The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 4, No. 5 May 2009
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
News from the City Council Long Term Debt Committee
Waltham Corner
Upcoming Events
Important Information on Foreclosure
About Rep. Stanley

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District
 
parade2
 
Warrendale Little League Parade
 
celtsbs 
 
Go Celts and Bruins!
 
 logan
 
City Councillor Robert Logan volunteered for Boys Scouts troop 250 at Sheep Shearing Festival

tulips 
 
Tulip time in Boston
 
sheep3
 
22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place
 
Autism Day
 
Autism Alliance of MetroWest Advocacy Day
 
purple flowers 
 
 Spring has sprung
 
Playgroup
 
Co-op play group in Waltham
Visit walthamplaygroup.org to learn more!
 
 
Spring Rowing
 
Spring rowing on the Charles
 
Parade
 
Warrendale Little League Opening Day 
 
House Chamber
 
House Chamber
 
Great Hall2009
 
Great Hall, 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 May'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  

 
Rep. Stanley, House restore cuts to local aid 
 
The House adopted in part an amendment cosponsored by Rep Stanley to restore local aid cuts.  The action restored $205 million in local aid to cities and towns.  If sustained by the Senate and Governor, the local aid will enable cities and towns to retain teachers, police officers and fire fighters, mitigate the need for property tax increases and provide basic city services.  The amendment would provide $1.9 million dollars for the City of Waltham.  Another $241,500 is expected to come from federal stimulus money.
 
Rep. Stanley Opposes $28 billion House budget

The House, by a vote of 137-19, agreed on a $28 billion budget for fiscal 2010 after adding approximately $600 million to its bottom line over five days of debate. The budget includes an increase to the sales tax to 6.25 percent from 5 percent, $275 million for transportation infrastructure and $205 million for local aid.  A final budget is due for the July 1 start to fiscal 2010.
 
Rep. Stanley voted against the budget because the Legislature has not agreed and implemented serious reforms on transportation, ethics and pensions before considering tax increases and because the House debated and passed a budget that was out of balance.
 
During budget week, he supported an amendment to recess until Monday, May 4th so that the House could debate the budget with accurate revenue receipts and projections.  That vote was defeated.
 
MTF Forecast: Revenues Collapse in Fiscal 2009 and 2010
 
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) warned that a deteriorating economy will drag state tax revenues down to $17.82 billion in fiscal 2010, an unprecedented $3.1 billion decline from fiscal 2008.  Several factors shape MTF's forecast of sharply declining revenues in 2009 and 2010.  These factors include employment, personal income, capital gains, sales taxes and corporate profits.

The most recent budget revenue information came a few days after the House finalized its budget when April revenue receipts were official.  According to Mike Widmer, president of the MTF, "state tax collections would not rebound to $21 billion, slightly above fiscal 2008 levels, until fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2014." 
 
Rep. Stanley supports efforts to decrease state spending
 
Rep. Stanley voted to cut a $400,000 line item for Gov. Patrick's D.C. office.  The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 49-107.  Rep. Stanley and some members of the House stated that the office should be paid for out of the governor's budget. Proponents of the office said the state reaped many times the investment in the D.C. office, which helps secure grants, coordinate Medicaid reimbursement negotiations and helps garner stimulus funding. 
 
Rep. Stanley voted for an amendment to reform the Mass Health system, which is funded about 58% by the federal government.  The amendment would have shifted to more of a managed care system and away from a pay-as-you-go system which studies have shown to be more cost prohibitive.  Some proponents of the shift have suggested the move could save hundreds of millions of dollars.  The amendment was rejected.

Rep. Stanley voted against a consolidated amendment relative to the judiciary which will
increase the administrative office of the trial court.
 
Rep. Stanley also voted against the judiciary consolidated amendment because it added $24 million to the House Ways and Means budget recommendation. The amendment was adopted by the House.
 
Gov. Patrick filed budget deficit plan to address $935 million budget gap

 
Governor Patrick filed legislation to close an estimated $953 million shortfall for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009, using a combination of federal stimulus aid, stabilization funds, and other solutions.  The legislation comes on the heels of an historic $1 billion drop in April tax revenues compared to last April revenues, and after previous measures to close an over $3 billion gap for FY 2009.
  
With less than two months remaining in the fiscal year, and more than $1.3 billion in spending cuts and controls already proposed by the Gov. this year, the administration was forced to rely mainly on federal stimulus and stabilization funds to bridge the budget gap. Most state agencies have spent more than 80 percent of their budgets by May. 
 
To immediately close the FY09 gap, the Gov. proposes using $412 million of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will allow the state to maintain its commitment to education. No community will see a reduction in its Chapter 70 aid this fiscal year. The Gov. has not included any reduction to Chapter 70 in any round of budget cuts he has made this year.
 
