The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 4, No. 2 February 2009
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Waltham Corner
Upcoming Events
Important Information on Foreclosure
About Rep. Stanley

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District
Waltham City Hall
 
Waltham City Hall
 
Lift off!
 
We have lift off!
 
Winter Fun!
 
 Winter Fun!   
 
State House Dome 
 
State House Dome
 
 
Sunset on Winter 
 
Sunset on Winter 
 
State House 
 
If you'd like to visit the State House, please call 617-727-3676.

Contact Information:

 

State Representative

Thomas M. Stanley

State House, Room 36

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2470

Thomas.Stanley@

 state.ma.us

Dear Friend:   

It is my pleasure to deliver February's edition of The Stanley Report, my monthly update from Beacon Hill. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your friends, family and co-workers and let them know they can subscribe to receive my monthly newsletter by emailing me

 

Thanks for reading, and for giving me the opportunity to represent you in the legislature.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (617) 722-2470.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Stanley

News from Beacon Hill  
 
House Elects New Speaker
 
The House elected Rep. Robert DeLeo to serve as its new speaker, with the support of 137 colleagues. His opponent, Minority Leader Bradley Jones, received 16 votes, the entire Republican caucus. 
 
Rep. Stanley, House, Pass Rules Reform
 
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the House in passing a broad rules reform package that will limit the Speaker's term to a maximum of 8 years, institute mandatory ethics training and allow the Speaker to unilaterally remove a member from a leadership position or committee if they receive a criminal indictment. These changes to the rules will help pave the way for the work the House has to do on ethics reform, pension reform and transportation reform.
 
The rules changes will permit the Ethics Committee to bring forward bills and eliminate legislative or executive agents from giving gifts to members.  Through the work of Rep. Stanley and other Members of the House, this package targets ethics reform, process reform and voting reform. 
 
Rep. Stanley supports Governors Ethics Task Force Legislation, also files his own ethics legislation
 
Rep. Stanley believes that the legislature needs to quickly adopt the recommendations presented by Governor Patrick's Task Force on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.  In early January, Gov. Patrick's Task Force on Public Integrity issued a report outlining comprehensive recommendations to strengthen the state's ethics and lobbying laws.  The bill filed by the governor focuses on the enhancement of rules and authority concerning lobbying and conflict of interest violations.  The bill gives the Attorney General greater authority to enforce conflict of interest and lobbying laws.  The legislation also includes enhanced penalties for these violations as well as mandatory education and training for all public employees.
 
Rep. Stanley filed ethics legislation to define lobbying; ban gifts from lobbyists to public officials; provide the Secretary of State rule-making authority to implement the lobbying laws, to provide confidential, binding advisory opinions and impose fines; require lobbyists to wear name and affiliation badges while on duty in any public building; and remove the provision that allows the legislature to be exempt from the state's open meeting law.
 
Federal Stimulus Package Includes Billions for MA
 
Massachusetts will receive more than $11 billion the $787 billion American Recovery and Investment Act.  Funds from the stimulus package will include $1 billion for transportation projects and infrastructure work.  This money includes $400 million for highways and $600 million for mass transit.  Funds from the stimulus package will also benefit the state, cities and towns and individuals as direct subsidies for social services or tax credits.  The MA legislature's formed an 18-member Temporary Standing Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight to oversee stimulus spending.
 
MA's share of the stimulus packages includes tax cuts to people earning less than $75,000 per year and families making under $150,000, at a rate of $400 per individual and $800 per family,
green tech tax credits, nearly $45 million in homelessness prevention funds, approximately
$60 million to "restart" stalled affordable housing projects, $30 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, more than $800 million in federal education aid and approximately $2.4 billion in Medicaid funding.
 
Gov. Patrick Announces Transportation and Economic Security Reform Plan
 
Gov. Patrick announced a comprehensive reform plan to simplify the state's transportation system, while addressing serious fiscal challenges stemming from decades of neglect and inaction, and a failed bureaucracy under the "Big Dig" culture.  Gov. Patrick's Transportation and Economic Security Plan incorporates recommendations from the Transportation Finance Commission Report that uncovered decades of inaction and neglect under previous administrations. Gov. Patrick plan includes securing the Commonwealth's economic future and maintaining safety of the state's roads and bridges. For complete information and details about the plan, please click here.
 
