The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 5, No. 8August 2010
In This Issue
Waltham Corner
Upcoming Events
About Rep. Stanley

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District
 
 Check out Rep. Stanley's New Community Calendar 
 
Click here to check out Rep. Stanley's new community calendar website, a helpful resource for residents of Waltham.  The calendar offers information about all community events hosted by non-profit, social, civic and community organizations in Waltham. 
 
If you wish to promote your

community event on the calendar (parades, anniversary events, fundraisers, festivals, etc...), please email my assistant Tara Conklin. Please note that the calendar does not list schedules or weekly services.
Bill Signing at Fenway
 
Autism Bill Signing at Fenway Park
 
Rep. Stanley
 
Rep. Stanley at the State House
 
Stop Hate
 
Protesting on Beacon Street
 
 Canobie
 
Summer Fun!
 
Canobie Sign
 
Entrance to Canobie Lake Park
 
Church
 
View of Church from the Boston Common
 
Nubble Light
 
Nubble Light, Maine
 
 Galleria
 
Outside the Cambridge Galleria
 
Boathouse2
 
Boat House on the Charles River
 
Sen. Rosenberg
 
Sen. Stanley Rosenberg discusses Casino Conference Committee
 
 Tom Brady
 
Tom Brady at Training Camp
 
State House
 
State House
 
Circus Smirkus1
 
Circus Smirkus at Gore Estate
 
Circus Smirkus2
 
Circus Smirkus
 
 Gore Estate
 
Gore Estate
 
Bass River
 
Bass River
 
 Beach to himself
 
Beach to himself 
 
 Boat
 
Fishing Boa
 
Cape Cod
 
Climbing the rocks
 
Cape July2
 
Sailing
 
Cranes Beach
 
Crane's Beach
 
Entering the Bass River
 
Entering the Bass River
 
Bass River Boat
 
Summer Fun
 
Beach Fun
 
Searching for Shells
 
Roses
 
Summer Roses
 
York Harbor, ME
 
York Harbor, ME 
    
Waltham Watch Factory 
 
 Waltham Watch Factory
  
Ogunquit, ME 
 
Ogunquit, ME
 
Charles2 
 
Charles River, Waltham
  
Princesses 
 Princesses
        
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) 722-2810

Thomas.Stanley@

 state.ma.us
Dear Friend:
 
It is my pleasure to deliver August'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,
 
Signature 

Thomas M. Stanley
 
News from Beacon Hill 
 
Formal Sessions End
 

Although the legislature's formal sessions for 2010 have come to a close, House and Senate members will continue to meet in informal sessions twice a week for the remainder of 2010. In July, the legislature passed bills which included CORI reform and autism insurance reform, among others. 
 
Rep. Stanley was disappointed that legislation to update the state's Bottle Bill was not adopted. The proposal has strong public support and has been endorsed by more than 140 cities and towns and just about every environmental group in the state.  The bill decreases landfill use, saves energy, saves oil and creates green jobs.  Additionally, the bill increases state revenue.  Rep. Stanley will once again file legislation and advocate on behalf of this endeavor next year.

TMS at Podium

Rep. Stanley in the House Chamber
 
Casino Bill Fails

Legislation to bring three casinos and two slot machine parlors was not signed by Gov. Patrick before the Legislature adjourned its session.  Gov. Patrick filed amended legislation to eliminate the proposed slot parlors, which are opposed by Senate President Murray and supported by Speaker DeLeo.  There is a slight chance that the Legislature might reconvene to consider Gov. Patrick's amended legislation or override his veto. 
 
President Signs Bill With $655M for MA
 
President Obama signed legislation passed by the US Senate and House which would enable MA to receive about $450 million in one-time federal Medicaid funding and $205 million in education funding. According to Sen. Kerry, the funds will save more than 2,400 jobs in MA public schools, prevent police and firefighter layoffs, strengthen Medicaid and prevent devastating budget cuts.
The Massachusetts Legislature must now decide how to distribute the funds.  Members may be called back to the State House for a formal session to do so.
 
