Rep. Thomas M. Stanley 9th Middlesex District |
DTA Commissioner Stacey Monahan joined Rep. Stanley
to discuss the agency's renewed efforts for cracking down on fraud/abuse to ensure that those in need are able to get the services they require on the latest edition of his cable show. To view past and upcoming shows, subscribe to MAC on YouTube.
Rep. Stanley helping to override the Governor's vetoes in the House Chamber.
More than 100 residents in attendance at a City Council meeting in favor of a zoning ordinance allowing a Cat Shelter within Waltham.
Rep. Stanley attended a neighborhood meeting to preserve land at Beaver Brook Watershed.
Beaver Brook Watershed plans
State House
Connors Pool, Waltham
Sacred Heart Church, Waltham
Waltham Senior High
Portland Sea Dogs Mascot
Waltham City Hall
At Portland Sea Dogs game
Big Swing!
Pre-game entertainment
Portland Sea Dogs Mascot dancing
Nauset, Orleans, MA
Lyme, NH
Lake Damariscotta, Maine
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Rhododendron
Connecticut River, NH
Relaxin'
Camden, Maine
Waltham City Hall 
Near the Cambridgeside Galleria
Sailing
Rep. Stanley at the State House
Cape Cod Baseball
Boathouse
Fishing Boat 
Beach Time  Charles River  State House Dome 
Sunflowers in Bloom 
Swiss Chard for Sale!  Charles River  Gore Estate  Waltham City Hall  State House Rotunda  Charles River Fun  State House at night  Gold Dome  State House  Beacon Hill Sunset  Boston Common 
Beautiful Boston
State House Dome
Night time
Waltham's Circle of Remembrance
Prospect Hill Park 
State House
Nurses' Hall
House Chamber
Waltham Watch Factory
State House
Province Street, Boston
Downtown Crossing, Boston
Beacon Hill
Waltham Post Office
Waltham Library
Centennial Memorial
Flags on Waltham Common 
State House 
House Chamber 
Charles River Museum of Industry 
State House Halls 
Moody Street Fire Station 
Waltham City Hall 
Nurses Hall, State House
Nurses Hall, State House
Stonehurst Paine Estate
House Chamber
Veterans Remembrance Circle
Nurses Hall, State House
If you'd like to visit the State House, please call 617-727-3676.
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Contact Information:
State Rep.
Thomas M. Stanley
State House
Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2230
Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov
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Dear Friend:
It is my pleasure to deliver August's issue 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. To find me on Twitter, 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) 722-2230.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Stanley
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News from Beacon Hill
Rep. Stanley Votes to Reaffirm Commitment to Investing in Local Aid and Transportation
Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the Legislature to unanimously pass legislation that provides essential local aid to cities and towns. The unanimous votes override the Administration's veto of $177 million in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA). The funds, originally included in the Legislature's FY14 budget, mark the first increase in UGGA since FY10. The legislation provides $920.23 in UGGA, a $21.25 million increase from FY13.
The House and Senate also cleared the two-thirds majority to enact a transportation finance plan that guarantees $805 million in new resources for the transportation system by Fiscal Year 2018 and includes all tax provisions assumed in both the House and Senate Fiscal Year 2014 budgets, generating $500 million in new tax revenue. Both the local aid and transportation legislation are now passed into law.
Rep. Stanley Cosigns Letter to Abolish, or Retroactively Extend the Statue of Limitations in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Rep. Stanley joined Rep. Lawn, Sen. Brownsberger and other colleagues by signing a letter to Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Murray, requesting the opportunity to vote to abolish, or retroactively extend the Statue of Limitations in child sexual abuse cases. Many victims are not ready when the statute expires for them at the present age of 21. An extension will help older victims by giving them their day in court and encourage victims to come forward and expose predators and protect children.
Legislature Passes Sales Tax Holiday Bill
Rep. Stanley approved a bill creating a sales tax holiday on August 10th and 11th, marking the eighth year the Commonwealth will provide a two-day sales tax exemption. The legislation is designed to increase sales for local businesses and provide relief to consumers, particularly as families prepare for a new school year. As in previous years, the sales tax holiday will apply to purchases under $2,500. It excludes vehicles, motorized boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.
