The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 4, No. 4 April 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
Boston Common
 
Firefighters gather on
Boston Common
 
Egg Hunt 
 
Egg hunt
 
Boston Tea Party
 
Boston Tea Party Event
 
City Hall
 
Waltham City Hall
 
Spring Rowing
 
Spring rowing on the Charles
 
Library Lobby Day
 
Rep. Ayers, Kate Tranquada, Laura Bernheim and Rep. Stanley at Library Lobby Day.
 
ARC Event
 
Rep. Stanley Speaks at ARC event
 
Crowd
 
Advocates crowd State House hallways
 
Seniors
 
Rep. Stanley meets with seniors
 
Rep. with House Clerk
 
Rep. Stanley and House Clerk Steven James discuss legisation during recent formal session.
 
Deaf Awareness Day 
 
MA Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing & the Disability Policy Consortium Hold
Lobby Day
 
House Chamber
 
House Chamber
 
Great Hall2009
 
Great Hall, State House
 
Student Gov Day 

Student Government Day at the State House  

State House Tour
 
If you'd like to visit the State House, please call 617-727-3676.

Contact Information:

 

State Rep.

Thomas M. Stanley

State House

 Room 167

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2310

Thomas.Stanley@

 state.ma.us

Dear Friend:    

It is my pleasure to deliver April'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) 722-2310.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Stanley

 
News from Beacon Hill  

 
Waltham will receive $207,942 in federal education funds
 
As part of his Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state's economic future, Gov. Patrick announced that $163 million in additional federal education Title I funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will go to many high-poverty school districts.  These funds are in addition to the Title I support that the state currently receives annually ($233,353,571 in the 2008-2009 school year).  Waltham will receive $207,942 in federal education funds.
    
The first half of the funds will be distributed in July.  The second half of the allocation of funds will come in the fall. These Title I funds are allocated to school districts under ARRA guidelines in accordance with a federal formula that assesses need as measured by the number of high-poverty students served.  As a result, 258 school districts, charter schools and regional vocational technical schools are eligible for these Title I funds.
 
Gov. Patrick previously committed a total of $620 million in federal stimulus funds for K-12 education, special education and higher education programs and services and also announced an additional $300 million of low-interest college loans for students.
 
MA Stimulus Funding Breakdown
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide the Commonwealth with an estimated $8.7 billion over the next two years.  To view a breakdown of how the Commonwealth will allocate the funds, please click
here

House Passes Transportation Reform Bill
 
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the House in passing a sweeping transportation reform package that would eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, bring down insurance and pension costs and help ensure a better future. These transportation reforms will create new pension rules for new MBTA workers, eliminating the "23 and out rule," put existing and future workers under the auspices of the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which will lower healthcare costs and create a more efficient structure. The package focuses on efficiencies, cost-savings and oversight. 
 
House Advances Pension Reform Bill
 
After the Senate adopted legislation to curtail abuses of pension system loopholes, the House of Representatives advanced a pension reform bill. The legislation empowers municipal pension boards to withhold members' payouts if they are in arrears, deduct health insurance premiums from pension checks and establish nonprofits to educate retirees. The bill would prohibit public officials from being credited with a year of service for a single day of service in a given calendar year, ban increased pension benefits for elected officials who fail to win reelection, end the practice of claiming higher disability payouts when injured while filling in for a supervisor and prohibit municipal officials earning less than $5K a year from claiming creditable service for that work.  The pension reform bill requires elected officials to serve ten years prior to vesting in the pension system.

House releases budget, calls for 25% cut in local aid
 
The House Ways and Means Committee released a $27.44 billion budget which relies heavily on federal aid.  Since this budget calls for a 25 percent cut in local aid, Rep. Stanley cosponsored two amendments that would aide in municipal relief.  One amendment will repeal the telecommunications property tax exemption and another will restore local aid to FY09 levels.
 
The House budget eliminated the line item that provides water and sewer relief.  Rep. Stanley is filing a budget amendment that would restore this line item.  In addition, Rep. Stanley is filing an amendment that would expand the bottle bill to include uncarbonated beverages.  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.
 
Firefighters gather at the State House
 
Firefighters gathered to "sound the alarm on fire service cuts, pension reform, municipal health insurance," and the state's changing of the fire promotional exam marks from a "whole marks to a banding system."  Firefighters asked Gov. Deval Patrick to allocate $90 million from the state stabilization fund to assist distressed fire departments and to rehire, hire and retain firefighters.  
 