Legislation Making Necessary Autism Services More Affordable For Families Becomes Law

Rep. Stanley cosponsored and voted in favor of legislation requiring health insurance companies to cover the diagnosis of and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The legislation provides coverage for habilitative or rehabilitative care, psychiatric, therapeutic, pharmacy and psychological care for all individuals with autism. An independent study done by the Commonwealth's Division of Health Care Finance and Policy found that the anticipated increase for expanding coverage would be $1.84 per member per month.  Gov. Patrick signed the legislation. 
 
Cost estimates indicate that, over the course of a person's life, care relating to autism will cost approximately $3.2 million. This cumulative cost has been a financial burden not just on families, but also on the Commonwealth through Early Intervention services and other state-funded programs. 
 
Autism affects 1 in 110 children or 1.5 million Americans nationwide. In 2011, it is estimated that nearly 700 children in Massachusetts will be diagnosed with this disorder that impacts one's ability to interact socially, communicate effectively, and sometimes can leave an individual physically impaired and completely incapable of speech.

Autism Lobby Day1

Rep. Stanley with Michael J. Chmura Jr., a young supporter of the legislation

Austism Lobby Day2

 Michael Speaking up for Better Insurance Coverage for Autism Disorders
 
Antifreeze Bill Becomes Law
 
Gov. Patrick recently signed a bill cosponsored by Rep. Stanley and other members of the Legislature.  The Antifreeze Bill, House Bill 4285, requires engine coolant and antifreeze to contain a "bittering" agent to render it unpalatable and prevent poisonings.  The bill could help save animals lives from accidental poisoning.
 
Rep. Stanley and Colleagues Push Feds on PACE 
 
 Rep. Stanley and 108 colleagues sent a letter today pushing Federal law makers to support legislation that would force FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to adopt standards that support Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). PACE is a program enabling cities and towns to acquire funding through bonds to help residents finance two types of improvements in their homes:  energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements.  After loaning the money out, the municipalities will place a betterment charge on the homeowner's property taxes.  The homeowner will get the benefit of low cost financing for their energy project that will allow them to capture other government incentives.  An added benefit is that if they decide to move the new owner will take over the payments. PACE legislation was passed by the Massachusetts House and Senate last week.  It is awaiting the Governor's signature.
 
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letters to AG about Wind Energy Siting Reform Act
 
Rep. Stanley cosigned a letter to Attorney General Coakley requesting that she be involved in the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act which was adopted by the House and is now before the Senate. This bill deals with comprehensive permitting reform for land based wind projects and an increase in the current net metering capacity.  The purpose of the bill is to eliminate obstacles to achieving the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard requirement that 15% of electricity sold by electricity retailers originates from Class I renewable energy sources by 2020.  Rep. Stanley voted against the bill because it trampled on local control similar to what some want to do with surplus land disposition process.

House Votes to Fully Fund Workforce Training Fund
 
Rep. Stanley voted to restore $12.5 million to the Workforce Training Fund which provides employers with grants aimed at educating and training existing members of the workforce and new hires. In order to reinstate the $12.5 million in funding, the House overrode a gubernatorial veto. The legislature's conference committee budget which passed last month provided $24 million for the Workforce Training Fund. The House's veto override restored the funding for Workforce Training grants to the level of $24 million. Through the beginning of this year, more than $175 million in grants have been awarded to train almost a quarter-million workers through the Workforce Training Fund.
 
House Passes Bill to Instate Silver Alert Program
 
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation to establish a Silver Alert program to assist in locating seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia that have gone missing. The Silver Alert program would provide for a coordinated approach to locating an individual with dementia. The bill directs law enforcement and other key response resources to focus in a geographic area consistent with the missing person's last know location. The legislation requires training for law enforcement and key responders. This training will be incorporated into emergency personnel training currently in practice. Some 120,000 people in Massachusetts have Alzheimer's disease with the number expected to increase by 17 percent by the year 2025.
 
Rep. Stanley Cosponsors Small Business Health Insurance Amendment

Rep. Stanley joined Chairman Walsh in co-sponsoring an amendment to Senate Bill 2447, An Act to Promote Cost Containment, Transparency and Efficiency in the Provision of Quality Health Insurance for Individuals and Small Businesses. This amendment allows for small businesses and non-profits of less than 50 employees to have group buying power with their health insurance. It will help to lower costs and increase competition and give small businesses and non-profits a level playing field when it comes to buying their insurance.
 
