The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 5, No. 12December 2010
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Waltham Corner
Upcoming Events
About Rep. Stanley

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District
 
Find me on Facebook
 
City Hall at Night

Waltham City Hall

Holiday Tree at State House

State House Holiday Tree
 
Bulbs

Happy Holidays!
 
Boston Common

Boston Common

Downtown Crossing
 
 Washington St, Boston

Downtown1 
  
Boston, MA
 
Fruit Stand 

Fruit Stand, Downtown Crossing
 
Holiday Tree 
 
Holiday Tree
 
Market Selling Trees 
 
Downtown Market Selling Trees

Park Street Church 
 
Park Street Church

Poinsettia Tree 
 
Poinsettia Plant
 
 Province St

Province St., Boston

star
 
Star

State House2 
 
State House

White flowers
 
White Poinsettia 

Tree in lobby

Holiday Spirit

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

[email protected]
Dear Friend:

Happy holidays!  Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

It is my pleasure to deliver December'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.  If you'd like to follow me on Facebook, please click here.

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 
 

Leaders Look to Modify Probation Department's Hiring Process

 

Legislators proposed to eliminate the Probation Department's hiring process and place it under the state's Civil Service Commission.  The Commission ranks employment candidates based on test scores and limits the hiring discretion of department administrators.  Additionally, leaders will create a nine-member bipartisan committee to draft a bill to change the probation agency's structure. Gov. Patrick, Senate President Murray and Speaker DeLeo will each appoint three members to the commission.

 

In July 2010, Rep. Stanley cosigned a letter to the budget conferees relative to adopting language included in the Senate budget to make important reforms to the Probation Department.  Rep. Stanley believed that the Senate proposal represents a balanced and thoughtful approach toward restoring the integrity of the Probation Department, as well as developing a long-term plan on how to best incorporate and utilize state resources in protecting and enhancing public safety.

 

Ireland Confirmed as Chief Justice

 

Becoming the first African-American to hold the position, Judge Roderick Ireland was recently confirmed as chief justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.  Ireland will fill the position vacated when Margaret Marshall stepped down. The Governor's Council approved Ireland on a 7-0 vote.

 

Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to Sen. Brown Urging Passage of DISCLOSE Act

 

In a letter to Sen. Brown, Rep. Stanley and his colleagues asked for the Senator's assistance in passing the DISCLOSE Act before the end of the 111th Congress. The House passed similar legislation in June.  This past September the bill fell short in the Senate by a single vote.

 

The bill was written in response to the Supreme Court ruling that allowed unions and corporations to spend unlimited funds on political activities. The DISCLOSE Act would require corporations, unions and interest groups to identify themselves when they sponsor political ads and, in the case of smaller organizations, to reveal their donors. 

 

"The DISCLOSE Act is a common-sense bill that would provide American voters with more information about who's trying to influence elections, and how much they're spending to do it," said Rep. Stanley. "Increased disclosure will help voters make informed choices, hold politicians accountable, and keep the power in our democracy where it belongs -- with the people."

 

MASSPIRG Releases 25th Annual "Trouble in Toyland" Report

MASSPIRG recently released its 25th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report and cited nine toys as choking or toxic  chemical hazards. A partial list of these toys includes a wooden train made by Haba, the Princess Expressions Tiara and Jewelry set made by Almar Sales and Fisher Price's Let's Get Building! Construction play set.  The full list is available at
www.toysafety.mobi.

In 2009, according to MASSPIRG, 250,000 children were admitted to emergency rooms across the US for dangerous toy-related accidents or illness, including 90,000 children under 5-years-old. Twelve children died in 2009 from interactions with dangerous toys.

 

The Department of Public Utilities approves Cape Wind-National Grid Contract

 

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved a 15-year contract for Cape Wind to sell half its energy to National Grid.  Cape Wind could become the first off-shore wind farm in the country.  Opponents of Cape Wind plan to appeal the contract.

 

According to the DPU, Cape Wind could create approximately 162 jobs per year during the 15-year contract, as well as additional construction during the two-year build out. State Energy and Environment Secretary Ian Bowles touted the decision as a major milestone, saying that "the Commonwealth will gain the benefits in jobs and economic development that come with being the hub of offshore wind in the United States." 

Under the contract, Cape Wind plans to sell its power and renewable energy credits to National Grid for 18.7 cents per kilowatt hour starting in 2013, a cost roughly 70 percent higher than other New England based on-shore wind projects. The price per kilowatt hour will increase 3.5 percent annually for 15 years, under the terms of the agreement.

 

Massachusetts Receives First Triple-A Credit Rating in State's History

 

Gov. Patrick, Treasurer Cahill and legislative leaders announced that the state's Accelerated Bridge Program bonds have been awarded the highest possible credit rating by two major rating agencies.  Both Moody's (Aaa) and Standard & Poor's (AAA) assigned the Program's triple-A credit ratings.  Over the life of the Accelerated Bridge Program, the triple-A ratings will save the Commonwealth an estimated $60 million in interest costs, and allow the state to continue to make critical investments in infrastructure at a lower cost to taxpayers.