The plan proposes a fuel tax increase of 19 cents - approximately $8 per month for most drivers. Future increases would follow the Consumer Price Index (an essential component that the state failed to do last time). The gas tax has not been increased since 1991

Rep. Stanley Files Education Legislation
 
Rep. Stanley filed a bill to place a moratorium on charter schools until a special commission determines the effectiveness of Commonwealth charter schools based upon criteria set forth.  The objective of this bill is to suspend the current practice of approving new charter schools in the state which threaten the financial stability of every MA public school. Charter schools divert dollars from school districts to programs that are not accountable to the taxpayers in your community and are not proven, in many cases, to be more effective.
 
Rep. Stanley Files Legislation on Behalf of Senior Citizens
 
Rep. Stanley filed a bill to reduce the age of eligibility for senior citizen real estate tax exemptions to age sixty five. This legislation reduces the age of eligibility from age 70 to 65 years old and would allow more citizens of the commonwealth to take advantage of the senior circuit tax breaker.
 
He also filed an act relative to the senior circuit tax breaker credit.Currently, the income tax credit is equal to the amount by which one's property tax bill exceeds 10% of their total income, and it is capped at $750.  This legislation would change it 8.5% of a senior's total income.
 
Rep. Stanley filed a bill to exempt seniors from certain bank fees. Seniors applying for MassHealth would no longer have to pay the charges assessed by banks for obtaining those records.  This helps reduce the financial burden on seniors, many of who are especially sensitive to any extra cost associated with maintaining access to health care.
 
Rep. Stanley files MA GI Bill for Veterans
 
Under current law, Massachusetts veterans may be eligible for limited tuition waivers, but they are not a guaranteed benefit.  Today, the mandatory fees at the Commonwealth's public higher education institutions can be four times the cost of tuition.  Last year, the Legislature included language in HB 4469, The Welcome Home Bill, which addressed such cost barriers and waived both tuition and fees at state and community colleges for current members of the Massachusetts National Guard.  This bill would expand the tuition and fee waiver education benefit to all Massachusetts veterans.  

Rep. Stanley's bottle bill change may bring relief to water sewer rates
 
Rep. Thomas Stanley recently filed legislation, on behalf of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), to update and expand the "Bottle Bill" in MA.
 
The Bottle Bill would expand the existing Bottle Bill to include $0.05 deposit on bottled water containers. Unreturned deposit receipts would be placed in a dedicated fund available to municipalities, water districts, and the MWRA to be used for water and sewer infrastructure repairs and projects. The anticipated amount of unclaimed deposits would bring in between $30 and $50 million annually.
 
Article 87 Briefing
 
Gov. Patrick's office held a legislator and staff briefing on the Governor's Article 87 package, "An Act Reorganizing Certain Agencies of the Executive Department."  This legislation restructures certain state agencies to make them more cost effective and responsive by consolidating programs and program staff within agencies whose mission and expertise will ensure the most coordinated, efficient operation of the programs.
 
Rep. Stanley Encourages Residents to Contact Energy Bucks to Stay Warm
 
Rep. Stanley encourages his constituents to contact Energy Bucks to see what energy efficiency and cost-saving services they qualify for.  Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates "one-stop-shopping" for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs.
 
Energy efficiency services are available to families at little or no cost depending on their income. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance or energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124.
 
These services can help save qualified families up to 30 percent on their energy bills by insulating and weatherizing their homes, repairing or replacing a heating system, receiving discount rates for electric and gas, installing energy efficient appliances and obtaining fuel assistance. By spreading the word about the resources available, Energy Bucks links residents to programs that will help them stretch their dollars as the weather gets colder and budgets get tighter.
  