Firefighters 

Waltham firefighter Billy McDonald addressed the rally

House Passes Legislation to Preserve the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals
 
The House approved legislation to maintain an independent appeals board for consumers to appeal fault for auto accidents.  The legislation, approved 157 - 0, comes on the heels of the Division of Insurance reversing their previous decision to do away with the appeals board. 
 
The bill would create via statute, a motor vehicle surcharge Board of Appeals.  This would ensure that the current Board of Appeals remained an option for any driver to appeal what they believe was a wrongful determination of a surchargeable incident due to an at-fault accident. 
 
Each year, the Division of Insurance Board of Appeals hears between 40,000 and 50,000 appeals from motorists.  Of those, between 45-50% of all appeals are overturned.  This accounts for a savings of a minimum of $400 a year for an individual policy holder and thousands of dollars for family policy owners, totaling a cost savings of $25-$40 million for consumers annually. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for final consideration, which previously gave initial passage to the bill.
 
Gov. Moves to Close Additional Budget Deficit
 
Gov. Patrick outlined a plan for closing an immediate state budget gap of $156 million, and announced his commitment to working with lawmakers to solve what could be an additional $400 million gap by the end of the fiscal year.
 
As part of his plan to close the immediate budget gap, the Gov. will use a mixture of federal recovery funds, budget and spending controls, mandatory staff furloughs, and the elimination of over 750 additional state positions through layoffs, attrition, and stringent new hiring limits for state agencies.  Additionally, the Governor has tasked Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie Kirwan with beginning negotiations with state collective bargaining units over a full range of potential cost-cutting initiatives to help address the economic crisis going forward.
 
Specifically, the Governor's plan includes using $128 million in federal recovery funds, $16 million in additional budget cuts and spending controls, and $12 million in savings from furloughs and workforce reductions.
 
Falling tax revenues and deficiencies in some accounts continue to create budgetary pressure. As tax revenues fall below projections, the Patrick-Murray Administration - working with the Department of Revenue and outside economic experts - estimates the gap could be as much as $400 million more by the end of the current fiscal year. To close this shortfall, the Governor will work with legislative leaders to identify appropriate solutions, including additional cuts, further reliance on federal recovery funds, and an additional withdrawal from the Rainy Day Fund.

New Guide to Private Home Care Services Released
 
As the elderly population grows larger, so do the number of families confronting difficult care decisions for their loved ones. To alleviate this issue, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, a non-profit association of home care providers, has released the "2009 Guide to Private Home Care Services: A Directory of Private Home Care Agencies in Massachusetts." The directory offers residents a listing of reputable, professional home care providers by town and county as well as valuable information on how to both choose and pay for home care.
 
According to data from the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), Massachusetts ranks 13th in the nation with more than 650,000 caregivers who log an estimated 697 million care giving hours per year. Longer life expectancies and an increasing number of seniors from the baby-boomers group who want to remain in their home present challenges to their adult children who often are already balancing a job and family.
 
In many cases, families are unsure of the different levels of care available, where they can go for reliable caregivers, and how they can pay for such services. The 2009 Guide to Private Home Care Services not only offers a listing of highly-regarded, highly-qualified home care providers, but also helps families navigate the questions they need to ask themselves to assess their needs and find the care that is best suited to them.
 
For more information on the Home Care Alliance and to download or request a copy of the guide, please click
here.
 
MSPCA Holds Lobby Day
 
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held a lobby day on bills to protect pets and people in domestic violence situations, update the animal control and dangerous dog law, and protect elephants in traveling shows. 
 
MSPCA

MSPCA Lobby Day
 
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Family Support Letter
 
Rep. Stanley joined 108 of his colleagues in the House in signing a Family Support Letter which was submitted to Chairman Murphy, Vice-Chair L'Italien, and Speaker DeLeo. The letter requested that $45 million be restored to programs that offer support for families, 11,500 individuals, throughout the Commonwealth.  

Rep. Stanley cosigned amendment to transportation reform legislation
 
The state Supreme Judicial Court told the MBTA that local approval is not needed to erect billboards, so town officials do not need to be notified. In response, Rep. Stanley cosponsored an amendment which was included in the house version of the transportation reform bill. The amendment requires that all billboards come under local town ordinances.
 
Legislators filed the amendment after the MBTA announced plans to auction off space for 60 new billboards on highways in eastern MA.The large advertisements are expected to earn the MBTA approximately $6 million a year and will be located in 32 locations in 19 cities and towns that have little or no control over their placement. 
 
