1/9/08:  7th Annual Summer Camp Fair, Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Road, Sudbury, MA, Sunday February 8, 11am-2pm.  80+ camps offering information on day, overnight and travel programs for students in grades K-12. Parents and students can meet and speak with representatives from these camps offering unique programs including travel, community service, arts, sports, academic enrichment and traditional camp options.  Bring the kids - Admission is FREE.  For Additional information, visit www.sudburycampfair.org

1/1/09:  Time to get ride of your Christmas tree? Wayland High School Ski Team has the answer! We will pick up your tree and dispose of it!  Collection time: Saturday, January 10th.  Payment: Cash or check (payable to Wayland Ski Club) - $15.  Payment Collection: Thursday afternoon/evening, January 8th.  Logistics: Send an email to michael@theboykins.com with last name, phone #, street address.  Tree must be placed at the curb by 7:30am Saturday morning.

12/26/08:  Transfer Station Holiday Schedule:  Friday, December 26, 8am-4pm; Saturday, December 27, 7am–4pm; Monday, December 29, CLOSED; Tuesday, December 30, 8am-4pm; Wednesday, December 31, CLOSED; Thursday, January 1, CLOSED; Friday, January 2, 8am-4pm; Saturday, January 3, 7am-4pm.  Saturday January 3, 2009 will be Electronics Collection Day.

12/17/08:  Flu Clinic for all adult Wayland residents.  The Wayland Board of Health announces: IT’S NOT TOO LATE! FLU CLINIC! Now Available for ANY Wayland Resident aged 18 and over.  Wednesday, January 7, 5–7pm, Wayland Town Building, Large Hearing Room.  It's Free.  First come, first served.  No Pre-registration Required.  Pneumococcal Vaccine will also be available.

12/12/08:  Library Note Cards: Need a gift for someone special? The Friends of the Library are offering note cards featuring a charming Nancy Poydar painting of the library’s front door. Eight cards and envelopes for $10. The cards are now available at the circulation desk and also at the Wayland Depot.

11/20/08:  Community Nursery School of Wayland welcomes area families to an Open House on December 5th from 9:30-11am. Children are welcome!   CNS offers 2, 3 and 5 day programs for 2.9-5 year olds. Our school is a play-based, developmental program. We use an integrated thematic curriculum that encourages creativity and exploration. Arts and crafts, music, stories and games are all part of the learning experience, as is free choice time when children are able to choose child-centered activities based on their own interests. Each classroom features a generous supply of play and educational materials to expand social, conceptual, creative and physical development. Furthermore, because of our low teacher-to-student ratio, our teachers are able to frequently offer each child one-on-one attention in a nurturing environment. Please come visit to learn more about our school, meet some teachers and explore the classrooms while school is in session.

11/19/08:   Open House at The Residences at 89 Oxbow. Affordable Ownership in North Wayland. Smart, Green, Affordable. Open House, Saturday, December 6, 1-4pm, 89 Oxbow Rd. Unit 305. Connections in Wayland?? Lose the Commute! Now is your Opportunity to own in North Wayland! New 2 & 3 BR Condominiums Priced from $167k. Oxbow Partners, in collaboration with the Town of Wayland, is completing the Residences at 89 Oxbow, A Community of 16 New Homes for sale to qualified families. Lottery applications due December 31. Visit www.89oxbow.com for program details.

10/19/08:  Wayland High School Class of 1983 is gearing up for its 25th reunion at Sandy Burr Country Club.  Ticket price is $40.  Invitations will go out soon, but they are still looking for missing classmates.  If you haven't already, please email 1983wayland@gmail.com or log on to the Wayland High School Class of 1983 Facebook page to be sure to get your invitation.

10/17/08: Wayland Student Press Network offers weekly newsletters.  WSPN (Wayland Student Press Network) is the online student media network of Wayland High School and it gets updated DAILY on school days. If you want to know what is going on at the high school through student perspectives and get diverse content from a nationally recognized student publication, please sign up for their weekly newsletter through the following link: http://waylandstudentpress.com/subscribe/  WSPN's weekly newsletters will include synopsis of the articles that have been published during the week and links to various student produced content, including videos, photo galleries, and podcasts. It will be sent out every Friday afternoon.  It will take less than 1 minute to sign up. The sign up just requires your name and email, nothing else. 

10/17/08:  Candlelight vigil for domestic violence awareness, Tuesday, October 28, 7:30-8:30pm at the The First Parish, Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cochituate Road, Wayland, at the corner of routes 20 and 27/126. Coffee and desserts to follow.  October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The candlelight remembrance will commemorate all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence in Massachusetts over the past year. Since January 2007, Massachusetts has had 86 domestic violence victim fatalities, the highest rate in 15 years.  Holding a vigil to remember its victims is more than merely a symbolic action. With 228 active restraining orders in Sudbury, Wayland and Lincoln combined, we urge residents to get involved directly with the campaign against domestic violence. We must keep our community focused on a very real problem, and on the need to prevent it throughout the year.  Co-sponsored by The Network for Women’s Lives Education & Outreach Council of the Domestic Violence Services Network and the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable.  For more information contact Brenda Asis at 781-893-1206 or visit www.networkforwomenslives.org or www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.

9/28/08: Informational Meeting Scheduled for The Children's Way.  The Children’s Way early childhood program is having an “Open House” on Friday, November 7, 2008, and Thursday, November 13, 2008, 8:45-10am. The event is for families interested in enrolling for the 2009-10 or the 2010-2011 school year. The Children’s Way is a fee-based program of the Wayland Public Schools and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  The event will give prospective Children’s Way families a chance to meet TCW Director Cheryl Fertig, to learn about the program, to ask questions, and to tour the five classrooms. The open house/informational meeting is geared for adults.  The Children’s Way enrolls children as young as age 2 (two by August 31 of enrollment year) and as old as five. The developmentally appropriate curriculum provides opportunities for discovery and growth and is tailored to the individual needs and learning styles of the children. Through a wide variety of multisensory play and planned activities, children develop skills, express their creativity, and gain confidence to make choices and interact with their peers.  A minimum of four skilled and experienced teachers make up each classroom teach (maximum teacher/child ratio is 1:5). The teachers create a happy, safe and nurturing classroom community that fosters a sense of self and emphasizes cooperation, caring and respect among the group. Teachers employ a variety of teaching strategies in order to build on a child’s strengths and successes and to support that child’s growth across all domains. Parent involvement is welcomed and appreciated at The Children’s Way and parents work in partnership wit the classroom teachers.  The Children’s Way is located in the Wayland Town building at 41 Cochituate Road. The informational meeting will be held in the Board of Selectmen’s Hearing Room, locate don the first floor opposite the Building Department. For more information or for an enrollment application, feel free to call (508) 358-7072 or see the website at: www.wayland.k12.ma.us/district/district_info/tcw.htm. 

9/28/08:  Rep. Conroy Announces District Office Hours.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce his local office hours for the month of October in Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first come, first served basis.  Office hours and locations for Thursday, October 16th are as follows: Country Pizza, 161 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, 6-6:30pm;  Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Rd., Sudbury,7-7:30pm in the small meeting room, 2nd floor;  Starbucks, 44 Main Street, Wayland, 8-8:30pm.  Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

9/18/08:  Beacon Village Concept presentation.  A group of people in Wayland have shown interest in looking into forming an organization, similar to the Beacon Village Concept, to allow them to stay in their homes longer rather than other available options. A survey was circulated this past spring asking what people thought their needs and interests would be in forming this kind of an organization.  A committee has been working this summer to compile results and they are ready to present them at a meeting to be held Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.  Nearly 100 people/households participated, with 99% being from Wayland. People in their fifties to people over 80 years old responded. Almost all respondents were interested in staying in their own home. A third of the respondents indicated interest in being active or serving on a Taskforce to make this happen. More details will be provided at the October 14 meeting.  The discussion will center around the critical issues necessary to making this happen and what the next steps will be. For more information, contact Jan H. Dunn, dunnonthepond@comcast.net or 508-655-9149.

9/3/08: Heated Lions runs year-round recreational opportunities for kids with special needs in MetroWest.  Two years ago, Heated Lions Enterprises, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides recreational opportunities for kids with special needs in the MetroWest area, was created. Their website is www.heatedlions.org.   They are hosting school year-round sports in the fall, winter and spring for kids ages (approximately) 8-22.  Their schedule is: Soccer: Sundays, 1:00-2:15, Rivers School in Weston. Practices start on 9/7 and continue through November 16. They will scrimmage with other teams, but not compete at Special Olympics this year. Fee: $30.  Basketball and cheerleading, 1:00-2:15, Rivers School in Weston.  Practices start 11/30 and run through mid-March. They will compete at Special Olympics Winter Games and at the Newton Park and Recreation Tournament (both in March). Fee to be determined (approximately $70 to cover Special Olympic fees).  They welcome both boys and girls to basketball AND cheerleading!   Track and Field, to be determined in the spring. This is a great way for kids to socialize, learn a skill -- and for the parents to connect!   For more information, contact Rebecca Lynch at 508/358-1096 or at peachymama@verizon.net.

8/22/08:  AAU Warriors plan tryouts.  The Boston Warriors AAU Boys Basketball Club would like to announce the dates for its fall AAU boys basketball tryouts.  Tryouts will tentatively take place Sunday, August 31 and Sunday, September 7 at Waltham High School.  Tentative tryout times are U-12 (6th grade), and U-13 (7th grade), 5pm; U-14 (8th grade) an U-15 (9th grade), 6:15pm, U-16 (10th grade) and U-17 (11th and 12th grade), 7:30pm.  To preregister or for more information on the exact times and locations of the tryouts and/or directions to the tryouts locations, please visit the Boston Warriors website, email asfig@comcast.net or call 978-460-2122.

8/22/08:  Wayland High Class of '68 Reunion.  Wayland High School's Class of 1968 is holding its 40-year Reunion on September 6.  Please contact Dennis Morgan at 508-545-2501 or Valerie (Ferreira) Kesler at 970-328-1111 for more information.

8/14/08:  Parmenter’s Wayside Hospice Bereavement Support Group Announced.  Parmenter Visiting Nurse Services’ Wayside Hospice program announces an additional session of the 2008 Bereavement Support Group series. This free program is for anyone who has experienced a loss. These group will meet at the Parmenter/Wayside Hospice administrative building located at 266 Cochituate Road (RT 27) in Wayland. The group will meet on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm. The new session will run October 9th through November 13th, 2008. Please call Parmenter at 508-358-3000 for further information.

8/14/08:  Home Alone Safety and Babysitting Classes at Parmenter.  A home alone/home safety class for children ages 9-11 will be held Tuesday, August 26, 4:30-7:30 at Parmenter Community Health Auditorium.  Topics will include basic first aid, accident prevention, telephone protocol and safety measures, and they will be reinforced by presentations from the police and fire departments.  Fee is $35 and includes a snack.  A Babysitting Basics class will be held Thursday, August 21, 5-8pm at Parmenter.  Learn important skills such as diapering, first aid, mealtime/bedtime rituals, contracts and ethics, and safety awareness.  Space for both classes is limited; pre-registration is required.  Call 508-358-3000x239 to register for the home alone class, x235 for the Babysitting Basics class.  For more information on the full range of home health and hospice care services offered by Parmenter Community Health, call 508-358-3000 or go to www.parmenter.org.

8/14/08:  Register for the State Primary.  The deadline to register for the state primary, which will be held on September 16, is August 27.  The Town Clerk's hours are Monday 8:30am-7pm, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm and Friday 8:30am-12:30pm.

8/12/08:  Zoodoption! Participants in the Library's Summer Reading Program can vote for a favorite animal between Monday, August 25, and Friday, September 5. Go to the Library website to find out more! The animal with the most votes will be adopted from Zoo New England by the library. Adopting a zoo animal helps keep that animal healthy and happy in its environment.

7/31/08:  Auditions for the Vokes Players' "A Man of No Importance"  will be held Sunday August 10, 6:30-9:30pm and Monday, August 11, 7-9:30pm.  Other times may be arranged.  These auditions are by appointment only.  To schedule an appointment, please call (508) 358-4034 (menu option "3"), and leave a message with your name, number and preferred audition date and time. You will get a call back with a confirmation of the exact time. For complete details, visit the Vokes' website.

7/30/08:  Fall '08 Toddler/Preschool Openings.  Looking for a preschool experience for your child? Look no further...  The JCC Early Learning Center - Wayland has limited openings in our 2 and 3 year-old classrooms
starting in September.  Morning program 9am-noon with extended day options: 8-9am and noon to 1 or 2pm.  School year program, also offering summer and vacation week programs.  Toddlers must be 2 years old by September 1.  The program is NAEYC accredited.  Adventure playground and large gross-motor activity room.  Tuition includes membership to the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton.  Program open to all.  Located at 141 Boston Post Road (Rt. 20) in Temple Shir Tikva.  For more information call Anne at 508-358-5331 or check our website wayland-elc@jccgb.org.

7/18/08:  Fundraiser for Sara Orozco, Monday, July 28, 7pm, home of Debra Weisenstein, 66 Woodridge Rd.  Refreshments, beer & wine, Special Guest Speakers: Tom Conroy, State Representative for Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland, Angus McQuilken, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.  On-street parking available.  Suggested donations of $25 $50 $100 or $250 gratefully appreciated.  RSVP by July 24th to 781-444-7944 or
rsvp@SaraOrozco.com.  Even if you cannot attend, you may make a donation at www.SaraOrozco.com or mail a check made out to the Committee to Elect Sara Orozco to 5 Alfreton Road, Needham, MA 02494.

7/11/08:  History book available.  A book about the history of Wayland entitled, "The Puritan Village Evolves" by Helen Fitch Emery is available and can be purchased at the Town Clerk's office for $25.  A great gift idea for Wayland fanatics!

7/11/08:  Brown office hours. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, will be holding office hours on Tuesday, July 22 at the Wayland Senior Center, 41 Cochituate Road, from 2:15 to 3 p.m. Office hours provide constituents an opportunity to stop in and voice any concerns they may have to Sen. Brown or a member of his staff. No appointment is necessary. If you have any questions regarding office hours you can email Sen. Brown’s office or phone him at 617-722-1555.

7/11/08:  Rep. Conroy Announces District Office Hours.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce his local office hours for the month of July in Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first come, first served basis. Office hours and locations for Monday, July 14th in Wayland are at the Wayland Free Public Library, 5-5:30pm in the Raytheon room.  Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

7/11/08:  Important reminder to landscapers in Wayland.  Police Chief Robert Irving reminds landscapers working in Wayland of Wayland Bylaw 139-4, Obstructing Free Passage.  In past years, vehicles used by landscapers have been parked on the sides of narrow roads causing a safety hazard for motorists, pedestrians and the landscapers themselves. It is a violation of the town bylaw for vehicles to be parked in such a manner as to obstruct the free passage of vehicles or pedestrians.  Landscaper vehicles should be parked in the driveways of the residence where they are working or in an area that does not obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. At no time should a vehicle be parked on a sidewalk or in the travel lane of a through roadway. Police officers will be enforcing the bylaw, which carries a $300 fine.  Specific streets that have been known to have a chronic problem with landscaping vehicles blocking lanes include Pelham Island Road, Glezen Lane, Plain Road, Bow Road, Claypit Hill Road and East and West Plain streets.  All roads in town will be monitored for violations of the bylaw. It is also a parking violation for any vehicle to be parked on the grass of the historic site of the "Training Field," located at the intersection of Glezen Lane and Training Field Road. Landscapers are also reminded not to blow leaves or other debris into the roadway and that grass clippings and other debris removed from a residence must be disposed of properly. Leaves and grass clippings cannot be deposited at local cemeteries without permission.

7/8/08:  Would you like to host an international student this fall?  There are five high school students, all boys, from five different countries who need family placements for this coming year in the United States.  The metrowest district of AFS (American Field Service) needs to find homes for two of them. Take a moment to preview their short bios and photos. Please think about friends or colleagues that that you feel might consider hosting and take the time to contact them OR pass on their information to us and we will contact them and ask if they would like to host this fall.  These students will be arriving August 13-16 and will be staying for the academic year. At the very least, these students all need welcome families until permanent host families can be identified. Welcome families can be in place for varying times ranging from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.  AFS needs to find welcome families for these five boys by mid-July; paperwork on potential host families has to be underway by the end of July.  Please help us do all that you can to find wonderful families to host these kids. Feel free to ask Wayland residents Molly Faulkner, Beth Butler or Ann Gordon about their recent experiences with AFS; they can connect you to other residents who have either hosted or who've been AFS exchange students themselves.   Contact: Molly Faulkner at 508-358-7741, farringtonfamily@comcast.net or Jennifer Freeman at 508-405-4259 or jennifer.freeman@afsmassbay.org.

7/3/08:  Take the library's survey.  The library recently received a grant through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to plan and implement new programs and services to address the interests and needs of Wayland’s "baby boomer" community (currently age 45-65).   In order to identify the needs of active adult users, the library has created a survey. So, if you are over 45, please fill out the online survey. There will be print copies in the library itself, too, if you prefer paper. (Actually, you are welcome to fill it out even if you are younger than 45 or older than 65 because the library can use feedback from all age groups in planning programs!)

7/3/08:  Grocery Shopping Bus, Monday, July 21.  Hannaford in Waltham.  The Grocery Shopping Bus continues to be a FREE service. For reservations, call the COA office (NOT JFK) for this outing. Shoppers will be picked up at their homes in time for a 10am drop off at the grocery store. Shoppers will have 1 ¼ hours to shop. The van will return to the store to pick up shoppers with their groceries at 11:15am. Shoppers will be home no later than 12:15pm. Seats are limited so make your reservations early, COA office: 508-358-2990.

7/3/08: Free Blood Pressure Clinics.  The Wayland Board Of Health provides free blood pressure clinics on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (July 15th this month) from 10:45-11:15am in the Senior Center. Anyone needing a blood pressure measurement who is unable to make it to the clinics may call the Board Of Health’s Ruth Mori for an appointment (508-358-3617).

7/3/08:  Among activities run by the Council on Aging are: 

• TAI CHI ($5/class), Wed. 10:30-11:30am in the Town Building Hearing Room.  All levels welcome. Start anytime.  (Class is open to non-seniors on a space available basis). 
• Better Balance.  The Summer Session of Better Balance starts Monday, July 28 at 9:30am in the Wayland Senior Center. This is a 3 weeks session only. Classes are 60 minutes in length. Class fee is $19 for the 3 week session. Pre-registration is required no less than one week before the session starts.
• Mah Jongg Club.  Mahjong moves to Tuesdays at 1pm for the summer. If you are interested in Mah Jongg but have never played, we have “veteran” players who have offered to instruct our novice players. We would appreciate players bringing their set to share with members at their table as we do not own sufficient Mah Jongg sets to accommodate all.
• Genealogy Group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays, at 1pm in the senior Center. This is a gathering of people who share a common interest. New participants are always welcome.

For complete details, visit the COA website.

7/3/08:  Wayland/Weston Community Blood Drive, Monday, July 14.  St. Ann's Parish, 127 Cochituate Rd., Wayland, 12-6pm.  Enter a drawing to win Red Sox tickets as Blood Donor of the Game.  Please call 1-800-448-3543 for an appointment to donate.  Please bring a valid ID and drink plenty of fluids before donating.  All blood types needed.  Blood type "O" is in great need.  To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. 

7/3/08:  Free Community Education Series.  Savor the summer and nourish the soul while learning to relax with Tai Chi Doo Yin (dowyin).  Tai Chi Doo Yin is a low-impact moving meditation for the novice.  This series will be led by Suzanne Reitz, RN of Parmenter.  Suzanne is certified in Holistic Nursing and Healing Touch.  The initial session will be July 8, from 10-11:30am, and will introduce Meridians, Mindfulness, Relaxation Response.  The class will experience warm-ups, Doo Yin and imaging.  The final two sessions are July 15 and July 22.  The potential benefits of Tai Chi Doo Yin are postural stability, balance, stress reduction, and pain reduction.  The location is the Dora Eftham Healing Garden, 10 Green Way.  This program is for adults only.  Please RSVP to 508-358-3000.

6/27/08:  Book Group Contacts: Do you belong to a book group? If so, the library would like to have a contact name for your book group. The library is planning some new literary programming next year, including a “community reads” event in which everyone in town reads the same book. They would love to be able to inform your book group about the selection as soon as it is confirmed so that you can put it on next year’s reading list. Please email contact information to Ann Knight at wayland@waylandlibrary.org or call 508-358-2311.

6/27/08:  Host an International Student.  There is an opportunity for a Wayland family to share their home and their lives with an international student.  International Experience-USA is seeking a host family in an effort to bring an overseas student to Wayland High School for the 2008-09 school year.  The students in the program are 11th graders, boys and girls, from a wide range of countries.  You can share your home, your heart, and your America and at the same time learn about another culture.  If you are interested, email Phil Murray or call 781-449-2309.  If you would like to learn more about the program, visit www.ie-usa.com

6/26/08:  Library Focus Groups: The library recently received a grant through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to plan and implement new programs and services to address the interests and needs of Wayland’s adult community. One of the grant requirements is that we get feedback from active, older adults in our town. Please go to www.waylandlibrary.org  to fill out our survey. Also, if you are in your 50’s or 60’s and are willing to participate in a focus group, please contact Library Director Ann Knight at aknight@minlib.net or 508-358-2311. Help make the library even better!  The library needs your participation.

6/26/08:  Library Hours: The library summer weekend hours begin on Saturday, June 28. During the summer the library will be open on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and closed on Sundays. Weekday hours remain the same as the rest of the year. Also, due to the holiday, the library will be closed from 6pm on July 3 through July 6.  Note: even though the library's tile roof is being replaced, the library is still open for all our regular hours, both upstairs and down, and waiting to serve you. The library expects the roofing work to be done by the end of July.  Come on in and pick up some books for the beach or some DVDs to enjoy on lazy summer evenings.

6/26/08:  Summer Reading Program: “Wild Reads,” our animal-themed reading program, encourages children to read during the summer months. To learn more, register for the program, and see our events calendar, visit www.waylandlibrary.org.

6/26/08:  Passport to Adventure Book Club: This club (for children ages 9 and 10) will feature reading, writing, and fun activities with local author Helen Kampion. We will meet on the following Tuesday mornings: July 8, 22, and August 5 from 10am-12pm. Sign up at the library between 6/17-7/1.

6/26/08:  TV series DVDs: They are in order at last. Actually, they always were in order—the order in which we bought them! Not a lot of help to you, the patron, when you wanted to find, say, all seasons of Foyle’s War. Well, now it’s a lot easier. We’ve kept the series DVDs in the same location—right after the non-fiction films and continuing into the corner by the stairs—but we’ve put them in alphabetical and numeric order. So, you’ll find every season of Foyle’s War together, first to fourth, right after The Forsyte Saga and just before Freaks and Geeks. Just look for the lavender label on the spine.