While this year's fuel assistance benefit has increased, providing roughly 10 weeks of heat to oil customers versus last year's average of 7 weeks, there are also actions residents themselves can take to reduce their energy use and stretch their dollars. Simple steps like taking showers versus baths, which use 40 percent less hot water, and turning off and unplugging all TV's and computers when not in use, can make a real difference in energy bills. 

Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign combining grassroots outreach, community-based activities and advertising to build awareness of the fuel assistance, discount rates and energy efficiency services available to income-eligible families. To find out if you qualify for assistance, click here or call 1-866-LESS-COST. 
 
Legislation cosponsored by Rep. Stanley signed into law
 
The Nature Conservancy thanked Rep. Stanley for cosponsoring land conservation incentives, which the governor signed into law (An act authorizing tax credits for qualified donations of certain land to a public or private conservation agency - chapter 509 of the acts of 2008).  The incentive will provide a very useful tool for the permanent protection of ecologically valuable land during these challenging times. 
 
Savings in the Commonwealth
 
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and TourismStarting announced great new deals on Massachusetts lodging, restaurants, and attractions at www.massvacation.com. When you visit the site, you'll see hundreds of newly discounted places to go and things to do - all across the Commonwealth. Just download the wallet-sized "MassValuePass" and take advantage of discounts that start at 25% off.  These offers expire on March 31. 
 
MCC's Adams Program Invests $1.3 Million in Creative Economy Projects
 
The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) announced the release of more than $1.3 million in grants to stimulate new economic activity, create jobs, and revitalize communities by investing in arts and cultural projects across the state.
 
The grants come through MCC's Adams Arts Program for the Creative Economy, the oldest and most far-reaching program of its kind in the nation. This year, Adams grants will support 37 projects in every region of Massachusetts. These funds fuel a creative sector that has a $4.2 billion total impact on the state's economy and provides more than 109,000 jobs.
 
FY09 MassHealth Outreach Grant Awards
 
The state's Office of Medicaid awarded more than $2 million in FY09 grants to community-based organizations across the state to support ongoing initiatives to expand access to health care.  The grants support efforts already underway to identify, educate and enroll and individuals who are eligible for health insurance programs now available through health care reform. The grants also support education to individuals on how to receive health care, assist new enrollees with provider enrollment, help individuals retain their health insurance benefits, and help individuals transition to other qualifying health insurance programs if their circumstances change. 
  
This initiative will advance relationships between local community organizations to facilitate more cohesive statewide outreach. Grant recipients include hospitals, community health centers, and community-based organizations statewide to broaden and strengthen the state's health care network.
 
AG Issues New Community Benefits Guidelines for Hospitals and HMOs
 
Attorney General (AG) Martha Coakley issued new Community Benefit Guidelines for non-profit, acute care hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs).  The guidelines are the product of a year-long review by an Advisory Task Force of key stakeholders who share the common goal of improving the health of communities across the state.  Under the guidelines, hospitals and HMOs submit annual reports to the AG on their community benefit programs and expenditures, enabling both AG oversight and public scrutiny of non-profit health care institutions.  The Advisory Task Force on Community Benefits, reached consensus on stronger guidelines that create clear expectations for how hospitals and HMOs should dedicate resources to improve the health in their communities.  
 
Transportation Secretary Announces Free Turnpike FAST LANE Transponders

 
Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, Jr. announced plans to provide Turnpike drivers FAST LANE transponders free of charge beginning February 15th.  In addition, anyone who purchased a transponder after January 15, 2009 will be credited the upfront cost of $25.95.  This plan applies to all vehicles, including taxi cabs and commercial vehicles. 
 
All FAST LANE users will be assessed a monthly fee of 50 cents per transponder beginning in June to cover costs associated with the electronic toll collection program.  Replacement transponders will also be available free of charge. FAST LANE transponder applications are available online or by calling 1-877-MASSPIKE (1-877-627-7745).  Transponders also are available at FAST LANE Service Centers in Auburn, Natick, and East Boston and at eight Registry of Motor Vehicle branch offices across the Commonwealth.
 