MS Action Day Held on Beacon Hill
 
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central New England Chapter held "MS Action Day on Beacon Hill" on Wednesday April 15 in Great Hall followed by citizen visits with legislators.  Attendees included individuals with MS, family members, volunteers, fund raisers and health care professionals to advance priorities to benefit people with MS.

Rep. Stanley Encourages Residents to Contact Energy Bucks to Access Energy Assistance by April 30 Spring Deadline
 
To see what energy efficiency and cost-saving services they qualify for, Rep. Stanley encourages his constituents to contact Energy Bucks. 
 
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.  
 
To find out if you qualify for assistance, click here or call 866-LESS-COST.   
 
Spring Mass Value Pass
 
The Spring Mass Value Pass starts just in time for School Vacation Week. Check out great deals on Massachusetts lodging, restaurants, attractions and retail at www.massvacation.com. When you visit the site, you'll see hundreds of newly discounted 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 June 30, 2009.

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.
 
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
 
Fernald Reuse Committee Met on 4/7
 
The Fernald Reuse Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at Government Center on School Street.  Due to a legislative session that lasted until midnight on 4/7, Reps. Stanley and Koutoujian did not attend.  The Fernald Reuse Committee is going to take a tour of the property on May 17. 
 
To read Rep. Stanley's guest column on boston.com about Fernald, please click here.
 
WBZ recently interviewed Rep. Stanley about Fernald and the reuse committee. The discussion included the struggle between the state, Waltham, the state administration and legislature.  Rep. Stanley also discussed the huge impact this issue has on the area and how it is also an opportunity to preserve a large tract of land located within close proximity to Boston.
 
In 2004, Rep. Stanley filed legislation to establish the 16-member committee.  In December 2008, the states announced its intentions to shut Fernald's doors by 7/10.  As a result, the committee met to discuss future plans for the 196-acre Fernald campus.
 
A partial list of Committee members include Rep. Stanley, Mayor McCarthy, City Council President Thomas Curtin, Sen. Fargo, Rep. Koutoujian, city Planning Director Ron Vokey, Elin Howe, commissioner of the state Department of Mental Retardation and David Perini, commissioner of the state Division of Capital Asset Management.
 
Waltham Partnership for Youth (WPY) Holds Annual Breakfast
 
WPY held its annual breakfast, entitled Linking Education and Business 2009, on April 15th at the Double Tree Guest Suites.  Dr. Peter Azar, Superintendent of Waltham Public Schools served as the keynote speakers.

WPY Event

Event Co-chairs and WPY Board member Christopher Beneke, Bentley University, and Connie Braceland, Watertown Savings Bank presented the 2009 Good Neighbor Award to Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham.  Steven Gordon, Chief Administrative Officer, Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham accepted the award.

Waltham Land Trust Sponsored Warm-up to Earth Day Indoor Market
 
The event was held Saturday, April 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the former UMASS Field Station at 240 Beaver Street in Waltham. The day was a celebration of spring and the summer to follow and featured local MA producers and crafts people with their food and products. 
 
Waltham City Council Long Term Debt Committee approves money from FY '09 MGL Chapter 90 funding
 
The City Council's Long Term Debt Committee approved $962,346 and tabled $89,528 for Stow Street.

The funding request submitted last summer included no descriptive analysis of road conditions.  At the request of the City Council, a Pavement Management Program has been instituted in Waltham to provide the public and decision makers with road condition analysis to assist with the street repair selection process.
 
Long Term Debt (LTD) Committee Chairman, Thomas Stanley, requested an update on the Pavement Management Program (PMP) by the Consolidated Public Works (CPW) Director at the last LTD committee meeting.  Once the CPW Director confirmed the PMP will be in place within three months, the LTD approved the Chapter 90 funding with the exception of Stow Street. 
 
The City Council is awaiting confirmation that Stow Street will not be torn up with the possible development of the former Polaroid property off Main Street.

A new beginning for the Connors Memorial Pool
 
The Department of Conservation and Recreation held a Connors Memorial Swimming Pool demolition event on Friday, April 17, 2009. The rebuilding of Connors Pool is set to begin with the demolition of the old bathhouse. At the site, the preparation for the demolition is already underway.   Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, Waltham officials, and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan also attended.  
 
The Waltham delegation worked for years to secure funding to fix the Connors Pool.  A year ago last December, Rep. Stanley, Rep. Koutoujian and Sen. Fargo gained the commitment from DCR Commissioner Sullivan that Connors Pool would be the next pool overhaul funded by the state through the Environmental Bond Bill regardless if an earmarked was secured.
 