6/26/08:  Reminder about new booster seat law.  New Booster Seat law goes into effect on July 10, 2008.  Until age 8, all children under 57" are required to be in a booster seat.

6/26/08:  Looking for some great hikes this summer?  Visit some of SVT’s Top 20 Reservations. Trail maps are available online.

6/21/08:  Rep. Conroy Announces District Office Hours.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce his local office hours for the month of July in Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first come, first served basis. Office hours and locations for Monday, July 14th in Wayland are at the Wayland Free Public Library, 5-5:30pm in the Raytheon room.  Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

6/18/08:  Sue Pope to meet with local residents over coffee.  Susan Pope, Republican candidate for state representative in the 13th Middlesex District, is inviting residents of Wayland, Lincoln and Sudbury to sit down with her for a cup of coffee and a conversation about the issues that are most important to them.  “One of my favorite things about public service is the opportunity to talk one-on-one with people throughout the community,” Pope said. “Seniors, parents of school-age children and young people face very different issues in their daily lives, and they all offer a great perspective on what our towns really need. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.”  Pope's Wayland “meet and greet” days this summer will be June 26 at Starbucks, 5-6pm, July 9 at Caraways, 3-4pm, and August 7 at Starbucks, 7:30-8:30am.  If residents are unable to attend one of the meetings, Pope is inviting them to call her at (508) 358-2462. In addition, look for Sue in your neighborhood this summer as she goes door-to-door.  Pope, a 38-year Wayland resident, served as state representative for the 13th Middlesex District from 1997 to 2007. She is currently a member of the Wayland Finance Committee, and served on the town’s Board of Selectman and School Committee for a combined 18 years.

6/15/08:  Friends’ Award Goes to Ben Boegehold: Congratulations to Ben Boegehold, this year's winner of the Friends of the Wayland Public Library Award. The Friends present this award annually to a graduating Wayland High School senior who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a love of literature and reading throughout his or her high school career. The recipient was chosen by the High School English Department and the award was presented during the Senior Awards Ceremony in June. The Friends wish Ben much success in his future endeavors.

6/15/08:  What's New at the Library?  A lot, that’s what! We’re adding things to the collection every day. To find out what they are, just go to our home page, put your cursor on “Reader’s Corner,” and click on “New Items.” From there, you’ll find lists of everything we put in the library in the previous month—every book, recorded book, DVD, and CD. Click on the item’s title and go right to the catalog page, where you can put it on hold by using the “Request” button. Everything new, right there for you.

5/28/08:  Summer Musical Theater:  "Hollywood Then and Now".  Take a trip with us to the beginning of Hollywood up until today. This is an original production created by our director, Jim Mullane, with skits and musical numbers that give each student a chance to shine. This production has individual roles and a company with lots of fun songs and dance numbers. The old classics, “Give My Regards to Broadway,” Hurray for Hollywood” and “Thanks for the Memory” combine with newer classics “Last Dance,” “Fame,” and “My Heart Will Go On” to make for a memorable performance to be enjoyed by family and friends the final evening of the program. No experience necessary.  (min and max of 18 students) Wiith Jim Mullane & staff (choreographer, music director, stage manager) at Wayland Middle School Theater.  Fee: $440 Ages: 9-14. Time: 9am-3pm, June 30 - July 18 (no class on 7/4) OR July 21—August 8.  Call JoAnn at Park & Rec at 358-3664 to register.

5/27/08:  Public Safety Trading Cards Contest from the Wayland Police Department.  Trading cards of Wayland Police Officers and Public Safety Dispatchers are available for distribution to members of the public.  There will be a contest with prizes awarded, open to all elementary school students.  The contest has been extended to run until November 19.  All Wayland elementary school students (K-5th grade, excluding immediate family members of Wayland Public Safety Personnel) are eligible.  Upon collecting all 27 trading cards, students may bring their cards to the Wayland Public Safety Building for verification, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.  After these hours, Detective Chris Cohen may be contacted at 508-358-1723 to set up an appointment for verification of the cards.  Once the cards are verified, the student will be entered into a raffle.  Grand prize is a Nintendo Wii.  2nd price:  $100.00 Toys ‘R’ Us gift card.  3rd Prize:  $50.00 Toy ‘R’ Us gift card.  Multiple runner-up prizes.  Complete details are available online.

5/27/08:  FireWatch 2008 Poster/Calendar Contest.  Wayland elementary school students, use your art to illustrate the dangers of fire and the importance of fire safety. Enter the third annual FireWatch Poster Contest, sponsored by the Wayland Fire Department’s S.A.F.E. (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program, to help promote fire safety in our town.  To enter the competition, Wayland elementary students are asked to first plan and practice a home fire escape drill in their house and then create an original poster that relates to FireWatch themes for their grade. The themes by grade are: Grades K – 2: Show how something hot can start a fire.  Grades 3 – 5: Show how to protect yourself against fire using fire safety.  Directions on how to plan and practice a home fire escape drill are included online. All applicants will need to draw their fire escape plan on the handout and return their completed plan with the fire safety poster. Posters should be 8 ½ by 11 inches in size, and positioned horizontally (landscape graphic) on white paper. Please use markers, crayons or colored pencils only.  Entrants should print their name, address, phone number, grade, and school on the back of the escape plan handout and the fire safety art poster. Students may give the entry to their teacher to submit, or they can drop them off at one of the Wayland Fire Stations or mail to: Wayland Fire Department, Attn: FireWatch Poster Contest, 38 Cochituate Rd., Wayland, MA 01778.  The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2008.   Each poster will be judged on its originality, artistic value and how well it relates to the fire safety theme. Six winning entries will be selected from each grade category, and one overall winner will make the cover of the calendar. The 13 winners will each receive a fire safety gift bag filled with fire safety items for their home, as well as, a fire safety award; and their art will appear in the Fire Watch calendar. Winners will also receive recognition by the Wayland Fire Department on it’s website; and will be invited to attend an award ceremony at the Wayland Fire Department’s, Fire Prevention Week, Open House in October, 2008. We wish all contestants the best of luck, and hope that you will make fire safety a part of your every day life.

5/24/08:  Library Roof Work Update:  The library is hoping to be able to resume full service on both floors of the library in the second week of June, marking the end of the structural reinforcement of the attic. The roof will be re-tiled in June and early July. The library truly appreciates the patience of its users.

5/24/08:  Summer Reading Program: “Wild Reads,” the statewide animal-themed reading program, encourages children to read during the summer months. Research studies have shown that students who do not practice reading skills during the summer actually lose reading abilities they worked so hard to acquire during the school year. Students who don’t read over the summer are less prepared for school success in the fall. We hope our summer program will have kids thundering for great books as well as the fun activities and special events the library has scheduled just for them. Readers will also have three opportunities to vote for an animal that the library will sponsor from Zoo New England. The library has a summer reading program just for teens—“X-Pect the Un-X-Pected.” Participants of all ages can track their progress online and post book reviews to our website. To learn more, register for the program, and see the library events calendar, visit www.waylandlibrary.org.

5/24/08:  Rep. Conroy Announces District Office Hours.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce his local office hours for the month of June in Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first come, first served basis.  Office hours in Wayland for Monday, June 16th are 5-5:30pm at Starbucks, 44 Main Street.  Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

5/23/08:  The Wayland Business Association (WBA) is accepting new members for the 2008-2009 fiscal year that begins July 1, 2008. Anyone interested in the business and civic environment in Wayland is invited and encouraged to join. At 94 members and growing, the WBA has improved in a number of ways this year -- an expanded and informative website, online and printed directory listings, and new interesting activities. Benefits include networking opportunities at five dinner meetings and other special events during the year; increased business visibility; listings in the online and print directories; and information about town matters affecting local business. Most importantly, the WBA helps support Wayland community organizations with a portion of the dues and the proceeds from its annual fundraisers.  For further information on the WBA and how to join, please visit www.waylandbusinessassociation.org or call (508) 358-7735.

5/23/08:  Mah Jongg Club.  2nd and 4th Mondays, 1pm.  After a large turnout for the COA's initial Mah Jongg gathering, they have scheduled two additional Mah Jongg sessions at the Wayland Senior Center, June 9th and June 23rd. The COA does not have sufficient Mah Jongg games for the entire group. If anyone has a Mah Jongg set to donate or loan, please call the COA at 508 358 2990. In the interim, it would be appreciated if players who have a set, could bring it on Mah Jongg days to share at their table.

5/23/08:  Genealogy Group.  The Genealogy Group will meet twice in June at the senior Center. This group will meet June 2 and June 16 at 1:00pm in the senior Center. This is a gathering of people who share a common interest. New participants are always welcome.

5/23/08:  Need a handicapped parking permit?  Monday, June 16, 1pm   Learn how to apply for a disability placard. The Registry of Motor Vehicles will join us Monday, June 16 at 1:00pm in the Selectmen’s Room to present information on this program. Learn more about the program (i.e. free meter parking) and what documentation needs to be provided for the application process.

5/23/08:  Free blood pressure clinics.  The Wayland Board Of Health provides free blood pressure clinics on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:45-11:15am in the Senior Center.

5/23/08:  Governor’s Statewide Youth Council Seeks Applicants.  The Governor’s Office of Community Affairs announced this week that it is seeking applicants for the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council. The goal of the Council is to encourage the Commonwealth’s young people to become involved in their communities and to participate in planning and problem solving by taking on leadership roles.  The Youth Council will focus on issues important to youth as well as the Governor’s priorities of education, economic development and civic engagement. The Youth Council will act as an advisory body to the Governor and his Administration. In developing the concept for the Council, an extensive outreach process has been utilized. Between January and March of this year, four planning meetings were held in Boston, Lowell, Worcester, and Springfield, with approximately 80 young people attending each meeting. Eighty-three community- and faith-based organizations also participated in this process. The Statewide Youth Council will be comprised of 28 young people ages 14 to 20 representing the 14 counties in the Commonwealth, with two representatives per county. Participants will come from various walks of life and will represent the diversity of the Commonwealth. Each youth member, together with his or her adult sponsor, will also be responsible for organizing meetings in their local communities to assess which issues should be brought to the statewide council. These “local councils” will provide more access opportunities for youth to become involved beyond the 28 official representatives, and in this manner will better serve all of the youth of Massachusetts.
Selection of the council will be by application, which is available at www.mass.gov/governor/youthcouncil. Applications are due by May 30, 2008. A selection committee will review the applications and select the 28 members, who will then be notified via mail. The Office of Community Affairs is dedicated to ensuring that the Council serves the Governor with its full potential. If you would like to become involved, please contact the Office of Community Affairs at 617-725-4020.

5/22/08:  Landfill schedule.  The Wayland Landfill & Recycling Center at 484 Boston Post Road will be closed on Tuesday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday. The facility will be open on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Electronics Collection Day will be Saturday, June 7.  The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for certain hazardous materials is Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required by noon on Friday, May 30 in the Board of Health office. Forms are available at Town Hall, landfill, library, Senior Center and on the Board of Health Web site at www.wayland.ma.us/boh.

5/22/08:  Demonstration garden at Middle School sign.  The Wayland Middle School PTO will be planting a demonstration perennial garden around the Middle School sign on Saturday, May 31 from 10am-12pm. The project will focus on selecting and planting native species which require less water, less fertilizer and less fuss than more traditional landscape plantings such as marigolds and chrysanthemums.  Brian Brown of Linnaean Farm will be leading a demonstration on plant selection and proper planting techniques at 10 a.m. The community is invited to attend the demonstration and to help plant the garden following the demonstration.  Linnaean Farms will be donating the plants used in the garden.  For questions or more information contact janetschwartz@comcast.net

5/16/08:  Parmenter and Weston Council on Aging sponsors "On Our Own Terms" series.  A three-part series on death and dying, each session will begin with a video from Bill Moyers' PBS series "On Our Own Terms", to be followed by a roundtable discussion and Q&A period.  Sessions are scheduled for May 20 (Living with Dying), May 27 (A Different Kind of Care) and June 10 (A Death of One's Own).  Each session will be held at the Weston Public Library, 6-8:30pm.  For more information, call Parmenter at 508-358-3000.

5/15/08: Peace Lutheran Church in Wayland will host our *Rejoicing Spirits* worship service on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 4pm. Rejoicing Spirits is a ministry which intentionally reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people who have developmental disabilities, along with their families, friends, care providers, and other supportive community members, by sharing God’s message of love through a meaningful contemporary Christian worship service and fellowship time. Individuals are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members of an inclusive faith community. The service includes lots of music, joyous singing, prayer, Scripture, and meaningful messages. We invite anyone who is interested in worshiping God in a new, exciting, and inclusive way to come and worship with us at this service. For more information, contact the church at 508.358.7110 or email us at peacelc@aol.com

5/14/08:  Parmenter’s Wayside Hospice Bereavement Support Groups Announced.  Parmenter Visiting Nurse Services’ Wayside Hospice program announces their 2008 Bereavement Support Group series for anyone in the community who has experienced a loss. These groups will meet at the Parmenter’s administrative building located at 266 Cochituate Road (RT 27) in Wayland. The sessions will meet on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm. The upcoming session will begin on May 22nd and end on June 26th. The final session will be October 9th through November 13th. Please call Parmenter at 508-358-3000 for further information.

5/11/08: Suburban Coalition Annual Meeting, Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 7:30-9pm, Alcott School, Laurel Street, Concord, MA.  We will have our annual meeting and discuss our accomplishments this year, plan strategy and activities for the next few months and review information gained from the the Legislative Breakfast. Please plan to attend and participate in the discussions.  Please note the new location for this meeting, the Alcott School in Concord. Directions can be found at: http://www.colonial.net/maps/directions_alcott.php.  Questions? Please contact dorothypresser@suburbancoalition.org.

5/10/08: Wayland Archaeology group is holding two sessions of a "Field Workshop" this month on Saturdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Tuesday and Thursday, June 3 and 5, 10 and 12, 17 and 19 and 24 and 26, from 9 to 3.  There will be instruction on field techniques including making field records and materials identification.  Prior experience is not required.  For information, email Paul Gardescu or call him at 508-358-2669.

5/9/08:  Words that Cook!: The entire "Words that Cook!" series, an award-winning family literacy program, is currently being broadcast on our local cable station on Mondays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., funded by the Friends of the Library. The series celebrates the joy of reading, the art of writing, the wonder of storytelling and the magic of wordplay through a combination of interviews and live action spiced up with animated fun. Designed for parents and educators of children ages 0-12, each program features professionals, experts, parents, and children modeling and discussing enjoyable and practical techniques for enriching literacy experiences. The goal is to enable parents and educators to see the connection between helping children reach their potential and the necessity of creating opportunities for reading, writing, and communicating together.

5/9/08:  Roof Work Update:  We are hopeful that work in the attic, which has required us to offer modified service, will be completed in the early part of June and that we can resume full service at that time.

4/24/08:  Important reminder to landscapers in Wayland.  Police Chief Robert Irving reminds landscapers working in Wayland of Wayland Bylaw 139-4, Obstructing Free Passage.  In past years, vehicles used by landscapers have been parked on the sides of narrow roads causing a safety hazard for motorists, pedestrians and the landscapers themselves. It is a violation of the town bylaw for vehicles to be parked in such a manner as to obstruct the free passage of vehicles or pedestrians.  Landscaper vehicles should be parked in the driveways of the residence where they are working or in an area that does not obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. At no time should a vehicle be parked on a sidewalk or in the travel lane of a through roadway. Police officers will be enforcing the bylaw, which carries a $300 fine.  Specific streets that have been known to have a chronic problem with landscaping vehicles blocking lanes include Pelham Island Road, Glezen Lane, Plain Road, Bow Road, Claypit Hill Road and East and West Plain streets.  All roads in town will be monitored for violations of the bylaw. It is also a parking violation for any vehicle to be parked on the grass of the historic site of the "Training Field," located at the intersection of Glezen Lane and Training Field Road. Landscapers are also reminded not to blow leaves or other debris into the roadway and that grass clippings and other debris removed from a residence must be disposed of properly. Leaves and grass clippings cannot be deposited at local cemeteries without permission.

4/17/08:  Eat Your Books is hiring.  EatYourBooks.com is a new website based in Wayland. We need part time help for data entry so if you have some spare time and would like to earn some money working from home, please contact us. We will be paying by the amount of data entered, so the faster you are, the more you will earn but the pay will be in the range of $8-$12 per hour. If you are interested contact Jane Kelly on 508-308-2066 or click [INSERT LINK] for more details

4/17/08:  Moderator seeks applicants for Electronics Communications Committee:  In accord with the vote of the Town under Article 27 of the Warrant for the 2008 Annual Town Meeting, I have been authorized to appoint four members to the Electronic Communications Committee.  The Committee has been created to recommend improvements to the Town’s ability to communicate useful, accessible, and timely information with its citizens via electronic media. The Committee will examine the utility of the Town’s website, contrasting it with the best features of websites in other towns and is expected to post its minutes and report on the Town website. All those who are qualified and interested in serving on this Committee are invited to contact me at my e-mail address, pgossels@socialaw.com or by writing to me at 32 Hampshire Road, Wayland, MA 01778, on or before April 30, 2008. Please include a summary of your qualifications with your application.  -C. Peter R. Gossels

4/11/08:  Longfellow Children's Center now enrolling for summer camp programs for children ages 12 months to 14 years.  Camp Longfellow includes daily swim lessons for campers in preschool and up, and tennis lessons at the new "Zip Zone" for campers entering kindergarten and above. All campers enjoy sports and games at the appropriate level, as well as arts and crafts.  For those with an artistic inclination, The Longfellow Children’s Center offers the Longfellow Arts Camp where children entering kindergarten and up explore a wide variety of media, including clay work with a wheel and kiln. Campers also experience dance and dramatic play, and are offered a free swim once a week. Release your child’s inner artist!  The center’s newest camp program, the Learning Connection, offers children entering first grade and older the opportunity to extend their learning in a small-group settings in math, language arts, reading and Spanish. Campers enjoy swim lessons every morning, and may sign up for an afternoon program at Camp Longfellow.  All of the campers enjoy a varied, nutritious lunch buffet and daily snacks. You supply the children, and we do the rest! Extended hours are available from 7:30am until 6pm daily. Call for more information at 508-358-0710.

3/20/08:  Pegasus Adds New Activities for Grades 3-6.  Fifteen summers after its inception, the Pegasus Summer Program continues to attract more than 200 children to its wide array of enrichment and recreational activities, which evolve each year in response to the young participants’ interests. Children entering Grades 3 through 6 can participate in two newly designed specialty areas this summer: “Incredible Adventures” and “Construction Crew.” “For the past few years, we’ve offered four specialty areas for school age children,” explains Program Director Christine Robinson, noting that children choose from Performing Arts, Science, Fine Arts, and WPKN (Media). In the past, Media was the only activity specifically geared for Grades 3–6 children. Activities in the new programs are designed to appeal to the large number of children interested in the inventive, hands-on aspects of the Science area’s many choices and to provide challenging physical activities. In Session I, which runs from June 30th to July 18th, the new specialty area will be called “Incredible Adventures.” Each week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, children will enjoy a different theme. To start, they will learn magic tricks from a professional and enjoy a program-wide magic show. In the second week, they will develop mapmaking and orienteering skills to use in a culminating activity, an “Ultimate Treasure Hunt.” The final week will be devoted to challenging outdoor activities, from hiking and swimming at Walden Pond to canoeing on the Charles River, and investigating all kinds of insects in a Drumlin Farm workshop. During Session 2 (July 21 – August 8), children will have a chance to join a “Construction Crew,” where they will work on both individual and group projects. The first week, they will use a variety of materials to build outdoor structures. A second activity will involve designing a model city or town. Individual projects will feature whatever elements the child deems important for a model town: ski areas, recreation centers, playgrounds, swimming pools, or parks. In the final week, the “Crew” will be sanding, sawing, hammering, and painting as they make gumball machines and flat scooters. Pegasus enrollment is still open and registration forms are available in school offices, by calling 508-358-3781, or online from www.waylandenews.com, or www.wayland.k12.ma.us/district/district_info/ws_community_prog/Pegasus.htm.

3/20/08:  Wayland High School History Project team needs your help. The Wayland High School History Project team needs your help! For the seventh year running, a crew of U.S. history students will be working with area citizens to create the fourth volume of our local oral history archive. To date we have investigated how the World War II years, the 1950s and the Vietnam era played out in residents’ lives. We now hope to turn the clocks back to the 1930s and tap into the fading memories of the all-too-rapidly disappearing men and women who recall what "hard times" were like in their youth (Wayland residents or otherwise). Past efforts have proven this is not only a meaningful way for young people to learn about our past, but it’s also very enjoyable for interviewers and interviewees alike. If you or anyone you know may consider sitting down with three students to recount the distant memories and stories from yesteryear, contact Kevin Delaney at 508-358-3726 or email To get a better idea of our work, check our archives at www.whshistoryproject.org.

3/20/08:  Wayland Democratic Town Committee elects officers for new terms. The Wayland Democratic Town Committee elected officers at a meeting at the Wayland Public Safety Building on March 9. Jon Saxton was elected to chair the committee for a two-year term, while Michael Tichnor was elected as vice-chair. Michael Bate was elected as secretary and Irene Chang was elected to the position of treasurer. Cathleen Ashton was selected as the affirmative action and outreach officer. Sandy Coy was elected to the executive committee. Twenty-six members were elected on the ballot on Feb. 5, along with almost a dozen life members who constitute the Wayland Democratic Town Committee. "I’m honored to be reelected as chair," said Saxton. "This is going to be a critical year for our community, our state and our nation and our committee is poised to make a difference at every level." The committee works to elect Democratic candidates, sponsor forums and bring speakers to town. It sponsors a monthly breakfast on the third Friday of the month, open to all, from 7-9am at Mel’s Restaurant on Route 30. The Wayland Democratic Town Committee is the local unit of the Democratic Party. For more information on the committee, or to be added to their mailing list, visit the Wayland Democratic Town Committee website or send an e-mail or contact Jon Saxton at 508-650-1497.