Digitial Television (DTV) Transition
 
Recently, Congress passed into law the DTV Delay Act, which pushes the date of the Digital Television (DTV) transition back from today, February 17, to June 12. This transition is the switch from analog to digital broadcast television. However, there are a number of stations turning off analog service today, as noted by USA Today's portrayal of the official list provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Find out what digital television is, why we are switching to it, and how this will affect you by visiting the Digital Television (DTV) Transition website.
 
New Web Video Offers Taxpayer Guidance
 
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has developed a new web video to guide taxpayers through the process of filling out Schedule HC (Health Care) required for filing 2008 state income taxes.  Please click here to learn more.

Information for Senior Citizens and Retirees
 
The Department of Revenue offers a Senior and Retiree Page. There are a variety of income and property tax benefits for Massachusetts senior citizens and retirees. This webpage compiles these benefits and other important senior information into a convenient, one stop site. Please click here for more information.

Rep. Stanley urges constituents to apply for financial aid to help pay for college
 
To receive free guidance on identifying sources of financial aid and completing applications, students and families throughout Massachusetts may call The Education Resources Institute's (TERI) toll-free information hotline at 877-332-4348 or visit one of TERI's nine College Planning Centers in Boston, Brockton and Chelsea, MA. For hours of operation of TERI's Centers, click
here. TERI's hotline is made available through a partnership among the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and TERI.
 
TERI College Planning Centers provide free, one-on-one information and advice on applying for financial aid and other concerns related to college planning.  All TERI College Planning Center and Educational Opportunity Center services are free. For guidance over the phone or for information on the Center closest to you, please call 877-332-4348. 
 
Federal and state governments, along with colleges and universities, are the major sources of financial aid.  Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  This document is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Many private colleges and universities also require a second form, the CSS PROFILE, which is available at The College Board's
website.

New! Apply online for Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance!
 
You may be able to complete a Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance Programs application online. A simple screening survey asks questions about people in your household and compares your answers with the program rules. For more information, please click
here
 
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

There are a number of job listings posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts home page.  For more information, click
here.
Waltham Corner
 
Officials and Residents Tour Former Schools
 
Rep. Stanley, other city councilors, the Mayor and local residents recently toured the former Bright Elementary and SouthMiddle Schools.  The city is currently considering future uses for each building.
 
Northeast school sidewalks are on short list for federal stimulus funding
 
The Northeast School Sidewalks are recommended for $518,000 in funding as part of the Safe Routes to School Program.  The Boston Region MPO has released the northeast school sidewalks proposal to the FFY 2009 Element of the FFYs 2007-2010 TIP for public comment.  The 15 day comment period will be open on Monday, February 9 and close on Tuesday, February 23.  Please address your comments to David Mohler, Chair, Transportation Planning and Programming Committee and submit them to 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA02116.
 
Check out Boston.com/Waltham
 
Looking for local news? Let boston.com/waltham be your first-stop site for all things Waltham.  Recently launched by boston.com and the Boston Globe, the new "Your Town" web sites combine news from the Globe, other local publications and web sites, along with a calendar of events and links to local and metro resources. Join in on the conversation by contributing to discussion forums, commenting on stories and submitting your photos and blogs.  Contact Kathryn Eident with your story ideas, comments and site feedback.  

Waltham Citizens Police Academy
 
Applications are now being accepted for the Waltham Citizens Police Academy.  This 12-week FREE program will allow you to get a behind-the scenes look at police work.  Classes include patrol procedures, narcotics investigation, domestic violence, field exercises, patrol ride alongs, firearms and much more! 
 
Classes are once a week (Wednesdays), April 15th until July 1st, 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm at the Waltham Police Department Academy Classroom, 155 Lexington Street
 
Applications are available at the Main Station at 155 Lexington Street or from the Neighborhood Substation at 11 Carter Street.
 
City News - Odd and Ends
 
The City of Waltham appropriated $40,000 to the Waltham Fire Department to pay for current and projected medical expenses incurred by the department for the treatment of firefighters injured in the line of duty.
 