SJC Chief Justice Retiring In October
 
The state's top judge and first female chief justice, Margaret Marshall, will retire from the Supreme Judicial Court in October 2010.  Marshall is stepping down to spend time with her husband who has recently fallen ill.  Marshall received national attention after ruling that the state's constitution could not permit the state to bar gay marriage. Gov. Patrick will likely nominate a new top judge and his choice will require confirmation by the Governor's Council.
 
Gov. Signs Bill Cosponsored by Rep. Stanley to Change Electoral Votes
 
Massachusetts joined Ha­waii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington after passing a law to assign the state's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who won the national popular vote - regardless of whom MA voters preferred.  Gov. Patrick signed the bill which will go into effect once states holding at least 270 total electoral votes, the number required for winning the presi­dency, adopted similar laws. Presidential candidates have won elections four times despite losing the popular vote, including Al Gore's loss to President Bush 10 years ago.

Pop vote bill signing 

Rep. Stanley and colleagues with Gov. Patrick at the National Popular Vote Bill Signing
 
House Passes Legislation to Stabilize Neighborhoods
 
The House passed Senate Bill 240, legislation aiming to stabilize neighborhoods. The bill establishes a new local option property tax exemption which permits a charitable organization that acquires a foreclosed property, and plans to create low and moderate income affordable housing there, to be exempt from property taxes until it sells or rents that property, but not for more than seven years after purchase.
 
The bill also touches upon reverse mortgages, requiring in-person counseling in order to receive a reverse mortgage for people below 50 percent of the area median income with less than $120,000 in assets outside of their primary residence.  A reverse mortgage allows homeowners ages 62 years or older to receive a loan on their home equity. The loan is paid back when the homeowner sells the home, moves or passes away.  The in-person counseling requirement goes into effect twenty four months after the effective date of the law.
 
Additionally, the bill protects state and federal rental subsidies, protects tenants who live in foreclosed properties and establishes the crime of mortgage fraud.
 
House Passes Iran Divestment Bill
 
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that would require the Pension Reserves Investment Trust Fund (PRIT) to divest from companies conducting business operations in Iran. The bill secures the MA pension funds from risky investments in a volatile region while simultaneously indicating disapproval with the Iranian government and the potential expansion of Iranian nuclear activity.
           
The bill requires the public fund to give all companies conducting business operations in Iran in which the fund has direct or indirect holdings 180 days to cease operations in Iran. If the company continues to conduct business operations in Iran, the public fund is required to sell, redeem, divest or withdraw all publicly traded securities of the company. The public fund is required to divest at least 50 percent of the assets within 9 months and 100 percent within 15 months. The PRIT fund includes both the state retirement fund and the teachers' retirement fund.
 
Pop Vote Signing
 
Rep. Stanley Attends Iran Divestment Bill Signing
at the State House
 
Important Info on Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can spread germs that can make you very sick and may even cause death. Protect yourself and your loved ones by avoiding mosquito bites. Use bug spray when outdoors, wear long sleeves and other clothing to help reduce mosquito bites, stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (sunset to sunrise), install or repair door and window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home and remove standing water from around your home (in bird baths, tires, bottles or cans) so mosquitoes can't breed there. Information about West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is available by calling the Massachusetts Department of Public Health information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800 or 2-1-1.
 
Employers Can Apply for Federal Funding to Reduce Cost of Insurance for Retirees
 
Massachusetts employers can apply for newly available federal funding that will help them reduce the cost of providing health insurance to their employees who retire early. Employers are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 
The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was established by Congress as part of the Affordable Care Act, with $5 billion in funding. The program provides reimbursement to participating employment-based plans for a portion of the cost of health benefits for early retirees and their spouses, surviving spouses and dependents. Employers who are accepted into the program will receive reinsurance reimbursements for medical claims for retirees age 55 and older who are not eligible for Medicare, as well as their spouses, surviving spouses and dependents.
 