3/20/08:  State funding for Nike Site project. The state’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) has awarded $800,000 to the Nike Site project. Headed by Oxbow Partners, the project proposes to build 16 affordable housing units. Wayland acquired 13.5 acres from the federal government’s General Services Administration and the National Parks Department. The community’s plan for the site includes affordable housing on 2.75 acres, 10 acres of passive community open space, and the creation of wheelchair accessible trails that connect to the open space as well as to the nearby Bay Circuit Trail. This housing will be comprised of 11 units at or below 80 percent area median income and five units at or below 100 percent area median income. The condominiums will consists of nine two-bedroom units, including one adaptable unit, and two three-bedroom units restricted to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of area median income. The 100 percent units will consist of two two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units. "I am pleased that the AHTF upheld its commitment to providing essential funds which will be used toward quality affordable housing," said Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham.

3/20/08:  Summer internship in Sen. Brown’s office. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, is now accepting applications for summer 2008 internships in his State House office. Only college students and recent high school graduates will be considered. Decisions will be made on numerous factors, but the highest priority will be given to candidates from the senator’s district. Interns will gain experience in areas including legislative research, constituent services and communications. During the summer the Legislature hosts a lecture series for interns. Intern tasks will vary, but may include attending legislative briefings on issues affecting the district, researching pending legislation, drafting correspondence, and monitoring news. Flexible scheduling is available. Please forward resumes to the Office of State Sen. Scott Brown at the State House, Room 520, Boston MA 02133, or contact Maria Vurmo at 617-722-1555.

3/20/08:  Brown receives award from Metco program. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, recently welcomed over 200 students, representing the 31 participating Metco (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) communities at the State House as part of Metco Day. These young advocates asked legislators to match the $1.5 million increase recommended for the Metco program by Gov. Deval Patrick in the fiscal 2009 state budget. During the ceremony, the Metco program recognized Sen. Brown with an award for his work in the Senate to further the success of the program. "It is a great honor to receive this recognition from the Metco program," said Brown. "I have heard many success stories because it’s a program that benefits both the participating students and the students of the host communities." The Metco program is grant funded by the state. For 41 years, it has integrated classrooms throughout metropolitan Boston and Springfield. The program brings over 3,000 students to the classrooms of 190 schools located in 37 participating Boston and Springfield area communities. It is a voluntary program where students in urban communities attend public schools in suburban communities that have agreed to participate. Five of the towns in Sen. Brown’s district partake in the Metco program. The intent, according to the Massachusetts Department of Education, is "to expand educational opportunities and reduce racial imbalance." Sen. Brown is the ranking Republican member of the Education Committee and Higher Education Committee and a co-chair of the Legislature’s Metco Caucus. 

3/14/08: Wayland Women's Over 30 team looking for a few players.  Did you play soccer in high school or college? Have you been playing indoors or on a coed team and want to try playing outside with other women from your town? We play spring and fall on Sunday mornings in the Suburban Women's Soccer League. We are in the A division in this league and play 10 games a season against teams from Weston, Sudbury, Stowe, Acton Boxborough and Sutton. We are looking for a few players to join our team. Contact Jennifer Leichter at f.leichter@comcast.net if you are interested.

3/11/08:  Nominations now open for River Stewardship Award.  Do you know someone who is an outstanding advocate for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers? Is there an inspiring project, innovative strategy, or creative program that demonstrates the importance of protecting our watershed, or is dedicated to building an environmental legacy for future generations?  The League of Women Voters and the Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council are pleased to announce the sixth Annual River Stewardship Award program. The 2007 Steward Award winner from Wayland was Dr. Brian Donahue, Associate Professor of American Environmental Studies at Brandeis. Dr. Donahue leads the annual River Fest history paddle sponsored by Wayland.  The purpose of the award is to honor individuals or organizations whose actions demonstrate innovative thinking, creative solutions, extra effort, and brave positions that promote, preserve, and protect the watershed. Stewardship projects could involve educational efforts such as water quality testing, recycling or clean up projects, innovative strategies, tools or technologies, and advocacy in opposing wasteful and polluting horticultural practices or damaging development practices. Eligible communities include, but are not limited to, the shoreline towns of Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Lincoln, Concord, Bedford, Carlisle, and Billerica. Applications are due no later than April 25, 2008. Individuals as well as colleagues, friends, or neighbors can submit nominations! We are looking for environmental organizations, community/youth/faith/school groups, businesses, local government employees or teachers whose work will inspire children, families, town, and school leaders.  Information and applications are available online or by calling Betsy Sluder at 978 369-1851.

3/7/08:  Russian nested doll painting fun for families. Traditional Russian artist and lecturer Marina Forbes will offer a unique workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of Matryoshka (wooden nested doll) painting at the Wayland Art Center, 153 Main St., on Saturday, March 8 from 1 to 4 pm. It is open to adults and families with children age 6 and up. This is a great opportunity for adults and families to work together and learn about Russian crafts and culture. Participants will hear the story of the Matryoshka doll and learn about her traditional Russian dress and customs. Traditional Russian painting techniques and floral and berry designs will also be introduced. The goal is to produce a finished piece of Russian folk art on wood. Students can work on 7-piece, 5-piece, 3-piece or 1-piece Matryoshka sets. Throughout the workshop, students will be listening to traditional Russian music, and during a brief break from the painting, there will be a demonstration of a few steps from a traditional Matryoshka dance. For more information or to pre-register, call 508-358-3664 or e-mail marina@anylanguage.org.

3/7/08:  TEC offering career exploration workshops. The Education Cooperative (TEC) is partnering with select businesses to offer a series of one-day career exploration workshops for Wayland High School students. This exciting program will give students an overview of each business they visit, along with actual information about what the varying careers in this business involve. If you are thinking about a career in hotel management, visit Marriott Copley Place on April 30; for finance, visit the Federal Reserve Bank on March 11; for bioresearch, visit Abbott Bioresearch Lab on April 16; for medical, visit Brigham & Women’s Hospital (to be announced, check our Web site). Any high school student interested can participate. A bus will depart from a centrally located high school at 8:30am and return by 2pm. Each workshop is limited to 40 students who register on a first-come basis. Cost is $45. Each day will culminate with lunch, speaker presentations, and a chance for students to interact with professionals in the workplace. To register, visit the TEC website. Call 781-326-2473, ext. 121, or e-mail with questions.

3/7/08:  Fitness challenge. By the time they reach high school, 63 percent of children are no longer physically active. Fit children have fewer chronic health problems, are better able to meet the demands of daily physical activity, and have a stronger self-image and more self-confidence. By making fitness a family affair and establishing habits in elementary school, children may be motivated to pursue exercise throughout their lives. A fitness challenge will be introduced on Thursday, March 13 at the Happy Hollow PTO meeting which will include a healthy dinner at 6pm followed by a presentation by Empowerment Fitness from 6:30 to 7:30pm and open to all interested residents. This group has combined physical activity with positive psychology in Needham High School to help teens cope with stress and pressure while moving in a non-competitive, non-threatening manner (spinning bikes). They "aim to build kids up to be their best selves from within, rather than how they perceive they are being judged by their peers." They offer classes with themes such as "Strive for Greatness, Not Perfection" and "Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs." Children will track their minutes of physical activity each day for one week in intervals of 10 minutes. They will receive bonus points for exercising as a family, trying a new activity, eliminating television and video games for a day, and walking or riding to school. Students will turn in their sheets at the end of the challenge regardless of how they did and be entered into a raffle to win prizes donated by local businesses such as Planet Gymnastics.

3/7/08:  The Suburban Coalition Annual Legislative Breakfast will be held on Monday, April 7 from 9:00-11:30 at the Great Hall of the Statehouse. The topic of this year's breakfast is "Planning for the Economic Future."  We are very pleased to welcome as speakers Secretary Leslie Kerwin, Secretary of Administration and Finance, and Michael Widmere , President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Ms. Kerwin and Mr. Widmere will address the financial outlook for the state's economy, and what it means for local communities, from two different perspectives.  Speaker of the House Sal Dimasi will also be speaking, providing insights on the House budget deliberations and how that may affect local communities.  All members of the Legislature have been invited to attend the event as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to share viewpoints and concerns with our state elected officials.  We also encourage our members to make an appointment to meet with their individual legislators after Breakfast.  For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Dorothy Presser at dorothypresser@suburbancoalition.org.

3/7/08:  USTA teams at The Longfellow Club. The Longfellow Club will be sponsoring numerous USTA Summer League Teams. Longfellow opens all its USTA teams to the public. If you have been looking for some great summer team tennis and do not know where to go, we are the place for you.  Longfellow’s USTA teams have consistently done well and often go on to the regional and state level tournaments. Registration begins mid-March and regular season matches run from early May to late July. Practices are available for both the men’s and women’s team.  Longfellow plans to sponsor the following level teams – Ladies 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0; Senior Ladies (50 and older) 3.5, Super Seniors Ladies (60 and older) 3.0, and Men 3.5 and 3.0.  USTA membership and team registration required and must be done on the USTA’s Web site. If you are interested in playing on a team or for more information, contact Lorie Gochenour, adult tennis program director, at 508-358-7355.

2/29/08:  Jamie Berger Promoted.  Police Chief Robert Irving is pleased to announce the assignment of Sgt. Jamie Berger to the position of detective sergeant.  Sgt. Berger began his career with the Wayland Police Department in June of 1998. Prior to that he had worked as a seasonal police officer in Provincetown and was a member of the Wayland Police Auxiliaries. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant on Oct. 3, 2006.  Sgt. Berger graduated from Wayland High School in 1989 and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Castleton College in 1993. He graduated from the Eighth Norwood Police Academy in 1998.  Sgt. Berger has attended numerous schools and seminars during his career. He is a member of the Wayland Police Honor Guard, the Bicycle Patrol and is a certified field training officer.  In his new position, Detective Sgt. Berger will be responsible for the overall supervision of the Detective Division, Youth Services and Community Services for the department.

2/29/08:  Winter activities for people with disabilities.  The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program will offer ice skating, cross-country skiing, kick sledding, and snowshoeing for individuals with disabilities at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course in Weston, from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, March 2.  In the event of no snow or ice, hiking, nature walks and other activities will occur.  The Universal Access Program (UAP) provides recreational accessibility to state and urban park facilities for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. For people with disabilities, free use of accessible equipment and staff assistance are available.  UAP strives to increase the participation among people with disabilities in indoor and outdoor recreational activities in integrated settings. In February and March, UAP will offer ice skating, sit-skating, cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, kick sledding, snowmobiling, and other winter activities at Massachusetts state parks.  The program also offers accessible cycling, boating, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and letterboxing programs in the summer and fall.  Pre-registration is required. Call Venture Into Well-Being at 413-527-8980. Ask about volunteer opportunities.  For more information on DCR’s Universal Access Program and a schedule of activities, and to confirm program status, call 617-626-1294 (voice) or 413-577-2200 (TTY) or visit www.mass.gov/dcr and click on "Universal Access Program."  The Universal Access Program is also offering training opportunities for volunteers to assist people with disabilities. This program will be offered at the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston on Sundays, prior to UAP programs, through March 3 from 8:30 to 11am.

2/26/08:  Community Service Awards Nominations.  Do you know someone who deserves an award for their volunteer and community service? Nominations for the 2008 Community Service Awards in Wayland are being accepted until April 11th. The awards are sponsored by the Wayland High School Community Service Leadership Program and Wayland Youth and Family Services. These awards will be given to high school students and adults in the community who have unselfishly contributed to building and strengthening their own and other communities by carrying out a significant amount of unpaid service.  High school students are eligible if they have completed 40 or more hours of community service or shown significant leadership or responsibility in performing service during the time period from April 1, 2007 and April 1, 2008. Students may be nominated or may submit documentation of their service to receive this award. Adults are eligible if they have contributed an exceptional amount of service to the community. Service may have been started at any time during residence or employment in Wayland, but must be continuing into the present. Adults must be nominated for this award. The Community Service Awards ceremony will be held on April 29, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Wayland High School Little Theater. Everyone is welcome to attend.  Forms and more information on eligibility are available online here, and at the Wayland High School Guidance office, the Wayland Public Library and the Office of Youth and Family Services in the Town Building. Questions can be addressed to Susan Troilo, Wayland High School nurse at 508-358-3712 or Judy LeFevre-Levy at 508-650-0148.

2/26/08:  First Parish in Wayland Presents Dido and Æneas March 16 at 10am.  In lieu of a normal Sunday Service, First Parish is presenting an orchestra-accompanied staging of Henry Purcell's baroque opera Dido and Æneas, first performed in England in 1689. It will take place on Palm Sunday, March 16, beginning promptly at 10 am, and lasting an hour. This was the first English opera, and features both regional and Wayland-based professional and semiprofessional singers and musicians led by music director Pauline Oliver and stage director Jason McStoots, a well-known classical tenor. The title roles of Dido and Æneas are played by Amy Meneely of Wayland and John Whittlesley of Boston, with two significant additional parts played by Carla Chrisfeld (Belinda) and April Spencer (Sorceress). The church choir will act as a Greek chorus. There is no charge for the event. First Parish is located at the intersection of Routes 27 and 20 in Wayland. Phone 508-358-9179.

2/25/08: Fifth Annual Sudbury Valley Trustees Photo Contest.  Drop off at SVT headquarters from May 12 through June 6 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm only)  Attention, all you nature enthusiast photographers. You’ve probably taken some great photographs in our 36-town region. Do you think yours could be award winning? Bring up to three of your nature photographs, taken within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord River Basin to our headquarters during the dates listed above. Winning photographs will be selected in three categories (people, rivers, and wildlife habitat), plus an overall “Best In Show.” All winning photographs will be displayed throughout Riverfest in the barn at Wolbach Farm. More details on SVT’s web page starting April 15, 2008. Members: Entry fee is $10 for the first photograph and $5 for additional photographs, Non-Members: $10 per photo.

2/25/08:  Girls & Dolls Fashion Show & Tea.  Sunday, April 6, 1-2:30pm at Fairbank Community Center, Sudbury.  Fashions for girls (ages 5-9) and their dolls (American Girl dolls and others).  Sweets, tea, lemonade, door prizes, party favors.  Fashion show with clothes by Rugged Bear and Multiplicity Doll Clothes, all available for purchase.  An American Girl doll will be raffled off.  This event was a sell-out last year.  Register early, openings are limited.  Fee $15/child, $20/adult.  If your child is interested in being a model for our event, call our office at 508-358-3664.  Model openings limited. 

2/23/08:  Babysitting Basics. A Babysitting Basics class will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 4-7pm at Parmenter Community Health, 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27). Learn important babysitting skills such as diapering, first aid, mealtime and bedtime rituals, contracts and ethics, and safety awareness. Fee is $35 (includes snack). Space is limited; pre-registration required. Call 508-358-3000, ext. 235, to register.

2/23/08:  Career Exploration Program at Minuteman. Minuteman Regional High School in Lexington will offer a Spring After-School Career Exploration Program for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. The program will run each Monday and Wednesday in March from 4:15-6:15pm. It will include diverse academic enrichment and technical program offerings such as Adventures in Science, Author’s Workshop, BioQuest, Chemistry for Kids, Cosmetology, Environmental Technology, Engineering Design, Landscape Design, Medical Minutes, Creative Metal Welding and many more! This program is an excellent opportunity for middle school students to develop an understanding of their talents and interests as they may relate to high school, college and career success. There will be two cycles offered. Cycle 1 will be on March 3, 5, 10 and 12, and Cycle 2 will be on March 17, 19, 24 and 26, with the cost of each program being $20 per cycle. Bus transportation will be provided from and to the elementary or middle school within Minuteman’s 16-town school district, which includes the towns of Sudbury, Wayland and Weston. There is a small program fee (non-refundable) of $20 for each cycle per student. For more information call 781-861-7150 or visit the Minuteman website. Minuteman now supports online registrations. We are located at 758 Marrett Road in Lexington.

2/23/08:  Home Alone class. A Home Alone and Home Safety class for children ages 9 to 11 will take place Thursday, March 6 from 4-7pm at Parmenter Community Health Auditorium, 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27). Children will learn important skills to handle situations they might encounter when they are home alone. Topics will include basic first aid, accident prevention, telephone protocol and safety measures. The lessons will be reinforced by presentations from the police and fire departments. Fee is $35 (includes snack). Space is limited; pre-registration required. Call 508-358-3000, ext. 235, to register.

2/22/08:  Modified Hours/Roof Construction: In preparation for the library’s tile roof replacement this spring, structural reinforcement in the library attic will require that the main level of the library be closed until about 3pm each weekday from March 24 through the end of April. There will be a modified morning operation set up in the library’s Raytheon Room during this time. Patrons will be able to collect reserved books and museum passes from the Raytheon Room, and the Children’s room will operate as usual. There will be no access to adult department library stacks or computers until after 3pm.

2/20/08:  Help Wanted:  Activities Assistant - part time, some evenings and weekends. Flexible hours.  Since Sunrise Senior Living opened our first community in 1981, the quality of our team members has remained one of the main characteristics that sets us apart. We offer a unique, challenging and rewarding work environment, competitive salary and excellent benefits as well as the opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Sunrise employs over 35,000 team members dedicated to serving seniors. In this exciting role, you will get to know our Assisted Living residents and their interests, you’ll organize and carry out appropriate activities and encourage family, staff and community involvement. Ideal candidate will also be responsible for maintaining care standards within a Sunrise Community. The ideal candidate has strong organizational and communication skills, with a solid understanding and appreciation of Seniors.  For more information, call 508-652-6300 or email wayland.avc@Sunriseseniorliving.com.

2/15/08:  Arts/Wayland Membership Drive.  Arts/Wayland invites visual, literary and multi-media artists, photographers, musicians and individuals interested in supporting the arts to become members and participate in this local organization. Established in 1980, it is dedicated to the promotion and encouragement of artistic expression in Wayland and surrounding communities. Exhibition space in the Wayland Public Library and other venues is coordinated by Arts/Wayland, affording artists an opportunity to gain exposure and share their work. Receptions at the Library allow exhibitors to discuss their work and receive valuable input as well. Updated regularly, the Members Handbook lists all members including their areas of interest and local resources such as exhibition spaces, art instruction opportunities and other arts organizations. Members can promote their shows, performances and art on the Arts/Wayland website, www.artswayland.org. The website also provides information on meetings and other activities. Email newsletters are sent out periodically with announcements of upcoming events, member news and calls for entries for member shows.  Arts/Wayland sponsors juried shows in prominent venues in the area. In addition, members have the opportunity to participate in several group shows throughout the year.  Informal member gatherings are organized occasionally with talks on special topics by experienced artists. Art related activities are also sponsored in conjunction with other artist organizations in order to exchange ideas. Membership is open to anyone in Wayland and surrounding towns. To become a member, please see the membership form on our website at www.artswayland.org.  Membership forms are also available at the Wayland Library across from the front desk.  Membership dues are $25 per year.

2/15/08:  New Museum Pass: Did you know that right next door in Weston is the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History? The Library now has free passes to the museum, which is open Thursday–Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum offers a range of activities for people of all ages. Visit their schedule of events at www.spellman.org. Our pass admits two adults (children 16 & under are free). These and all our other museum passes can be reserved online at our website or by calling the library.

2/15/08:  Peace Lutheran Church will host our second Rejoicing Spirits worship service on Sunday, February 24 at 4pm. Rejoicing Spirits is a model for spiritual inclusion which has been developed by folks at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton, PA. This ministry intentionally reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people who have developmental disabilities, along with their families, friends, care providers, and other supportive community members, by sharing God’s message of love through a meaningful and adapted Christian worship service and fellowship time. Individuals are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members of an inclusive faith community. The service includes lots of music, joyous singing, prayer, Scripture, and meaningful messages. We invite anyone who is interested in worshiping God in a new, exciting, and inclusive way to come and worship with us at this new service. For more information, contact the church at 508-358-7110 or email us at peacelc@aol.com.

2/15/08:  Thursday, February 21, Happy Birthday Presidents Family Day, Spellman Museum, 10am-3pm.. Activities will include stamp games and puzzles related to US presidents, a stamp designing contest and arts and crafts activities using postage stamps. Admission is free for children 16 and under. For more information, visit the Spellman Museum website The Spellman Museum is located on the Regis College campus in Weston.

2/15/08:  Representative Thomas Conroy announces office hours for March. Office hours for Friday, March 14th are at Starbucks, 44 Main Street, Wayland, from 5-5:30pm. Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached via email or phone at 617-722-2460.

2/15/08:  Vokes Theater holding auditions for The Drawer Boy. Written by Michael Healy, directed by JulieAnn Charest Govang. Auditions will be Sunday March 2 & Monday March 3 (7-10pm). These auditions are by appointment only! To schedule an appointment, please call (508) 358-4034, and leave a message with your name, number and preferred audition time. We will call you back with a confirmation of the exact time. Other audition times may be arranged.

2/15/08:  Wayland METCO's 40th anniversary celebration will be held on Friday, March 28 at Sandy Burr Country Club from 7pm-midnight. Join the Wayland Jazz Band and dance to the music of DJ Charles Clemons. Donation of $40 per person includes dinner. Send your check by Monday, March 10 to Wayland METCO Program, 41 Cochituate Rd., Wayland. Contact Debby Mead if you have any questions about the auction.

2/15/08:  Historical Society program for 1st and 2nd grade girls. First and second-grade girls are invited to register for "Living in Long Ago Days", an after-school program sponsored by the Wayland Historical Society. The program will include Early American games, clothes, food and crafts. The program meets for four sessions (Tuesdays March 11, 18, 25 and April 1) from 3:15-4:45 at the Grout-Heard House. Registration is limited. To register, send the $40 fee to the Wayland Historical Society, P.O. Box 56, Wayland, MA 01778. Scholarships are available.

2/11/08:  Wayland Community Emergency Response Team to Conduct Shelter Drill.   On Saturday morning, February 16th, starting at 9am, Wayland's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will conduct a shelter drill at the Wayland Middle School. This school has been designated as the town's emergency shelter. The CERT team will set up the appropriate areas of the school for shelter registration, dormitories, medical treatment, and other designated functions. The drill will include transporting some cots from the public safety building to the Middle School and setting them up in the dormitory area. This will be the first drill to familiarize the CERT team with operating a shelter facility at the Middle School.  All interested Wayland residents are invited to participate by assisting the CERT team in the shelter drill. Volunteers will be teamed up with a CERT member who is familiar with shelter operations.
Interested volunteers should plan to be at the Middle School by 9am. The drill will conclude by noon. If you have any questions or desire additional information, please contact Joe Gordon, the CERT Operations Officer at 617-835-3266.