 

Massachusetts 12th Graders Receive Top Score on Nation's Report Card

 

Massachusetts students lead the nation in English and Math performance on the 2009 Grade 12 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the nation's report card.

The first-ever state-specific Grade 12 NAEP results showed that the Commonwealth's students tied for first in the nation on both the English and Math exams.

 

Massachusetts was one of 11 states to participate in a pilot to receive state-specific grade 12 results. The other states are Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Dakota, and West Virginia.

 

New Coalition Aims to Make MA More Healthy

 

The newly formed Healthy People/Healthy Economy coalition, through legislative efforts, will encourage MA residents to make better choices about diet, exercise, smoking, stress and safety.  With a focus on passing a comprehensive public health bill that will address an increase in chronic illness such as obesity, the coalition's priorities include repealing the state's sales tax exemption on soda and candy.

 

Priorities also include setting minimum hours for physical activity in schools, supporting grocers thought tax incentives and business assistance to promote healthy, fresh foods and taking part in aggressive public awareness campaigns at the state and local levels.

 

Treasury Claims $20 Mil in Savings under Build America Bond Program


State Treasurer Tim Cahill announced the completion of the sale of $350 million in bonds, with a net borrowing rate of 2.55 percent. The Build America Bonds will help finance state capital projects. According to Treasurer Cahill, the borrowing costs associated with the offering are $20 million lower than if MA had used tax-exempt bonds.  Under the program, issuers receive an interest rate subsidy from the U.S. Treasury equal to 35 percent of the interest costs of the bonds.

 

200 Children Adopted on November 20st

 

As part of National Adoption Day, 200 children were adopted on November 21st.  According to Rep. Markey's office, there are 2,837 children waiting to be adopted in MA and 790 children in MA were adopted out of foster homes last year.  On November 1, President Obama announced November as National Adoption Month to honor families who have adopted children and to raise awareness regarding the estimated 424,000 children in foster care awaiting adoption across the US.  In 2009, 57,000 children found new families through adoption nationwide.

 

Unemployment Rate Drops To 8.1 Percent, Economy Adds 10,000 Jobs 

  

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the total unemployment rate dropped from 8.4 percent in September to 8.1 percent in October, the lowest unemployment rate since April 2009 and the steepest two-month consecutive drop since 1976. Since August the rate has dropped seven tenths of a percentage point and remains below the 9.6 percent national rate.

 

The preliminary October job estimates show 3,185,500 jobs in Massachusetts, an increase of 10,000 jobs, with most of the gains in education and health services and leisure and hospitality.

Over-the-year, jobs are up 37,300 with private sector jobs up 35,100. Trends for the labor force, unemployed residents, employed residents, the unemployment rate and jobs continue to indicate improvement for the Commonwealth's economy.

 

Federal Government Outlines AIG exit plans

 

The Federal government entered an agreement with American International Group Inc. (AIG) that outlines the Treasury Department's rights as it begins to sell its controlling stake in an exit plan. In the first of a series of stock offerings beginning in the first quarter of 2011, the Treasury plans to sell at least $15 billion of its shares.  The agreement states that the government will have the right to determine the terms and frequency of AIG share sales until US ownership drops below 33 percent.

 

Group Releases Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Food Allergies

 

Citing that blood or skin tests are not enough to determine a diagnosis, The National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases issued the first clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating food allergies.  The guidelines were recently published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.  According to the reports, a food allergy should be suspected if someone has a reaction within minutes or hours of eating a food.  Following the reaction, physicians should take a detailed medical history, perform a physical exam and confirm the allergy with a skin-prick test.

 

Obama Administration Pressures Fannie and Freddie on Mortgages

 

The Obama Administration is pressuring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which own or guarantee about half of all first-lien mortgages in the US, to join government programs aimed at reducing loan balances of mortgages where borrowers owe more than their homes are worth. Although the deal could increases losses for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Federal officials estimate that 500,000 to 1.5 million homeowners could benefit from the program.  That figure represents about 23% of all U.S. households with a mortgage.

 

President Obama would like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to join a program run by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that lets banks and other creditors, which agree to write down mortgages, transfer the reduced loans to the FHA.

 

Foreclosure Resource Center

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's web page offers resources for consumers, data and analysis, research and articles from our publications and information on policy and regulations related to foreclosures.  Please click here to learn more.

 

Congress Considers Payroll Tax Cut

 

Congress is considering a temporary payroll-tax holiday. The proposed two percent rollback of individuals' payroll taxes used to fund Social Security may be implemented to supplement incomes and boost economic growth. If passed, an employee earning $70,000 would receive $1,400 as a result of the tax cut. Social Security taxes apply only to the first $106,800 in wages, so the maximum benefit for high earners would be approximately $2,100. The employer share of Social Security taxes would not be affected.

 

Purchasing and Using Gift Certificates

 

In light of the upcoming holiday season, Attorney General Martha Coakley recently issued information on gift certificates. For detailed information on purchasing and using gift certificates, expiration dates, fees and store closing and bankruptcy issues, please click here.