Health benefits that qualify for relief include medical, surgical, hospital, prescription drug and other benefits between $15,000 and $90,000. Claims incurred between the start of the plan year (often January 1) and June 1 are credited toward the $15,000 threshold for reimbursement. However, only medical expenses incurred after June 1, 2010, are eligible for reimbursements under this program.
 
Unless the funding expires sooner, the Early Retiree Insurance Program ends on January 1, 2014, when early retirees will be able to choose from the additional coverage options that will be available through the health insurance exchanges created under the new national health reform law. Employers can access the program application online.  

Federal Grants Are Available
 
Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. Learn more about Grants.gov and determine if you are eligible for grant opportunities offered on this site. Grants.gov does not provide personal financial assistance. To learn where you may find personal help, check out Government Benefits, Student Loans andSmall Business Start-up Loans. 
 
RMV Customer Service: Road Test Online Booking
 
Road tests can now be booked online at
www.mass.gov/rmv. The newest customer convenience to the RMV online branch could help reduce the demand on the call center by approximately 260,000 callers a year. In the last 18 months, MassDOT RMV has made the online branch the busiest by adding a dozen new website transactions which resulted in 39% more customer traffic.

MassDOT RMV examiners conduct 2,500 road tests a week at 29 locations throughout the state. During a two week test launch of the new online feature, more than 1042 permit holders booked a road test through www.mass.gov/rmv. Those who prepay for the exam when they book online also save themselves a trip to an RMV branch once they've completed the road test.

Bay State Gas Residential Past-Due Balance Forgiveness Program
 
Residents struggling to pay overdue utility bills are finding it a bit easier now with help from the Bay State Gas past-due balance forgiveness program. The program provides qualified customers with assistance in budgeting for their current natural gas bills, while each month also forgiving a portion of past-due balances. To take advantage of the forgiveness program, current Bay State customers must first qualify for the company's residential assistance rate. Anyone interested in more information should speak with one of Bay State's specially trained call center representatives by calling 1-800-688-6160. Please click
here to learn more.
 
AARP launches new web tool to help lower drugs costs
 
AARP launched its new Doughnut Hole Calculator, a free web tool that can help residents "avoid the dreaded coverage gap" which can leave folks stuck with thousands of dollars in unbudgeted spending.  Click
here to access this calculator.  According to the AARP, in 15 minutes visitors can view a graph of their out-of-pocket spending by month, look up lower cost drugs for their conditions, create a Personal Medication Record and print out personalized letters to their doctors to help start a conversation about safely switching prescriptions. 
 
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

A number of job listings are posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.  For more information, click here.
Waltham Corner
 
Waltham Superintendent of Schools Resigns
 
Superintendent of Waltham Schools Peter Azar recently resigned during a special School Committee meeting.  Azar, who has served as Superintendent since June 2008, when Susan Parella was forced to retire, has been at odds with the Mayor McCarthy and the School Committee. The Mayor did not accept Azar's resignation, stating that his contract requires 120 days advance notice of termination. Azar agreed to help with the transition and be present during newly-hired Assistant Superintendent Paul Maiorano's contract discussion. The Mayor plans to call for an emergency School Committee meeting, in which the committee's attorney would be present.
 
Preschool Story Hour Returns To Gore Place

 
On Wednesday, September 15, Gore Place will offer a program entitled "Preschool Story Hour at Gore Place: Harvest Time."Children will listen to stories about growing and harvesting vegetables, do a related craft activity and take a hay ride to the farm to see the raised bed gardens and farm animals. Story times are 10am to 11am and 2pm to 3pm (same story and activity). Children should be prepared to go outside. This program is for ages 3 and 4 with an adult. Cost is $5 per child, $3 for one additional child. Gore Place members at the Dual/Family level or above enjoy free admission for one child. Space is limited, reserve by September 14 by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (781) 894-2798.
 
Gore Place is located at 52 Gore Street, just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line and accessible via the 70 or 70A bus. For more information call: (781) 894-2798 or visit the museums website. 

REACH Back to School Drive
 
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence is partnering with Cradles to Crayons, who will once again provide backpacks and school supplies for children ages 12 and under.  However, we are seeking support to help us provide backpacks and supplies for 48 kids between the ages of 13 and 17.  Those interested in helping with these backpacks can purchase items on your own, provide REACH with a check, and REACH can purchase the items for you or send REACH gift cards to allow clients to pick out their own school supplies.  Please contact Courtney at 781-891-0724 ext. 104 or [email protected] by August 23 for more information.  For complete info, please click here.
 