The Benjamin Franklin Bank Charitable Foundation awarded a grant to The Waltham Public Works Department to install a new irrigation system at the Waltham Common.
 
The MA Office of Public Safety awarded the Waltham Fire Department (WFD) a $15,787 grant for firefighting equipment. The MA Office of Public Safety also awarded the WFD a $6,764.62 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) grant.
 
The City of Waltham appropriated $900,000 to the Public Works Department for the snow and ice budget to cover snow plowing costs.

Waltham Partnership for Youth Announces Activities Directory
 
The Waltham Partnership for Youth posted an online activities directory for 2008-2009. Information is available on after school programs, arts, homework and tutoring, outreach, recreation, scouts, sports, summer programs, technology, and more.  Activities, opportunities and resources are available for school-aged children (PK-12). Click
here to access the directory in English and click here for Spanish. 
 
Nonprofit Spotlight: Healthy Waltham
 
Healthy Waltham is a civic group committed to improving the quality of life for people who live, work and learn in Waltham. Based on the Healthy Communities movement spreading across Massachusetts, Healthy Waltham embraces the principles of community involvement, shared community values, a vision for the future, and community based solutions.  To learn more, please click
here.
 
Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 23rd Season

  
The "Generation Mix" concert on Sunday, April 5th, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at the McDevitt School, will feature the winner of the WPO's annual Youth Concerto Competition.  The program will include Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 1 in C minor.  Over 60 yrs. and Under 16 - Admitted FREE!
 
"The 3 B's" is the concert for Saturday, May 30th, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at the McDevitt School.  Violin Soloist Joo-Mee Lee, founding member of the Tonos String Quartet and Sage String Trio, will be the evening's featured performer.  Program includes works by, naturally, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.

City of Waltham website announces job openings 
 
Job opportunities are posted on the City of Waltham's website
 
City of Waltham posts a boards and committee meetings calendar of events
 

Click here for more details!

 
Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Waltham Calendar & Events (as announced in the Daily News Tribune) 

Reagle Players Gala
 
Laugh In's zany comic, Jo Anne Worley, is winging in from LA to make a special guest appearance at the Reagle Players' fund raiser and gala "A Night to Remember" held March 7, 2009 at 7:30 at Doubletree Guest Suites in Waltham. Worley, a longtime animal advocate, jets in with her pooch to help liven up the festivities. The evening includes a cocktail party and an exciting live auction featuring a dozen upscale items. The actress/comedienne recently finished a Broadway run in the hit The Drowsy Chaperone and recently played the villainous lead of Madame Morrible in the Los Angeles company of the world wide smash musical Wicked. Worley was Carol Channing's original understudy for Hello Dolly! on Broadway for years and will repeat the title role in the hit musical this summer as Reagle kicks off its special Salute to Jerry Herman Summer. The summer has the blessings and cooperation of Jerry Herman - often called the poet of the show tune! The Reagle Herman summer salute includes Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles!  For gala ticket information, call 781 891 5600. 
 

Educate Your Palate wine tasting event

 

The second annual "Educate Your Palate" wine tasting event will be held on Thursday, March 19th at the Robert Treat Paine Estate.  This event raises funds for the WEBF Excellence in Education Grant Program which recently awarded $17,000 in funds to teachers for new and exciting educational programs.

 

The event features delicious food prepared by WHS culinary arts students and promotes the work of WHS photography students.    Exclusive wines will be offered from Glendale Package Store.

It's a fun night out and helps supports a great program that brings more educational opportunities to students of Waltham Public schools.

 

For ticket information, email [email protected].

 
WATCH CDC First Time Home Buyers' Workshop
 
Register now for the First Time Home Buyers' Workshop.  This four-session course consists of important  information for all first-time home buyers! Graduates may be eligible for Down Payment Assistance from their City or Town (Income restrictions do apply) Mondays & Wednesdays; Feb. 23, 25 & March 2, 4, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. To register, contact WATCH ASAP: call 781-8916689 x0 or e-mail [email protected].

