The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 6, No. 4April 2011
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
 
 
TMS in New Office
 
New Assignment: Rep. Stanley assigned to House Ways & Means Committee
 
Charles River Breakfast

Rep. Stanley at the Charles River Medical Society legislative breakfast on April 8th
 
Patriots Day Waltham
 

Rep. Stanley, City Councillor Joe Giordano and Cemetery Office Assistant Superintendent Michael S. Russo at Waltham 2011 Patriot's Day Ceremony

 
   

Town Meeting

 

At the GWARC Legislative Town Meeting on Thursday, March 24. Legislators pictured are Rep. Stanley, Rep. Kaufman, Rep. Brownsberger and Rep. Garballey. 

 

TMS in hearing room 1 
 
Rep. Stanley testifying before the Joint Committee on Election Laws in support of his bill to remove restrictions on absentee voting.
  
TMS in hearing room2 
 

Rep. Stanley speaking at a hearing of the Joint Committee on State Administration on legislation clarifying the surplussing of property and a bill requiring a comparable site for individuals using the Fernald Pool.

 
 

Clubhouse 

 

Rep. Stanley presented an award to Charles Webster Potter Place at a Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition event, honoring businesses that provide employment opportunities to MA citizens recovering from mental illness.  

Family School Board Meeting

 

Family School of Waltham Advisory Board Meeting

 
Tom Speaking
  
Rep. Stanley speaking to the Waltham Democratic City Committee
 
 Tom and Sen. Kerry
 

U.S. Senator John Kerry and Rep. Tom Stanley at Waltham Town Meeting

 

Turkey1

 

Wild Turkey

 

White Flowers

 

Spring Fever

 

City Hall

 

Waltham City Hall

 

Wally

 

At the Parade

 

parade2

 

Parade

 

tulips

 

Springtime!

 

Yellow Tulips

 

In Bloom

 

Boston Common

 

Boston Common

 

celtsbs

 

Boston Spirit

 

Bruins
  
Go Bruins!
  

Fenway

  

 Let's go Red Sox!
   
TMS reading
 
Rep. Stanley reading to students
 
sheep4
 
Gore Place's 24th Sheepshearing Festival will take place on Sat., April 30 from 10am - 5pm.
 
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@mahouse.gov
Dear Friend:

It is my pleasure to deliver April's edition of The Stanley Report, my monthly update from Beacon Hill. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your friends, family and co-workers and let them know they can subscribe to receive my monthly newsletter by emailing me.  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 
 

House Releases Budget

On Wednesday, April 13th, Speaker DeLeo released a $30.5 billion annual state budget. House leaders said the proposal will help close a $1.9 billion budget gap. Members of the House convened to discuss the Committee on House Ways and Means' recommendations for FY 2012 budget. The Senate is expected to release its proposed budget shortly.

 

Rep. Stanley Requests Hearing on Striped Bass Conservation

Rep. Stanley and Senator Timilty, in a letter to Paul Diodati, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), requested that a hearing be held concerning the commercial and recreational harvest of striped bass for the 2011 summer season. Rep. Stanley filed legislation to conserve striped bass by designating them as game fish and making it illegal to take them for commercial purposes, which is already a law in several other New England states. Because the striped bass population is suffering a serious decline, we must reduce the fishing mortality on these stocks. The letter requested that DMF hold a hearing to consider a reduction of 50 percent in the recreational and commercial striped bass fishing quota for 2011. With fishing season approaching, the timing of this hearing is critical before more damage is done to the remaining stock of striped bass.

Rep. Stanley's bill will conserve Atlantic striped bass and protect the state's most important saltwater recreational fishing species. It is an opportunity to recognize striped bass for their real economic and social value to the Commonwealth and our 600,000 plus resident and tourist recreational anglers. Passing this Bill will bring the management of wild striped bass into the 21st century here in the Commonwealth.