Wondering About Mental Health Services?
 
Project INTERFACE is a FREE mental health and wellness resource and referral service offered by the Freedman Center at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Project INTERFACE strives to improve access to mental health and wellness information and services for children and families. To learn more about anxiety, bullying, depression, divorce, grief/loss and more and resources available to help, please click here.   
You may also contact the Helpline at 617-332-3666 X 411 for resource information and/or mental health provider referrals from a mental health professional experienced in working with children and families. The work of Project INTERFACE is supported in part by the Massachusetts Child Access Project and Saint Elizabeth's Hospital.  
 
Waltham Land Trust Dough Raiser
 
On August 21st from 11am through 12:30am (all day and all night), Uno's Chicago Grill in Waltham (155 Bear Hill Road, Waltham) will donate up to 20 percent to the Waltham Land Trust on all orders for everyone who brings the Waltham Land Trust Dough Raiser Coupon with them.  Just click here to download the needed coupon. You might print several copies to give to your neighbors and friends and encourage them to support the Waltham Land Trust too!  You must have the coupon with you for WLT to receive the donation. You can dine in or order take-out.  If your group is larger than eight people, please call ahead to reserve seating.
 
Come help extend the Western Greenway!  
 
Friends of the Western Greenway seventh work day of the trail season is Saturday, August 21.  This continues the work done over the last few months in the Shady's Pond Conservation area and last summer on the Western Greenway Trail building project. The work on 8/21 will be primarily trail clearing and building.  The plan for the Western Greenway Trail will be to connect to the Storer Conservation Land in the near future. We will meet at the basketball court near the end of Brookway Road (GPS and online maps: 71 Brookway Road, Waltham). This is in the Waltham Housing Authority area and the entrance to Brookway Road is directly across from the Wal-Lex Shopping Center. Parking spaces are available next to the baskeball court. We will work from 8:30am through 3:30pm with partial day participation welcomed. Lunch will be served. Bring your own water bottle. We will offer unlimited refills. All tools and training will be provided. Be prepared to encounter poison ivy and mosquitoes on the trail. Work will proceed rain or shine. If questions contact the Waltham Land Trust: 781-893-3355 or email [email protected].
 
Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program that provides free meals to children, ages 18 and under, when school is not in session.  Meals will be provided at Lowell Spray Park located at 190 Grove Street in Waltham though August 27th, Monday through Friday from 12:45pm to 1:45pm.
 
The Child Nutrition Outreach Program (CNOP) is a service provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and administered by Project Bread. CNOP works with community members to increase participation in both the School Breakfast and the Summer Food Service Programs. For more information, please click here.
 
Waltham's Emergency Alert Program
 
The City of Waltham has implemented a new Emergency Alert Program which lets residents receive emergency notifications many various ways. You can now receive message via text, home phone, cell phone, emails and work phones. Employees who live in the city are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency notifications by entering their home address. Employees who do not live in the city and still wish to receive notifications you may also do so by entering your work address.  Please click here to register. Please click here and register today.
 
Mayor McCarthy's Annual Doo Wop Concert
 
The concert will take place on the Waltham Common on Saturday August 21, 2010 from 5:30pm-9:30pm.  The Waltham Lions Club, Lizzy's Ice Cream, and Dunkin Donuts will sell refreshments on the Common beginning at 4:30pm.  The bands start performing at 5:30pm and the line-up includes The John Penny Band, The Reminisants, The Crickets (That will be the day, Peggy Sue, Oh- Boy) and The Belmonts (Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, Teenager in Love).  Bring your chairs, appetite and dancing shoes!  In case of rain, concert will be held at Kennedy Middle School (first come, first served).The concert is sponsored by the City of Waltham, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy and The Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce / Holiday Inn Express.
 
Substitute Teachers Wanted! 
 
