The Stanley Report
Waltham, Volume 6, No. 5May 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

RED SOX Luxury Box Raffle EXTRAVAGANZA

 

 

Attention all RED SOX fans! Step up to the Plate and YOU and 21 of your friends could win a special field trip to Fenway Park.  One winner and 21 of their friends and family will enjoy a Red Sox game in luxury!  Beer, Wine and all the food you can eat is included! Saturday, September 3, 2011, Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers, American League Champions. Raffle ticket is $100.00 and all proceeds support the  Waltham Education & Beyond Foundation's Excellence in Education grant program.  Only 250 tickets will be sold. Drawing to take place on 6/24/2011. To learn more, click here or email Board member Kim Stanley 

Firefighters

Waltham Fire Fighters Honored at Waltham City Council 
   
Chamber 
 
Rep. Stanley in the House Chamber

Press Con1
 
Rep. Stanley and Rep. Sean Curran at the Financial Literacy Forum.
 
Press Con2 

Rep. Stanley Speaking at the Financial Literacy Forum
    

Rep. Smizik

 

Rep. Stanley and Rep. Smizik in the House Chamber.

 

TMS1 
 
Visiting a graphic design class at Waltham High School with Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.
  
Tom Testifying 
 
Rep. Stanley Speaking at Revenue Committee Hearing
 

Spring Rowing 

  

Spring rowing on the Charles   

 

City Hall

 

 

 Springtime at City Hall

 

Boston Common

 

  
Boston Common in Bloom
  

 Orange Tulips

 

 Tulip Time! 

 

More Tulips 

 

In Bloom

 

White Flowers

 

Spring Fever

  

 

 tulips

 

Springtime!

 

Yellow Tulips

 

In Bloom

  

celtsbs

 

Boston Spirit

 

Bruins
  
Go Bruins!
  

Fenway

  

 Let's go Red Sox! 

  
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:

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

Rep. Stanley Holds Financial Literacy Briefing at State House

On behalf of the Massachusetts Asset Building Coalition, the Massachusetts Financial Education Collaborative and the Office of Treasurer Grossman, Rep. Stanley held a well-attended policy State House briefing regarding the inclusion of financial literacy into the elementary and secondary education curriculum. Rep. Stanley filed a bill which requires that public schools teach a financial literacy curriculum developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to cover consumer financial education, personal finance and personal credit.

Nearly 10 bills have been filed so far this session on the topic of financial literacy, and this briefing provided legislators with policy background information for this effort as well as an introduction to steps the state has already taken in this field. Andrea Levere, the President of the Corporation for Enterprise Development in Washington, D.C. provided the audience with the national context for the effort taking place in the state. The Office of Treasurer Grossman provided an update on financial literacy efforts that have been initiated from the Treasurer's office.

House Passes Balanced FY '12 Budget

Rep. Stanley helped pass a balanced FY '12 budget aimed at increasing government efficiency, cutting costs and preserving essential services across the Commonwealth. The budget, which passed with bipartisan support, closes a projected $1.9 billion budget gap through cuts to state spending totaling $1.2 billion. For the second consecutive year, the House budget does not contain any new taxation proposals.

The House budget includes a cost-saving municipal employee health care reform measure which would save at least $100 million annually for cities and towns, according to a number of recent studies. Under the proposal, municipal workers would pay no more in co-payments and deductibles than those paid by subscribers to the largest plan offered by the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) which provides health insurance to state workers and legislators.

The municipal employee health care reform proposal would authorize cities and towns to implement health insurance plan design changes to bring savings to municipalities across the Commonwealth. The bill would allow cities and towns to alter municipal employee co-payments and deductibles as long as such features are no greater in dollar amount than those in the largest subscriber plan offered by the GIC. The House budget would also allow municipalities to transfer the health coverage of municipal employees into the GIC which currently provides health benefits to state workers.

 

Rep. Stanley cosponsored an amendment supported by labor which would have included higher co-pays and deductibles, protection for retires, an expedited collective bargaining process and changing the labor vote to join GIC from 70 percent to 50 percent + 1.  One hundred percent of the savings would go to municipalities once the sickest employees were protected through the creation of HRAs.  The amendment failed.