In addition to saving the stripers, Rep. Stanley's bill will create jobs and revenue in MA, democratize the fishery by mandating that everyone follow the same harvesting rules and regulations with no exceptions, increase tourism, institute long term species management, choose species enhancement over exploitation and protect our health by removing unhealthy wild striped bass from the marketplace and replace them with healthier and more predictable supplies of farm-raised stripers.


New Program to Help Community College Grads Pursue Four-Year Degree at UMASS Amherst

Gov. Patrick joined UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert C. Holub and Roxbury Community College (RCC) President Terrence A. Gomes to announce the launch of the Community College Connection program. Under this program, new community college graduates from across the state can receive exclusive financial benefits, including a tuition discount, as well as priority services designed to make it easy for them to complete a bachelor's degree at the UMASS Amherst.

The UMass Amherst Community College Connection (UMCCC) will begin in fall 2011. UMCC is for community college graduates pursuing admission through the existing Joint Admissions or MassTransfer programs who complete their associate's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. These students are guaranteed general admission to UMass Amherst, with applications processed before those of other transfer students. Further details are available at www.umass.edu/umccc.

Gov. Patrick Signs Legislation to Help Unemployed Workers Remain Eligible for Federal Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Patrick signed legislation to ensure that Massachusetts unemployed workers remain eligible for federal unemployment benefit extensions. The bill prevents Massachusetts from potentially losing eligibility for federally extended benefits as early as April 2011.

After unemployed workers exhaust their state benefits, many are eligible for federally funded benefit extensions. The bill, H 3314, was passed by the legislature yesterday and signed this morning by Governor Patrick. The legislation helps unemployed residents receive the maximum allowable federal unemployment insurance benefits and prevents them from potentially losing benefits as early as April 2011. The change was encouraged by the U.S. Department of Labor. Individuals with questions about the status of their unemployment insurance claims are advised to contact the Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800.

House Passes Bill Authorizing $200 Million for Municipal Road and Bridge Maintenance

The House passed legislation to authorize $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth. The $200 million in road and bridge maintenance funds represent a 29% increase over the funding dispersed for the same purpose last year.

Legislature Sends Governor $325 Million Mid-Year Spending Bill

The House and Senate sent a $325 million spending plan to Gov. Patrick's desk, which included $50 million for snow and ice removal costs and dividing $200 million in federal funds for hospitals across MA. Additionally, the legislation provides $30 million for collectively-bargained pay increases for employees of the Trial Court, $8 million for family shelters and $6 million for youth summer jobs programs. Senate members passed the bill unanimously while the House voted 143-9 in favor of the bill. Gov. Patrick signed the bill.

Gov. Patrick Signs Legislation to Help Unemployed Workers Remain Eligible for Federal Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Patrick signed legislation to ensure that MA unemployed workers remain eligible for federal unemployment benefit extensions. After unemployed workers exhaust their state benefits, many are eligible for federally funded benefit extensions. The legislation helps unemployed residents receive the maximum allowable federal unemployment insurance benefits and prevents them from potentially losing benefits as early as April 2011. The change was encouraged by the U.S. Department of Labor. Individuals with questions about the status of their unemployment insurance claims are advised to contact the Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800.

Agricultural Officials Announce Grants for Farmers' Markets to Assist Low-Income Residents

The Patrick Administration announced that it will provide $50,000 in grants for equipment and support to help farmers' markets process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits used by low-income residents. These grants, made possible by an ongoing partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), are for the purchase or rental of wireless point-of-sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.

The grants also fund transaction fees, outreach programs for SNAP participants, promotional materials and incentives to encourage SNAP participants to use their benefits at farmers' markets.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, serves more than 755,000 individuals in Massachusetts - one in nine residents of the Commonwealth - by assisting low-income individuals and families with purchasing healthy food. SNAP households can access their benefits by using an EBT card that is similar to a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores. This program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and serves as the first line of defense against hunger and poor nutrition. Individuals, families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs are encouraged to apply for SNAP by visiting www.mass.gov/dta, calling 1-866-950-FOOD, or visiting their local DTA office.