Senate votes to study the feasibility of hosting the 2024 summer Olympics in MA
By a vote of 38-1, the MA Senate passed a resolution to study the feasibility of hosting the 2024 summer Olympics in the Commonwealth. The resolve creates a nine-member commission, requesting that the commission report back by March 1, 2014 after examining the prospects of working with other New England states and examining impacts on infrastructure, transportation, lodging, event locations, security, costs and benefits. The resolve requests that the commission hold its firsts official meeting by Sept. 30, 2013. The resolve now moves to the House for consideration.
Massachusetts Military Reservation is Renamed Joint Base Cape Cod
Governor Patrick signed Executive Order to change the name of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) to Joint Base Cape Cod to more accurately reflect the ongoing missions and collaborative partnerships happening on the base. Joint Base Cape Cod is the largest military installation in geographical size in the Commonwealth, covering 22,000 acres on Upper Cape Cod, and is a uniquely organized joint installation with components from the Army National Guard (Camp Edwards), Air National Guard (Otis Air National Guard Base), United States Coast Guard (Air Station Cape Cod) and United States Air Force (6th Space Warning Squadron PavePAWS). In addition, there are close to 30 other tenants on JBCC with affiliation to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal, state and county entities. JBCC employs nearly 4,000 full and part-time military, federal and state civilian employees and had an economic impact of $405 million in 2011.
Renaming the MMR at this time will serve several important purposes to properly brand the base, more accurately reflect both the current and future joint relationships that exist on base, support the base commanders' need and desire to link themselves more closely together, and coordinate activities between the base commanders through the JBCC Executive Director and the base's Joint Oversight Group. Renaming the base also better positions the overall installation and the important missions conducted there against potential downsizing initiatives such as BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Commission), Force Realignments and Mission Changes.
Governor Patrick Celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Massachusetts' 54th Regiment
Governor Patrick honored the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at a ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C. Joined by descendants of the officers and soldiers and flanked by the color guard of the 54th Regiment, Gov. Patrick then laid a wreath in honor of the bravery of the first black regiment from the North in the Civil War 150 years ago. Speakers and presenters included: Governor Patrick, Secretary of Health Human Services John Polanowicz, Executive Director of the Museum of African American History Beverly Morgan-Welch, Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor Jerome Kyles, poet, musician and educator Regie Gibson, and Harry Pratt, a descendent of Colonel Edward Needles Hallowell who was an officer in the Union Army and commander of the 54th Regiment after the death of Colonel Shaw.
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was officially authorized by the War Department in January 1863 and was composed primarily of free black soldiers. The Regiment was recruited by Governor John Andrew, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist leaders after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation that same year. The Regiment was commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who was the son of Boston abolitionists and formerly a Captain in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry before accepting this ground breaking command. Colonel Shaw led the Regiment's attack on July 18, 1863, at the Battle of Fort Wagner, which represented a turning point for the nation, the 54th Regiment and the eventual outcome of the Civil War. This battle encouraged further enlistment and mobilization of African American troops; some 200,000 would serve by the end of the war, a key development that President Abraham Lincoln once noted as helping to secure the final victory, and gave the Union Army a much needed numerical advantage over the South.
MA to Partner with Feds on Food Stamp Fraud Crackdown
State and local law enforcement will be able to investigate retailers engaged in food stamp trafficking under a new agreement with the United States Agriculture Department. USDA Northeast Regional Administrator James Arena-DeRosa signed an agreement with state Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Stacey Monahan to allow MA to collaborate on investigations and gain access to federal database analysis that highlights suspicious transactions. The DTA administers the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program through EBT cards. Four municipalities, including Everett, Taunton, Attleboro and Pittsfield, have signed sub-agreements with USDA to conduct local investigations.
Governor Patrick Announces District Court Nominations
Governor Patrick announced two judicial nominations: Cesar A. Archilla as Associate Justice of the District Court, Circuit; and Thomas L. Finigan as Associate Justice of the Stoughton District Court.