The budget increases Chapter 70 aid to municipalities to $3.99 billion, an increase of $120 million over the state's FY '11 contribution. Schools would also receive an additional $80 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker for an FY '12 total of $213 million. To further assist municipalities, the budget includes $9.7 million for regionalization incentive grants to help municipalities save money through the regionalization of services.

 

Former House Speaker DiMasi on Trial

 

Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is facing federal corruption charges and is currently on trial.  Rep. Stanley was one of seven House Democrats who refused to re-elect Speaker DiMasi before he was charged.  DiMasi resigned as House Speaker in 2009.

 

Rep. Stanley Testifies on Appraisal Management Bill

 

Rep. Stanley testified on behalf of legislation he filed regarding appraisal management at a recent hearing held by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure committee. Rep. Stanley's bill aims to protect consumers from inflated price estimates from appraisal management companies (AMCs) and acts in accordance with the federal legislation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, which requires that all AMCs be regulated by states appraisal boards by the year 2014.

 

This bill gives authority to the Board of Registration for Real Estate Appraisers to set regulations for the registration and performance of AMCs, determine a registrant's qualifications for registration and investigate complaints and impose penalties for non-compliance. It prohibits an AMC from influencing the outcome of an appraisal through coercion, extortion, collusion, compensation, inducement, intimidation, bribery, etc.  This bill also increases the number of seats on the Board of Registration for Real Estate Appraisers from seven to nine and allocates one seat to an appraisal management company representative.

House Post Audit and Oversight Committee Reports on Lyme Disease

The House Post Audit and Oversight Committee, of which Rep. Stanley is a member, held a press conference on Lyme disease at the State House. The Committee has just completed its report, Lyme Disease in Massachusetts; A Public Health Crisis, and presented the report's findings and recommendations for the state at the event. The Committee also discussed a budget relative to establishing a Lyme disease commission.

The Committee's recommendations include establishing a commission to bring together experts to compile further information on the disease and to propose possible solutions for the Commonwealth, legislation mandating insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment for chronic Lyme, state appropriated funding for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in order to ensure that more educational outreach is done, and that the MDPH look into the possibility of combining tick control efforts with state mosquito control efforts.

There are currently five bills before the legislature relative to Lyme disease. Lyme disease has affected every city and town in the Commonwealth. Many state legislators have emphasized their concern over the issue in their districts as well as the need for the state to develop solutions in order to better address the problem.

House Passes Court Reorganization and Probation Reform Legislation

Rep. Stanley helped pass landmark court reorganization legislation aimed at improving efficiency in the state's court system and bringing transparency to hiring and promotion at the Department of Probation. The legislation, passed by a vote of 152-0, signals strong collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches to provide a streamlined system of justice and restore public trust in the state's Probation Department.

MWRA Water System Honored For Excellence

The MWRA has received a 2010 Massachusetts Public Drinking Water Award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The award honors excellence in providing clean drinking water to customers. The winning systems were chosen based on their compliance with state drinking water regulations. The winners had no monitoring enforcements or violations, submitted all required reports on time, adhered to good water management procedures and have excellent source protection standards.

 

Tax Collections Increased in April

According to the Department of Revenue, state tax collectors brought in more than $2.5 billion from Massachusetts residents in April, which is a 43 percent (or $758 million) increase over April 2010. The collections surpassed state budget benchmarks for the month by $587 million. As legislators struggle to prevent hurtful budget cuts in the midst of depleted ARRA funds, this increase has hopeful implications for the state's budget crisis.

House Passes $60 Million Spending Bill

The House passed a $60 million midyear spending bill. Gov. Patrick filed the supplemental budget bill, allocating $42.2 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services. The budget bill also includes $3.3 million for snow and ice removal, $15 million for caseload-driven accounts such as transitional assistance and $100,000 in state matching funds for homeowners who received federal assistance for flood damage occurring in 2010. The bill now heads to the Senate.