Improved Benefits and Discounts for Drivers

Drivers around the state are able to take advantage of more discounts and expanded benefits as the competitive marketplace continues to mature. Managed competition went into effect April 1, 2008, ending the fixed-and-established system under which the state set auto insurance rates. The new system created a marketplace that allows companies to compete for consumers through rates, discounts, and benefits. Since the start of the reform, 13 new companies have entered the state, including three of four biggest carriers in the country (Allstate, Progressive and GEICO).

To shop for a better auto insurance policy, visit www.mass.gov/autorates, research carriers' websites, and meet with insurance agents. For more info, visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's website, (www.mass.gov/doi) an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Follow the Office at www.mass.gov/consumer.

Gov. Patrick Nominates Lenk as Associate Justice of the MA SJC

Gov. Patrick announced the nomination of Appeals Court Justice Barbara A. Lenk to serve as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). Justice Lenk, the senior Associate Justice on the Appeals Court and a former Superior Court judge, is slated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Judith A. Cowin. Justice Lenk has served the Commonwealth as a member of the judiciary for over 17 years, beginning with her 1993 appointment to the Superior Court. Lenk will face the Governor's Council for a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, April 27.

Lapidus Will Lead Massachusetts Cultural Council

Dr. Ira Lapidus of Williamstown will serve as the new Chair of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Dr. Katherine Sloan, President of the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, will serve on the MCC Board. The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, humanities, and sciences to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. The MCC pursues this mission through of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. The MCC is funded primarily by the state and through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Bank of America and others. It achieves its mission through grants, services, and partnerships to nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists. Learn more at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State House

On Thursday, April 7, hundreds of farmers, agriculture officials, legislators and industry leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered at the State House for Agriculture Day., Participants gathered to celebrate Massachusetts agriculture and discuss issues and legislation affecting their farms and communities. The event included a speaking program, 'Agriculture Day' awards, informational exhibits and a reception featuring Massachusetts' farm and specialty food products. Attendees learned more about efforts to maintain the long-term viability of Massachusetts' agriculture and Massachusetts' agricultural products.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Issues RFP for the Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative

In July 2010, Massachusetts passed legislation to establish state-designated cultural districts in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. The legislation calls for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to carry out this mandate by establishing criteria and guidelines for cities and towns to apply for state-designated cultural districts. The statute that created cultural districts has specific goals: to attract artists and cultural enterprises; encourage business and job development; establish the district as a tourist destination; preserve and reuse historic buildings; enhance property values; and foster local cultural development.

Any city or town in MA is now eligible to apply for a cultural district designation. Applications with a strong management plan; well-defined strategic goals; a plan to fully utilize local cultural assets through creative programming and marketing; and that include the community's unique history and topography, are likely to be the most successful. The Cultural Districts Initiative has a rolling application process. There are no deadlines and we will be processing applications on an ongoing basis from June 1, 2011. To learn more or apply, please click here.


Massachusetts Food Policy Council Established

Gov. Patrick established the Massachusetts Food Policy Council to advance the goals of bringing healthy, local foods to all residents of the state. Following the passage of Chapter 277 of the Acts of 2010, an "Act Establishing the Massachusetts Food Policy Council", the Council was formed to develop recommendations that will advance food system goals and also align communication and coordination between state agencies to achieve these goals.

In addition to focusing on ending hunger, legislation calls for the council to focus on achieving the following four goals: (1) increased production, sales and consumption of Massachusetts-grown foods; (2) the development and promotion of programs that deliver healthy Massachusetts-grown goods to Massachusetts residents; (3) the protection of the land and water resources required for sustained local food production; and (4) the training, retention and recruitment of farmers and providing for the continued economic viability of local food production, processing and distribution. 