2/10/08:  The Wayland Public Schools Foundation Spelling Bee will be held on Sunday, March 16 at the Wayland High School beginning at 12:30pm. All children in grades 2 through 5 are welcome to participate in this fun, town-wide event. Registration forms will be sent home in early February with your children. Each team is made up of three children in the same grade. Registration is $25 per speller and includes a T-shirt and a goodie bag. (No one will be turned away if entry fee is a problem). Registration deadline is February 29th. It is a spirited and fun community event that supports the efforts of the Wayland Public Schools Foundation. Please join us. For more information contact Maura Keating (508-358-2482), Rebekah LaCava (508-358-7871), or Maureen Lampert (508-358-0833). Visit the WPSF website for more information. The purpose of the Wayland Public Schools Foundation is to enrich the education of Wayland's children by funding teacher grants for innovative projects, curriculum and technology not covered by the regular school budget

2/7/08:  Dodgeball for Kids!  Email Kara Brewton to sign up for six Friday evenings from 6 to 7:30 pm: March 14th, 21st, 28th, and April 4th, 11th, 18th.  Signups will be limited to the first 30 kids, and at least two parents will need to stay to stay each evening during the game.  What ages should sign up?  Most of the kids that will sign up are expected to be 3rd-5th graders.  The hope is to keep it relaxed, and fun, fun, fun.

2/7/08:  The Wayland Depot re-opens for the rest of the Season (til June) on Tues. Feb.12th. The Depot will be stocked with wonderful last minute Valentines Day cards and gifts,as well as one of a kind items for Mother's Day, birthdays, graduation, etc. The Wayland Depot is located across from the library.

2/7/08:  Dates for Bereavement Support Group. Wayside Hospice of Parmenter Visiting Nurse Services will be offering three bereavement support group sessions which will each run for six weeks. The aim of the groups is to provide a safe place for you to talk about your loss with others who are also grieving, and hopefully to provide you support in the process of healing. The group facilitators will be Beth Roy, LICSW, and Annabelle Bitter, LICSW. Both have run numerous support groups in medical settings. The meetings will be held at Parmenter Community Health, 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27), Wayland, from 7 to 8.30 p.m. Session 1 takes place from Feb. 28 to April 3, Session 2 from May 22 to June 26, and Session 3 from Oct. 9 to Nov. 13. If you would be interested in attending one or more of the sessions, call Linda Maguire at 508-358-3000 to register, so we will have an idea of how many participants to expect. Parmenter is offering these programs free of charge to the community.

2/7/08:  Wayland Citizens Firefighting Academy. The Wayland Firefighters Association is accepting applications for our third Wayland Citizens Firefighting Academy. Students will have the opportunity to see what it’s really like to be a firefighter. Training will be presented from a new recruit’s perspective and will include "hands-on" activities such as extinguishing "live fire" with extinguishers and extricating trapped victims from a vehicle using the "jaws of life." The Wayland Citizens Fire Academy will provide a unique inside look at a firefighter’s career as well as important fire education and prevention lessons. Classes start March 26 and will be held once a week, including two Saturday mornings, for four weeks. The program is geared toward adults, however high school students may enroll if accompanied by an adult. To get your application or receive additional information contact the Wayland Firefighters Association or leave a voice mail at 508-358-6922 with your name and contact information. We would also like to hear from past graduates and invite them back during the program.

1/31/08:  Schedule at MetroWest Free Medical Program.  The MetroWest Free Medical Program provide free health care to people without insurance. We are open the following Tuesday evenings during February from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 105 Hudson Road in Sudbury:  Feb. 5 – General adult and children’s care, women’s health, orthopedics, social services and mental health screening (specialist clinic in psychiatry).  Program is closed February 12 and 19.  Feb. 26 – General adult and children’s care, women’s health, orthopedics, social services and mental health screening (specialist clinics in dental screening, dermatology and psychiatry)  For more information visit www.metrowestfreemedicalprogram.org or call 508-532-0739.

1/31/08:  The Council on Aging's Grocery Shopping Bus.  The COA's pilot program continues, featuring a different store on the last Monday of each month. The February destination will be Hannaford Bros. On 55 Russell St. in Waltham (site of the old Waltham Super on Main St.) There is also a Citizens Bank at this location. Hannaford features a large bakery, deli, prepared foods, fresh fish and large produce department. For reservations, call the COA 508 358 2990 – not JFK Transportation. Shoppers will be picked up at their homes in time for a 10am drop-off at Hannaford. The COA van will return to Hannaford at 11:15 for pick-up. Shoppers will be home no later than noon. There is no charge for the Grocery Shopping Bus but seating is limited. The COA welcomes suggestions for future grocery store destinations.

1/31/08:  Beacon Hill Village Project: Wayland Model.  The next open meeting of this exploratory task force will be Monday, February 11 at 2pm in the Wayland Town Building Selectmen’s Room. The Wayland COA is serving as a facilitator only for this initiative. Should a model be developed, it would most likely be a private, non-profit 501.c3. The process of evaluation and design is extremely interesting. We encourage your participation. Come share your ideas or just listen to the varying perspectives. Representatives from other towns have also been attending as they are determining whether to create their own model or be part of an inter-town collaborative. For further information, call the Wayland Council On Aging, 508-358-2990.

1/31/08:  Classes at the Council on Aging.  Among classes being offered by the COA are digital camera basics (currently full, but call to place your name on a notification list for the next class), Color Theory (February 15, $10), and Better Balance (four weeks, starting February 1, $25 for the four weeks).  Pre-reigstration required, call the COA at 508-358-2990. Visit the COA Programs page for details on these and other classes.

1/31/08:  BSO Open Rehearsals.  The Council on Aging has traditionally sponsored a bus to go in to 4 different Boston Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsals. The dates for the remaining rehearsals are February 6 and February 20. The bus leaves the Town Building at 5:15pm. At least 25 riders are needed to make hiring the bus feasible. Currently the cost is $61 for all 4 bus trips to the rehearsals, if we have 25 participants. If there are have fewer people, the cost will go up; if there are more, the cost will go down. Why drive in and battle traffic and pay upwards of $30 to park your car?? Please call the Council on Aging office at 508-358-2990 if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. Rider costs will be pro-rated for the remaining concerts. The COA provides transportation ONLY. You are responsible or purchasing your own BOS rehearsal tickets. Please call the Boston Symphony ticket office at 617-266-7575 for ticket information.

1/30/08:  Temple Shir Tikva invites the public to a two-session course, "American Jewish Demographics: Keeping Our Kids Jewish," on Wednesday evenings, February 6 and 13,6:30-8pm.  Dr. Ben Phillips, an associate research scientist at Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, will teach. The public is invited to attend the classes at no charge.  The first session on Feb. 6, "Intermarriage and American Jewry," focuses on preconceptions about intermarriage and its effects. Dr. Phillips will examine social scientific research findings on factors associated with intermarriage, including the differences between in-married and inter-married households. He will also discuss the impact of intermarriage upon raising Jewish children and differences among intermarried families.  The second session on Feb. 13, "Educating the Next Generation of American Jews," focuses on the diverse range of formal and informal educational opportunities that American Jewish parents offer their children. Dr. Phillips will examine current social scientific research findings on the impact of Jewish day schools and summer camps as well as the Birthright Israel program.  A light supper is served from 6-6:30pm at $5 per person. Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance to Linda Goldbaum in the temple’s office by calling 508-358-9992 or e-mailing lgoldbaum@shirtikva.org

1/25/08:  Town clerk’s reminders.  The 2008 census forms have been mailed to all Wayland households and should be returned as soon as possible. If you have not received one or you are a new resident, contact the town clerk’s office.  The presidential primary is Feb. 5. The polls are open from 7am to 8pm. Precincts 1 and 4 vote at the Wayland Town Building and Precincts 2 and 3 vote at Wayland Middle School. Absentee ballots are available at the town clerk’s office.

1/25/08:  Winter activities for people with disabilities.  The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program will offer ice skating, cross-country skiing, kick sledding, and snowshoeing for individuals with disabilities at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course in Weston, from 11am to 3pm on the following Sundays – Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10 and 24, and March 2, as well as Monday, Feb. 18.  In the event of no snow or ice, hiking, nature walks and other activities will occur.  The Universal Access Program (UAP) provides recreational accessibility to state and urban park facilities for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. For people with disabilities, free use of accessible equipment and staff assistance are available.  UAP strives to increase the participation among people with disabilities in indoor and outdoor recreational activities in integrated settings. In January, February and March, UAP will offer ice skating, sit-skating, cross-country skiing, sit cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, kick sledding, snowmobiling, and other winter activities at Massachusetts state parks.  The program also offers accessible cycling, boating, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and letterboxing programs in the summer and fall.  Pre-registration is required. Call Venture Into Well-Being at 413-527-8980. Ask about volunteer opportunities.  For more information on DCR’s Universal Access Program and a schedule of activities, and to confirm program status, call 617-626-1294 (voice) or 413-577-2200 (TTY) or visit "www.mass.gov/dcr" and click on "Universal Access Program."  The Universal Access Program is also offering training opportunities for volunteers to assist people with disabilities. This program will be offered at the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston on Sundays, prior to UAP programs, on Jan. 27 to March 3, 8:30-11am.

1/25/08:  ‘World of Storybooks’ at Spellman Museum.  What do Goldilocks, The Cat in the Hat, Pippi Longstocking and Harry Potter have in common?  Answer: They all are featured on postage stamps from around the world.  Many other favorite characters from children’s literature are also commemorated on stamps. These can been viewed at the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History on the Regis College campus in Weston.  The exhibit, which will run through April 30, is titled "The World of Storybooks – A Magical Journey Through Stamps."  Stamps from over 30 countries featuring tales from national folklore legends to classical stories and fairy tales familiar to children worldwide are on display along with first-day envelopes, souvenir sheets and other philatelic examples featuring well-known children’s stories.  Stamps honoring famous children book authors such as Hans Christian Anderson, Beatrix Potter and Dr. Seuss are also on exhibit.  The show’s opening reception is Sunday, Jan. 27 from 12-4pm. Free origami lessons will be offered by the Origamido Studio of Haverhill. Admission is free for everyone and children will receive a free packet of stamps.  Family Days including storytelling, puppet shows, children’s authors, stamp games and puzzles and arts and crafts activities are planned for various weekends throughout the show. The exhibit is designed to appeal both to children and adults and the stories on stamps range from "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Snow White" to "Harry Potter," "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia."  The museum is regularly open from Thursdays to Sundays from 12-5pm, and children age 16 and under are admitted free.
The museum’s gift shop has items related to the show. Parents are welcome to schedule a stamp birthday party at the museum and Boy and Girl Scout leaders can arrange for special merit badge programs. For more information call 781-768-8367 or visit www.spellman.org.

1/25/08:  Home Alone class.  A Home Alone/Home Safety class for children ages 9 to 11 will take place Wednesday, January 30, 4-7pm at Parmenter Community Health, 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27), Wayland.  Children will learn important skills to handle situations they might encounter when they are home alone. Topics will include basic first aid, accident prevention, telephone protocol and safety measures, and they will be reinforced by presentations from the police and fire departments.  Fee is $35 (includes snack). Space is limited; pre-registration required.  Call 508-358-3000, ext. 235, to register.

1/25/08:  Free admission at The Discovery Museums for Wayland residents.  With the generous support of the Wayland Cultural Council, Wayland residents will receive free admission – plus additional discounts – when they visit The Discovery Museums in Acton on the weekend of February 2 and 3.  During the "Free to Explore" weekend at The Discovery Museums, all Wayland residents will receive free admission to both museum buildings – Children’s Discovery Museum (for children ages 0 to 6) and Science Discovery Museum (for children ages 6 and up) as well as discounts on membership and gift shop purchases.  To receive these benefits, Wayland residents must simply show proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, at the admissions desk and gift shop.  As the museum marks its 25th anniversary, the "Free to Explore" weekend is The Discovery Museums’ way of saying "thank you" to the Wayland community for 25 years of support.

1/25/08:  Early Childhood Outreach Program coordinator available.  The Wayland Public Schools, through its Early Childhood Outreach Program, serves children ages 3 to 5 and their families throughout the school year.  The coordinator of the Early Childhood Outreach Program, Dr. Marlene Moskowitz Dodyk, is available to meet and consult with parents regarding their children’s development. Recognizing and respecting the various individual styles and rates of development of young children, the coordinator assists parents in understanding their children’s development and in identifying any special educational needs which children might be experiencing.  If you are a Wayland resident and have any concerns about your child’s speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, cognition, and social and emotional development, contact Dr. Moskowitz Dodyk at 508-358-3759 to arrange for a special education preschool screening.  Dr. Moskowitz Dodyk welcomes questions and discussions with parents at any time during the school year, and assists in the transition of young children into kindergarten as well.

1/25/08:  Children’s Way openings for fall 2008.  The Children’s Way early childhood program, operated by the Wayland Public Schools, has openings for fall 2008 in both full and half-day programs. Programming is offered for children ages 2 years and 6 months to 5 years-plus.
The Children’s Way is located in the Wayland Town Building and offers a wide range of hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Applications are also being accepted for the 2009-10 school year. For more information call The Children’s Way at 508-358-7072.

1/22/08:  Free Drop-in Meditation Group. Start your week off in a peaceful state of mind. Monday mornings, 8:30-9:30am ongoing, beginning on February 4th at the Zen Message Center (348 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury).  Medical research has shown that meditation can be immensely effective in reducing stress. This drop-in group is free and open to all. No experience required. No registration required. For further information call the Zen Massage center at 978-579-2121.

1/18/08:  Library Circulation: Our circulation figures are up over what they have been for the last two years. Apparently, reports of the death of the book are highly exaggerated! Library program attendance is also at an all-time high. The library staff and Trustees are gratified by the strong continued use of the library by residents of our community. We are fortunate to live and work in a community that values literacy and cultural programming.

1/18/08:  Library Roofing Project: This spring the Library will be getting a new red tile roof on the 1900 section of the library. Before that happens, however, there needs to be some reinforcement work done in the attic. The reinforcement work is scheduled to begin on March 24 and will involve some temporary modifications in library service. Please watch this space for updates on how the construction will affect access to the library.

1/17/08:  Wayland Veterans Publish "Book of Remembrance" for the World.  The book will be available for pre-ordering until March 15 and is targeted for distribution by mid April, around Patriots Day.  An order form is available by clicking here.

1/17/08:  Help Wanted:  Wayland Town Beach Director.  Oversees the daily operation of the Wayland Town Beach; supervises the training of lifeguards and other beach personnel, and oversees the management of all beach activities including swim lessons and beach facility. Current Certifications Required: CPR, Basic First Aid (Instructor preferred), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Training Instructor (Waterfront and Head Guard). Qualifications: Minimum 4 years experience in lakefront aquatic setting. Must have proven ability to lead and teach other employees, maintain dicipline, deal professionally with general public. Experience in supervision, management, and administrative skills. Beach opens for weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend and full time the last day of school in Wayland (approx. June 18th). Hours of work: pre-season and post-season hours required. During full time season - up to 40 hrs. per week.  Click here for the Help Wanted posting to reply.

1/17/08:  Sunday, February 10, Father-Daughter Valentine's Dance, Thoreau Club, Sudbury.  Wayland Park & Recreaction is holding its annual Father Daughter Valentine's Dance at the Thoreau Club in Sudbury, 275 Forest Ridge Rd. off Rte. 62 (20 minutes from Wayland Town Building). There will be lots of dancing, music, refreshments, and games, and party favors. Party dresses and sports coats are required. We welcome non-residents to join us.  Ages 5 & 6 come from 1:00pm- 2:15pm; Ages 7 - 9 come from 2:30pm - 3:45pm.  The fee is $25 per couple.You may register on line at www.wayland.ma.us/park or call us at 508-358-3660.

1/17/08:  Rep. Conroy Announces State Budget Open Forum in Wayland.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce an open public forum on the state budget on Thursday, February 7th, from 7:30-9:30pm at the Wayland Town Building. Residents of Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Governor Deval Patrick will release his FY09 state budget recommendation (referred to as House 1) on January 23rd, and deliver a State of the State address the next evening to the state legislature. The February 7th open forum in Wayland, moderated by Representative Conroy, will provide the public an opportunity to discuss several aspects of House 1, including: proposed state aid to towns and cities; sources of revenue, such as corporate tax reform and casino licenses; Ideas for making state government as efficient and as effective as possible; The legislature’s initial reaction to House 1; and Budget challenges facing other towns.  “State aid to towns and cities is an important element in composing local budgets, and I want to provide clarity — and receive citizens’ input — on state aid levels to each of the towns that I am privileged to serve,” said Representative Conroy.  Wayland’s Finance Committee is scheduled to decide on a budget proposal for the town on February 4th, and present its proposal to the Wayland Board of Selectmen on February 11th. The Lincoln and Sudbury Finance Committees are also actively working on budget proposals in preparation for town meetings in late March and early April. If interested in attending the budget forum, please let us know at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460. Last minute arrivals are of course welcome.

1/10/08:  Income Tax Help. It’s that time of year again! The Council on Aging has several volunteers trained by the AARP to help low and moderate income seniors with their Federal and State tax returns. The COA will schedule appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 5 between 9am and 3pm. Bring your 2006 returns, year-end bank statements from 2007; any 1099 forms and W-2 or W-2P forms for wages, pensions, annuities, other income. If you think you may be eligible for the State Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit, inform the volunteer. Those forms are available at the Assessor’s Office. Call the COA office for further information (508 358 2990).

1/5/08:  Jerusalem: Sacred City, Three Faiths:  Temple Shir Tikva invites the public to join in for a three-session course on "Jerusalem: Sacred City, Three Faiths," presented by Dr. Steven Kaplan, professor of comparative religions, on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 16 and 23.  During 2007-08, Kaplan is a research fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies at Harvard University.  Light supper takes place from 6-6:30pm, and the classes take place 6:30-8pm.  Jerusalem is sacred to the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. While our different traditions unite in venerating the city, our theological, ritual and devotional expressions vary, to some degree.  During the course, we will share our traditions (or memories) of this sacred city, while Dr. Kaplan provides insights from past and present.  Incorporating visual material and commentary, Dr. Kaplan explores Jerusalem’s sacredness from earliest times to the present. He plans to discuss themes that include pilgrimages, foundational legends, sacred communities and messianic movements.  Please register in advance by calling Linda Goldbaum at 508-358-9992 or e-mail "lgoldbaum@shirtikva.org"

1/4/08:  Suburban Coalition is holding a General Meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 7:30-9pm at Alcott School on Laurel Street in Concord.  Please join in for a presentation from Municipal Benchmarking. Municipal Benchmarking provides reports to communities to help inform decisions about municipal government. Their reports can provide communities with information to understand how they compare to other communities with similar demographics in terms of municipal finance, employee benefits and educational progress.  Municipal Benchmarking will explain what they do and how their reports can provide value to communities and to the work of the Coalition.  The group will also be discussing the final 2008 Position Paper at this meeting. Please note the new location for this meeting, the Alcott School in Concord. Directions can be found at: http://www.colonial.net/maps/directions_alcott.php.  Questions? Please contact dorothypresser@suburbancoalition.org.

1/4/08:  Sudbury Valley Trustees' Letterboxing Challenge (ongoing).  Take a walk at several SVT reservations while you enjoy a treasure hunt! The SVT Letterboxing Challenge will bring you on a tour of trails in three regions of our watershed in search of stamps you’ll need to collect to earn your prize. Follow the clues, find the letterboxes, stamp a notepad and be one of the first 100 people to visit us at our office and collect your prize. To begin your quest visit http://svtletterboxing.blogspot.com/ for your clues! Thanks to letterboxing volunteers “Dale End Farm”, “Zess the Treehuggers” and “Mim” for organizing the challenge. For information about Letterboxing visit: http://www.letterboxing.org/faq/faq.html. The activity will run until the first 100 people claim their letterboxing reward. Free.

1/1/08:  Movie Ideas: Reference Librarian Sandy Raymond has put together a list of video recommendations with categories such as “classic,” “quirky,” “drama,” and “family-ish.” To view the list, go to www.waylandlibrary.org and click on the link to the library's newsletter. You can receive the library's monthly newsletter by email, too. Click on the “Newsletter” link at www.waylandlibrary.org for more information.

12/21/07:  Kids' Book Club.  Kids, do you like reading? How about writing and other fun activities? Want to meet new friends? Are you between 9 and 11 years old? If you answered “yes!” to all these questions then you’ll want to join the Wayland Public Library children’s book club, Passport to Adventure!  Each week meet with local author Helen Kampion for fun discussions, creative writing and activities based on a pre-assigned book. Our first book will be Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Snacks, bookmarks and journals will be provided to participants. Ages: 9-11 only, please.  Time: Saturdays 10:30am -12:30pm.  Dates: January 26, February 2, 9, &16 (Snow Date February 23)  Space is limited. Please register by calling the Wayland Library Children’s Room at 508-358-2308 by Friday, January 11.

12/21/07:  The Wayland Democratic Town Committee will hold a caucus on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 1:00 pm in the Senior Center in Town Building. This caucus will elect our Town's delegates to the State Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, June 7, 2008 in Lowell. The purpose of the convention is to endorse statewide candidates (in this case, candidates for U.S. Senate) and amend the party constitution (if such amendments are brought forward).  Please be aware that anyone wishing to participate in the caucus or primary must be registered as a Democrat by December 31, 2007!  Please note that there are changes to the rules from last year's caucuses. All information is available at http://www.massdems.org.

12/21/07:  Pegasus 2008 Applications available online.  

• PreK-K application

• Grades 1-6 application

12/12/07:   New ministry for people with developmental disabilities.  Peace Lutheran Church, Wayland, MA, is beginning a new ministry with people who have developmental disabilities. Starting in January 2008, we will be a host site for Rejoicing Spirits, a model for spiritual inclusion which has been developed by folks at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton, PA. The Rejoicing Spirits ministry reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people who have developmental disabilities along with their families, friends, care providers, and other supportive community members. God’s message of love is shared through a meaningful and adapted Christian worship service and fellowship time. Individuals are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members in an inclusive faith community. The service includes lots of music, joyous singing, prayer, Scripture, and meaningful messages.  Rejoicing Spirits can help meet people’s spiritual needs in several ways: serving as a stepping stone for those who want to take the first step into a faith community; offering complementary worship and fellowship opportunities for those who already belong to a faith community; providing an inclusive faith community that may fully meet current needs and desires.  The first Rejoicing Spirits worship service and fellowship will be held at Peace on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 4pm. We invite anyone who is interested in worshiping God in a new, exciting, and inclusive way to come and worship with us. For more information, contact Peace at 508.358.7110 or email us at peacelc@aol.com.

12/11/07:  Winter Summer Adventure with Park & Recreation for kids ages 6-10.  The Summer Adventure staff invites you to join them for field trips over the Holiday break this December. We are offering three trips followed by games at the Wayland Town Building Gym. Enjoy one or all of these trips.  Each day is 9am-4pm.  Wednesday, Dec. 26:  Kids’ Playground; Thursday, Dec. 27 PINZ;  Friday, Dec. 28: Cocoa Key Resort.  Fee: $ 50 for 1 day, $90 for 2 days, $125 for 3 days.  Call Park & Recreation at 508-358-3660 to register.