Cesar A. Archilla has served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board since 2010. Prior to this appointment, he worked for four years as a criminal defense attorney in Salem and for over six years as an Assistant District Attorney in Essex County. Archilla also worked for 13 years prior to becoming an attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He is a graduate of Atlantic Union College (B.S., 1986) and Suffolk University Law School (J.D., 1998). Archilla resides in Swampscott. He is slated to fill a circuit position on the District Court.
Thomas L. Finigan is the Chief of the Narcotics Unit and a member of the Homicide Team at the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office. He joined the office as an Assistant District Attorney in 1997. Finigan's legal career also includes five years as an associate at Choate, Hall & Stewart and five years as an investment attorney for The New England in Boston. Finigan is a graduate of Boston College (B.S., 1982) and Boston College Law School (J.D., 1985). He is a resident of Milton. If confirmed, Finigan will fill the vacancy on the Stoughton District Court created by the retirement of the Honorable Francis T. Crimmins.
Governor Patrick Announces $31 Million in Federal Block Grants for Community Improvements
Governor Patrick announced that 38 cities and towns across the Commonwealth will receive $31 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure. The CDBG program is the Commonwealth's largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while building and repairing infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. The infrastructure projects help communities create and maintain jobs while providing important improvements to the lives of residents in each city and town. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and funds are distributed by DHCD to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000. Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive program funding directly from HUD. Communities may apply for CDBG funding for activities including: housing rehabilitation projects, infrastructure repair or replacement, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, neighborhood improvement projects, economic development loans and other business assistance programs, social service upgrades, downtown improvement projects and architectural barrier removal and planning. The maximum grant for a single community is $900,000. Regional applications are accepted.
MyLegislature Website Features Improvements
Updates to the public website will allow users to personalize their experience when navigating bills, committees, hearing information and connecting with legislators. Through "MyLegislature" users can create a user-id and password to access their secure MyLegislature account. Users can identify specific bills, hearings, committees and legislators that they are interested in following and their personalized homepage will display each selection. Any hearings scheduled for their selected committees will automatically be included in their MyLegislature hearing list. In addition, users can further personalize MyLegislature by identifying any accessibility needs. The updated website also includes an easy-to-use format to connect with legislators. The public website can be found at www.malegislature.gov.
UI Online, a new web-based unemployment insurance system
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) announced the launch of a new web-based unemployment insurance (UI) system known as UI Online effective July 1. UI Online will provide easier access to services for employers and jobseekers streamline the claims process and strengthen the state's ability to prevent, detect and rectify UI fraud. With UI Online, services currently offered by telephone or via an in-person visit will now also be available on the web. To learn more, click here.
Summer Reading for Children, Teens and Adults
Find a reading program at the library, get new book suggestions for readers of all ages, and spend time relaxing with a good book on your next vacation. Click here to learn more.
First-Time Homebuyer Tips
Spring is a popular time to think about purchasing a home, and as a first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts, you may have questions about the process. Luckily, there are state and federal programs to help you through it, including assistance with down payments - being a low- to moderate-income household does not necessarily mean you can't own the home of your dreams - seminars and more. Click here to learn three great tips on buying a home.
Boston to Cape Cod Weekend Rail Service
State transportation announced weekend rail service between South Station in Boston and Hyannis on Cape Cod from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There will be space for bikes on the train, which will connect with Cape Cod bus and ferry services. On Fridays, the commuter rail will depart South Station at 5:12 p.m. for Middleborough and will continue to Hyannis. Additionally, trains will depart Boston at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Returns trips will leave Hyannis at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Fares are $20 one-way and $35 round-trip.
Check out the NEW Massachusetts Business One-Stop
Are you doing business in Massachusetts or just getting started? Our one-stop business portal has the information and tools to help you succeed. Click here to learn more.
Resources to help you find a job in 2013
Finding a job can be difficult, so Massachusetts offers a number of programs and services to help job seekers find work. Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers connect workers and employers through job fairs and workshops, while the office of Labor and Workforce Development offers detailed job hunting information, including tips on writing a resume and cover letter, interviewing and networking, as well as career planning advice. The state also offers a variety of training opportunities for job seekers to obtain the education and skills needed for good paying jobs and careers. Additionally, special Section 30 Training Benefits programs exist for the unemployed. Please click here to learn more.