The Governor's proposal would allow for a draw of up to $461 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund and suspend the $100 million deposit authorized in FY 2008. The bill also calls for a $15 million reduction to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund in order to meet projected deficiencies within the MassHealth program. Even with this reduction, the Trust Fund is expected to end its year with a surplus.
 
House rejects move to speed up sale of surplus land; Rep. Stanley Speaks before the House

The House rejected a Republican-sponsored amendment to the House's fiscal 2010 budget on the disposition on surplus state property that would give the Governor authority to sell state land without legislative approval. Republicans said the sale of surplus state property would aid the state in dealing with falling tax revenues and spur economic development. Democrats said lawmakers would be ceding legislative control and protection of their cities and towns. During the budget debate, Rep. Stanley said "It's a bad idea. We need to have a role to play in our communities." Currently, the Legislature must sign off on any disposition of land via a roll call vote.
 
 
Rep. Stanley testifies on state land disposition bills
 
Rep. Stanley testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration regarding several bills regarding state land disposition.  Rep. Stanley emphasized the necessity of legislative approval to protect local interest.

Rep. Stanley testifies on behalf of his housing bill to help tenants leave welfare
 
Rep. Stanley testified before the Committee on Housing on behalf of a bill he filed to help empower people to move off of state assistance and become independent. Government subsidies often discourage people from seeking gainful employment. 
 
Working closely with the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP), Rep. Stanley filed legislation to establish "Moving to Economic Opportunity Housing," a five-year program that links rental subsidy to stabilize a tenant's housing to education, training and other job supports to help tenants increase income, build assets and leave welfare.
 
If passed, the bill will create a program to help tenants focus on increasing income and building a savings account to reduce the dependence on state-funded subsidies. The program itself is designed after a successful, federally-funded program and will target families and individuals who are extremely low-income or homeless. 
 
House passes ethics, transportation and pension reform; Senate yet to address ethics reform

Ethics and campaign finance reform - In March, the House tackled the first comprehensive ethics reform legislation in 15 years. That bill gives strong powers of enforcement to the Secretary of State and Ethics Commission, and increases the penalties for those who violate our lobbying laws. It also provides for stricter requirements on lobbyists themselves and targets anyone who gives a gift to influence or attempts to influence a public official. This bill also includes serious campaign finance reforms. It increases the frequency candidates for public office have to file disclosure reports to twice in a non-election year and requires sub-vendor reporting. These campaign finance reform provisions go farther than other competing ethics reform plans.
 
Transportation reform - In April, the House passed an historic bill that will eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. This bill changes the old "23 and out" pension policy for MBTA workers and places them under the auspices of the GIC for health insurance purposes. These changes will lead to real savings. This plan was offered without the $ .19 gas tax increase proposed by the administration, which was offered in the absence of meaningful reforms.
 
Pension reform - The House addressed those pension outrages that particularly anger the public. This bill removes the so-called "one-day, one year" rule that allows elected officials to serve one day in a calendar year and gain a full year of creditable service as well as the so-called "king for a day" rule that allows for increased benefits for some employees who go out on accidental disability retirement to receive increased benefits if they did so while filling in for a supervisor.
 
The House, Senate and Governor must reconcile their differences before any reforms can be implemented.
 
House intervenes on DMR facility closures
 
The governor and Commission of DDS projected a $13 million savings through closure of the FernaldSchool, the first scheduled to close.  The House Ways & Means Committee recommended an additional $12 million cut.

Rep. Stanley filed an amendment to the House budget to add $12.4 million for facilities for people with developmental disabilities, such as the Fernald Center. 
 
Although House leaders agreed to restore $7.5 million, Rep. Stanley insisted on debating his amendment to restore the remaining $5 million in cuts.  This amendment was rejected and as a result placed in jeopardy the 50% matching federal funding through Medicaid and has put the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents at risk.

In response to the Patrick administration's plan to close four of six Department of Mental Retardation residential facilities, House lawmakers attached an amendment to the fiscal 2010 budget requiring the administration to conduct a feasibility study and receive the Legislature's sign-off before the closures. The facilities slated for closure include the Fernald Center in Waltham, Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury, the Monson Developmental Center in Palmer, and the Templeton Developmental Center in Baldwinville. Residents of those facilities have a choice between community placement or the last two facilities, the Wrentham Developmental Center and the Hogan Regional Center in Hathorne.  The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Fernald 2

                    The Fernald Center


MWRA rates rose 5.8 percent this year

According to a survey released by the MWRA Advisory Board, water and sewer bills for MWRA customers climbed an average of 5.8 percent in 2008, a $60 increase from 2007. Over the past 10 years as residents and businesses in the MWRA district finance the Boston Harbor cleanup and an array of other water infrastructure projects, rates increased 68 percent.
 