12/7/07:  The Wayland Depot is back with lots of goodies and crafts with a Wayland flavor.  Try their home-baked cookies, and see what Wayland craftspeople have come up with for this year!  As always, volunteer-run, volunteer-supported and the profits go to fund Wayland causes.  The Depot is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm across from the Wayland Library.  The Depot is open on Thursdays until 8pm.  For more information, call 508-358-5386.

12/7/07:  Staff Recommendations: Looking for something good to read or advice about a holiday gift book? You can find many wonderful suggestions from the Youth Services Department in the Children’s and Teen areas of the library's website, www.waylandlibrary.org. The Reader’s Corner/Staff Picks area of our site is rich with staff book recommendations for adults as well.

12/7/07:  Calling Loker and Claypit Skiers.  Park & Recreation is having problems with low enrollment numbers of Loker and Claypit children for the Monday Nashoba Valley Ski Program for grades 3 - 5 to begin in January. Children are picked up at their schools by a chartered bus and driven to Nashoba where they have a lesson (skiing, snowboard or racing) at 4pm. Then they have free skiing until 6pm when they board the bus to return to Wayland High School by 7pm. This is a fun program giving children a sense of independence and responsibility. We have many Wayland parents chaperoning to make sure things run smoothly. We have 22 children enrolled and need 40 in order for each bus to run. If we do not have adequate enrollment to cover bus costs, we will have to cancel the Loker and Claypit bus. We hope you will join our program that has been running for over 20 years. You may sign up on line at www.wayland.ma.us/park or call us at 358-3660.

12/7/07:  MBTA Senior Pass Day is Wednesday, December 12, 1-4 pm.  MBTA staff will be at the Senior Center on Wed. Dec. 12 to issue the new Senior/Transportation Access Pass (T.A.P.) Charlie Card IDs and answer any questions you have on the new automated fare collection system.  New Senior/TAP Charlie Card IDs will be processed for customers exchanging their old Senior TP ID issued before May 2005 and to first-time senior customers, age 65+ with proof of age.  Your new senior photo ID will arrive by mail.  Seniors with their access pass are eligible for MBTA discounted rates:  60 cents/ride or $20/month (unlimited rides on bus or subway).

12/7/07:  Wayland Veterans Memorial Book of Remembrance Order Status.  The Wayland Veterans Memorial Book of Remembrance, 200+ pages, is targeted for distribution on or about Patriots Day, April 2008.  Watch for announcement details in late December and early January.  The books will be sold on a pre-order basis, January through February.  Prices and order form information will be included in the flyers and in the media announcements.

12/7/07:  Job Opening:  Pool Supervisor at the Wayland Town Pool.  Town of Wayland seeks PT (15-19 hr/wk) person to perform administrative and lifeguard work in the operation of the Wayland Town Pool facility. HS Diploma required. BA/BS in Recreation & Leisure Studies, PE or related field preferred. Over 6 yrs. exp. in a pool setting. Licenses/Certificates: Certified Pool Operator ( preferred but not required); Certified Lifeguard; CPR & First Aid certified. Wages: $17.54 - $22.90/hr.  Applications to HR Dir., 41 Cochituate Rd. Wayland, MA 01778. EOE

12/3/07:  Adult Band for Beginners Forming in Wayland. Do you love music, but never quite got around to playing an instrument? Did you use to play, but dropped it in high school? Here's your chance to be thrilled with a new adventure! Dianne Muffitt, director of the Wayland Middle School Band program, is starting the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band. This band is for adults who've never played before and for those who put down an instrument many years ago and either want to pick it up again or try something new. You don't even need to know how to read music! The band program will include group lessons (grouped by experience level) as well as full band rehearsals. Pick an informational meeting – January 9 or January 16 at 7pm at the middle school library – to find out more. Rehearsals will be Wednesday evenings at Wayland Middle School starting January 30th. Make friends and make music with the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band! More information is available at www.svnhb.org or by calling Ms. Muffitt at 978-261-5065. The band is open to all surrounding towns – spread the word and bring a friend!

12/2/07:  Conroy office hours. State Rep. Thomas Conroy, D-Wayland, will be holding office hours on Sunday, Dec. 16 in Lincoln, Sudbury and Wayland. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first-come, first-served basis. Rep. Conroy will be at the Wayland Public Library 3-3:30pm in the Raytheon Room. You can also email Rep Conroy or call him at 617-722-2460.

12/2/07:  Hospice open house. Parmenter Visiting Nurse Services and the Wayside Hospice invite you to an informal open house. We are the local nonprofit agency providing hospice home care and a unique hospice residence. The open house will be held each Wednesday from 11am to 1pm at 266 Cochituate Road in Wayland. Our hospice provides compassionate care to those with life limiting illnesses living at home and in nursing homes. If you are interested in learning more about hospice care for a loved one, or exploring career or volunteer opportunities, join us on Wednesday to learn more about the program. Call Anne at 508-358-3000, ext. 252, for more information.

12/2/07:  Please attend Budget Information Forum.  The Wayland Finance Committee will host a Budget Information Forum on Monday, December 3 at 7pm in the Large Hearing Room at the Wayland Town Building. The committee will lead a discussion of the fiscal 2009 financial situation – revenues and expenses and the resulting budget pressures. A $2.6 million budget shortfall has been identified for the FY09 year. We hope the public will attend, as it is important that voters understand the budget process and the revenue and expense drivers that result in this estimated shortfall.

12/2/07:  End of Year Giving: A reminder--if you are planning any end-of-year giving, please consider contributing to the Library’s Millennium Endowment Fund, which ensures the continued excellence of our library. Call Library Director Ann Knight at 508-358-2311 for more information.

12/2/07:  Library Holiday Hours: The Library will close at noon on December 24 and be closed all day on December 25. We will close at 3 p.m. on December 31 and be closed all day on January 1.

12/2/07:  Thank You Friends: Thanks to all the Friends of the Wayland Public Library who made the recent Book Sale a success. A special “thank you” to people who donated books and baked goods—especially those who donated their time before and during the sale. If you missed the book sale, check out the blue cart near the Raytheon Room. The Friends keep the cart stocked all year round with books and videos for sale.

12/2/07:  New Friends Book Bag: Need a gift for someone special? Consider purchasing one of the Friends’ newly designed book bags. The new, improved design includes a mesh pocket for a water bottle, a zippered pocket, and a special pocket for your library card—all for only $15. This is a good way to support the library and buy a gift useful gift at the same time. The new bags are available at the main library circulation desk.

12/2/07:  Wayland Hockey Association’s fall raffle.  The Wayland Hockey Association (WHA) will be having its fall raffle to support hockey programs in Wayland and Weston on Saturday, Dec. 1. Tickets are $5 and will be sold in Wayland at Starbucks, Lavin’s Liquors, CVS and Dunkin’ Donuts, and in Weston at Omni Foods. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner. "The number of participants keeps growing in Wayland, and the Wayland/Weston program continues to attract many girls from both towns," said Joe Fargnoli, president of the Wayland Hockey Association. The WHA was formed to support the Wayland boys high school hockey team and has expanded to include boys and girls middle school teams and, in cooperation with nearby Weston, a Wayland/Weston girls high school and middle school teams and girls hockey development programs. There is great anticipation for the coming hockey season as the new boys varsity coach Phil Bateman begins a new chapter for Wayland hockey. Coach Bateman and assistant coach Ron Trentini are bringing much experience and enthusiasm to the program. The middle school has also announced a new coach, Rob O’Reilly, a lifelong resident of Natick, who will bring his broad experience from the Comets program. Coach Bill MacDonald expects to have three girls teams take the ice in addition to the girls high school team.  "The increasing number of boys and girls playing hockey in town is gratifying", said Nancy McCarthy, a member of the board of directors and head of fundraising. "We hope that the towns of Wayland and Weston will support our mission and our skaters."

12/2/07:  Single parent program.  Join a monthly discussion group for single parents led by Debbie Weinstock Savoy, PhD. She is a clinical psychologist and parent educator with over 20 years of professional experience working with families and children. The group focuses on the unique challenges of being a single parent. The meetings include a potluck supper for parents and pizza for the kids, with child care provided by High School students. Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of every month with the exception of February and March from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the High School Faculty Luncheon Room. Meeting dates are Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 6, April 10, May 8 and June 12. For more information or to register call Paul Neustadt at 508-358-4293 or e-mail pneustadt@wayland.ma.us

12/2/07:  The Vokes Players hold auditions for "A Man For All Seasons".  Auditions will be held Sunday December 9 (6:30-9:30pm) and Monday December 10 (7-9:30pm).  These auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call (508) 358-4034, and leave a message with your name, number and preferred audition time. We will call you back with a confirmation of the exact time.  Other audition times may be arranged. For complete details, visit http://vokesplayers.mmcis.com/VokesPlays/pgaud.htm

11/21/07:  The next Public Involvement Plan meeting for the former Raytheon facility’s hazardous waste site cleanup is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30pm in the Large Hearing Room in the Wayland Town Building. Raytheon will provide status updates on the investigation and remediation activities conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. Documents related to the site can be found at the Board of Health, the Wayland Library, or visit www.ermne.com (type in "raytheon" for the user name, and "wayland" for the password, all lower case).

11/21/07:  Metco selling tickets to ‘Black Nativity’.  Wayland Metco is selling tickets to "Black Nativity," a song play written by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes and produced by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m. at The Tremont Temple, 88 Tremont St., Boston, next to the Omni Parker House.  Boston has the longest running production of the play. For tickets, contact Rena Santillo (or call 508-358-6327).  Tickets are $37 per person. Reserve your ticket today. Parking at One Beacon Street Garage is located one block north of the church on Cambridge Street. There is also a parking garage under Boston Common. On Sundays, on-street parking in Boston is free.

11/21/07:  Free seminar on how to pay for college. The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) will offer a free presentation on how to pay for college on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 pm at Wayland High School. A state-created nonprofit organization, MEFA assists families through its public outreach mission. The seminar will teach parents how to apply for financial aid, compare financial aid award letters, and seek financing options. Families will receive a seminar booklet which serves as a year-round resource. For more information call 508-358-3706.

11/21/07:  Fenn Admissions Coffee.  On Wednesday, Nov. 28, 9:30-11am, there will be a Fenn Admissions Coffee at the home of Janet and Steve Correia, 188 Glezen Lane, Wayland. This informal session is an opportunity to learn more about Fenn from the assistant headmaster, director of admissions and financial aid and current Fenn families from Wayland. To attend, please contact Janet and Steve Correia at 508-358-1649.

11/20/07:  Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale! Troop One Cochituate will be holding its annual Christmas tree sale during the weekends of November 30th - December 2nd, December 7th-9th and December 14th-15th. The sale will be held at the Community United Methodist Church. Wreaths will also be available. Thank you for supporting the Boy Scouts with your purchase of a high quality tree.

11/16/07:  Kids Night Out (ok, Parents Night Out!), December 8, 2007, from 6-9:30pm (check-in starts at 5:45pm), Wayland High School Field House.  Cost: $20-first child, $5 each additional child with a $30 family limit (Any checks should be made out to Wayland High School), Ages: age 4 - grade 8.  This program is available for any child from any town!! Supervision will be provided by the students from the Girls and Boys Basketball teams!  Cost includes a drink and a slice of pizza from Wayland House of Pizza or hotdog. Activities include arts and crafts, board games and organized games.  A concession stand will be available for snacks and drinks. If you do not want your child to carry cash, they can bank money to be used at the concession stand.  Each child must have a signed parent permission form in order to participate in the evening. Please bring your payment and permission form to the event. This year the permission form will cover your child for the entire school year.  Forms can be picked up at any of the Wayland Public Schools or be downloaded off the Wayland High School website: www.wayland.k12.ma.us/high_school/night_out.html.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Kathleen Thompson at Kathleen_Thompson@wayland.k12.ma.us. Sponsored by the Wayland High School Girls and Boys Basketball Teams

11/16/07:  Foreign Films: The library will be screening a series of foreign films, starting in January. Stay tuned for more information!

11/15/07:  Raising Healthy Kids in an Oversexualized, Online, In-Your-Face World.  How do we, as parents, teach our children to successfully navigate their lives in the context of a media that plays on the vulnerabilities of childhood and adolescence?  How do we impart our values and create a family culture that our children can hold onto in a world that is feeding them a constant stream of information about what it means to be attractive, funny, popular and successful?  Back by popular demand, Dr. Sharon Maxwell has been invited to return to Wayland to help parents answer these questions, following her highly acclaimed lecture last February, "Talking with Kids about Sex".  This two-part workshop, Wednesdays, January 9 and 16, 7:30-9:30pm at the Wayland Middle School is for parents of 11-16 year olds.  Co-sponsored by the Wayland PTOs and Wayland Youth & Family Services.  Whether or not you attended her previous lecture, this two-part workshop will give you the opportunity to talk directly with Dr. Maxwell, a nationally recognized expert on kids and sexuality, and to share experiences with other parents in a small workshop setting.  Dr. Maxwell will discuss the impact of the media on our tweens and teens and suggest concrete ways that parents can begin and sustain a conversation with their adolescents about sexuality.  She will also discuss the Internet and how to promote responsible on-line behavior.  The format for the workshops will include a lecture, followed by facilitated discussion in small groups.  The workshops are for parents of either boys or girls, ages 11-16.  Reserve your spot now: the fee for this two-session workshop is $40, payable in advance.  Checks should be made out to Wayland Youth and Family Services.  Please write "Sharon Maxwell workshops" in the memo section.  Checks can be mailed to:  Paul Neustadt, Wayland Youth and Family Services, Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Rd, Wayland MA 01778.  For questions or more information, call Karen at 508-358-0150.

11/15/07:  Family Night at The Wayland Depot Thurs. Nov. 29th 4-8 two local children's authors will be reading and signing their books, refreshments will be served.  From Thanksgiving until Christmas, the Depot will be open Thursday nights until 6 for your shopping pleasure!

11/15/07:  Holiday Cheer Project. The holiday season is the perfect time to help out a child who might otherwise not have new clothes or toys this year. Temple Shir Tikva’s Holiday Cheer Project is a wonderful project for families to do together as they celebrate the good fortune of the holidays. Here’s all you need to do. Get a child’s wish list by contacting Mimi Facher. The wish lists come from children who live in shelters in the MetroWest area. Please purchase at least three items from the list for each child you sponsor. (Gift certificates are welcome too.) The deadline for requesting a wish list is Dec. 5. Then bring the bag(s) to Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland, on Sunday, Dec. 9, 9am-1:15pm. Everything will be collected on that day only. Volunteers who can help sort and transport the bags on the drop-off day are also needed.

11/15/07:  New Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition forms. The Massachusetts Municipal Police Coalition has formed as a dynamic network of eastern Massachusetts police unions, including the town of Wayland. The coalition exists to facilitate the sharing of information, ideas and resources among its member unions. The goal is to achieve the interests of municipal police officers and to provide aid and assistance to member unions in collective bargaining and other forums. Member unions in the coalition represent over 800 municipal police officers. Medford police officer Harold MacGilvary was elected president at the first meeting. A Board of Directors was also selected, with Sean Gibbons, president of the Wayland Police Officers Union, representing Wayland police officers on the board.

11/9/07:  Thanksgiving Library Hours: The Library will close at 6:00 p.m. on November 21 and be closed all day November 22 for Thanksgiving. We will reopen on Friday, November 23.

11/9/07:  Calling All Artists!  The Library currently has openings in their exhibit calendar for both the library foyer and the Raytheon Room exhibitors. The foyer exhibits are typically up for one month, while the Raytheon Room exhibits stay up for two months. For more information about this, please call the library at 508-258-2311 for a referral to the exhibitor coordinator.

11/9/07:  End of Year Library Giving: A sincere “thank you” to those who continue to support the Wayland Public Library Millennium Endowment Fund. If you are planning any end of year giving, please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund, which ensures the continued excellence of our library.

11/6/07:  New Library Catalog Features: New features include search results displayed by relevance, more results on each page, book jackets, summaries and reviews of books, create a list and then make your requests, and the ability to pay fines online using a credit card. As always, ask the library's reference staff for assistance if you have questions about any of the library's services.

11/1/07:  Pegasus 2008 Location/Dates Announced.  The six-week Pegasus Summer Program will be held at Claypit Hill School in 2008. The first three-week session begins Monday, June 30, and concludes Friday, July 18. The program will be closed on Friday, July 4, for Independence Day.  Session Two begins Monday, July 21, and ends on Friday, August 8.   Pegasus is a Wayland Public Schools enrichment program for preschool through Entering Grade Six children.  Each session will include two full day field trips for school age children, including a repeat trip to McCoy Stadium for a Pawtucket Red Sox Game. Programming will include a separate local field trip for kindergartners. Enrollment information will be attached to school newsletters prior to the December break or in early January. For information, call 508-358-3781 or check out Pegasus on the web at: http://www.wayland.k12.ma.us/district/district_info/ws_community_prog/pegasus.htm.

11/1/07:  Wayland Angels observe National Family Caregivers Month.  National Family Caregivers Month, observed every November, is a nationally recognized month celebrating family caregivers, drawing attention to the many challenges facing caregivers, advocating for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raising awareness about community programs that support family caregivers.  This month is a time to thank and support the more than 50 million family caregivers across the country.  Wayland Angels is celebrating by offering our support to caregivers in our community. The challenging role of caregiving for a loved one often goes unnoticed. For families hit with serious illness or tragedy, life can be instantly turned upside down. And while many have the support of family and friends to help with the basic needs at home, such as meals and rides, these resources are often exhausted in short time leaving families to carry on alone.  You might know a young mother with a recent cancer diagnosis or a father going through stroke rehab, or maybe it’s an older couple who have both fallen ill. With all they are facing, it’s no wonder the family can barely get through another day.  The role of caregiving is exhausting. As one resident suffering from multiple sclerosis recently said, "I feel like we’ve fallen through the cracks." She and her husband both have serious medical issues and are struggling to meet their day-to-day needs – like preparing a meal, picking up a medical prescription, or raking the lawn.  Wayland Angels is a nonprofit community-based organization bridging the gap in meeting daily needs. We are a formal volunteer support network of adults and teens, providing non-medically based services to families in crisis.  To find out how the Wayland Angels volunteers can help you or someone you know in the Wayland community, e-mail mail@waylandangels.org. 

11/1/07:  CPR for Family and Friends at Parmenter.  CPR for Family and Friends will take place Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 5.30 to 8.30 p.m. at Parmenter Community Health, 266 Cochituate Road (Route 27), Wayland.  The course covers adult, child and infant CPR. Appropriate for scout leaders, new and prospective parents, grandparents and babysitters, but does not meet certification criteria for preschools.  Fee is $35; space is limited. Pre-registration required.  Call 508-358-3000, ext. 235, to register or for more information.

11/1/07:  Learn more about Wayland’s Community Preservation Committee.  The Wayland Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has scheduled a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the Town Building at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide Wayland citizens information concerning the processes of the committee and to encourage them to participate. Under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), the CPC is charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to the town for the use of funds collected from its citizens and the commonwealth in the CPA. At Town Meeting the citizens must vote on proposed appropriations for them to be implemented.  The principal areas designated for the use of the funds under the CPA are open space, housing, historic preservation and, in some instances, recreation.  As of fiscal 2007, since inception in FY02, total revenue from the state and the town amounted to $5.3 million. Each year 10 percent of the revenues are reserved for each of the three main areas of concentration. Therefore, approximately $1.8 million has either been reserved or appropriated to date, which does not include the approximately $1.5 million the CPC is recommending to the town for the funding of construction of affordable housing at the Nike site and a reserve for allocation to open space, which leaves about $2 million uncommitted at this time.
The Community Preservation Committee desires to formulate a long-range plan for the use of the funds for the allowed purposes. One of the methods of obtaining the input of Wayland citizens is a proposed survey. We hope that Wayland citizens will attend the meeting and offer their suggestions regarding this idea and to otherwise assist the committee in achieving this goal by having a dialogue with the committee members at the meeting.

11/1/07:  Citizens Policy Academy starting up again.  The Wayland Police Department will be conducting its fourth Citizens Police Academy starting in November. The purpose of the academy is to educate citizens about the different services and roles that police officers perform.
The nine-week program is open to residents at least 17 years old. Topics covered include legal issues, traffic safety and motor vehicle law, detection and enforcement of people who operate a vehicle while under the influence of liquor, juvenile issues, accident investigation, domestic violence, criminal investigations and patrol procedures.  Attendees will have the opportunity to ride along in a cruiser with an officer during part of his or her shift. This year participants will have the opportunity to experience a computerized firearms training simulator where they will have to make split second decisions concerning the use of force.  The objective of the course is to increase understanding between the police and the community so that we may learn from and help each other.
The Citizens Police Academy will start Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 pm, meeting every Wednesday for nine weeks. Anyone interested may contact Sgt. Tom Galvin.

11/1/07:  Conroy office hours.  State Rep. Thomas Conroy, D-Wayland, will hold office hours on Friday, Nov. 16. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first-come, first-served basis.  His Wayland hours will be at Starbucks, 44 Main St., Wayland from 6 to 7 p.m.
Rep. Conroy or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

11/1/07:  Annual public hearing.  The Wayland Board of Assessors will be holding a public hearing on Monday, November 19 at 7pm at the Wayland Town Building, in accordance with Town Code 19-8, to listen to taxpayer concerns and questions regarding the assessment process and services provided by the assessors’ office.

11/1/07:  Pie sale for charity.  Each year, the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices in Weston and Wayland help to sell more than 13,000 Thanksgiving pies prepared by more than 150 of Greater Boston’s best restaurants and caterers.
Apple, pecan, pumpkin, sweet potato and diabetic apple pies will be sold for $25 each to benefit the clients of Community Servings, a not-for-profit organization that provides free, home delivered meals throughout eastern Massachusetts to homebound individuals ill with acute life-threatening illnesses. For every pie sold, Community Servings will be able to feed one of their clients lunch, dinner and a snack for a week.  Last year, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices sold more than 10,000 Thanksgiving pies, raising $347,000 for the charity.
Pie sales are taking place now and will continue through Nov. 14. Pies can be ordered by calling the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Weston at 781-893-4500 or Wayland at 508-358-5131, or by visiting www.pieinthesky.org.  Pies will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Weston located at 426 Boston Post Road, between 9am and 2:30pm.

