The Stanley Report

Report Ranks MA as 3^rd Most Competitive State

The Beacon Hill Institute's annual State Competitiveness Report recently ranked Massachusetts as the nation's third most competitive state, with strengths in human resources and technology offset by lower scores in indexes measuring government and fiscal policy and environmental policy. Massachusetts placed behind North Dakota and Colorado and placed first in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. The index is based on a set of 43 indicators divided into eight sub-indexes - government and fiscal policy, security, infrastructure, human resources, technology, business incubation, openness and environmental policy.

State eyes restrictions on alcoholic energy drinks

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission's (ABCC) efforts to ban Four Loko sales has prompted the Legislature to look at ways to further restrict the sale of alcoholic energy drinks and the way these drinks are packaged. Four Loko, a caffeine-infused alcoholic drink sold in a fluorescent can, is said to be aimed at young drinkers. Officials at Phusion Projects, the beverage's parent company, say that the drink is safe. The ABCC intends to file an emergency measure to ban alcoholic beverages that include herbal or chemical stimulants such as caffeine, guarana, taurine, gingko biloba and ginseng.

Audit Finds Overbilling in Medicaid Dental System

According to Auditor Joseph DeNucci's office, Massachusetts' Medicaid program distributed millions of dollars for excessive, unnecessary and potentially fraudulent dental claims. The office's audit included sampling 360,000 claims submitted by Medicaid dental providers. Officials discovered that nearly $5.7 million in overcharged and unnecessary costs, mostly from excessive X-ray services. Over the past four years, payments to dentals providers in the Medicaid program have increased by more than 250 percent.

Federal Government Approves Mass Hazard Preparedness Plan

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved Massachusetts' emergency statewide hazard mitigation plan which includes details to prevent death and damage from floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes. The plan offered an assessment of natural disaster risks facing the state and develops goals for addressing them. FEMA approved the plan in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Fernald Advocacy Group Disbanding

The Fernald League recently announced that it will disband at the end of 2010. The League was established in 1956 to advocate for families and intellectually disabled residents of the Fernald Developmental Center. Due to the Patrick Administration's efforts to close Fernald, most residents have been relocated but the Center is still open pending the outcome of administrative appeals filed by about 20 guardians of remaining residents.

New Reverse Mortgage Law in Effect

Due to requirement included in a bill signed by Gov. Patrick in August, reverse mortgage borrowers in Massachusetts must now agree in writing to their loans and certify that they have completed required third party counseling. A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners 62 or older to borrow against the equity in their home and receive a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit or a combination of those. Please call the Division of Banks with questions at 617-956-1501 or visit www.mass.gov/reversemortgage.

Gov. Patrick Announces Nomination of Chief Justice

Gov. Patrick announced the nomination of Senior Associate Justice Roderick L. Ireland to serve as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Ireland, a highly regarded Associate Justice of the SJC and former Appeals Court and Juvenile Court judge, is slated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall. If confirmed, Justice Ireland will be the first African American and person of color to serve as Chief Justice of the SJC.

Justice Ireland has served the Commonwealth as a member of the judiciary for over three decades, beginning with his 1977 appointment to the Boston Juvenile Court. After thirteen years on the Juvenile Court, he became an Associate Justice of the Appeals Court in 1990. In 1997, Governor William F. Weld nominated him to the Supreme Judicial Court, where he became the first African American to serve that distinguished court in its more than 300 year history.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program offers caregivers assistance and support to ease the strain and reduce the challenges of caregiving. Caring for a loved one can often be difficult and frustrating. The Program empowers elders and caregivers by providing information, education, support, and services that enhance quality of life. Please click here to learn more.

New Guardianship Rules and Forms

The Probate and Family Court has issued two new rules and two new forms for guardianship, effective November 16, 2010. Please click here for additional information.

Attention Veterans: Stop Loss Pay

The deadline to apply for Stop Loss Pay has been extended to December 3, 2010. The Defense Department will provide retroactive stop loss special pay. Active, reserve and former service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to stop loss are eligible for this special pay, if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Applications for stop loss pay must be received before December 3, 2010. Service members must provide documented proof they were stop lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim. Please click here for contact information.

Need help with your medications?

MCPHS Pharmacy Outreach Program is a confidential information and referral service available to all MA residents seeking help with their medications. There are no income guidelines. By calling a toll-free help line, residents can speak to pharmacists and case managers to receive personal assistance, answer pharmacy related questions or find programs to help with the cost of medications. MassMedLine is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Services include medication counseling, prescription drug plan counseling and referrals for free and discount drug programs. All MassMedLine services are free.

MassMedLine does not have prescription drugs to give out or money to help pay for prescriptions. It is an information and referral service. MassMedLine will try to find government and private programs to help any resident get the medicine they need. Mass Medline is a partnership between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. To learn more, please click here.

