Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Waltham police widow still awaits her promised death benefit

Spotted on the Waltham calendar: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

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Greetings Waltham! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Waltham police widow still awaits her promised death benefit
  • Why Brandeis is suddenly on so many "best college" lists
  • Want to lead IT at a Waltham biotech for $380K-plus?

Also on today's calendar: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music! and 15 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Very warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 79 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 82, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 71 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Pay me what I'm due': Widow of Waltham police officer has not received death benefit from nonprofit (nbcboston.com) — A longtime Waltham police officer's widow says she still hasn't received the $10,000 death benefit her husband believed would support her, despite his decades of dues and service. Her son, also a Waltham officer, and NBC10 Boston found the police relief association financially healthy but unresponsive, raising questions about how benefits are handled and what options affected Waltham families have.
   

2. In new college roundups, Brandeis recognized as a hidden gem and a best-value college (brandeis.edu) — Brandeis University in Waltham just earned national recognition as both a "hidden gem" and a "best value college," highlighting its strong academics, affordability, and outcomes. The university also drew praise for its music program, with its Department of Music singled out for leadership in composition and new music, reinforcing Waltham's profile as a serious college town.
   

3. How AI is changing how Hollywood makes movies (fortune.com subscription) — If you work in tech leadership, note that Viridian Therapeutics is hiring a senior VP of IT based in Waltham with a posted salary over $380,000. The broader piece explores how AI is reshaping filmmaking and the wider tech industry, from low-budget AI-generated movies to new security tools and executive hires across major companies.
   

4. The Flock Backlash and Growing Revolt Against License Plate Surveillance (northdallasgazette.com) — A Waltham congressional candidate and former Flock Safety employee says 12 license plate surveillance cameras were installed in Waltham without a public hearing, raising concerns about privacy and oversight. His experience now fuels a broader movement challenging automated license plate readers nationwide, as civil liberties groups warn about data sharing, immigration enforcement, and the erosion of meaningful Fourth Amendment protections.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Nova Biomedical posted a job opening for Planar Sensor Dispense Operator in Waltham. Apply here.
  • Aramark posted a job opening for Cook 3 in Waltham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waltham here.

Ok Waltham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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