11/1/07:  Sen. Brown appointed to special commission.  State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, was recently appointed to serve as a member of a special commission to study the impact of drowsy driving on highway safety.  The commission is expected to establish scientific and legal standards that could be used by police officers and the courts in determining the effect of sleep depravation on drivers, the appropriate sanctions for operating while sleep-deprived, and the training requirements to be followed by licensed driver education programs with respect to recognition of the symptoms and effects of sleep deprivation on drivers.  The commission will submit its final report, including legislative and administrative recommendations, no later than Dec. 1, 2007.  Brown is a member of the Legislature’s Commission on Public Safety and Homeland Security. He can be reached at scott.p.brown@state.ma.us

10/30/07:  New Horizons Band organizational meeting.  A second organizational meeting for the New Horizons Band is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 7 pm in the Wayland Middle School library. Anyone with an interest in helping founding Band Director Diane Muffitt is encouraged to come. New Horizons is a band for area residents who are beginners as well as those who are out-of-practice with their instruments. For more information about this national music movement, visit www.newhorizonsmusic.org or contact Diane at muffitt@bandnotes.info or 978-261-5065. Informational meetings for interested musicians are scheduled for January 9 and 16, Wayland Middle School library, 7 pm.

10/28/07:  Holiday Hours: The Library will be closed on Monday, November 12, for Veterans’ Day.

10/28/07:  New Library Catalog Features: Enhancements are coming to our library catalog! Check them out anytime after November 1st. New features include: search results displayed by relevance, more results on each page, book jackets, summaries and reviews of books, create a list and then make your requests, and the ability to pay fines online using a credit card. As always, ask the library's reference staff for assistance if you have questions about any of the library's services.

10/23/07:  The Board of Health has scheduled flu shot clinics for Wayland residents age 65 and older or age 18-64 at high risk with a chronic medical condition. These clinics will be held in the Wayland Town Building, Large Hearing Room on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 from 1-5pm for last name beginning A - M and on Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 1-4pm for last name beginning N - Z. Please bring your Medicare card and any HMO supplemental insurance cards.  Pneumococcal vaccine will also be available, but requires a physician's order.

10/19/07:  Wayland Senior Club. The Senior Club will start meetings in October. Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1:30pm. Dues are $5 per year to offset program expenditures and can be paid at any club meeting, or at the COA office. Call the COA for additional information, or attend any club meeting at the Wayland Senior Center.

10/19/07:  BSO Open Rehearsal Transportation. The Council on Aging has traditionally sponsored a bus to go in to 4 different Boston Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsals. The dates for the rehearsals are Oct. 24, Jan. 16, Feb. 6, and Feb. 20. The bus leaves the Town Building at 5:15 p.m. We need at least 25 riders to make hiring the bus feasible. Currently the cost is $61 for all 4 bus trips to the rehearsals, if we have 25 participants. If we have fewer people, we will need to charge more, if more people sign up, the cost will go down. Why drive in and battle traffic and pay upwards of $30 to park your car? Please call us at the Council on Aging office at 508-358-2990 as soon as possible to get your name in for this wonderful opportunity. You must purchase your tickets to the rehearsals from the BSO directly and the cost is $60. Please call the Boston Symphony ticket office at 617-266-7575 to order your tickets then call the COA, and we will add your name to our list.

10/19/07:  COA Trips:

NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE: “Remember Me” at the Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant. Date: November 29, Cost: $69. At 9am a luxury motor coach bus will leave for Newport RI to see Ocean Drive. Then off to the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant where you’ll enjoy a great buffet and a wonderful play and cabaret performance. The play “Remember Me” is about the trials of marriage, no matter how old you are. Arrive in Wayland at approximately 6:30pm.

BOSTON HOLIDAY POPS, Thursday, December 13, Noon-4:30 pm, Cost $75.00 There will be limited seats available for this matinee performance. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in early October. Call the COA for additional info or to add your name to the list. Tickets will sell out quickly.

10/18/07: Children's Way '08-09 Enrollment Open.  The Children's Way early childhood program is now accepting applications for the 2008-09 academic year. Operated by the Wayland Public Schools, the program is located in the Wayland Town Building. Call 508-358-7072 for information about this NAEYC-accredited program (National Association for the Education of Young Children).

10/18/07:  Learn American history with old-fashioned dolls.  Old-fashioned dolls will introduce third, fourth and fifth graders to American history in an after-school program sponsored by the Wayland Historical Society. The group will meet Tuesdays, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, at 3:15 p.m. at the Grout-Heard House, next to the library.  Each of the four dolls from the Historical Society’s extensive collection comes from a different time period, between 1775 through 1900. The dolls will introduce issues where Wayland history was touched by American historical events – the Revolution, immigration, transportation and women’s rights – in a program called "Antique Dolls and the Stories They Tell."  Each session will feature activities, crafts, games and even snacks, appropriate to that particular time period.  The $40 fee for the four sessions should be paid to the Wayland Historical Society, P.O. Box 56, Wayland MA 01778. Registration is limited and will be honored in the order received. Scholarships are available.

10/18/07:  Brown office hours. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, will be holding office hours on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Wayland Senior Center, 41 Cochituate Road, from 2:15 to 3 p.m. Office hours provide constituents an opportunity to stop in and voice any concerns they may have to Sen. Brown or a member of his staff. No appointment is necessary. If you have any questions regarding office hours you can email Sen. Brown’s office or phone him at 617-722-1555.

10/18/07:  Sen. Scott Brown releases e-newsletter. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, distributes an e-newsletter bimonthly to his constituents. The e-update features an overview of Sen. Brown’s legislative priorities, legislative news, State House news, events and his "district hours" schedule. To have a copy e-mailed to you, email his office or phone 617-722-1555.

10/18/07:  Register for Household Hazardous Waste Day. The Wayland Board of Health is pre-registering Wayland residents only for its next household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, Oct. 27 in the parking lot of the Wayland-Sudbury Septage Treatment Plant, 490 Boston Post Road, 9am-12pm. Residents interested in disposing of household hazardous waste must complete a pre-registration form on which they may choose a half-hour time slot between 9am and noon on October 27. Early registration is recommended to obtain the preferred early time slots. Forms are available in the Board of Health office, Wayland Town Building lobby, Senior Center, Wayland Library, Landfill and Recycling Center and online. Completed forms must be submitted to the Board of Health office by Friday, Oct. 26. The types and quantities of household hazardous waste that will and will not be accepted are also listed on the registration form. Latex paint will not be accepted since it can be air-dried or solidified with kitty litter and disposed of with regular trash. Thermometers and thermostats containing mercury will be accepted. The next Household Hazardous Waste Day is expected to be in June of 2008, so residents contemplating selling their property should plan accordingly to dispose of these materials safely. For more information contact the Board of Health at 508-358-3617.

10/17/07:  Register Now for the Spring 2008 Wayland Youth Lacrosse.  Sign-up and get more information at www.WaylandLacrosse.com.  REGISTER EARLY! - To ensure proper player-to-coach ratios and ample playing time, we are limiting enrollment this year. For each age level, we expect to field 2 teams of approximately 20 players each.  LEVELS: Boys & Girls U9 (Grades 1-2) - discounted registration!  Boys & Girls U11 (Grades 3-4), U13 (Grades 5-6) & U15 (Grades 7-8).  New Player Clinic/Orientation:  We will be holding a basic skills clinic for new players grades 1 thru 8 on November 4th on the new turf field at the High School. All players that are new to the game or are interested in finding out more about lacrosse are welcome to attend. We will spend time on equipment and reviewing the basic skills so the kids can practice at home and get ready for the upcoming spring season. Anyone is welcome to attend.  Please email the coach below with name and grade to register:  Girls Clinic - Nov 4th at WHS 1:30-2:30pm.  Players will need a stick, goggles and a mouth guard. We will try to bring extra sticks and goggles for those girls that do not have them. For more information contact Maura Keating.  Boys Clinic - Nov 4th at WHS 2:30-3:30pm.  Players will need at least a stick and mouth guard. If you have the full protective gear please wear it. We will try to bring extra sticks for those boys that do not have them. For more information contact Mark Lucier.  All fee and equipment information can be found at www.WaylandLacrosse.com

10/16/07:  Gospel Choir is forming.  A Community Gospel Choir under the direction of Grace Hampton, the Associate Minister of the MT. Calvary Baptist Church of Boston is forming in Wayland. This choir is open to all community members, Wayland High School students, school faculty and staff and parents. Eight 90 minute rehearsals are schedule for Thursdays beginning October 25th in the choral room at the high school. The rehearsals are from 2:45pm – 4:15pm. Two concerts are planned, December 18th at the WHS Choral Concert and the MLK Dinner sponsored by Wayland METCO on January 18th at the Wayland Middle School. Come sing and join in the fun. Call Kathy Hodge at 508-655-6862 to register or for more information e-mail hodgewayland@yahoo.com. CAPA, the Creative Arts Parents Association is sponsoring this free program.

10/12/07:  Public Forum on Proposed DPW.  There will be a public forum to learn more about the proposed Special Town Meeting Warrant article that would establish a department of public works and Board of Public Works on Thursday, October 18th at 7:30pm in the Large Hearing Room at the Wayland Town Building. Representatives of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and DPW Assessment Committee will make a brief presentation and be available to respond to questions.

10/10/07:  A Band for All Ages to Form in Wayland.  An organizational meeting – the first step in starting a new band for novice and out-of-practice musicians – is scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, at 7 pm in the Wayland Middle School Library. Anyone with an interest in being part of the organizational team for the New Horizons Band is invited to join Diane Muffitt, Wayland Middle School band director, for the inaugural meeting. On January 9 and 16, informational meetings for interested musicians will be scheduled.  Muffitt is joining a growing national movement and forming a New Horizons Band. Now in cities all over the country, the bands give aspiring musicians a chance to learn an instrument for the first time and help out-of-practice musicians renew their long dormant talents. Muffitt’s endeavor will be offered to area residents as part of Wayland School Community Program’s Community Education Department. It will be open to residents of nearby towns, with the only stipulation being that the person be an adult. Performers will meet one night a week at the Wayland Middle School, and will be taught by Muffitt and a co-director. For further information, e-mail Muffitt at muffitt@bandnotes.info or call her at 978-261-5065. More information is available at http://www.wayland.k12.ma.us/district/district_info/ws_community_prog/community_ed.htm. Additional information about the New Horizons movement is online at: http://www.newhorizonsmusic.org/nhima.htm.

10/6/07:  Kids Contribute to Waveland Library: Many thanks to all the kids who helped the Waveland Library simply by reading this summer. At the Waveland Library's request, the Library is sending a monetary donation to them so they can choose the materials they will need for their new library. Along with the donation, the Library is sending all the wonderful bookplates participants decorated as well as a list of thoughtful book recommendations. You can visit the Library website to learn more about the Waveland library and to read the many book reviews (over 300!) kids wrote.

10/2/07:  School Traffic Supervisor (Part Time) at Claypit Hill Elementary School.  The Town of Wayland is accepting applications for the position of School Traffic Supervisor for Claypit Hill Elementary School. The position involves traffic control at the school during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up of students. Hours are from 8:15am until 9am. and 3pm until 3:30pm each school day (Wednesday hours are 8:15am. until 9am and 1:50pm until 2:20pm). Reports to the Chief of Police. Salary of $6,988.00 per year.  To apply send a letter of interest to the Human Resources Department, Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland MA 01778 by 10/15/2007. EEO/AA

10/2/07:  Wayland Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy.  The Wayland Police Department will be conducting its fourth Citizen’s Police Academy starting in November. The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to educate interested citizens about the different services and roles that police officers perform.  The 9-week program is open to residents who are at least 17 years old. Topics covered include; Legal Issues, Traffic Safety and Motor Vehicle Law, OUI-Detection and Enforcement, Juvenile Issues, Accident Investigation, Domestic Violence, Criminal Investigations, and Patrol Procedures. Attendees will have the opportunity to ride-a-long in a cruiser with an officer during part of his/her shift. This year participants will have the opportunity to experience a computerized firearms training simulator where they will have to make split second decisions concerning the use of force.  The objective of the course is to increase understanding between the police and the community so that we may learn from, and help each other.  The Citizen’s Police Academy is scheduled to start Wednesday November 14, 2007 from 7-9pm, and will meet every Wednesday thereafter for 9 weeks. Anyone interested may contact Sgt. Tom Galvin 508-358-4721 or e-mail him at tgalvin@waylandpolice.com.

10/2/07:  Kids Night Out (ok, Parents Night Out!), October 20, November 3 and December 8, 2007, from 6-9:30pm (check-in starts at 5:45pm), Wayland High School Field House.  Cost: $20-first child, $5 each additional child with a $30 family limit (Any checks should be made out to Wayland High School), Ages: age 4 - grade 8.  This program is available for any child from any town!! Supervision will be provided by the students from the Girls and Boys Basketball teams!  Cost includes a drink and a slice of pizza from Wayland House of Pizza or hotdog. Activities include arts and crafts, board games and organized games.  A concession stand will be available for snacks and drinks. If you do not want your child to carry cash, they can bank money to be used at the concession stand.  Each child must have a signed parent permission form in order to participate in the evening. Please bring your payment and permission form to the event. This year the permission form will cover your child for the entire school year.  Forms can be picked up at any of the Wayland Public Schools or be downloaded off the Wayland High School website: www.wayland.k12.ma.us/high_school/night_out.html.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Kathleen Thompson at Kathleen_Thompson@wayland.k12.ma.us. Sponsored by the Wayland High School Girls and Boys Basketball Teams

10/2/07:  It’s Time to Think About Wayland Youth Basketball.  Register now at: www.waylandbasketball.org.  Boys and girls in grades 3 through 8 can participate. Wayland Youth Basketball offers two leagues for our kids:  (1) MetroWest: A more competitive travel league. MetroWest is the more competitive league for Wayland kids. Historically, Wayland has participated in grades 6-8 for both boys and girls. This year we plan to add 5th grade boys’ and girls’ teams as well. To play in MetroWest League, you must try out and be selected. Please see the website for dates and times of tryouts. If you are not selected for MetroWest, you may still play in the Tri-Town league. Games are played on Sundays from December to March. Away games can involve travel of up to an hour.  (2) Tri-Town League: A brand new recreational league for players of all skill levels.  The new Tri-Town League has been formed along with the towns of Weston and Lincoln!! This league is open to all boys and girls in grades 3-8 and is for players of all skill levels (replacing our former participation in the CYO league). There are three divisions in this league: Junior (grades 3 and 4), Intermediate (grades 5 and 6) and Senior (grades 7 and 8). All players make a team. Players will be evaluated so that teams of relatively equal strength can be formed. Please see the website for dates and times of evaluations. Games will be played on Saturdays from December to March. All games will be played locally in Wayland, Weston or Lincoln.  Sign Up Now Online!!!

9/28/07: Meals on Wheels Part-Time Site Manager Needed.  Looking for a meaningful part-time job? The Meals on Wheels program needs your help.  We are looking for a part-time site manager for the Wayland Senior Center needed mornings for five days a week, two hours a day from 9 to 11 a.m.  Coordinate small daily Meals on Wheels programs (approximately 18 meals). Package pre-cooked meals, keep daily records, attend monthly staff meetings, work well with committed volunteers and drive a route as necessary.  You must be interested in working with seniors, and have a valid driver’s license, a car and a good driving record.  For more information or to apply contact Carlos Cunningham at 508-620-2315 or carlosc@smoc.org.  If you are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, we need people to deliver meals one or more days per week or as emergency backups to help homebound seniors in our community. We reimburse gas mileage at 44 cents per mile too.  Meals on Wheels helps to keep homebound seniors in MetroWest out of nursing homes.  For a commitment of as little as two hours a week, you can make a difference in the life of a senior citizen in your community. Call 508-872-6570 to volunteer or for more information.

9/26/07:  Tom Conroy announces office hours.  Representative Thomas Conroy is pleased to announce his local office hours for the month of October.  Office hours in Wayland for Tuesday, October 16th are at the Wayland Free Public Library, 4:30-5:30 in the Raytheon Room.  Tom or his legislative aide, Jenny Nathans, can also be reached at Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us or 617-722-2460.

9/21/07:  WANTED--Volunteers of Good Will:  The Wayland Library has sponsored an ESOL Program for 18 years that has trained well over two hundred tutors. We have a never-ending waiting list of learners who need help, but a lack of corresponding volunteers willing to tutor these students a couple of hours a week. Training classes for new tutors have been scheduled at the library on five Wednesday evenings starting on October 10. No teaching experience or foreign language ability is required in order to be a tutor. We will train you, painlessly, even enjoyably, to offer this service to someone who really needs help. You will work one-on-one with adults who desire to improve their abilities in spoken and written English. For more information, please call 508-653-6098.

9/21/07:  Candidate debates. Jim Ogonowski and Niki Tsongas will participate in three debates prior to the general election on Tuesday, Oct. 16 to represent the Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes precincts 1, 3 and 4 of Wayland. Any candidate for the Fifth District who will appear on the ballot in October will be invited to each of the debates.  On Sept. 25, the candidates will debate on NECN. The debate will be pre-taped and will air at 7pm. On Sept. 27, the candidates will participate in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters in the Collins Center at Andover High School, 100 Shawsheen Road, Andover. This forum will be moderated by Emily Rooney, host and executive editor of "Greater Boston" on WGBH television, and begins at 7:30pm. The candidates participating, in the order they will appear on the ballot are James Ogonowski, Republican; Niki Tsongas, Democrat; Kurt Hayes, independent; Patrick Murphy, independent; and Kevin Thompson, Constitution party.  The League has also scheduled a forum Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, 36 Charter Road, Acton, beginning at 7:30pm. All of the candidates were invited to participate, but Ogonowski and Tsongas have declined. The independent candidates will answer voter questions at this forum. At both events, audience members will be able to submit written questions for the candidates before the program begins at 7:30pm. The written questions must be addressed to all candidates. All questions will be asked by the forum moderator. Finally, on Oct. 9, the candidates will participate in a debate co-hosted by UMass Lowell and The Lowell Sun. The special election to fill the Congressional seat vacated by Martin Meehan is Oct. 16. The deadline to register to vote in this election is Sept. 26.

9/15/07:  The Wayland Veterans Memorial Book of Remembrance, a library quality volume of some 125 pages with approximately 30 photos in color and B&W, will be published this winter. For many, this book will become a Wayland family keepsake for generations. This book is the culmination of extensive research and dedication on the part of Wayland Veterans and volunteers. It includes:

• More than 100 personal stories by and about Wayland veterans

• The names of our residents who died protecting our country

• An honor roll of all those who served from Wayland

• Veterans now buried in our cemeteries

• Donors to the Memorial fund and their honorees

• The annual High School Freedom Prize

• The Dedication Ceremony and the Trip to the Memorial

• Full color map of Wayland showing location of Memorials and Markers

• Plus several other interesting chapters about Wayland life during war and peace and our American shared values made possible by our military missions.

The Wayland Veterans Memorial Committee is now accepting pre-publication orders (payment only due when received). We are offering this historic volume, at cost: $20 in library-quality hardcover. Any proceeds over cost will go to endow the Wayland Veterans Memorial FREEDOM PRIZE that is awarded annually to a Wayland High School student. Donations above these amounts will be graciously appreciated. You may order your copy now (only pay when delivered) either by calling the Wayland Veterans' Agent, John Turchinetz, at (508)
358-3787, or emailing jimburkley@comcast.net or jcdyer7@hotmail.com.  You can also help us determine how many copies to print. If you think you might purchase a copy but are not ready to make a commitment before seeing the book, let us know by using the same contacts as above.

9/15/07:  Wayland Boy Scout Troop One Cochituate.  Join the Wayland Boy Scouts, Troop 1 Cochituate as we begin our 2007/2008 program. No prior Scouting experience required. Boys can attend as many meetings as their schedule permits while participating in a wide variety of troop activities. Each boy proceeds through advancement at his own pace, earning rank and merit badges by participating in many types of educational group and individual activities.  Outdoor skills, along with physical fitness and academic skills are developed through activities including camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, canoeing, the Klondike Derby Winter Skills Competition, community service projects, field trips, fun trips, leadership training, working on the 126 different merit badges, Courts of Honor, and summer camp at Camp Yawgoog in RI, and Camp Resolute in Bolton. The boys also have the opportunity to go to Boy Scout High Adventure camps in Canada, Minnesota, the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, or the Florida Sea Base in the Keys. Recent troop trips included biking from Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod, and hiking from both Camp Nobscot in Sudbury, and from Camp Sayre in the Blue Hills Reservation. Trips under planning for this coming year include day trips boating on the Assabet river, striped bass fishing in Boston harbor, camping on Block Island, hiking Mt Mansfield in VT, white water rafting on the Kennebec River, and camping/canoeing in the Allagash wilderness, or Baxter State Park in Maine.  Meetings are held on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm at the Scout House located next to the Town Beach. Check out the Troop by joining us at a typical meeting any Wednesday evening. Troop 1 Cochituate was established in 1924 and is one of the oldest troops in the country. Last year, the troop finished second against twenty six other troops in the Klondike Derby competition, purchased a new fourteen foot trailer to haul gear to activities, and held Eagle Courts of Honor for three young men who attained the rank of Eagle Scout. The troop is supported by a solid group of local adults, many of whom had long careers in scouting when they were boys, and all of whom have a desire to give back to the community – one of the fundamental tenants of Scouting.  Boy Scouts is great for friendship, skill development, personal growth, community service, and especially fun and adventure! Boys from sixth grade through age 18 are invited to join. For more information please contact Scoutmaster Kurt Straube at kurt.straube@fmr.com or call him in the early evenings at 508-358-2639. Or, you may also contact Asst. Scoutmaster Michael Sakowich at 508-358-5336 for further information.

9/15/07:  Pack 1 Cochituate Cub Scouts - Opening Campfire.  All boys entering grades 1 – 5 from Happy Hollow and Loker schools are welcome to join the Pack 1 Cochituate Cub Scouts. We will be having an Open House on Tuesday, September 11 at the Scout House (the building next to the town beach) from 7–8pm. The Cub Scout Leadership will be there to answer your questions.  Our Annual Opening Ceremony will be held at the Town Beach on Thursday, September 20 from 6–7:30pm. Perspective and returning Cub Scouts along with their families are invited to join us for an event of FUN, FUN, FUN playing different games, a big campfire and making S’Mores!  Registration Applications will be available at the Opening Ceremony. Annual registration cost is $65. Please bring along a check made out to “Pack 1 Cochituate.” Scholarships are available. You may contact the Cubmaster, Michael Ng, at cubmaster@pack1wayland.com if you are unable to attend the Opening Ceremony.