Waltham Odds & Ends
 
The City of Waltham appropriated $64,565 from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Council on Aging for employing office staff, underwriting fitness and discount taxi programs, paying for the printing of the Senior Connection newsletter, recognizing volunteers, paying dues and in-service training.
 
The City of Waltham accepted a state grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be used for training of Waltham Fire Department Personnel in area hospitals' plans for the Mass Decontamination Unit (MDU) use; training hospital staff in the set-up and use of the MDU; conducting MDU exercises with the involvement of hospital personnel; maintenance and re-supply of the MDU with the hospitals; and conducting annual exercises with area hospitals.
 
The City of Waltham accepted a gift to the Waltham Fire Department (WFD) from Fire Escape Services Company to repair the rear fire escape at 175 Lexington Street. The repair is free of charge and a donation to the WFD.
 
New Hours of Waltham Post Office
 
The Waltham Post Office located at 776 Main Street will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. The Post Office Box Access is available from 7:30am to 5:30pm. 

Donate Your Books to More than Words Bookstore and Café!
 
Looking for somewhere to donate your books, CDs and DVDs?  Interested in hosting a book drive?  More Than Words Bookstore and Café is the place for you!
 
More Than Words is a nonprofit that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school, to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business!
 
By working as a team to manage their own retail and online bookstore and cafe business, our youth develop leadership, employment skills and self confidence as they prepare for their transition to adulthood!
 
Please contact Jennifer Stewart at 781-788-0035 or jennifer@mtwyouth.org for more information regarding book drives and donations or stop by 376 Moody St.
 
Council on Aging volunteers
 
The Council on Aging is looking for volunteers to deliver meals on wheels once a week.  The delivery process takes less than 45 minutes.  It's a great opportunity to help our homebound seniors. On-call volunteers are also needed. Please call Betty Giusti at (781)314-3499, ext. 3300.
 
National Archives event featuring Civil War Historian, James McPherson.


On April 26, 2009, the National Archives will sponsor the Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Awards Dinner and Civil War Round Table. The dinner ceremony will honor Civil War historian and noted professor, James McPherson who will be on hand to discuss and sign his latest book, Tried by War: Lincoln as Commander in Chief. Special behind the scenes tours of the National Archives will also be available before the dinner. Please note this dinner is by ticketed registration only. The fee is $40 for the dinner. The Dinner and Awards ceremony will take place at the National Archives and Records Administration, 380 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA.

For details, please click
here.  For additional information, please email Diane Leblanc, Regional Administrator, National Archives, Northeast Region (Boston).
 
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.  
 
Rep. Stanley is now writing a weekly blog about issues important to Waltham residents.  His blog is published every Friday at boston.com/Waltham. Please check out this website to read stories about what's happening in our community. 

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.
 
National Archives

The National Archives is open to the public Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7am - 4:30pm, Thursdays 7am- 9pm and the first Saturday of each month 8am - 4:30pm. The National Archives and Records Administration is located at 380 Trapelo Road in Waltham.

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. 
 
Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 23rd Season
  
"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) 

22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival 
Saturday, Apr 25 10:00a to 4:00p
at Gore Place, Waltham, MA
Demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving, and more. Large crafts fair, live entertainment, wagon rides, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. Food vendor on site. Free parking. No dogs allowed. 
 
Nunsense
Sunday, Apr 26 2:00a
at Robinson Theatre, Waltham, MA
Sally Struthers leads 25th anniversary tour!
Two time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers is getting into the habit (literally!) of returning to the Reagle stage. After her stint there this past summer, there's more funny business in store from All in the Family's Struthers with a BACK-BY-POPULAR-DEMAND Boston area visit in Nunsense - now on its 25th anniversary national tour under the supervision of creator Dan Goggin.

`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.
 
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.
 
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; elln@crmi.org.
 
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.
 
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; alex@backpagesbooks.com.

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 info@cogdesign.org 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
.
About Rep. Stanley:
 
State Representative: 2001 - Present
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - Present
Council President: 2003
 
House Committees:
 
Post Audit and Oversight
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Housing 
  
Education:  Suffolk 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 Safe and Health Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Waltham Community Day Center (Honorary), Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board
 
Member: Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Democratic City Committee, Fizgerald School PTO, Fernald Reuse Committee, Hardy Pond Association, Friends of Waltham Library 
 
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 MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, 2003
Shining Star Award, Edinburg Center 
 
Personal:
 
Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss
Children: Ryan, age 15, Parker, age 6