Substitutes work as needed from one to five days per week for approximately seven hours per day. Daily rate is $78.00. The Waltham School Department requires that you have completed a minimum of two years of college. All applicants must complete an I9 Eligibility Form.  I9 Form requires two forms of identification.  Acceptable documents may include, but are not restricted to; a copy of your passport OR a copy of your license and birth certificate OR a license and social security card.  Must successfully pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information). Two letters of recommendation also required.  Substitute para-professional positions also available at $52 per day. No college required.  All other requirements apply. Please apply in person Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm during the school year to: Nancy Quinn, Substitute Coordinator, Waltham Public Schools, 617 Lexington St., Waltham, MA 02453, call 781-314-5535 or email [email protected].
 
Embassy Park - Competition under Construction
 
Embassy Park is an under-used urban pocket park in the heart of downtown Waltham, Massachusetts. COGdesign invites students and professional landscape architects & designers, artists, architects, engineers, gardeners, builders and designers of all kinds to take part in the Embassy Park Ideas Competition to redesign this urban pocket park.
 
The goal of this competition is to generate innovative ideas to transform this urban space into a vibrant place that reflects the energy, creativity and diversity of downtown Waltham.

Competition kicks off on September 13, 2010. Community Visioning event on September 25. Check COGdesign.org in August for more details.
  
Saturday Mansion Tours at Gore Place
 
Gore Place will offer Saturday tours of the Governor Gore mansion in Waltham. The tours will take place at 12, 1 and 2pm and last approximately 45 minutes. Weekday tours will continue to be offered Monday through Friday at 1pm.

Built in 1806 and furnished in the high style of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the mansion at Gore Place is one of the great houses of the Federal period. Admission to the mansion is $10 adults and $5 children ages 5 to 12. Parking is free.
 
Gore Place is located at 52 Gore Street, just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line. For more information, contact the museum at (781) 894-2798 or visit the museum's website at
www.goreplace.org. For press information, photographs, or interviews, please contact Director of Programming Thom Roach at (781) 894-2798 ext. 12 or email
[email protected].
 
The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) 2010 Season
 
To purchase tickets online, learn more about the 2010 season or learn more about the WPO, please click
here. 
 
WPO
 
Recycling in Waltham!
 
There are many easy day-to-day things you can do to help the environment.  Learn more about what you can do to help. Information about recycling programs in Waltham is available by clicking
here.  
 
Tenant Advocacy Clinic at WATCH
 
The Tenant Advocacy Clinic provides one-on-one training and personalized assistance to any tenant with a housing related issue or question.  Tenants can drop in to receive assistance at WATCH (517 Moody Street) every Monday from 7 - 8:30 pm and every Thursday from 7 - 8:30pm.  Those who cannot come in person may leave a message on the Tenant Clinic Hotline and someone will return their call during Clinic hours: 781-891-6689 x203. The clinic is provided through a partnership between Brandeis University and WATCH.

 
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.

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. 

City of Waltham website announces job openings 
 
Job opportunities are posted on the City of Waltham's website
 
Waltham posts 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)

Walk & Talk with Elected Officials
 
"Walk & Talk with Elected Officials" will be held on selected Mondays this summer from 6pm - 7:15pm at Leary Field. The purpose of this program is for community members and Waltham officials to have the chance to engage in conversation about important topics while increasing physical activity. The last walk will take place on 8/23.
 
Historic Gardens at the 1793 Coach House at Gore Place
 
Gore Place, the historic Governor Gore estate in Waltham, announced the completion of 19th century, demonstration gardens recently installed near the 1793 Coach House on the 43-acre estate. Free to the public year-round and fully handicapped accessible, the gardens consist of historic varieties of flowers, vegetables and herbs including aromatic herbs intended to provide an enhanced experience for the low sighted and blind visitor.

The gardens are under the supervision of Scott Clarke, Director of Buildings and Grounds for the estate. According to Scott Clarke, "These gardens offer a unique opportunity to tell our visitors about varieties of plants and gardening techniques common in the early 19th century."

Thisprogram was supported, in part, by grants from the Waltham and Watertown Local Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The gardens may be viewed year-round, dawn-to-dusk. Admission and parking are free.