9/15/07:  Wayland Public Library Statistics:  Last year the Library held 190 library-sponsored programs, attended by close to 6,300 people attended. 7,925 Wayland residents are registered to use the Library, and in the past year those people made close to 120,000 visits to the library. We answered 20,800 reference questions last year. (It seems people still need help finding information in both print and electronic formats!) The library is open and staffed to assist our users 7 days and 67 hours per week most of year.

9/15/07:  Volunteer Needed for Wayland Library: The Wayland Library offers a delivery service to our homebound patrons, run by volunteers. After several years, our current volunteer is unable to continue this service. If you are interested in helping us out and would like more information, please call the library at 508-358-2311 and ask to speak with Jan DeMeo.

9/15/07:  ESOL Program: Ginny Steel, our ESOL coordinator, will be offering a training class for new tutors on five Wednesday evenings starting on October 10. For more information about the class and the satisfactions you might derive from tutoring an English language learner, call her at 508-358-7517.

9/15/07:  Wayland High School Class of 1962 reunion.  The Wayland High School Class of 1962 will hold its 45th reunion on Saturday, October 13, 4-11pm at the Courtyard by Marriott, Speen Street, Natick.  Dinner will be served at 7pm.  They will have background music of the ’50s. Richard Turner of Wayland will provide the CD player and Richard Muller of Florida will provide the 1950 CDs.  There is one couple – John and Michelle Morrell – coming in from Juneau, Alaska. In total there will are 52 people already planning to attend the reunion, 36 classmates and 14 guests.  The Class of 1962 invites any other 1962 classmates to attend this reunion. They may e-mail Doug Bernard at mtwash58@yahoo.com or call him on 978-858-5789 to attend the reunion.  The class is excited about this reunion because a handful of classmates couldn’t attend the 40th reunion but will be attending this reunion. As someone mentioned at the 40th reunion, this is a very special class, a close group of classmates even after 45 years of separation. The class had a great education in Wayland and quite a few classmates live in the New England area.  Pictures from the reunion will be posted on the class website:  www.whsclassof62.org.

9/7/07:  Anticipated Job Opening at Wayland Council on Aging.  The Wayland Council On Aging anticipates a position opening for Kitchen Site Manager at the Senior Center. This paid position through SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Council) is 2 hours/day (10am-Noon), 5 days/week and could be a shared position. The Site Manager(s) will receive training in proper food handling techniques and will be responsible for opening up the kitchen daily at the COA and packaging individual meals which are then delivered to the Home Delivered Meal clients by volunteer drivers. There is no actual cooking involved. The Site Manager communicates with SMOC regarding meal service, coordinates the volunteer drivers, works cooperatively with COA staff and assists with congregate meals as needed. If you are interested in this position, +/or know someone who might like to share the position with you, please contact Maureen DeJong at the Council On Aging at mdejong@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990.

9/6/07:  Second annual Wayland XC Challenge.  The second annual Wayland XC Challenge will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7 at Wayland High School. The event includes youth 3k races for ages 14 and under and an open 5k race. Proceeds benefit the Wayland High School cross country teams.  Last year, the first year for the event, there were 200 registered runners. This year’s event is presented by Pierce & Mandell P.C. and includes key sponsors Twenty Wayland, Wayland Kitchens, Middlesex Savings Bank and Coldwell Banker. The races are sanctioned by the USATF. The youth races start at 10am with boys and girls ages 11 to 14 competing in a 3k race. A second 3k race for ages 10 and under will start at 10:20am. The 5k race is open to all ages and will begin at 11am. The event will be held rain or shine. With advance registration the youth races are $5 per child and the open race is $10 per person. On race day, the entrance fee is $8 for the youth races and $15 for the open race. Online registration and entry forms are available at www.waylandxc.com. You can also get entry forms by calling 508-397-1261.  According to race director Eric Bucher, the main objective of the event is to promote fitness in children and adults.  "This is a true cross-country event, with a variety of terrain and surfaces. The Wayland XC Challenge exposes athletes to the enjoyment and challenge of cross-country running," he said.  By providing an exciting event, he hopes to help athletes "catch the running bug."  "We are especially looking to attract young runners to the sport," he added.  Both courses start and end on the track. The courses include grassy fields and wooded trails. There are a few short, but challenging hills. The courses are well-marked and we have race marshals situated throughout to provide split times and assistance. Spectators can see the runners at many points of the races.  Over 70 awards will be presented. Athletes will be grouped into age and gender classes. The top three finishers in each class will receive awards. A special award will be presented to the top male and female finisher from Wayland.  Post-race amenities include food from Whole Foods Market and a free raffle for all participants.

9/1/07: Library School Bus Stop: The school department continues to offer a "request only" stop on HS/MS Bus 9 for the Wayland Library. This allows middle and high school students to ride the bus to the library immediately after school. If students wish to ride Bus 9 to the library, they should let the driver know at the time they board the bus. The bus driver will not stop at the library unless students request the driver to do so.

9/1/07:  WCPA gearing up for another exciting year.  The Wayland Children and Parents Association (WCPA) is gearing up for another exciting year of providing events and programs for families with young children.  The WCPA sponsors organized playgroups, an annual preschool forum, adult socials, ladies nights, story hours, member coffee socials, concerts, family outings, parent enrichment lectures and events, and a weekly drop-in playgroup at the Town Building.  The first drop-in playgroup will be on Monday, September 17 from 10-11:15am in the Town Building gymnasium.  All are welcome to attend with their children.  Check our website at www.waylandwcpa.org for information about this and other events.  WCPA was organized in 1995 to develop programs and services for the children of Wayland and their families.  The goal is accomplished through WCPA-coordinated fundraising events, social activities and educational forums.  Each year, WCPA contributes to local charities with proceeds from its fundraisers.  The WCPA board of directors is run by volunteers and family memberships are always available.  Membership dues are $30 per family, $55 for two years.  The WCPA has over 140 families as members.  Members receive a monthly newsletter and weekly emails highlighting upcoming events.  In addition, the website hosts a community board and forum for tips and parent resources.  If you are interested in joining the WCPA, or if you'd like more information about the organization, call 508-358-7076 or visit www.waylandwcpa.org

8/26/07:  Fall Lecture Series: THE POST-IMPRESSIONISTS ---PIONEERS OF MODERN ART.  During the late nineteenth century, the Post-impressionists were widely criticized for their revolutionary styles, as they moved away from the naturalism of the Impressionists and experimented with various styles and techniques. The most influential Post-impressionist artists include Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec. Spending most of his life in the South of France, Cezanne (1839-1906) was deeply concerned with the underlying structure and geometry of nature. Although van Gogh (1853-1890) painted during a short ten-year period, his output was enormous. He expressed on the canvas his dreams, feelings and inner being and created brilliant, subjective art. Always seeking a simpler, untamed world, Gauguin (1848-1903) produced art from his imagination and memory while living in Brittany and the South Pacific. Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) chronicled the bohemian life of the theater, dancehalls, circus, cafes and brothels of Montmartre in a colorful, calligraphic style. Join Judy Schurgin on Sept. 28 [Paul Cezanne], Oct. 12 [Vincent Van Gogh], Oct. 19 [Paul Gauguin] and Oct. 26, 2007 [Toulouse-Lautrec] from 1:00 – 2:30PM, as she discusses the lives and diverse works of these pioneers of modern art, who influenced an entire generation of artists.

8/26/07:  COA Offerings.  There are many programs being run by the Council on Aging in the coming months.  For a current listing of upcoming trips, events, courses and presentations, click here.

8/26/07:  Invitation to join Golden Tones chorus.  The Golden Tones, a 60-voice senior citizen chorus, invites you to sing with them in their 20th season.  Join the group for any Tuesday rehearsal, beginning Sept. 4 at 10 am at the Wayland Senior Center. You can hear them sing at the Natick Stop & Shop barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 12:30 p.m. Come to the Stop & Shop at routes 9 and 27 for freshly grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and a side order of singing, with proceeds from the grill to benefit the chorus.  The Golden Tones welcomes new members of age 60 and above, regardless of musical experience. There are no auditions; only a love of singing is required. Non-singing members who would like to assist with the program are welcome as well. All members enjoy the company of one another, as well as the opportunity to bring joyful music into the community.  Golden tones members come from 11 towns in the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. Last year they performed more than 60 concerts in area nursing homes, assisted living and other senior housing facilities, with local schools, and for community events. Rehearsals are most Tuesday mornings and performances are most Friday afternoons. It is not necessary to attend all rehearsals or performances.  For more information call 508-358-0111 or visit www.goldentones.org 

8/26/07:  Lifelong Learning at Regis College begins.  Lifelong Learning at Regis College (LLARC) is a membership organization that offers daytime programs created by, and for, older adults who like to learn something new. LLARC involves no tests, term papers, or credits, and does not require any previous college experience.  This year’s kickoff event will be Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Regis College Fine Arts Center, 235 Wellesley St., Weston.  LLARC is a chance to learn purely for the fun of it and to meet new people of varied backgrounds and interests. The common denominator is an eagerness to expand one’s mind in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.  Started in spring 2005, Regis continues to expand its selection of courses and is appealing to a larger membership. Students have come from more than 50 towns, including Wayland, Weston, Natick, Framingham and Wellesley. There are currently 275 members.  Each semester is 10 weeks, with classes generally meeting for one hour, once a week during daytime hours. Mini-courses, five or six weeks in length, are also offered. A "Lunch, Listen & Learn" program runs on Tuesdays at the Fine Arts Center where guest speakers address an array of topics.  The courses are led by volunteers with expertise in the subject area. Topics have included Democracy, Islam and Muslims in America, Creative Writing, Great Short Stories, Genetics, Judaism and Catholicism, Current Events, and The Progressive Era.  Those interested in attending or instructing are encouraged to contact Jill Rosen at 781-768-7135. For more information visit www.regiscollege.edu/LLARC/Default.aspx 

8/26/07:  Wayland Cultural Council sets deadline for grant applications.  The deadline for organizations and individuals to apply for grants from the Wayland Cultural Council to support cultural activities in the community is Oct. 17. The council receives funds each year from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency.  These grants can be used to support a variety of artistic and cultural projects that will benefit citizens of the Wayland community including exhibits, festivals, short- term artist residencies or performances in schools, as well as cultural workshops and lectures.  This year the Wayland Cultural Council supported concerts by Opera Del West, the Golden Tones and the Musicians of the Old Post Road; a Science Magic program for elementary school-age children; three public lecture series offered through the Wayland Library; and a project by the Wayland Historical Society on slavery in Wayland.  The council is interested in expanding our program and showcasing new and different artistic endeavors. Please contact Carole M. Felz, chairwoman, at 508-653-3910 or cfelz@gis.net for additional information. Performing groups and individuals who have not been previously funded by the council are strongly encouraged to provide tapes or CDs along with their application.  Application forms are available at the Wayland Library and the Town Building. Forms may also be downloaded and additional information found on the Mass. Cultural Council Web site at www.mass-culture.org.  Completed forms should be sent to the Wayland Cultural Council, Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland MA 01778.

8/19/07:    Playaways:  The Library has acquired some audiobooks in a new format—the “Playaway.”  A Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and comes pre-loaded with digital content like audiobooks.  Just plug in your earphones or adapter and start listening!  A few of our new titles in this format include:  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon,  The Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, 1776 by David McCullough, and Hard Truth by Nevada Barr.  A Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and comes pre-loaded with digital content like audiobooks. They will be housed near our other audiobooks on CD.  Come on in and check them out.

8/19/07:  Videos Still Free: The library is pleased to announce that we have decided to extend our “no charge” policy for DVDs indefinitely. The library has a great collection of movies, so drop by to browse through it.

8/13/07:  Museum Passes: Let the Friends of the Library treat your family and friends to a visit to your favorite museum. The Friends have underwritten the cost of membership day passes to most area museums. Some of these passes require a co-payment. Stop by the library and borrow a day pass to the Discovery Museum in Acton, Drumlin Farm or the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, the Boston Children’s Museum, Museums of Science and Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium and many, many more. You can reserve the passes online at the library website  or by calling 508-358-2311.

8/12/07:  Looking for the best delis in the area?  Kosher Community Surveys LLC is pleased to announce the release of the 2007 Boston area survey results. The final report can be found on our web site at http://results.kosher-community-surveys.com

8/12/07:  Adult Soccer.  Nearly 100 Wayland residents bicycled in the late-July Pan Mass Challenge to test themselves physically and raise funds for cancer research. With that challenge behind them, they and others may need a new fitness outlet. A handful of Wayland-based adult soccer teams will resume league play this fall coming off of a summer hiatus. If you are interested in playing or simply learning more, please visit http://www.waylandsoccer.org/AdultSoccer.htm to contact one of the team managers. Soccer isn't just for the kids--it's a great way to make friends while staying (or getting!) fit. Who knows, the way his injury recovery is going, you may see more playing time than David Beckham!

8/12/07:  Job Listing:  Town of Wayland, School Traffic Supervisor (Part Time).  One School Traffic Supervisor is needed by the Police Department to assist children across the street, twice in the course of each school day. Position available is on Loker Street at Loker School. The required times are 8:00 A.M. to 8:45 A.M and 2:45 P.M. to 3:20 P.M each school day (Wednesday afternoon is 1:45 P.M. – 2:20 P.M.) Salary: $6,988 per year. Applications/letters may be sent to the Town of Wayland’s Human Resource Director, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778. Equal Opportunity Employer.

7/19/07:  Sherman Bridge Road will be closed for repair during the workday for the week of July 23, according to the Wayland Highway Department. During August, the road will be intermittently closed at times as well.

7/19/07:  Landfill stickers on sale.  Applications for fiscal 2008 landfill and/or recycling stickers for Wayland residents are available at the Landfill and Recycling Center (484 Boston Post Road), the Town Building lobby, and the Board of Health office.  Stickers may only be purchased at the landfill in the office trailer. Payment must be made by check payable to the "Town of Wayland." Stickers will be sold between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There will be no admittance to the landfill with the current FY07 permits beyond July 31, 2007.  The cost for a full landfill sticker will be $245 for the first vehicle and $30 for an additional vehicle/trailer at the same address. Senior citizen stickers are $170 to any resident who reaches age 65 on or before July 31, 2007. Recycling only stickers are $15 and single trip permits are $40.  Electronics will continue to be collected once a month on the first Saturday of the month. The fee for each refrigerator/freezer, air conditioner, dehumidifier, television, computer or monitor has been reduced to $15. All other small electronics such as printers, keyboards, VCRs, radios, etc. are collected on the town’s electronics collection day at no charge.  A calendar will be provided to each resident who purchases a sticker. If you have any questions about landfill stickers or recycling call 508-358-7910 or 508-358-3617.

7/15/07:  Wayland Warrior Alumni Tradition Tees Off August 10.  The first ever Wayland Warrior Football Alumni Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, August 10, 2007, at 10 am at Sandy Burr Country Club, Route 27, Wayland, MA. Players, fans, alumni, family members, coaches, and Warrior football enthusiasts are invited to participate in this fundraising event.  Monies raised will offset program costs, such as apparel, concession stand supplies, and scholarships to cover expenses and fees, clinics, and preseason programs.  The event needs several kinds of support: players ($125 fee covers cart and lunch); tee sponsors ($100 a tee); and raffle prize donations. Donations in any amount are welcome from those unable to participate directly in the tournament. The event is expected to kick off the momentum for the 2007 Warriors. Last season’s Superbowl-winning, Division 1A team enjoyed a 13-0 season, a record unparalleled in Warrior football history. “We enjoy tremendous support from the community,” said Coach Scott Parseghian of his winning program. “We see this newly created event as a way to build excitement for 2007, not just for the players and alumni but for the community members who filled the stands at Friday night football last season as well. It's a great way for football alumni, their friends, and family to come together again for a day of fun that will benefit the football program." For information or to register, contact Parseghian as soon as possible at 508-358-3703 or Scott_Parseghian@wayland.k12.ma.us or Warrior parent Elsie Cerrone at jaxo3@aol.com.

7/13/07:  Wayland Book of Remembrance Announces September 3 as the cut-off date for submission of Veterans' Stories.  The Wayland Veterans Book of Remembrance is inviting all Wayland Veterans or family members to submit their one or two page stories of remembrances from their service life by September 3. To date, the Veterans Committee has collected about 100 stories covering all kinds of military experiences from peacetime and combat situations.  Some are funny, some are serious, some are stories submitted by relatives of deceased veterans and some are letters of recollections sent by the military from places far from home. Overall, they represent an amazing set of stories that will be read and remembered by generations to come. These stories also represent the proud heritage of men and woman who placed their country's freedom above all else, and were willing to do what it takes to keep it that way for all of us.  This is a unique opportunity for veterans to be heard and remembered by their friends and relatives including their children and grandchildren. The last Wayland Veterans Book of Remembrance was published over 150 years ago just after the civil war. Don't wait another 150 years, do it now.  Send your stories to jimburkley@comcast.com or John Turchenitz,Veterans Agent, Town Building, 41 Cochituate Rd., Wayland, 01778

7/5/07:  Behind the Camera:  WayCam and the Council on Aging are offering Summer TV Production Classes on Wednesdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 6:30-8pm.  The first class will be held at the cable studio at Wayland High School. Join us for coffee and dessert.  Learn how to use video cameras, learn studio setup, learn aspects of videotaping, and much more  Class size is limited. To sign up or for more information call Jim Mullane at 508-358-5006 or JoAnn Kunz at 508-358-2990.

7/5/07:  Housing opportunities.  The best resource for Wayland seniors looking for affordable housing might only be a stone’s throw away, according to Wayland Housing Authority Director Brian Boggia.  According to Boggia, the town’s Bent Avenue Park and Cochituate Village apartments raised their income eligibility limits for seniors to $46,300 for one person and $52,950 for a couple.  "For people who grew up in town or have families that moved to Wayland, we’re a great resource," said Boggia.  Under those limits, seniors and people with disabilities may rent one-bedroom apartments in the Cochituate area.  Boggia said the Housing Authority also accepts renters from any town. Rent is based on 30 percent of adjusted gross monthly income.  The Wayland Housing Authority can be reached at 508-655-6310.

7/2/07:  Saturday, July 21, Wayland Democrats Summer Picnic, 26 Pemberton Rd., 3-7pm.  The Wayland Democratic Town Committee will hold its annual Summer Picnic at the home of Jon Saxton and Barbara Fox, 26 Pemberton Rd. Many, if not all of the candidates for the 5th Congressional seat being vacated by Marty Meehan should be there, so will be a good time to get to know them. Many other special guests as well.  All are welcome.  For more information, visit http://www.waylanddems.org or email jonsax@comcast.net

6/29/07:  New Passes at the Library: The library has a new pass that allows free daytime parking for one carload of visitors to all Massachusetts State Parks (except Nahant and Nantasket). For a complete list of state parks, visit the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation website (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/). Also, through a consortial arrangement, our Fruitlands Museum pass may be used for free admission to the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham. These and all our passes may be reserved online at our website, www.waylandlibrary.org or by calling 508-358-2311.

6/29/07:  Friends Book Cart: Remember that the Friends Cart in the library’s lower lobby is stocked all year round with good donated books and videos. If you are looking to stock up on some great (but inexpensive) books to take on vacation, check out the cart. You won’t find a better deal!

6/28/07:  Register for annual Dudley Pond Run. The 11th annual Dudley Pond Run, a 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Race, will be held Sunday, Sept. 9. Proceeds benefit the Dudley Pond Association. The USATF-registered race is open to all ages. The kids’ fun runs begin at 12:30pm, followed by the 5K race at 1pm and the 2-mile walk at 1:05pm. With advance registration the fee is $6 per child and $18 per adult. On race day, the fee is $8 for kids, $20 for adults. A registration form is available online at www.dudleypond.org/dpr07.htm and also can be obtained by writing Dudley Pond Run, PO Box 5114, Wayland MA 01778-4137 or calling 508-655-1923. The first 50 registered adult runners and walkers will receive an official race T-shirt. The race will be held rain or shine. The race begins at Mansion Beach, located at Mansion Road and Lakeshore Drive, near Route 126 and West Plain Street, in Wayland. The event will loop around the pond with a short hilly route through the residential area. For more information about both the adult and kids’ events, visit www.dudleypond.org/DPRinfo.htm Post-race festivities include complimentary refreshments and live music. A raffle for valuable sports-related and other prizes will also be held. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the association’s efforts to preserve the quality of Dudley Pond and fight invasive pond weeds. The Dudley Pond Association’s goal is to preserve the present and future well-being of the natural and beautiful 84-acre pond, designated as a great pond by the state, for fishing, canoeing and other light recreation. Pond usage is open to all state residents.

6/28/07:  U.S. flag disposal Police Chief Robert Irving is advising all Wayland residents and businesses they may drop off worn or damaged U.S. flags at the Wayland Public Safety Building for proper disposal. There is also a bin at the Wayland landfill designated specifically for the disposal of U.S. flags. According to the United States Flag Code, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferable by burning." Any flags left at the Wayland Public Safety Building will be turned over to Veterans Agent John Turchinetz. The VFW, in conjunction with the Daughters of the American Revolution, are planning a ceremony in 2008 for the final disposal of any flags collected.

6/26/07:  The Wayland Republican Town Committee meets June 28th at 7:30PM in the Great Room of Traditions of Wayland.  The upcoming 5th Congressional District Special Election featuring Republican Jim Ogonowski (replacing retiring Rep. Marty Meehan) and other current political issues of importance to Wayland Republicans will be discussed. Unenrolled and Republican residents are always invited to join us. If you would like to become a member or have questions please contact John Toto at 508-380-5932.

6/22/07:  Meet and Greet/Fundraiser for Jamie Eldridge, candidate for Marty Meehan's congressional seat, Tuesday, June 26, 7:30pm at the home of John McGah and Ashley Welch, 24 Shawmut Ave.  Please RSVP to Lauren at lauren@jamieforcongress.com or 774.230.7389.  Jamie is currently the State Rep. from Acton and surrounding district.More about Jamie at www.jamieforcongress.com.  Everyone is welcome.  The event is scheduled for 7:30-9pm. Appetizers, desserts, and beer/wine/soft drinks will be served.

6/22/07:  Summer reading program.  The sign-up for this year’s summer reading program, “Catch the Beat,” is well underway. This year you can sign up and track your reading online. The program includes special events, prizes, and a very cool reading incentive: our donation goal this summer is to help out the destroyed library of our sister town in Waveland, Mississippi. Kids can help by just reading! The Library’s summer reading program is open to any young person excited about reading from preschoolers to teenagers. For more information, call 508-358-2308 or visit the Children and Teen sections of our website: www.waylandlibrary.org.  Win the Newest Harry Potter: If kids register for our Summer Reading Program, they will be automatically entered into a lottery to win Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Winners will be announced on Friday, July 20; books may be picked up beginning Saturday, July 21. Also, if you read just five books, you can be entered for weekly drawings in July to win a library card wallet.