 

Spring Publication of Unclaimed Property Listings

 

Unclaimed Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered "abandoned" and turned over to the Treasury after three years with no activity.  An updated list of unclaimed assets is published biannually as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit to claim unclaimed property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

 

To see if you have unclaimed property, please visit www.findmassmoney.com or call 888-344-MASS (6277).  Both the call and website are free of charge. The Unclaimed Property Division will have extended telephone hours from March 7, 2011 through April 16, 2011: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

   

Free program to help veterans & their families quit smoking

 

A free, statewide smoking cessation program is designed to help Massachusetts veterans and their families live healthier and longer lives. Massachusetts veterans and their family members can now call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or go to www.makesmokinghistory.org/veterans to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

  

Earned Income Tax Credit provides assistance to eligible low and moderate income working families

 

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal and state income tax credit available to low and moderate income working families and individuals.  The EITC program serves as a critical resource for families in need.  However, in the 2009 tax year, 20 to 25 percent of eligible working families in Massachusetts failed to apply for the EITC, calling for increased awareness in the state.  Depending on a family's size and income, individuals and families may be eligible for thousands of dollars in refunds, even if the individual or family does not currently owe any income taxes.  To learn more about the Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit, and view the list of free, volunteer tax assistance sites located in Massachusetts please visit www.mass.gov/eitc.   

   
MA 2011 Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Sale Online

 

Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2011 season are now available through a new online licensing system for fishing and hunting licenses and permits - including the new recreational saltwater fishing permit. The system, known as MassFishHunt, allows hunters and anglers to order and print licenses online for use on the same day they place an order. In addition, the new system will enable the nine DFG field offices across the state to issue licenses electronically beginning in January 2011.  MassFishHunt will process licenses for inland fishing, hunting, and trapping and permits for recreational saltwater fishing and lobstering. Prior to this new system, hunters and anglers could order licenses online but most hunters would have to wait to receive their license in the mail before hunting.

 

Environmental License Plates Available

 

Join over 40,000 other drivers who help raise nearly $1 million for environmental projects annually by purchasing an environmental license plate. Massachusetts drivers have given more than $17 million to support environmental programs in the state since 1995. Proceeds from these license plates allow the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to make grants to nonprofit organizations and municipalities all over the Commonwealth. Grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust have been used to find sources of pollution, restore marine and freshwater habitat, protect endangered species, monitor water quality throughout the state and educate students on environmental issues. Environmental license plates are available at any Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or online.  Click here to learn more.

   

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.

  
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.

 

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

    

City of Waltham Summer Employment

  

Summer seasonal positions are available for Waltham residents. The program runs July 5, 2011 through August 26, 2011.  Applications are available now through June 10, 2011at the Personnel Department located at 119 School St. in Waltham.  You may also call 781-314-3356.  Students may participate in the program for 2 years only.

 

Rep. Stanley Concerned About Connors Pool Constuction Delay

Rep. Stanley recently sent a letter to Edward M. Lambert, Jr., Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) about the importance of completing the Connors Pool project before the summer season of 2012. Rep. Stanley sent the letter after learning of the construction delays in the completion of the project. In the letter, Rep. Stanley explained the importance of the pool and bathhouse and the health and recreational benefits both bring to the community of Waltham.

Rep. Stanley Attends Waltham Town Meeting

Rep. Stanley joined Senator Kerry, Mayor McCarthy, Senator Fargo and other officials at a Waltham town-hall style meeting at the Arthur J. Clark Government Center on April 9th. The group discussed important issues that included jobs, the economy, the federal budget and deficits, and other key issues affecting the state.

Welcome Home Troops and Building Fundraiser Dance

VFW Post 2152 & The Ladies Auxiliary will host a Welcome Home Troops and Building Fundraiser Dance on June 18th from 8:30pm to 12:30am. Admission is a $10 donation. To reserve a table contact or purchase tickets, please contact Jan Lyons at (781) 894-9243 or Steve Tashjian at (781) 899-3888. The event will take place at the VFW Post 2152 & The Ladies Auxiliary at 210 Felton Street in Waltham.