Fall Publication of Abandoned Property Listings Available

Abandoned Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. After three years of no customer-generated activity, most accounts are considered "abandoned" and are turned over to the Treasury. An updated list of abandoned accounts is published twice annually as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit to claim abandoned property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest. Please click here to check the Abandoned Property list. The newly released list includes 2 accounts over $100,000, 3 accounts between $50,000 and $100,000, and more than 250 accounts in excess of $5,000. In addition to bank accounts, the new accounts include 100 abandoned safe deposit boxes, 25 owners of mutual funds and 7,652 owners of stock.

Massachusetts State Treasury presents a Fun Financial Education Game for Adults

The Financial Education Department of the Massachusetts Treasury has teamed up with Doorways to Dream (D2D) Fund to bring to you a "Massachusetts 2010 Financial Entertainment Contest," with "Celebrity Calamity," an online financial education game tournament. While focused on fun, this game aims to empower participants to master personal finance skills, improve confidence in financial decision making and increase responsible consumer behavior. To learn more, please click here.

Tour the State Library

The State Library welcomes Rep. Stanley's constituents to the library and arranges tours for school groups or other groups who wish to view the premises and see some of its special holdings. Staff can show materials about Rep. Stanley's district and about subjects of interest to Waltham and Lexington.To schedule a tour, please contact pamela.schofield@state.ma.us or call 617-727-2590 or email the reference department directly using the above number or e-mail reference.department@state.ma.us. You may also contact Rep. Stanley's office for assistance. You may wish also to visit the library's blog.

AARP Tax-Aide looking for volunteers

Last year, some 24,000 older, low- and middle-income Massachusetts taxpayers received assistance and tax preparation from the nation's largest, free tax assistance program, AARP Tax-Aide. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue is proud to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the training of volunteers, 600 of whom provided help to individuals returning their state and federal income taxes.

The commitment to work with clients in locales such as public libraries and senior centers extends from Feb. 1 to April 15. This is a meaningful and challenging opportunity for community service. We'd like to hear from anyone who has volunteered in the past as an AARP Tax-Aide. To learn more, please click here.

Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

Stanley elected Chairman of City Council Long Term Debt Committee

City Councillor David Marcou's resignation and replacement required a re-shuffling of committee assignments. Councillor Stanley was appointed to the Long Term Debt Committee and elected Chairman of the committee. This is the third time Stanley has chaired the Long Term Debt Committee which he proposed and created as City Council President in 2002.

Council/CPC Meetings on 11/22

Mayor McCarthy asked that the Council approve a "relief "sewer to be installed in Lexington Street in early December. This project, located on Lexington Street between Lake Street and the YMCA driveway, will provide a partial solution to the chronic sewer system overflow at Lake Street and Lexington Street.

The Mayor also asked the Council to approve a transfer of capital improvement funds totaling $300,000 to fund the sewer rehab project on Lexington Street between Lake Street and the YMCA, increasing the sewer pipe from 10" to 18".

Also on the agenda is a $30,000 request for Police Details and Hardy School (HP access) and a grant from the State 911 Public Safety Answering Point and regional and Regional Emergency Communication Center support and incentive grant program in the amount of $150,307. The Mayor also asked the Council to approve the reappointment of John Ciaramaglia as a Constable for a three-year term as well as approval on a $44,182 appropriation for Mt. Walley Road Paving betterments.

For the purposes of conducting a public hearing, the City Council will meet on 11/22 at 7pm to act upon communications relative to the classification and residential factor which will be used by the Board of Assessors to determine the percentage of the tax levy to be borne by each class of the tax real estate and personal property for the fiscal year 2011 and other related matters.

Also on Nov. 22, the City Council, in accordance with the Community Preservation Act and Statute (CPA) and rule of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, as adjusted by Waltham Ordinance #30452 will deliberate on the local Community Preservation Committee (CPC) spending allocation recommendations between Community Housing Reserve, Historic Preservation Reserve, Open Space Reserve, CPC Administration Reserve and CPA Budget Reserve. The CPA tax estimate for fiscal year 2011 is $2,488,400 and $604,435 for the state match.

Doucette Replaces Marcou on Council

Ken Doucette was recently sworn in to the Waltham City Council-at-Large to replace David Marcou, who resigned from the Council in October. Doucette previously served four terms as a councilor from 2000 until his unsuccessful campaign for mayor in 2007. Doucette will replace Marcou on the Finance Committee, the Long Term Debt Committee, the Veterans Services Committee and the RFP Committee.

Council Approves Kelly as Inspector of Wires

The City Council approved Mayor McCarthy's appointment of Timothy Kelly as Inspector of Wires for a term expiring the last day of February 2011. Mr. Kelly and Mayor McCarthy appeared before the Committee of the Whole to answer questions regarding his work experience in the Wires Department, his letters of recommendation and future needs of the department. The Mayor told the committee the position was being returned to a full-time position. A little over a year ago the position was made part-time.

Waltham City Council Approves Wireless Dishes

Clear Wireless LLC, a Sprint Wireless affiliate, asked the full City Council for permission add four receiver dishes to existing communications facilities on Winter Street. Clear Wireless wants to install two new dishes at 890 Winter Street and 372 Winter Street in order to expand Sprint Spectrum's 4G network. The proposal was sent to the Ordinances and Rules Committee for deliberation.

