Eva Perón, with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s soaring score. Its run starts on July 11.

The summer season will wrap up in mid-August with Disney's inspiring musical Newsies, in which real-life newsboys in late 19th century New York fight for fair wages in an unforgettable strike.

Rachel Bertone, Reagle Music Theatre’s artistic director, said “our three musicals this year beautifully embody the theme of chasing big dreams against all odds, showcasing the incredible journeys of those who dared to push through barriers.”

Before the summer season, Reagle will stage its annual St. Patrick’s Day show in March. Stay tuned for more details.

Info / tickets
reaglemusictheatre.org

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Videos

Superintendent Thanks Community for Breast Cancer Support

SUPERINTENDENT THANKS COMMUNITY FOR CANCER SUPPORT As she prepares for breast cancer surgery, superintendent Marisa Mendonsa was moved to tears by the support she has received in Waltham. “I just want to thank the public,” Mendonsa said near the end of Wednesday’s school committee meeting. “Probably the most challenging thing I will face hopefully in my life and I cannot identify another place I’d rather be than in the city of Waltham. Thank you to the community for your support and my team and our students and staff.” In December, the superintendent notified the school community about her diagnosis. On Wednesday, mayor Jeannette McCarthy thanked her for all her hard work and wished her all the best with her treatment and recovery. Mendonsa will be away for 3 to 4 weeks of medical leave starting on Wednesday, January 15. The school committee voted to award her 20 sick days and whatever additional leave the superintendent might need. WPS Human Resources Administrator Kate Peretz was appointed to serve as acting superintendent in Mendonsa’s absence. “Everybody’s going to pull together while you’re away,” the mayor said on behalf of the school committee. “We don’t want you to worry about one thing.” The Waltham Channel wishes Marisa all the best on her upcoming procedure and recovery.

MUFASA: THE LION KING NOW PLAYING AT THE EMBASSY

MUFASA, HOMESTEAD NOW PLAYING Two new movies are screening at the Embassy Theater at 16 Pine Street. They are the photorealistically animated Disney spinoff Mufasa: The Lion King [see trailer below] and the post-apocalyptic drama Homestead. Tickets / Information embassywaltham.com/theater

First Look: The Corinthian Condo Conversion

THE CORINTHIAN HARD HAT TOURS SUNDAY The ambitious conversion of the St. Charles Borromeo Church into 20 luxury condos will finish up next year. This week Ryan Acone of Darwin Associates Real Estate took us inside and shared some new renderings. The Corinthian project officials are offering guided, 30-minute hard hat tours on Sunday, December 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This open house is free and open to the public.

YOU BE THE JUDGE: MANHATTAN SHORT

YOU BE THE JUDGE: MANHATTAN SHORT The Embassy Theater is screening a short film compilation this weekend and next weekend. Manhattan Short involves 9 finalists from the Manhattan Short Film Festival. All the shorts automatically qualify for Oscars. From September 26 to October 6, Manhattan Short will screen at more than 500 cinemas worldwide. Viewers will vote for Best Film and Best Actor. Showtimes and tickets embassywaltham.com

2024 FIREWORKS FINALE

AFRICANO’S DEKA BUSA Africano Waltham presents Deka Busa on Saturday, June 29 at McDevitt Middle School. Talented youth performers will explore issues facing immigrants and society through music, drama and dance. Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-triangle-dekabusa-tickets-821048958537?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

“GUATEMALAN GODZILLA” NO MORE Continuing a remarkable transformation, Waltham fighter Pablo Carrion is eager to get in the ring for a boxing event hosted by Mark and Matt Nolan of Nolan Bros. Boxing & Fitness. The second Annual Watch City Invitational Boxing Event takes place on Saturday, May 25 at Waltham High School. Tickets / Info nolanbrosboxing.com/watch-city-invitational-2023

A Special Day in Waltham

SPECIAL OLYMPICS EVENT IN WALTHAM Waltham officials are teaming up with Special Olympics Massachusetts to host the first-ever Special Day in Waltham on Saturday, June 1. Athletes aged 5 and older are invited to this inclusive event, which will feature games, activities, food and much more. aspecialdayinwaltham.org

Reagle's Magic of Ireland 2024

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, so it’s time for Reagle Music Theatre’s celebration of Irish music and culture. Two performances of The Magic of Ireland: A St. Patrick's Day Concert are set for March 9 and 10. The show stars Broadway performers such as Ciarán Sheehan (Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), Kathy St. George (Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof) and Reagle favorite Jennifer Ellis (RMT’s Wonderful Town, Carousel). We have a clip of Kathy singing an Irish tune on a recent WCAC show to get you in the mood. Tickets / Info www.reaglemusictheatre.org/shows/9/magic-of-ireland