`YOU DON'T SAY' The Waltham Channel presents a new program, ``You Don't Say.'' Waltham residents are allowed 5 minutes of airtime to speak on topics that are important to them. Commercial content is not allowed. Information: 781-899-8834.
 
WALTHAM MUSEUM Experience the rich history of Waltham at The Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington St., open Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission $4, seniors and children under 12, $2. Information: www.walthammuseum.com.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts's annual Girl Scout cookie sale runs Jan. 5-March 15. Girl Scouts only sell cookies for a limited time each year, so be sure to stock up while you can. Information: www.girlscoutseasternmass.org.
 
CANTEEN FUND Help remember veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers VA nursing home in Bedford by sending your tax-deductible donation to the Veterans Canteen Fund. The canteen fund is a program of the Ladies Auxiliary to John M. Sullivan VFW Post 10334. Donations: Veterans Canteen Fund, c/o Ladies Auxiliary, to John M. Sullivan Post 10334, 62 Lake St., Waltham, MA 02451. Information: 781-893-3658.
 
SUPPLIES FOR TROOPS Waltham VFW Post 2152 and Ladies Auxiliary will be collecting donations to send to our soldiers in Iraq - Master Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga, Sgt. Chris Physic, Spc. Jeremy Bray, Spc. Paul Briggs, Spc. Daniel Fernandez, Maater Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga and 2Lt. Ryan Galluzzo. Items: www.carepackageproject.com. Information: 781-894-9243.
 
OPERATION SOLDIER Operation American Soldier is collecting items or donations for shipping costs. Soldiers have requested the following items: candy, cookies (small packages), snacks, microwave popcorn, powdered drink singles, socks (crew), T-shirts, toiletries (unscented), feminine products, blank note cards, playing cards, DVDs & CDs. We need help packing boxes, paperwork and more. Information: 617-504-0532.

BOOKS TO SOLDIERS Got Books can send someone who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces overseas a care package full of books. To submit the name and address, visit www.GotBooks.com/troops. Got Books provides all books and also handles and pays for all labor and shipping costs. Information: www.GotBooks.com; 978-396-6026.
 
CLOTHING EXCHANGE The Waltham Clothing Exchange at the Unitarian Church, 50 Church St., is open for the season, Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 781-893-6240.
 
GORE This winter, Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham, will offer the winter version of the year-round, family outdoor activity Take A Walk. This self-guided adventure is designed for children 3 to 9 years-old and includes an activities backpack and, when conditions allow, snowshoes. Information: www.goreplace.org/take-a-walk.htm.
 
WALTHAM YMCA PROGRAMS Registration is now available winter 2009 programs at the Waltham YMCA, 725 Lexington St. Non-member registration starts Dec. 29. Information: 781-894-5295.
 
ROBOTICS The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, 154 Moody St., Waltham, explores the amazing world of robotics, in collaboration with Mindsurfers. Offered Saturdays, it is designed to engage all ages in an exploration of how robotics work. Participants navigate obstacles and accomplish missions with their robot, Dr. Heartbeat, by their side. Best suited for ages 9-14. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children; includes museum exhibits. Information: 781-893-5410; [email protected].
 
READING Children are invited to picture book readings Friday mornings at Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., 10:30 a.m., with Bentley University. Information: 781-314-3425.
 
ICE SKATING Public skating hours for the Veterans Memorial Rink, 314 Totten Pond Road, Waltham: Fridays, 7 to 8:50 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 3:50 p.m.; and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11:50 a.m. The Stick and Puck program will run Thursdays, noon to 12:50 p.m., beginning Nov. 15. Information: www.city.waltham.ma.us.
 
JAMBOREE The French American Victory Club Jamborees the first and third Sunday of the month, 2 to 6 p.m., at 193 Elm St., Waltham. All amateur performers are accepted. Donations appreciated. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.
 
SATURDAY SOCIALS The French American Victory Club Saturday socials with the Country Masters are on the second Saturday of the month, 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $10. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.
 