State Launches Massachusetts Safe & Successful Youth Initiative

The state launched the Massachusetts Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, a multi-faceted strategy for eliminating youth violence in the Commonwealth. To implement this strategy, the Governor will issue an Executive Order emphasizing the Administration's commitment to partnering with local officials to tackle this issue, file legislation creating tougher gun laws that hold "high impact" individuals accountable and seek $10 million in additional funding to support implementation efforts. The Governor was joined by Attorney General Coakley, Boston Mayor Menino, local legislators, public safety officials, law enforcement professionals, community organizers, parents and young people at the BCYF, Mildred Avenue Community Center in Mattapan for the announcement of this initiative.

Gov. Patrick Announces $6 Million for Youth Summer Jobs Funding

Gov. Patrick announced $6 million in total funding to go towards an estimated 3,000 summer jobs for at-risk youth across MA. The funds are a combination of $4 million in YouthWorks funding administered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and Commonwealth Corporation, as well as $2 million in Federal Byrne Grant funding that has been directed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to fund summer jobs. Program sites in over two dozen towns will use this funding to help create safe, productive jobs for students to earn money and serve their community during their time away from school this summer. The Administration also anticipates additional summer jobs funding from the current budget deliberations, with the potential to bring the total up to 4,000 jobs for youth this summer.

Lenk Confirmed to SJC

The Governor's Council confirmed Barbara Lenk to a seat on the Supreme Judicial Court on a 5-3 vote, becoming Gov. Patrick's fourth appointment to the seven-member SJC. Lenk's confirmation hearing lasted more than seven hours. She is the first openly gay judge to serve on the state's highest judicial body.

SJC Rules in Favor of MassDEP's Authority to Protect State Waters

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state's Clean Waters Act authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to regulate power plant water withdrawals to ensure that water quality, including aquatic life, is protected. The SJC issued its decision in Entergy Nuclear Generation Company v. MassDEP, reversing an earlier Superior Court ruling that found that the state statute did not authorize MassDEP to impose restrictions on the power plant's cooling water intake structures, or CWIS, to address the harm to fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms that can result from a power plants' cooling operations.

Power plants, such as Entergy's Pilgrim Station on Cape Cod Bay in Plymouth, withdraw billions of gallons of water from the nation's waterways each day to cool their facilities. The flow of water into these plants traps large aquatic organisms against grills or screens, which cover the intake structures, and draws small aquatic organisms into the cooling mechanisms. The resulting impingement and entrainment from these operations kill or injure billions of aquatic organisms every year and can severely compromise the quality of the water body from which the water is withdrawn.

State Announces New Internship Opportunities Website

The state launched a website featuring internship opportunities across Massachusetts. The new website, promoted by the Commonwealth Marketing Office, aims to convince college students and recent graduates to stay in the state. Companies are allowed to post opportunities at no charge and serves as a "a one-stop shop" for students searching for internships. Currently, the site features more than 100 internship opportunities.

Lt. Gov. Murray Announces Digital Games Institute

Becker College, located in Worcester, and Lt. Gov. Murray announced the creation of the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute, promoting it as a job-producing partnership between the video gaming institute, academia and the public sector. According to Lt. Gov. Murray, the $2 billion digital gaming industry employs nearly 4,000 people and the state's higher education institutions are focused on game design and development. Becker College will host the institute and also serve as the lead provider of resources and services during the institute's startup phase, which will run through Dec. with plans for the facility to open in fall 2011.

Drivers Encouraged to "Donate Life"

Massachusetts drivers can register as organ donors on their driver's license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. About 99 percent of all Massachusetts residents who designate themselves as organ and tissue donors do so through the Registry of Motor Vehicles at RMV branches and on its website.

Registering as a donor can save the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. More than 110,000 Americans, including about 3,000 Massachusetts residents, are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant that may not come in time. In 2009, the RMV became the first state agency in New England to create an on-line application to allow an individual to register to be a donor. New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region. Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England - LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.