Mobile ticketing for Commuter Rail now available
Commuter Rail customers: Buy your single-ride, 10-ride tickets, and monthly passes via the MBTA's new mobile app for smartphones. Single and 10-ride tickets are now available for the Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, and Newburyport/Rockport Lines. Purchase your monthly pass from your smartphone. No waiting required. Please click here to learn more.
2013 outdoor recreational licenses available
Purchase your 2013 hunting, sporting, fishing and trapping license online, at any walk-in license vendor location, or at the MassWildlife District office. Please click here for more information.
New Health Care Cost Containment Website
Governor Patrick launched the next phase of health care reform, signing legislation that builds on the Commonwealth's nation-leading access to care through landmark measures that will lower costs and make quality, affordable care a reality for all Massachusetts residents. The mission of the Center of Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) is to improve health care quality and contain health care costs by critically examining the Massachusetts health care system and providing objective information, developing and recommending policies, and implementing strategies that benefit the people of MA. Click here to visit CHIA's website which outlines information on the law, notice of upcoming events and a single portal for connecting with other health care related state agencies, authorities and commissions.
Get emergency information on your smartphone
Android and iPhone users: Download a free app to receive local emergency and disaster information from the Mass. Emergency Management Agency. Ping4alerts! is a new mobile communications app for alerting the public in emergencies and disasters. Through geofencing technology, ping4alerts! enables the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to send highly targeted, instant multimedia alerts to iPhone and Android devices to notify citizens about situations and events happening near them. The ping4alerts! FREE mobile app is one way that MEMA sends emergency information and messages. Click here to learn more.
Do you have unclaimed property in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts State Treasury has identified hundreds of thousands of new individuals, charities and businesses over the last six months that are entitled to over $60 million in unclaimed property. As part of an effort to return this money, the Treasury will be publishing in newspapers a list of names identified over the past six months owed more than $100.
Unclaimed Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered unclaimed and turned over to the Treasury for safekeeping after three years with no activity. In addition to the $60 million that the Treasury identified over the last six months, the Commonwealth is holding over $2 billion in trust until rightful owners can be identified.
The newly released list will include 11 accounts over $100,000, 23 accounts between $50,000 and $100,000, 434 accounts between $10,000 and $50,000 and 10,795 accounts in excess of $1,000. Due to space constraints the list will not include the names of approximately 297,000 individuals identified in the last six months who are owed less than $100, but anyone can easily check to see if they are owed money at www.findmassmoney.com or by calling 888-344-MASS (6277). One in ten people in Massachusetts has unclaimed property in their name.
Mass.gov Offers Open Government Website
To foster an "open government," Mass.gov offers information about legislative and regulatory processes, public records, campaign finance reports, lobbyist registrations and reports, open meetings and more. Residents can also get details on the state budget, see where the state's money comes from, locate a law on a topic that is of interest to you or obtain information on any city or town in Massachusetts. Residents can also view detailed information on state government spending. To learn more and visit the site, click here.
MassDOT RMV Customer Service: New Number MassDOT announced a new telephone number for Registry of Motor Vehicles business and transactions, 857-DOT-8000/857-368-8000. The number serves the RMV's Call Center which answers an average of 45,000 calls each month. Over the next year, customers will become familiar with the 857-DOT area code and exchange as MassDOT offices across the Commonwealth transition to the new number. The telephone transition will result in annual phone bill and maintenance savings of approximately $422,000. Concerned about lead in your home? Lead is a toxic metal that can come from a number of materials found in and around our homes, including old paint and contaminated soil. If you have lead pipes, or brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures, it can enter your drinking water via the plumbing. Lead exposure frequently occurs without any symptoms, and can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and death. Children six years old and younger are most at risk. The state offers information about lead and removing it from your home. To learn more, visit the Health and Human Services' website.
File for unemployment insurance benefits online or by phone The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) administers the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, providing temporary assistance to unemployed Massachusetts workers. Click here to get help with filing a new claim.