Committee of the Whole Approves Pedulla Appointment

On Monday, November 16th, the City Council's Committee of the Whole, by a vote of 10-4, voted in favor of appointing Joseph Pedulla as Waltham's new purchasing manager. The full Council, which is comprised of the same members, will vote next week on this matter. Approval is expected and Pedulla's term would expire on the last day of February 2012, filling out the remainder Jim McGrath's term.

Deed Restricted Condominium Unit for Sale

A garden style, one-bedroom/one bath condominium is for sale at Wellington Crossing for $230,895. The property, at 132 Clocktower Dr., #109, features vinyl exterior and an asphalt roof cover. Buyers will be selected by first-come, first-served basis. Applications accepted immediately. Households must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income. The maximum gross income allowable for this unit is $45,100 (1-person) or $51,550 (2-person). Down payment assistance is available from the City of Waltham to qualified income qualified buyers.

For more information about this deed restricted re-sale, please contact Janet Barry at the Waltham Housing Division at 781-314-3380.

Waltham Volunteers Join the Patriots to Help Build Playground at Waltham Boys and Girls Club

Rep. Stanley, several members of the New England Patriots and Donnie Wahlberg were among 200 volunteers who helped build a new playground at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club. The playground is being constructed with funds from a grant from KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization focused on designing and building playgrounds, skating rinks, fields and skate parks across the country. KaBOOM! will build more than 180 play spaces this year in an effort to provide a place to play within walking distance of every child in the country.

Waltham Curbside Leaf Pick Up

Please click here to view the City of Waltham's schedule regarding curbside leaf pick up.

Council on Aging Seeking Junior Office Assistant

Job responsibilities including performs general office functions, data entry, maintaining basic financial records, updating lists and maintaining information. Qualifications include a high school education and one year of experience in general office work or any equivalent combination of education and experience. This is a Civil Service position and contingent to applicant passing the next exam to be run. For additional information or to apply, please click here.

Waltham Seeks Part-time Office Coordinator

Employee will perform professional clerical work for a City department. Responsibilities include typing correspondence, computer data entry, record keeping, filing and working directly with customers and other municipal personnel, requiring initiative and independent judgment in the application of prescribed policies and methods. An Office Coordinator is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

Qualifications: High School education; additional education or training in secretarial science or business administration preferred; and three years of experience in general clerical and secretarial work; municipal experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidate must successfully pass CORI and Skill Check test. The salary is $23.28 per house, 19 hours per week. The job is temporary with no benefits. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010.

Qualified candidates must submit a letter of intent, resume and three professional letters of reference to City of Waltham Personnel Department, 119 School St, Waltham, MA. 02451.

Req. # 2011-36

Waltham Woman's Club Seeks Volunteers

The Waltham Woman's Club kicked off the 2010-2011 season (its 118th year) on October 5th with a meeting at the Waltham Public Library. Al Arena, a guest speaker, provided the club with a very informative slide show depicting the history of Waltham. Karen Muise, the club's new president gave a brief overview of the mission of the Waltham Woman's Club and invited attendees to get involved in shaping the future of the club. The Club is seeking volunteers for its Hospitality, Philanthropy, Memberships, Digital Media, City Outreach, Marketing and Visiting Guest Speakers committees.

Regular meetings of the Waltham Woman's Club are held the first Wednesday of each month from November through April ( Nov, 3, Dec. 1, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, April 6) excluding January except by Executive Board vote. Meetings will be at the Elks Club, 101 School St, Waltham, MA 02452-5541. Annual Dues, $15.00, will be collected at the November meeting.

Waltham's School Health Advisory Committee Seeking Members

The Waltham Public Schools School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meets four times a year. The SHAC is open to all parents, community members, school personnel and students. The goal of the SHAC varies each year. This school year the goal of the SHAC is to review our current Wellness Policy. We need your input! Please join the committee. The SHAC meetings are one hour and we meet at Waltham High School in Room 118 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. For more information please email Marie DeSisto, Director of Nurses and District 504 Coordinator at mariedesisto@k12.waltham.ma.us or call 781-314-5462. Meeting dates for 2010-2011: December 9, February 10 and May 12.

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Waltham Lions Club

The Waltham Lions Club, of which Rep. Stanley is a member, was chartered in 1939. With its motto being "To Serve," the Lions raise funds within the community mainly for assisting with eye research. The Lions also support local groups and those in need. The Waltham Lions Club is a registered non- profit charity, and supports Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation, Waltham High School Scholarships, Special Needs of Waltham Citizens, the Waltham Boys and Girls Club, Boston Aid for the Blind and Holiday Food Baskets for the Needy, to name just a few. For additional information about the Waltham Lions Club, 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'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 and register today.

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO)

Free Chamber Music Lecture Series! Come join members of the orchestra on the third Sunday of every month at 3:00pm and learn about music in an intimate setting. Click here to learn more.
http://www.wphil.org/chamber_ensemble.htm

To purchase tickets online, learn more about the 2011 season or learn more about the WPO, please click here.

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.

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.

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!