BICYCLES The Bicycle Takes Off, a national touring exhibit, is making its final stop at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, 154 Moody St., Waltham. It runs Jan. 8 through May 2009. The exhibit chronicles the history of the bicycle. An opening reception is Jan. 8, 5 to 8 p.m. Opening reception admission is $10 and includes light refreshments, wine and beer and music. Reservations are required. Information/reservations: 781-893-5410; [email protected].
 
STUDENT ART Back Pages Books has installed artwork by art students of the Waltham Public Schools at its store, 289 Moody St. The artwork, which will rotate monthly, is produced by students of every Waltham public school and will showcase the artistic talents over a large portion of the store's wall space. The installation coincided with the opening of a newly expanded children's book section at the downtown independent bookstore. Info: 781-788-9988; [email protected].
 
OASIS GALLERY Brandeis graduate Lauren Pasch's works will be exhibited at the Oasis Gallery, 34 Alder St., Waltham, through Jan. 11, along with photographer Scott Murray. Information: 781-795-1041; www.oasisgallery.org

FLU SHOTS, Still available
The flu season is here and you can still protect yourself and your family. It is not too late to get a flu shot. There is plenty of vaccine available. Flu typically peaks in February, so December and January are not too late. For information about the flu or where you can get your shot, visit the American Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.

CANTEEN FUND, Contribute today
Help remember veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers VA nursing home in Bedford by sending your tax-deductible donation to the Veterans Canteen Fund. Now in its ninth year, the canteen fund is a program of the Ladies Auxiliary to John M. Sullivan VFW Post 10334. Since its inception, funds donated to the Veterans Canteen Fund have been used to purchase discount coupon booklets which are distributed to veterans at the Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans nursing home at the Bedford, MA VA hospital. The booklets feature coupons that allow veterans to make purchases of coffee and snacks at the hospital's Canteen, a popular gathering place. To make a donation in any amount, make checks payable to Veterans Canteen Fund, c/o Ladies Auxiliary, to John M. Sullivan Post 10334, 623 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452

ESPOUSAL CENTER, Volunteer gardeners sought
The Pool Garden, located in the former swimming pool on the grounds of the Espousal Retreat and Conference Center in Waltham, was started two years ago as a nursery garden for hardy perennials and a resource for community projects. Many volunteer gardeners are needed to tend a small section of the Pool Garden and make it theirs with maintenance and inventorying. No experience necessary; garden professionals will train. The Espousal Center is a retirement home for clergy and a retreat and conference center for the wider community. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cogdesign.org.
 
SALVATION ARMY, School supplies. Each year, Waltham Salvation Army provides needy families help with school supplies. Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are assigned sponsors who purchase grade-appropriate school supplies and one back-to-school outfit, including shoes/sneakers. In 2008, the Salvation Army will serve 100 families, including 300 children. To donate or for more information, call 781-894-0413 or stop in at 33 Myrtle St.
 
LOCAL COOKBOOK A new cookbook, "Local Flavor: Waltham" that celebrates the city's culinary traditions, is seeking for recipes for Waltham residents. The cookbook will help provide funding for the city's nonprofit groups as a fundraising tool. Information: 781-595-4510; www.walthamcookbook.org.
 
SUPPLIES FOR TROOPS Waltham VFW Post 2152 and Ladies Auxiliary will be collecting donations to send to our soldiers in Iraq - Master Sgt. Kathrine Ortaga, Sgt. Chris Physic, Spc. Jeremy Bray, Spc. Paul Briggs, Spc. Daniel Fernandez and 2Lt. Ryan Galluzzo. Items: www.carepackageproject.com. Information: 781-894-9243.
Important Information on Foreclosure 
 
Individuals facing foreclosure may benefit from qualified legal counsel to represent them in foreclosure proceedings.  The Attorney General's Office, in partnership with several bar associations, legal services organizations and advocacy groups, announced the establishment of a Pro Bono Foreclosure Assistance Hotline.  Low-income Massachusetts residents who are facing foreclosure may call (800) 342-5297 or (617) 603-1700 and leave a message in the foreclosure assistance mail box. Homeowners facing foreclosure should know that there are several organizations available to help.
 