6/22/07:  Summer library hours begin on Saturday, July 30.  As usual, the library will be open on summer Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and closed on Sundays. As of July 2, the library will be opening again at 9 in the morning on weekdays. The Library will close at 6 p.m. on July 3 and be closed all day on July 4 for Independence Day.

6/22/07:  Become a Friend.   For only $15 your family can become a member of the Friends of the Wayland Library. Members receive special newsletters with information about library events and the membership fees support valuable library programs. Please join the Friends or renew your membership if you haven’t already done so. You can join online at www.waylandlibrary.org or send your check to Friends of the Wayland Public Library, 5 Concord Road, Wayland, MA 01778. The library needs your support!

6/22/07:  No Charge on Movies: During July and August the library will not be charging rental fees on DVDs and VHS tapes. The loan period for movies remains 7 days with one renewal permitted. Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy movies, so do come in soon to browse the library's wonderful collection of films.

6/22/07:  Opera Audiobooks: We have recently acquired audiobook CD editions of eight of the world’s most famous operas from the Black Dog Opera Library. These recordings are especially nice because the first of the three discs in the set has the story of the opera, a summary of each act and scene, and biographies of the lead performers--all world renowned artists. The complete and uninterrupted opera in the original language is on the next two discs. Find them in the library in our section of audiobooks on CD.

6/21/07: Meet and Greet with Congressional Candidate Jamie Eldridge.  The Sudbury Committee to Elect Jamie Eldridge is hosting a meet-and-greet with State Rep. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, a candidate to represent the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District, on Monday, July 9 at the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury, 7-9pm.  The public is invited to come out to hear his views on the war in Iraq, single-payer universal health care, education, global warming, and many other relevant and current issues.

6/21/07:  Office Hours for state senator.   State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, will be holding office hours in Wayland on June 26, at the Wayland Senior Center, 2:15-3pm.  If you have any questions you can reach Sen. Brown’s office at 617-722-1555 or Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us.

6/15/07:  Senator Scott Brown's e-newsletter.  State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, distributes an e-newsletter each month via e-mail to his constituents as well as a quarterly paper newsletter by mail. Both feature an overview of Sen. Brown’s legislative priorities, legislative news, State House news, events and his "district hours" schedule. To receive a copy of either, contact Sen. Brown’s office at 617-722-1555 or Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us. Make sure to include your e-mail address and/or mailing address.

6/15/07:  Raytheon Public Involvement Plan meeting.  The next Public Involvement Plan meeting for the Raytheon hazardous waste site cleanup is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 at 7:30 pm in the Large Hearing Room in the Wayland Town Building.  Raytheon will provide status updates on the proposed Northern Area excavation, Southern Area groundwater remediation, and the wetlands remediation. Prior to the meeting, a draft Downgradient Property Status Opinion and a draft Response Action Outcome will be submitted for public comment.  Documents can be found at the Board of Health, the Wayland Library or online at www.ermne.com (use the username "raytheon" and the password "wayland," all lower case).

6/15/07:  Womankind accomplishes mission and shuts down.  After 14 years, the Wayland-based Womankind Inc., a resource center created to provide access to resources, advocacy and support to women in transition or need in MetroWest, has decided to close as of June 30.  When it began the Womankind’s Financial Literacy Project (FLP) in 1995, it was the first organization in the country to offer a model of women teaching women about money.  According to Board President Gail R. Shapiro, "We really started a trend. But women’s access to information and resources is now at their fingertips via a computer, not on index cards or file cabinets. There are so many institutional venues, from government agencies to private firms, offering women’s financial literacy right now, that the board realized we have accomplished our mission."  Womankind reached more than 10,000 women through workshops, an annual Women in Business Directory, art and photography exhibits, including one at the Danforth Museum, concerts and special events. Most importantly, the lives of thousands of women were helped through the publication of "MONEY ORDER: The Money Management Guide for Women" (Simon & Schuster, 2001). Via its Leaders Training Program, the Financial Literacy Project continues in communities in five states and Canada.  In 1998, Womankind was included in the "Catalogue for Philanthropy," highlighting the "best small charities in Massachusetts." Executive Director Gail R. Shapiro was also named as a "Daily Point of Light" by President George H. W. Bush in 2002, for her volunteer efforts on behalf of women.The Board of Directors urges its donors to redirect their contributions to other organizations serving women and girls and thanks the community for 14 years of support.

6/9/07:  New Chinese Materials at the Library: The library is in the process of adding about 70 new Chinese book titles and 30 DVDs. Recent purchases include books on cooking, gardening, medicine, history, business, fiction, and more. The new DVDs are mostly popular features as well as some TV series. The Library's Chinese collection can be found on two carts at the end of the fiction book stacks.

6/9/07:  Computer Recycling Day. The Social Justice Committee of St. Zepherin Church is holding a Computer Recycling Day on Saturday, June 16, from 9am to noon at St. Zepherin’s parking lot (rear), 99 Main St., Wayland. This is an opportunity to dispose of your unwanted electronic equipment, help the environment by recycling, and at the same time help raise funds for a worthy environmental cause. Computers and most used electronics (no TVs or microwaves) will be accepted. A donation of $8 per item or $15 for two is requested. For more information call Jeanne Stanton at 508-655-3542.

6/5/07:  Meet The Robbs at Cafe Decadence in Sudbury.  The portrait photography of The Robbs will be on display at Cafe Decadence, located in Sudbury's MIll Village, through the month of June. Steve and Kim Robb will be hosting a coffee hour at Cafe Decadence on Tuesday, June 12, from 9-10am (rescheduled from June 5). Free coffee and pastries will be provided. Additional examples of their portraits, including watercolor, canvas and tapestry media will be available to view. The Robbs will welcome questions regarding achieving successful photography of one's own children, and discuss their technique and style that have made their portraiture a favorite of families in the Metro West area. Cafe Decadece is located at 365 Boston Post Road in Sudbury. The Robbs can be reached at 508-655-5870 and viewed on the web at www.robbportraits.com.

6/5/07: SUMMER FUN with Park & Rec!

Beach Tags & Swim & Sailing Lessons:  The Beach opens full time on June 15.  Purchase your beach tags by calling our office at 508-358-3660 or completing the paperwork at the beach. 

Kids Programs

• Beach Buddies – Children 3 ½ yrs. to 5 ½  yrs. enjoy music, story time, nature, arts, swim lesson.

• Summer Adventure— Grades K – 5 enjoy sports, arts & crafts, nature, swimming, two field trips a week, scavenger hunts, water games, etc.  This program includes a Counselor in Training Program for teens aged 13 – 15. 

• Science—Robotics, Flight and Rocketry, Gizmos, Gadgets & Goop, Make a Futuristic Car, Top Secret Science, Mad Science, Electronic Lab Workshop, Club Invention

• Drama  - Three-week long Musical Theater Program

• Arts -  Make Your Own Web Page, Clay classes—create a scene of Fenway Park and/or of Boston Public Garden and the Swan Boats, Creative Art, Teaching 101

• Sports—Basketball, All Sports, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Soccer, Football, Track, Tennis, Skyhawks Sports, Warrior Sports, Thundercat Sports, Kayaking, Baseball, Track, Tennis, Horseback Riding, and special sports for ages 3 - 6

Touch a Truck, Sat. Sept 8, 10am-1pm:  This event was a bit hit last fall with 1,200 attending. Little kids and big kids enjoy a morning of fun behind the wheel of a big rig, front end loader, pick up truck, ambulance, fire engine, police cruiser, backhoe and more. There will be dunk tank with Adrian Gomes, moon bounce, inflatable obstacle course, children’s entertainer, face painter, science show, animal show, balloons, and refreshments. Entrance is free. Look for details in our fall brochure mailed to your homes in mid August. We are looking for local businesses to sponsor the activities.

Check the Park & Rec website to find more details or call 508-358-3660.

6/1/07:  Book Fair Appreciation Week. The New England Mobile Book Fair is celebrating 50 years as New England's Independent Bookstore by holding City/Town Appreciation Weeks. From 6/14 - 6/22, it’s Wayland Appreciation Week at the Book Fair. Here’s how it works: Identify yourself as from Wayland or mention the Wayland Free Public Library at checkout time. The Book Fair will donate 5% of these total sales (before tax) from 6/14 - 6/22 to the Wayland Free Public Library and Wayland School PTOs. Help celebrate this anniversary with the Book Fair while supporting the library.

6/1/07:  Summer Reading at the Library.  This year’s summer reading theme, “Catch the Beat,” is about every kind of beat you can imagine from the science of sound to musical crafts to family concerts. Join us for special events, prizes, and a very cool reading incentive: this summer our donation goal is to help out our sister town in Waveland, Mississippi. Their town library was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and is being rebuilt this year. Find out how you can help just by reading. This year you can sign up online and keep track of your reading online. Read alone, with a group, or be read to by someone else. Books, magazines, comics, newspapers and audio books all count. Print out a certificate of completion once you’ve reached your goal. Bring your certificate to the Youth Services Department between Monday, August 27, and Friday, September 7. For every certificate we receive, the Friends of the Library will donate a book or other materials to the Waveland Public Library. You can suggest a favorite title to be purchased and make a bookplate that will be given to the Waveland Public Library. The Wayland summer reading program is open to any young person excited about reading from preschoolers to teenagers.

6/1/07:  Summer Events at the Library. Our Summer Reading Program kick-off event will be Canopy: A Performance of Cultural Rhythms on Tuesday, June 26 at 11 a.m. Experience the rhythms of West Africa, Brazil, Lain America, Haiti, and more. Ricardo Frota of Sound Play Productions will present a lively, interactive concert for all ages, featuring many different instruments from around the world along with multicultural stories. Some of our other special events this summer include “Magic for Muggles” to coincide with the release of latest Harry Potter book, an author visit from the team who wrote Jacob and the Magic Feather, a family concert with David Polansky, movies for the whole family to enjoy, book clubs, crafts, and more. More information will be coming in June, so be sure to check out our newsletter and website for updates.

5/27/07:  Upcoming COA Trips.  TANGLEWOOD TRIP: Reserve now for a wonderful day trip to enjoy a concert at Tanglewood on Sunday, July 22. The $85 trip cost includes roundtrip motor coach transportation, luncheon at the Cork ’N Hearth and reserved seating in The Shed for the all-Beethoven program. If you are interested in this trip contact the Wayland COA at 508-358-2990. BLOCK ISLAND:
A ferry ride, guided tour of Block Island and luncheon will take place on Tuesday, July 24. Cost is $75 per person.

5/27/07:  Landfill Schedule.  Electronics Collection Day will be Saturday, June 2.  The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for certain hazardous materials is Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required by noon on Friday, June 8 in the Board of Health office. Forms are available at Town Hall, the landfill, library, Senior Center and on the Board of Health Web site.

5/18/07:  Greece trip deadline is nearing.  Helene Lerner, respected Classical Scholar and former department head in Classical Studies and Modern languages at Wayland High School, has put together an outstanding private tour: Greece by Land and Sea: An Ancient and Modern Odyssey in collaboration with Go Ahead Tours.  The trip will run from October 1st through October 14.  Highlights of the trip will include the magnificent monasteries of Meteora (where only James Bond goes for location shots), Delphi, Mykonos and Ephesus in Turkey (one of the seven wonders of the world) Rhodes, Patmos and Knossos in Crete, and Santorini.  In additional to its educational richness, one of the best features of this tour is its outstanding value - $4,299 – far less than comparable college and university-led trips. This includes everything from roundtrip airfare, motor coach, fabulous bilingual tour guides, admission fees to sites, delicious meals (breakfasts and 5 dinners) and last but not least 4 days and 3 nights aboard a luxurious Louis Hellenic Cruise line ship. But, time is running out.  We need to hear from you before June 1st as space is limited. Contact Valerie Blum of Go Ahead Tours (1-800-438-7672) or Helene as soon as possible so that she can share this jewel of an experience with you.  For complete details on the trip, view the trip brochure.

5/11/07:  Daffodil Bulbs. Once again Judy and Bill Currier are making available to Wayland residents thousands of daffodil and tulip bulbs .They are free to all Wayland residents. All of these plants have been removed from landscape installations at various Boston Hotels and restaurants and are in good usable condition. They can be picked up by calling 508-653-8554. We will also provide detailed planting instructions for those who are new to this program. Come and help make Wayland more beautiful.

5/11/07:  Wayland Archeology Group will hold field workshops for a controlled excavation of an 8,000-year-old site in Wayland. Participants may sign up for session A (five Saturdays beginning June 2) or Session B (Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 29) or for both. There is no fee. For more information call Paul Gardescu at 508-358-2669.

5/2/07:  Fourth Annual Sudbury Valley Trustees Photo Contest.  Drop off at SVT headquarters from May 14 through June 8 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm only).  Attention, all you nature enthusiast photographers. You ve probably taken some great photographs in our 36-town region. Do you think yours could be award winning? Bring up to three of your nature photographs, taken within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers Valley to our headquarters during the dates listed above. Winning photographs will be selected in three categories (people, rivers, and wildlife habitat), plus an overall "Best In Show". Everyone submitting a photograph will receive an invitation to the Riverfest Kick-Off, Friday June 15. All winning photographs will be displayed throughout Riverfest in the barn at Wolbach Farm.  For more details, go to: http://www.sudburyvalleytrustees.org/page.php?id=123.  Three entries per person are allowed. Members: Entry fee is $10 for the first photograph and $5 for additional photographs. Non-Members: $10 per photograph.

4/30/07:  Friends of the CoA Postal Stamp Contest.  There will be three divisions for contestants:  (1) K-5th grade, (2) Middle and High School (Grades 6-12), (3) the Community at Large.  Create a design which you feel describes the Friends of the Council on Aging:  "Community Helping Community".  Two finalists will be selected from each category to compete for the Grand Prize.  All finalists will receive a special gift basket.  Prizes include: one month fitness membership to the Longfellow Club, "Dinner for Two" gift certificate at a premier local restaurant, K'Nex Electronic Arcade game, 6 foot "Dance On" Piano Keyboard and Mat, and more...  Contest starts of May 15th and entries must be received by June 15, 2007 at 3pm at the COA office in the Town Building. 

4/28/07:  Videographer Needed: We’re looking for a volunteer to operate WayCam equipment on May 15 and 29 to record our Shakespeare series for later rebroadcast on our local cable station. If you are willing to be trained to do this, please contact Ann Knight at 508-358-2311.

4/28/07:  ESOL Tutor Reunion: The Library’s ESOL program is having a Tutor Reunion on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. in the Raytheon Room. All current and former ESOL tutors are invited. Some of our tutors have just started tutoring, some have been doing it for a long time, and some are waiting for a first student. Everyone is encouraged to come and share stories, learn from one another, and strengthen our network of connections. For more information, contact Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517.

4/28/07:  Library Newsletter by Email: If you are interested in receiving our monthly newsletter by email, go to our website (http://www.waylandlibrary.org) and click the “Newsletter” link. Once you get to the next page, you will find a link in the right-hand column that will allow you to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.

4/26/07:  Beit Olam cemetery expansion close to goal.  The Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts (JCAM) is closing in on its goal of securing 1,000 non-binding reservations for its proposed Beit Olam Cemetery expansion in Wayland. It has received more than 870 reservations in hand with two weeks to go.  The planned expansion area is a stone’s throw away from the cemetery that opened in 1999 which is nearly sold out 23 years ahead of schedule. The 9-acre parcel sought for expansion will provide 7,700 more burial sites for Conservative, Reform and unaffiliated interfaith Jewish families in MetroWest.JCAM must have the minimum number of commitments by May 1 to undertake the construction of the cemetery. It is offering the community a sizeable discount – a 30 percent reduction in current gravesite prices – as part of its pre-construction sales drive until the May 1 deadline. For more information contact JCAM at 617-244-6509 or visit www.jcam.org

4/22/07:  The Wayland Historical Commission is seeking volunteers.  No previous experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm for Wayland history.  The commission has a variety of projects in which interested residents can become involved, including the preservation of historic railroad sites and artifacts, documenting distinguished old homes, archeology programs, and historic cemetery restoration.  The commission meets one evening per month, September through June in the Wayland Town Building.  The commission's website is at:  http://www.wayland.ma.us/historical.  Please contact Steve Curtain, Historical Commission Chairman, at 508-647-9870.

4/20/07:  Library Reminder Notices?  The Minuteman Library Network is doing a survey to evaluate whether our users would be interested in receiving email reminders just before library materials become overdue.  This reminder “Courtesy Notice” would help users to remember to renew or return materials before an overdue fine is assessed.  To participate in this survey, go to our website at www.waylandlibrary.org and follow the links from our home page starting on April 23.

4/11/07:  Petition to Improve State Funding of the Towns.  Through Save Our Services Wayland, Martha Gordon and Malcolm Astley have initiated a petition to Massachusetts government officials to improve state funding of the towns. The petition focuses on the demands facing all communities in Massachusetts and how the state can begin to alleviate some of the need for overrides by addressing two critical issues: (1) providing a reliable source of funding for education tied to real needs and costs, (2) allowing municipal healthcare plans and pension funds to be consolidated into the state s plans. The window for influencing the budget formation is now. If you would like to sign the petition, it is located online here.  Signatures will be presented to government officials in the coming weeks.

4/9/07:  Openings for Library Pages. The library has a couple of openings for paid library pages to work one afternoon a week and a rotating weekend schedule at the library. Interested students should contact Pam Sway in the Children’s Room at 508-358-2308.

4/5/07:  Relay For Life of Weston-Wayland.  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers and teams for the first-ever Relay For Life of Weston-Wayland, taking place on Saturday, June 16 through Sunday, June 17 at the Claypit Hill Elementary School in Wayland. Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the nation to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones, and raise money for the fight against cancer. All Wayland and Weston residents and community members, businesses, schools, and organizations are invited to participate. Attend Relay Team Captain Meetings, the next two of which are scheduled for on April 5 and April 25, to collect information and materials for starting a team (full meeting schedule available on our website). These meetings are held in the Wayland Senior Center, Town Hall, 41 Cochituate Rd at 7:00pm. For more information, to register, or to make a donation, visit www.acsevents.org/relay/maweston, or call or email Ashley Abelson-James at 781-314-2608 or ashley.abelson-james@cancer.org.

4/5/07:  Club Invention comes to Wayland.  Children will have the opportunity to investigate a make-believe crime scene; create exciting new games; design boats, hovercrafts and gliders; and transform ordinary household items into extraordinary inventions when the Club Invention program arrives at Wayland this summer. The program is scheduled for July 9th through July 13th at Wayland Middle School.  For complete details, click here.

4/1/07:  Wayland Library introduces Online Newsletter:  One of the neat features of the library's new website is the ability to sign up for WPL’s monthly newsletter to be delivered by email. To sign up, click here.  There are a number of newsletters available ranging from Book Club choices to Science and Nature to Teen Scene.  Past newsletters are available online as well.

4/1/07:  Nitehawks Sports Club Begins Spring Track and Field Practice.  The Nitehawks Sports Club is starting spring practice sessions for track and field for boys and girls age 6 to 18.  Boys and girls from anywhere in the MetroWest region are invited to participate. The team will train together three times a week. Practices are held in Wayland, Marlboro and Concord. All practices and meets are optional; there is no minimum level of participation required.  Athletes will be given individual workouts to perform in preparation for meets. In addition, clinics will be held to help refine technique. All track and field events are taught, including running (individual and relays), jumping (high jump, long jump and triple jump) and throwing (shot put, discuss and turbo javelin).  The team will take part in USATF and AAU meets all the way up to the national level. Our athletes also participate in the Bay State Games and the Hershey meets.  Last summer thirteen individuals from our club qualified for the Junior Olympics National Championships in track and field.  For our schedule and additional information, please visit our website at www.thenitehawks.org. You can also contact Alex Ivanov (head coach) at 978-505-8318 or Eric Bucher at 508-397-1261.

3/17/07:  Kids on Cable.  Tune in to Channel 9, WayCAM, on Tuesdays through the end of April at noon and 5 pm to view the three television shows produced by children attending the BASE (Before/After School Extension) program. Twenty-eight children from Claypit Hill, Loker, and Happy Hollow helped produce the kids' shows, featuring segments as varied as video game reviews, sports reports, comedy, pet care, and singing competitions.

3/14/07:  Park & Recreation has posted a number of seasonal job positions for the summer, ranging from beach director and lifeguards, to camp director and counselors and a seasonal laborer for the Park Department.  Click here for more details.

2/27/07:  Openings at Pegasus Summer Program.  You can learn how to paint your face from a real clown. Go canoeing on the Charles, climb rocks at Boulder Morty's, indulge in ice cream at Kimball's Dairy, be an actor in front of the whole camp or a reporter on TV in front of the whole town (or at least those who subscribe to Comcast Cable.) All of these activities are on the agenda for the Pegasus Summer Program at Loker School with specific offerings available to different age groups. There are limited openings in all age groups. The program's two three-week sessions begin June 25 and end August 3. This summer's highlights include a carnival, barbecue, one week clown-in-residence, swimming, games, computers, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Science and TV Production/Media (Wayland Pegasus Kids News.) Activities are designed for specific age groups with older participants enjoying rock climbing, outdoor activities at Hale Reservation, and canoeing on the Charles River. There's even a trip to a Pawtucket Red Sox game on the calendar for Grades 3-6.  For information about the program - which was founded by the Wayland Public Schools in 1994 - call Ellen Dubick at 508-358-3781.

2/8/07:  Rep. Tom Conroy's Office Hours.  For calendar year 2007, Conroy plans to hold office hours on the 16th of every month. No appointments are necessary and meetings are held on a first come, first served basis.  Wayland office hours will be in the Raytheon Room of the Wayland Library 5-6pm.

9/25/06:  The Wayland Pandemic Flu Taskforce is building an Email Pandemic Alert Registry.  This Registry will be used to ensure that residents can get monthly / periodic email updates, newsletter and analysis / interpretation of flu related issues of value to them and their families.  To add your name to the registry, please email Arnie Soslow.  For more information, click here.
 
9/22/06:  We have added a Council on Aging Page summarizing news and events from the CoA.  We will continue to list CoA events on the Events Page as well.

9/20/06:  Residential Green Buildings:  What are they and how can they save you money and improve your health?, Wednesday, October 4, 7-8:30pm at Town Building.  Barbra Batshalom, Executive Director of The Green Roundtable, will discuss basic green building principles, techniques and standards. Residents will learn about concrete steps they can take to make their home or apartment more resource-efficient and healthy. For the last half hour, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.   For complete details, click here.