Gore Place was the home of Christopher and Rebecca Gore. Gore was the 7th governor of Massachusetts, a lawyer, investor and farmer with over 400 acres of farmland. Gore Place is located at 52 Gore Street, just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line. For more information call: (781) 894-2798 or visit the museums website at: www.goreplace.org.
 
Waltham Farmers' Market
 
The market is held rain or shine, and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday through November 6. The Sovereign Bank parking lot is wheelchair-accessible, and is located at the intersection of Main and Moody, opposite the Waltham Common. The lot can be reached by car from Main Street or Charles Street. 
 
For more information, please call (781) 899-6230 or go to http://www.waltham-community.org/FarmersMarket.html.
 
PET BEREAVEMENT Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England recognizes the important role pets play in people's lives and will offer a free bereavement support group for children and adults on the first Wednesday of every month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VESCONE, 180 Bear Hill Road, Waltham. Information: 781-684-8387.
 
OVEREATERS Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for recovery from over-eating, anorexia and bulimia, meets Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at St. Mary's CCD, 30 Pond St., Waltham. Information: 508-875-0001, select option #1.
 
PARENTAL STRESS, Parents Helping Parents hosts a free and confidential parent support group every Wednesday evening in Waltham. Come share your experiences and gain valuable support, parenting advice and encouragement from other parents in the group. Information: 1-800-632-8188; [email protected]; www.parentshelpingparents.org.
 
WALTHAM TOASTMASTERS, Toastmasters International meetings are on the first and third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Meadow Green Rehab & Nursing Center, Trapelo Road. It is open to anyone at least 18 years old. Group works to help get over anxiety in public speaking and work on leadership skills. Call 781-894-7182 or e-mail
[email protected].
SERVE MEALS If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist the Middlesex Human Service Agency in serving meals, please contact Dick Rogers at 781-894-6110.
 
REAGLE PLAYERS Non-profit theater company Reagle Players seeks volunteers: ushers, dressers, reception, stitchers and much more. Share any skills. No formal experience necessary. Call 781-891-5600 to inquire or visit www.reagleplayers.com for information.

COMMUNITY DAY CENTER The Community Day Center seeks volunteers to tutor low to no income guest in literacy, GED, resume writing and computer skills including hunting for jobs on the internet. Bilingual Spanish and Portuguese speakers especially needed. Hours: Monday - Friday 1:30-4:30 or weekends at the Library. Call Rob Mark, executive director, 617-960-7793, www.communitydaycenter.com, [email protected].

MARISTHILL Maristhill Nursing & Rehab Center seeks volunteers to assist with Mass, Eucharistic Ministry, accompany people to medical appointments (no driving required), visit with elders, or share your unique talents and gifts in other ways. No experience necessary. Training, supervision, and support are provided. Call Maureen Andrew at 781-893-0240.
 
HOSPICE & ADMINISTRATIVE HELP VNA Care Choices needs volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to terminally ill patients and their families in many communities, including Waltham and Newton. Training and supervision provided. Call Nancy Barcelo, 781-890-4440, ext. 3471.
 
COMMUNITY LINKS Wayside Community Links, 118 Central St., Waltham, seeks volunteer to do street outreach and co-facilitate educational groups for adolescents. Spanish and Portuguese speaking candidates are especially needed. Training provided. Call 781-891-0555 Ext. 71 for more information.

 
`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.
 
BOOKS, CDs, DVDs If you are looking to donate your books, CDs and DVDs, or hosting a book drive, donate to More Than Words Bookstore and Cafe, 376 Moody St. More Than Words 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. Information: 781-788-0035; [email protected].

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.

SERVE MEALS If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist the Middlesex Human Service Agency in serving meals, please contact Dick Rogers at 781-894-6110.
 
HOSPICE Evercare Hospice seeks volunteers for friendly visits with hospice patients 1-4 hrs per week in Waltham. Free training provided. Call Marjie Rochon at 781-472-8641 or e-mail [email protected].
About Rep. Stanley:
 
State Representative: 2001 - Present
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - Present
Council President: 2003
 
City Council Committees:  
Public Works
Community Development
Veterans

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, Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative, Waltham Community Day Center (Active Honorary), Waltham Public Library Planning Committee
 
Member: Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Democratic City Committee, Fitzgerald 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 16, Parker, age 7