MWRA officials warned that rate relief provided by debt services assistance from the state was cut due to state fiscal constraints.  The MWRA is projected to increase charges on communities by $320 million over the next few years.  The MWRA Advisory Board is supporting a five-cent tax on bottled water to pay for infrastructure repairs and upgrades.

Rep. Stanley filed amendment to restore funding to MWRA line item
 
Rep. Stanley filed an amendment to restore $10 million to the budget; the Gov's budget provided only $10 million and the House Ways and Means FY10 budget eliminated the line item. The amendment was adopted in part and Rep. Stanley and his colleagues were able to restore $5 million to the budget.
 
The MWRA rates are charged to member communities, which set rates paid by local water users.  The MWRA provides water and sewerage services to 61 communities in the Boston metropolitan area. The rate increases stem from the agency's costly efforts to clean the BostonHarbor and rebuild the area's water-distribution system.  Since 1985, MWRA has spent nearly $7 billion on the tasks, leaving it burdened with debt. About 60 percent of its revenue goes toward debt and mortgage payments, rather than operating expenses.
 
MTA Chief Resigns
 
On Wednesday, May 6th, Mass. Turnpike Authority (MTA) chief Alan LeBovidge resigned.  He stepped down saying that the MTA's "basic operating premise has shifted." LeBovidge was recently criticized for massive traffic jams on Easter Sunday resulting from the MTA's decision to not pay overtime for toll workers to substitute for coworkers on sick leave.  According to Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, Gov. Patrick will recommend Undersecretary Jeff Mullan to serve as acting executive director.     
 
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Cape Wind Support Letter
 
Rep. Stanley joined in colleagues in cosigning a letter to Secretary Ken Salazar with the
U.S. Department of Interior to voice his support of the Cape Wind project and request that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department of Interior issue a favorable Record of Decision and Lease to Cape Wind.
 
On January 16, 2009 the MMS issued a highly favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement on Cape Wind, a full and complete document that encapsulates the work of numerous federal and state agencies that have worked for seven years on the permitting process for Cape Wind.  
 
The need for renewable energy projects in and offshore Massachusetts has never been greater.  In 2008 the Legislature passed and Gov. Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, an energy reform bill that doubles the rate of increase in the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 0.5 percent per year to 1 percent per year, with no cap.  The Green Communities Act favors renewable energy projects in and offshore to maximize the local economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy development and production.
 
Having the nation's first offshore wind farm will position MA as a global leader in offshore renewable energy development and create thousands of new jobs in this emerging economic sector in the years to come.
 
Rep. Stanley Participates in Call with Con. Markey on Stimulus Competitive Grant Funding Opportunities
 
Congressman Markey hosted a conference call for local and state officials in the Seventh Congressional District to discuss competitive grant opportunities for cities and towns as created by the federal stimulus package. The Congressman was joined by members of his staff to explain the process and answer questions about how to apply for specific grants by the many departments involved in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
 
Rep. Stanley Attends Housing Committee Hearing
 
As a Housing Committee member, Rep. Stanley attended a Joint Committee on Housing Hearing on Tuesday, May 5th.  Rep. Stanley is a cosponsor of HB3573 (expiring use legislation), which was heard at the hearing and would ensure that seniors are kept in their publicly assisted affordable housing.
 
Proposals for amendments to the Constitution
 
A joint session of the House and Senate to consider amendments to the Constitution will be held no later than May 13th.    For a proposal to appear on the calendar of the joint session, it must be called for consideration by the adoption of an order.    The order needs to be adopted by one branch, so an order to call-up a proposal or proposals filed by a member of the House needs only adoption in the House for the measure(s) to be eligible for the joint session calendar.  
 
Swine Flu Update
 
Massachusetts Department of Public Health held a briefing at the State House about the swine flu in MA.  For the most updated information on swine flu in MA, please click
here.

Gov. Patrick to Host Community Forums
 
Between now and the end of May, senior officials in the Patrick Administration will host forums with local residents in 36 cities and towns on the choices facing the Commonwealth in the current economic climate.  Residents can express their concerns and opinions directly to the Gov. or Lt. Gov. through these meetings.
 
For more information on the forums, including locations, dates, times and participating administration officials, please click
here.

MA Stimulus Funding Breakdown
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 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

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.
 
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.

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.
News from the City Council Long Term Debt Committee   
 
The Long Term Debt Committee (LTDC) has recently filed several items received from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).   A number of legal issues have delayed the committee's ability to properly address each grant proposal on its merits in a timely manner.   The issues include inappropriate use of funds, lack of clarity in CPC vote communications and insufficient owner and eligibility information.  These issues have not been resolved despite numerous requests and communications from the LTDC.  By filing the matters the applicants may immediately re-submit their application to the CPC and if resent to the City Council in proper legal form the matter could then be judged on its merits.  Denying the items would require applicants to wait a year before restarting the process.  Approving Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant applications improperly would make it difficult to recover (CPA) taxpayer funds if used improperly.