Waltham Organizations Receive Grants

The directors of Mass Humanities recently approved two grants supporting Waltham organizations. The Filmmakers Collaborative in Waltham will receive $10,000 to support the creation, testing and distribution of a curriculum for Beyond Relief, a film that explores the aftermath of 9/11 through the eyes of American women whose spouses died in the tragedy as they travel to Afghanistan. The Robert Treat Paine Estate will receive $5,000 to create permanent signage that will educate the public about the historic value and significance of Stonehurst, a late 19th-century house owned by well-known reformers Robert Treat and Lydia Lyman Paine. The house and grounds were designed by H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted, respectively. Funding for these grants is made possible by a partnership between Mass Humanities and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Rep. Stanley Attended Family School of Waltham Advisory Board Meeting

Rep. Stanley recently attended a meeting of the Family School of Waltham Advisory Board. Also in attendance were Asst. Supt. of Schools Anne Marie Carr Reardon, WPY Dirctor Beth Toolan, David King, Kathleen Chlapowski, Power Program, Debra Brush, Parent Child Home Programs, NCSC; Marina Bartly, youth and family advocate, Pastor Tom Maehl, Mary Beth Kirsch and Britta McNemar, Family School Project Coordinator and Prof. Chris Beneke, Bentley University.

Rep. Stanley Attended GWARC meeting

Rep. Stanley attended the GWARC Legislative Town Meeting on Thursday, March 24. In addition to Rep. Stanley, Rep. Kaufman, Rep. Brownsberger and Rep. Garballey also attended. Attendees also included the following agency leaders: Virginia Connelly - Executive Director, Beaverbrook STEP and Nancy Silver Hargreaves - President and CEO, WCI - Work, Community, Independence; Roz Rubin - CEO, GWArc; Nicky Osborne, Vice President of Developmental and Specialized Services, Eliot Community Human Services and Gary Blumenthal, President and CEO, Associations of Developmental Disability Providers (ADDP).
  

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.

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.
 
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.  
 

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.
 
 
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.
  
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)

 

Horses theme for the April 30 Sheepshearing

Gore Place's 24th Sheepshearing Festival will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 10am to 5pm (rain or shine). The event will feature demos including plowing with Percheron draft horses, pony riding, traditional and modern sheep shearing, sheep and duck herding and spinning and weaving. Festivities will also include a crafts fair, live music, traditional English dancing, an historic military encampment by Colonel Bailey's 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, historic crafters, gardening activities and more. Admission is $15 for adults. Free for Gore Place members and children 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (781) 894-2798 or visit the museum's website at www.goreplace.org.
  
                     sheep1
  

Waltham Land Trust Events

 

An Earth Day Bird Walk will take place Saturday, April 16 at 9 a.m. Meet and park behind Waltham Watch Factory on Crescent Street. The Newton Conservators led by Alison Leary Mooradian and Ted Kuklinski will identify early spring migrants such as red winged blackbirds, tree swallows, eastern phoebes, yellow rumped, palm and yellow warblers. Also observe winter ducks, including common mergansers and ring necked ducks, and resident species, cardinals, blue jays, and tufted titmice in full breeding mode. Other possible sightings: carolina wrens, red bellied woodpeckers and raptors like red tailed and coopers hawks.

The 7th Annual Green Space Blues Jam will take place Friday, April 29 from 7:30 - 11:00p.m. at the Robert Treat Paine Estate. Enjoy an evening of music, food and fun. Boston-based and world-traveling The Love Dogs will provide music. Tickets are available online ($45 for members, $55 non-members). If you're not a member now, join when buying your tickets and save money!
  
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; info@parentshelpingparents.org; 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
howardlr@sprintmail.com.

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, walthamday@comcast.net.

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; jennifer@mtwyouth.org.

SATURDAY SOCIALS The French American Victory Club Saturday socials with the Country Masters are on the second Saturday of the month, 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $10. Information: 781-899-8195; www.favclub.org.

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 marjorie_rochon@uhc.com.
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

Committees:

Joint Committee on Ways and Means
House Post Audit and Oversight Committee
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
  
Education:  Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley College (BS - Management), Mass Bay Community College (AS - Business Administration)
 
Board Member: Waltham Partnership for Youth, 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 17, Parker, age 8