NeighborWorks� America 
 
NeighborWorks� America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance and training for community-based revitalization efforts. The NeighborWorks� website hosts information on trainings, policy, publications and data.  NeighborWorks� Center for Home Ownership Education and Counseling promotes long-term home ownership for low-income families by promoting training standards and quality service delivery.  One of the newest additions to its growing range of valuable practitioner resources are the Consumer Home Buying Guides, a set of four consumer-focused guides to various stages of the home buying process.  Developed by Fannie Mae Foundation, these guides deliver practical, specific and concise information in a user-friendly format. 
 
MassHousing
 
The Home Saver Foreclosure Program, a counseling and loan program, helps borrowers act proactively to their address their mortgage problems and address them before foreclosure becomes a reality.  This program is geared towards moderate income homeowners who meet program guidelines and can afford a new loan payment.  This program is not available to those already in foreclosure or own more than one property.  MassHousing also provides information and assistance to individuals and families looking for affordable housing in the state. 
 
National Consumer Law Center
 
The National Consumer Law Center works to defend the rights of consumers in the areas of consumer debt, bankruptcy, foreclosure and mortgage servicing, basic energy and utility issues, and student loans.  It also works to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the provision of these rights. Though it does not represent individual clients in legal matters, the organization's website has a variety of consumer publications on issues pertaining to foreclosure and mortgage servicing, bankruptcy, as well as a number of other consumer protection concerns. 
 
Citizens Housing and Planning Association
 
The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative is an initiative managed by CHAPA that supports and promotes homebuyer education.  These agencies offer homebuyer education workshops and individual homebuyer counseling to prospective homebuyers. 
 
Mortgage Bankers Association
 
The Home Loan Learning Center website sponsored by the Mortgage Bankers Association, is committed to empowering the consumer to make informed financial decisions through access to financial education.  Consumers can learn about mortgage basics, financing options, and how to prevent foreclosures.  They can also find links to reach state, federal, nonprofit and consumer group websites. 
 
Fannie Mae
 
Fannie Mae is a Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) chartered Congress with the mission to provide liquidity and stability to the US housing mortgage markets. Their Homepath program is designed to help users find the Fannie Mae mortgage and lender that's right for them.  Fannie Mae has developed a large array of innovative mortgage products, available through a nationwide network of Fannie Mae-approved lenders.  Fannie Mae doesn't lend money directly to borrowers.  Homepath also offers a number of tools, such as calculators, a glossary of terms, a list of organizations that provide counseling and a list of mortgage lenders. 
 
Freddie Mac
 
Freddie Mac is Government Sponsored Enterprise dedicated to making the American dream of decent, accessible housing a reality. The Buying and Owning a Home section on the Freddie Mac website includes an online guide to the home buying process in English and Spanish, financial calculators and tools, and a list of properties for sale.
 
HOPE for Homeowners Program
 
Effective from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011, as many as 400,000 homeowners could avoid foreclosure through HUD's H4H program.  If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, HOPE for Homeowners may be able to help you, by refinancing your loan into a new 30-year fixed rate loan with lower payments.
 
Local Aid
 
The Department of Housing and Community Development has identified and contracted with housing agencies from across the Commonwealth that help homeowners with foreclosure counseling and provide first-time homeownership guidance and down-payment assistance.
 
Legal Services
 
Massachusetts Legal Services offers resources and services for lower-income Massachusetts residents. Massachusetts Legal Services will connect you with legal aid in your area
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About Rep. Stanley:
 
State Representative: 2001 - Present
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - Present
Council President: 2003
 
Education: 
 
Graduate:  Sufflolk University (MPA), Bentley College (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)
 
Board Member: Waltham Partnership for Youth, Reagle Players, Warrandale Little League, Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham YRBS Steering Committee, Waltham Community Day Center (Honorary)
 
Member: Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Democratic City Committee, Fizgerald School PTO
 
Awards:
 
Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, 2008
COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, 2003
MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, 2007
Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, 2006
Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and South Middlesex Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, 2003
Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center
 
Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss
Children: Ryan, age 15, Parker, age 6