Administration Announces Plan to Enhance Vocational Technical Education in MA

The state announced a new leadership model to help advance and expand access to vocational technical education programs across Massachusetts. The new leadership model will expand partnerships between educators and employers and increase collaboration among state agencies with the goal of expanding the use of vocational technical schools, which on average demonstrate higher graduation and lower dropout rates compared to overall high school rates statewide, according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's 2010 Dropout Rate Report. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will also hire an Associate Commissioner for Vocational, Workforce and College Readiness Programs to head the initiative.


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.

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.

 

     

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 [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.

 

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
 

Rep. Stanley puts resolution before the Waltham City Council to Upgrade Bottle Bill

Rep. Stanley's resolution to upgrade the Bottle Bill recently passed the Waltham City Council's Committee of the Whole and is expected to pass on the Council floor next Monday. Rep. Stanley filed the resolution on the 27th anniversary of the implementation of the Massachusetts Bottle Bill. The resolution will place the City of Waltham on record as being in support of legislation to expand and update the state's current bottle bill, the Commonwealth's most successful recycling program.

Legislation circulating on Beacon Hill would expand the existing Bottle Bill to include 5 cent deposit on bottled water containers. Unreturned deposit receipts would be placed in a dedicated fund available to municipalities, water districts, and the MWRA to be used for water and sewer infrastructure repairs and projects. This legislation will generate revenue for the State, save money for municipalities and encourage recycling.

 

Rep. Stanley Attended Waltham Partnership for Youth Annual Breakfast

Rep. Stanley attended The Waltham Partnership for Youth's annual breakfast, "Linking Education and Business 2011" on Wednesday, May 4th at the Westin Waltham Hotel. The keynote speaker was Cynthia Melcher, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western MA. The Rotary Club of Waltham received the 2011 Good neighbor award.  Rep. Stanley is a member of the Board.  Learn more about WPY here.

 

Rep. Stanley Joined Lt. Gov. Murray at Waltham High School tour

On May 5th, Lt. Gov. Murray visited Waltham to view first-hand Waltham High School's Career and Technical Education Programs. These programs included print shop, culinary arts, graphic design, woodworking and website design. Rep. Stanley joined Lt. Gov. Murray for the tour of the programs.

 

Rep. Stanley Attended Vision Tour Visit at Plympton School

The American Association of School Librarians recently honored Waltham's public school libraries as being top-notch model libraries. Rep. Stanley attended the tour, slideshow and presentation at Plympton Elementary School. As part of a nation-wide tour of school libraries, the association's president Dr. Nancy Everhart visited Plympton and cited it for its literacy program and events planned throughout the year in conjunction with the school's reading department. Plympton is one of 35 libraries across the country to receive this honor.

Gov. Patrick Discusses Healthcare at AIM Meeting in Waltham

The 96th annual meeting of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) in Waltham recently featured Gov. Patrick as its keynote speaker. Topics of discussion included healthcare cost containment and job growth. According to Gov. Patrick, 98 percent of MA residents have health insurance, thanks to the 2006 health care reform law. He also stated that the expansion of health care only contributed to one percent of the state budget in state spending.

 

Waltham Riverfest 2011     

 

An aerial performance by Diamond Family Circus will be a highlight of the 3rd Annual Waltham Riverfest taking place on Moody Street in downtown Waltham on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11. The two day event features boating on the Charles River, a host of musical performers, and activities for children and families.  Musical and family events, including the circus performance, are FREE and open to the public.  Waltham Riverfest is supported by the Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Jones Partnership Fund, the Waltham Cultural Council, and the Waltham Downtown Partnership. For more information, call 781-209-1985 or go to www.walthamriverfest.com.

John Lawn Wins Special Election

During a special election on 5/11 to fill former Rep. Koutoujian's House seat, Watertown councilor and Democrat John Lawn become the 10th Middlesex District state representative. Rep. Lawn will represent the 10th Middlesex District, which includes portions of Waltham, Newton and Watertown, on Beacon Hill.    

 

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.

 

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.  

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 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.
 
 
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!


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.
 



Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Waltham Calendar & Events (as announced in the Daily News Tribune)

 

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.
 
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].

 

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

.

 


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.
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