City Hall

 Waltham City Hall
Waltham Corner
 
 
Mayor Calls for Special Council Meeting
 
Mayor McCarthy called for a Special Meeting of the City Council to discuss her fiscal year 2010 budget.  The meeting will take place Monday, May 18th at City Hall. 
 
2nd Annual Fiesta for Families
 
The 2nd Annual Fiesta for Families 2009 will take place on June 11th.  The fiesta is an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Waltham Partnership for Youth's (WPY) and Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham.   The Fiesta will take place from 5:30 to 8:30pm at Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham located at 9 Hope Ave.  All proceeds will benefit the Waltham Family School (WFS). To download the RSVP form or view the event flyer, please click here.
 
22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival 

On Saturday, Apr 25th, the 22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival took place at Gore Place in Waltham. The event included demonstrations of sheep-shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving and more. The day also featured a large crafts fair, live entertainment, wagon rides, historic demonstrators, games and farm animals. 
 
sheep1
 
sheep2
 
sheep4
 
sheep5
 
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. 
 
Nonprofit Spotlight: Waltham Family School
 
The WFS is an Even Start Literacy Program which provides educational opportunities for children and their parents by integrating early childhood education, adult education and parenting activities in a comprehensive family literacy program.  WFS serves Waltham's families who have a preschool age child, age 3-5, and who want to work on improving their English language skills and strengthening their parenting and life skills.   
 
Waltham is one of seven communities in MA awarded a federal grant, funded through the Massachusetts Department of Education, for an Even Start Literacy Program. WFS is a partnership of the Waltham Public Schools and four key community agencies located in Waltham, including Breaking Barriers, Inc., the Parent Child Home Program, the Power Program and the Waltham Partnership for Youth (PFY).  For more information about the WFS or to learn if your family might qualify, please click here.

Rep. Stanley is a board member of the WPY and Advisory Board member of the Waltham Family School. 
 
Donate Your Books to More than Words Bookstore and Caf�!
 
Looking for somewhere to donate your books, CDs and DVDs?  Interested in hosting a book drive?  More Than Words Bookstore and Caf� 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 [email protected] 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.

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)  

Waltham Farmers' Market, Spring Market Day
Saturday, May 9th;  9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
One Moody Street
 
Find plants, early produce and more. at Waltham Farmers' Market's Spring Market Day on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Sovereign Bank parking lot at One Moody Street, Waltham, across from Waltham Common.
 
Join us for our first ever pre-season market day and get plants, compost and early crops as well as cheese, meat, maple syrup products, baked goods, specialty foods, coffee, crafts, jewelry and handmade soap.
 
The Spring Market Day will take place rain or shine. For more information on the Waltham Farmers' Market, click here. Our regular season opening day is June 13.
 
 
SPROUT 2009: A Benefit for Waltham Fields Community Farm
Saturday, May 16th; 6-9 pm
Charles RiverMuseum of Industry: 154 Moody St.
 
Support local farming, food access, and environmental education!  Come to SPROUT 2009...All event proceeds support distribution of organically grown vegetables to low-income individuals and families and on-farm education programming.

Fabulous silent auction & raffle (win CSA shares, red sox tickets, a cheese cave tour at Formaggio's, restaurant gift certificates, fine art, weekend getaways, and more)! 
 
Delicious local food prepared by the chef/owner of Prose Restaurant in Arlington. Open bar and live jazz! Museum exhibit halls will be open during the event. The current exhibit is on the history of the bicycle. 
The Charles River Museum of Industry is inside the former Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill, built in 1814 and on the National Register of Historic Places as America's first factory.
Venue is just steps away from the Waltham commuter rail stop, and is accessible by bus as well. Event is for adults only. Ticket Prices: $35 for members, $45 for non members. 
Purchase tickets at www.communityfarms.org/sprout

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.

The Waltham Museum events
 
Monday, 7/6- 2:00 pm, Historic Lecture/Video.  The Museum will present this program each of the Monday's for entire month. Subject matter will vary and will be announced later on.
 
Metz Meet,  Sunday, 7/26 - All day event,  2nd choice - 7/12, at Museum
(Please notify me of print date as this date is subject to change pending a March meeting)
 
Waltham High School 70th reunion
 Saturday, 7/18, 12:00 noon luncheon, Chateau Rest. 
 
 
Museum Historic Trolley Tour,
  7/23- Thursday, 9:30 am, 2nd choice, 7/30/09. Participants will meet at Sacred Heart Church parking lot.
 
 
`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.
 
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; [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.
 
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].

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
 
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 Healthy 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