The Waltham Channel

12/21/2025

UNDEFEATED HAWKS SHUT OUT SOUTH

The Waltham High School boys varsity hockey team blew out visiting Newton South 8–0 Saturday at Veterans.

The Hawks are off to a strong 3–0 start under new head coach Chris Maguire.

Photos: Peter Lobo

12/19/2025

DEPARTING SCHOOL OFFICIALS RECOGNIZED

On Wednesday, the school committee honored three outgoing officials for their contributions to the district.

Dr. Nadene Stein (top left), a former principal and current Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, is retiring. She worked for WPS from 2001 to 2025.

John Frassica (bottom) served on the school committee from 2014 to 2025, while his colleague Liz Al Jammal (top right) served from 2017 to 2025.

Congrats to all!

Watch Waltham school officials express their gratitude and respect:
wcac.org/government/meetings/school-committee/school-committee-12-17-25

MAC-TV screengrabs

12/19/2025

For the month of December, Chief O’Connell authorizes participation in “No Shave December”, where officers are allowed to grow a beard for a donation that will be given to a local charity or organization. This year, all proceeds were donated to the Waltham Boys and Girls Club. Yesterday, the Waltham Police Department presented a check to the Waltham Boys and Girls Club in the amount of $5000.

12/18/2025

“AMERICAN FARE WITH BBQ TWIST”

Da Vinci Ristorante at 482 Moody Street has been sold. In its place will be new venture called Maple & High, with a menu from the former executive chef at Bison County.

The owners appeared before the city’s license commission Wednesday to transfer the required licenses, including an all-alcohol license.

Michael Culpo (shown in photo) told the commission he’s been in the restaurant industry for 15 years. Since February 2022, he has operated The Tack Room in Lincoln.

He said he plans to serve lunch, brunch and dinner in Waltham and that the cuisine would be “American fare with barbecue twist to it.”

Executive chef Dan Lane, Michael’s business partner, worked at Bison County, a former Moody Street restaurant.

He wants to bring back some good barbecue to Waltham and combine it with “upscale comfort food.”

The license transfers were approved and will now proceed to state license regulators for approval. No proposed open date for Maple & High was given.

Da Vinci Ristorante, established by Chef Shingara “Peppino” Singh and his partners, lasted roughly three years in the former Charcoal Guido’s space.

A spokesman said Da Vinci will remain open until at least the end of January for dine-in service and take out.

12/15/2025

The former Waltham city councilor has announced a 2026 Democratic primary challenge against one of the most powerful elected officials in Congress.

Waltham Community Access Corporation

12/14/2025

WREATHS TO REMEMBER

Waltham residents and veterans participated in the nationwide Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday.

On a chilly morning, volunteers laid festive wreaths on the gravestones of service members at Mount Feake and Grove Hill Cemeteries.

“We’re here to remember them and thank them for their service,” said Jeanne Flaherty, who has coordinated the effort with her son James for 10 years.

12/14/2025

HAPPY HANUKKAH

Hanukkah starts at sundown on Sunday, December 14.

The City of Waltham’s annual Menorah Lighting event, held with officials from Temple Beth Israel, will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall.

All are welcome.

File photo

12/13/2025

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999

And pay old-school prices too.

The new McDonald’s is hosting a Y2K-themed event Saturday at 789 Main Street.

Along with a local DJ blasting out 2000-era tunes, there are free giveaways for kids and menu items for only a dollar (limit three per person). The event runs until 2:00 p.m.

12/12/2025

KETTLE DRIVE

Red kettle donations are down by more than 25% statewide this year—at a time of increased need among local families and seniors.

Waltham city councilors are helping out by ringing the bell for the Waltham Salvation Army at Market Basket until 5:00 p.m. Friday.

12/12/2025

WHAT’S GOING IN THERE?

Four retail bays are under construction at 1265 Main near Market Basket. But there’s no official confirmation on any possible tenants currently.

12/11/2025

CINDY TIME

During the Waltham Salvation Army’s annual kettle drive, Cindy Pelletier really shines.

For 53 years, the Waltham native has rung the bell to collect donations for those in need during the holiday season—a remarkable run.

If you see red kettles around town at grocery stores, please consider making a donation.

On Friday, December 12, Waltham elected officials will join the effort by collecting kettle donations at Market Basket from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The goal this year is to raise $70,000 for Waltham families.

12/10/2025

MOST OF THE MEDS STOLEN FROM WALTHAM ROUTE WERE FOR SENIORS

A former USPS letter carrier pleaded guilty last week in federal court to stealing packages with prescription medications intended for postal customers on his Waltham route.

Michael Vernon, 52, of Somerville, carried out the thefts from mid 2022 through January 2024.

A DOJ release said more than 1,000 pieces of undelivered mail were found in his personal vehicle, including 17 prescription pill bottles for 10 different customers.

“Most of the customers whose medications Vernon stole were elderly,” said the DOJ.

“These medications are used to treat nerve pain, seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, depression, anxiety and ADHD.”

Vernon, who was arrested in September, will be sentenced in April 2026.

File photo