Joe Sent Me

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@WorkElizab Utah

[Joe Sent Me @JoeSentMe1]

Nice night for a grill and a Negroni.

[Joseph Sharkey Media @PhotoShark55]

Waltham, MA - Students, parents, alumni, and community members spoke during public comment at Wednesday night’s Waltham School Committee meeting in support of the Waltham High School Music Unlimited show choir program.

Many speakers addressed the committee after concerns that potential schedule changes at Waltham High School could impact the program and reduce rehearsal time. Some students said they were worried the program could potentially be moved to an after-school competitive club rather than remaining part of the school’s academic offerings.

Several students shared personal stories about the impact Music Unlimited has had on their lives, describing the program as a place that builds confidence, community, and leadership among students.

Students who spoke during the meeting included Ariana Raad, Gabrielle Fox, Owen White, Charlotte McCrary, Anya Hersh, Derek Dowcett, Ashley Dowcett, Anthony Pullano, Alice Svinolobova, Jacob Katz, Sierra Nicholas, Sierra Longstaff, Morgan Brennan, Raffi Sarkissian, Sofia Laviano, and others.

Many speakers described the program as an important outlet for students, particularly those who once struggled with confidence or speaking in front of others.

Gabrielle Fox, a member of Music Unlimited, said she spoke at the meeting because the program plays a major role in students’ lives.

“I really value my dedication and work to this show choir and the people who work just as hard as I do,” Fox said. “It made me upset hearing that they could potentially be making it an after-school competitive club, but it wouldn’t be functionally possible. It is community, it is determination, and it is a place for all trying to find their sense of belonging.”

Another student, Ashley Dowcett, also spoke in support of the program and said Music Unlimited has been an important part of her high school experience.

“I am very passionate about the group,” Dowcett said. “I felt that it was unfair for our group to be at risk of becoming less than it is due to policies changing that would hurt our rehearsal time. I am really grateful to work with such an amazing, supportive, and kind group of people.”

Several students also explained that before joining Music Unlimited they were shy, antisocial, or uncomfortable speaking publicly, but the program helped them build confidence, friendships, and the courage to perform and speak in front of others.

Parents and alumni also addressed the committee, speaking about the impact the program has had on students over the years and urging officials to consider the importance of arts programs within the school community.

During the meeting, School Committee members said the proposed schedule changes are part of a broader effort to address declining test scores and academic performance at Waltham High School. Recent state MCAS data shows that academic performance at the high school has declined in several subjects in recent years, including English language arts, mathematics, and science. Officials said the district is reviewing scheduling and academic structure in an effort to improve student outcomes and strengthen overall academic performance.

Students and supporters argued that programs like Music Unlimited help keep students engaged in school, build confidence, and create a strong sense of community.

The large number of students, parents, and alumni who spoke during public comment highlighted the strong impact the Music Unlimited program has had on the Waltham High School community.

[Joe Sent Me @JoeSentMe1]

https://t.co/gk9O1pWOck: Local breaking news, sports, weather, and things to do. Congratulations to all the other participating restaurants that were also mentioned!
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@elonmuskADO Sweet color!

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Our newest draught line in Cambridge #gratefuldead #dogfishheadbrewery #samadamsbrewery

[Sarah Wroblewski @sarahwroblewski]

🔔 to signal the end of radiation therapy. So proud of this fighter! Future unknown… but today we were able to celebrate. 🎉#ThumbsUpForDec👍 #Declanstrong💛🎗️ #MedulloblastomaWarrior @BobbyLyons21

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We will Never Forget

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@landofthe80s Something About Mary, playing Camron Diaz’s mother

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@MagicJohnson Had a better movie career than Bill Russell. That’s about it.

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@JamesMelville You forgot feckless

[paulconnolly @paulconnolly43s]

Ed Woods was a true 🏀 lifer. I think The new Fidelity House will now be “Ed Woods Court”

[Retro Recall (☥𝐃𝐁) @RetroMoviesDB]

Excalibur (1981)

One of the best Arthur tales.

[Elizabeth Dragone @wandadaniels]

🩷☘️ 2nd Annual Badass Fundraiser ☘️🩷

[City_Streets @City_Streets]

A huge shoutout to @JoeSentMe1 for hosting the most incredible Staff Christmas Party! Your crew was absolutely amazing, and the food? Delicious. 😋 🔥

A big thank you to Dj Shaw for transforming the dance floor into a party all night long! 🎉💃

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[Trooper Ben @TrooperBenKs]

When I’m told I need to deliver a death notification, the weight of it hits me immediately. My chest tightens, my stomach sinks, and my heart skips a beat. I know I’m about to share news that will change someone’s life forever.

When I arrive at the home, I knock on the door and take a step back. I often see the family through a window, walking through their living room. They wave or smile at me, trying to greet me warmly. That moment is incredibly hard because I can’t smile back—I know I’m about to bring them the darkest moment of their life.

When they open the door, they usually ask, “What’s wrong? What happened?” That’s when I begin by confirming their name and if I’m at the correct address. Once I know I’ve got the right person, in the right place, I notice something I’ve seen many times before—they start taking small steps back, almost fading away from me. I don’t think they even realize they’re doing it. I think it’s their body trying to create distance from an unwelcome moment, knowing deep down that something devastating is about to be said.

Then, I deliver the most difficult words anyone could ever hear:
“It’s my sad responsibility to tell you that your son has died in a crash.”
“It’s my sad responsibility to tell you that your daughter has died in a crash.”
“It’s my sad responsibility to tell you that your mother has died in a crash.”
“It’s my sad responsibility to tell you that your father has died in a crash.”

In those moments, I often see one of three reactions:
1. They collapse. Some fall to the floor, crying in a way that’s impossible to describe. I kneel beside them, and often, I cry with them.
2. They go silent. Others stand frozen, their faces blank as they try to process what I’ve said. They’re lost, unsure of how to move forward.
3. They push me away. Sometimes, I’m told to leave or forcefully pushed back as they yell, “No! Don’t say that!” But I stay because no one should face that moment alone.

These moments stay with me and the family involved.

Tonight is a night meant for celebration—a time to welcome the new year, look forward to fresh opportunities, and start anew. It shouldn’t begin with tragedy and heartbreak.

Please make safe choices tonight. Don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the pain of ever having to face this kind of moment.

Be safe,
Trooper Ben

[Joe Sent Me @JoeSentMe1]

All Gave Some
Some Gave All

Thank you Vets!

[Krist⛱n @kpt_13]

Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation holds 35th annual memorial ceremony https://t.co/dBEjqkm2qJ