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
 
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 [email protected] or call 617-727-2590 or email the reference department directly using the above number or e-mail [email protected].  You may also contact Rep. Stanley's office for assistance. You may wish also to visit the library's blog.

 

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.


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.
 
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.
Waltham Corner

City Council Agenda, Monday, December 13, 2010

 

The regular meeting of the Waltham City Council will be held on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 610 Main Street, Waltham.  To review the meeting's agenda which includes items to be discussed, please click here.

 

Council passes 20% Residential Exception

 

In an effort to alleviate homeowner's burden, the Waltham City Council recently passed a residential exemption of 20 percent of a home's assessed value, lowering the taxable value of a house by an average of $80,403. According to Joe Goode, chairman of the city's Board of Assessors, the 20 percent residential exemption is the highest allowed by law.

 

Long Term Debt Committee Meeting Review

 

The Long Term Debt (LTD) Committee met on December 6th at City Hall. After Chairman Stanley called the meeting to order, City Engineer Casazza discussed the Illicit Discharge Detection program. Councillor Tarallo questioned unspent funds remaining of $ 534,000.   Mr. Casazza stated that $ 499,000 of those funds have been encumbered through a change order.  Councillor Tarallo mentioned his procurement concerns regarding a change order of such a large amount of money. Mr. Casazza stated that this project was part of a phased approach and that the change order had been approved by City officials.  Mr. Casazza agreed to provide original contract, all change orders, and full reconciliation for project accounts at the LTD Committee's request. He will also inform the LTD committee of the total amount of money that will be needed to complete this project.  Other items up for review were the Jackson Street item which was filed. The Charles River Museum item was tabled.

 

Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center Selected to Participate in Patient-Centered Medical Homes Initiative

 

Forty-six primary care medical practices across MA, including the Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, have been selected to participate in a new Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiative designed to promote comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered care delivered by teams of primary care providers. The practices represent a broad range of settings - from large, urban community health centers to small, rural group practices - and serve a diverse mix of adult and pediatric patients.

 

The program will implement and evaluate the patient-centered medical home model as a means of achieving accessible, high quality primary care for all patients, including persons with disabilities. Through this program, the state will aim to attract and retain primary care clinicians into practice in MA by increasing resources available to practices and improving their quality of work life. This initiative will also seek to demonstrate cost-effectiveness in order to justify and support the sustainability and spread of the model.

  

MASSDOT Holds Pre-Construction Conference

 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will hold a pre-construction conference for the intersection improvements and related work at Rte 2A at Marrett Road at Waltham Street.  The meeting will be held on December 13 in Arlington.

 

Attn Watertown Savings Bank Customers: Place Your Vote for Fitzgerald Elementary PTO!

 

If you are a customer of Watertown Savings Bank, please place your vote for the Fitzgerald Elementary PTO in the bank's 2011 Customer Choice Online Ballot.  The ballot gives Watertown Savings Bank customers an opportunity to let the bank know which local non-profit organization you would like the bank to support through its $50,000 Customer Choice program.
The deadline to vote is Saturday, January 15, 2011.  Please click here to vote.

 

Mental Health Cuts Hurt Edinburgh Center

 

Ellen Attaliades, chief executive of the Edinburgh Center, recently announced that the Waltham clinic will have to reduce its outpatient services.  According to Attaliades, cuts to the mental health budget will leave 350 patients to find new care providers.  Eleven clinicians will have to find new jobs. Attaliades said the rate of distribution from insurance companies does not cover the Edinburg Center's costs.

  

WSEPAC December meeting

 

WSEPAC's December meeting on Tuesday, December 14th will feature information on Waltham Social Thinking Curriculum. The meeting will take place at Waltham High School, Room 118 on Lexington Street from 7pm - 8:30pm.  Speakers will include Julie Czyzewski, MS, CCC-SLP and Christine Sicuso, MS Ed., Ed.S, BCBA.

 

Many students with special needs have difficulties learning social skills that neurotypical children do not. These students often require direct introduction in this area. Social Thinking
is a curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia Winner to help students develop their social skills. The Waltham Public Schools recently began implementing three after-school social skills groups. Please join us to hear more information about these groups, who would benefit from them, and how the Waltham Public Schools is incorporating Social Thinking and other social supports. General and special educators and school staff are encouraged to attend.

  

Facilities Maintenance Employment Opportunity

 

The temporary, part-time Facilities Maintenance position will assist the full-time staff with the operation and maintenance of the ice rink.  Knowledge of safety standards and emergency procedures and relative codes to operate and maintain equipment and machinery such as Zamboni are recommended.  The employee will also monitor events and patrols facilities to ensure appropriate behavior and respect for facilities.  Qualifications include a high school diploma, one to three years experience in building maintenance and/or ice rink maintenance, a certification in CPR and First Aid and a valid Massachusetts's driver's license.  Compensation is $12/hour.   If interested, apply in person to the City of Waltham's Personnel Department.

 

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 [email protected] or call 781-314-5462.  Meeting dates for 2011:  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. 
 

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.

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.
 
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)


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."

This program 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.

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
Long Term Debt, Chair

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