Find Volunteer Opportunities at Connect & Serve Connect & Serve is a free web-based volunteer portal administered by the Massachusetts Service Alliance. The Connect & Serve website is a valuable resource for organizations who recruit volunteers and for individuals who wish to find fulfilling volunteer opportunities in their communities. Click here to find a volunteer opportunity near you. Connect & Serve's user-friendly design has many features to increase the visibility of opportunities across the state, including a quick search function highlighting impact areas, an easy zip-code radius search, and a monthly service projects calendar. All volunteer opportunities are promoted through a statewide collaboration with volunteer connector agencies to build awareness to a wider audience in all regions of the state.
DPH Offers Health Promotion Clearinghouse Website
The website distributes publications and materials on important topics such as asthma, diabetes, nutrition & physical activity, sodium, stroke, substance abuse, tobacco cessation and prevention and more. These materials benefit a wide range of residents, including people interested in improving their health and making healthy choices, anyone in healthcare who provides information or education to patients and educators working with diverse populations. Click here to learn more.
Exciting New Veterans Resource!
The Patrick Administration launched www.MassVetsAdvisor.org, a cutting-edge web portal that offers enhanced access to services and support for veterans living in the Commonwealth. The new site will help veterans and their family members access more than 200 state and federal benefits in one location, including programs for education, counseling, employment, health care and other services. MassVetsAdvisor streamlines comprehensive data from state and federal resources and lists only the benefits and services each veteran is qualified for, including an "action plan" to apply for the benefits. Veterans will be able to print, email, save or forward the action plan to their Veterans Services Officer for additional one-on-one assistance.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC's goal is to keep pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under 5 healthy. To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-1007 or contact a WIC Program in your community. Please click here for more info.
SAVE Partners with Veterans' Services to Support Veterans & Their Families
The fundamental principle of the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program is to advocate for veterans who are not able to obtain the benefits they have earned due to institutional or personal barriers. The program's primary mission is prevention of suicide and mental health distress through the identification of issues facing veterans when they return from service and proactively providing them with access to benefits and services that may address these issues and result in positive transitions back to civilian life. SAVE acts as a liaison between veterans and their families and the various agencies within the federal and state governments. To learn more, please click here.
Mass 2-1-1, in Partnership with United Way, Partners with Department of Veterans Services
To learn more about the services available to veterans by MA 2-1-1 and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, the chief advocate for veterans and their families in the Commonwealth, please click here. 2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services Information and Referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. It also is hoped that it will reduce the number of non-emergency calls inappropriately made to 911. MassWildlife Offers Calendar of Events The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The Division works to balance the needs of people and wildlife today so wildlife will be available for everyone's enjoyment today and for future generations. To learn more about DFW events across the Commonwealth, such as wildlife-related workshops, talks, walks or demonstrations, please click here. 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.
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.
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.
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Waltham Corner
WEBF 2013-2014 Grant Cycle is now open!
Since its inception in 2007, the WEBF has been working hard to raise money to improve the educational experience for all Waltham Students. Over the last five years, it raised over $80,000 and funded 26 grants, including $23,000 through the Sally Elizabeth Peters Enrichment Program. To apply for an Excellence in Education or a Sally Elizabeth Peters grant, click here. Deadline is October 4, 2013.
Residential Collection of Televisions and Computers
The City of Waltham's procedure for the collection of televisions and computers has changed. Capitol Waste will pick up televisions and computers, VCRs, printers, cables, etc. at curbside on your regular trash day. The pick-up must be scheduled and called in by 3:30pm on the day before. Please call 617-569-1718. Leave a message, if necessary. The driver does not assist with transport to curb. Items should be placed curbside by 7am. Please report any abandoned computers or TV's with the address to Capitol Waste for pick-up.
Waltham Recycling and Trash Guidelines 2013-14
Waltham collects trash and recycling curbside every week. To learn more about the city's recycling and trash program and its guidelines, click here.
Waltham Visions
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League is planning a series of events called Waltham Visions where it will design a framework for the future built from the desires of its citizens.
Over the next year, the League will educate itself and interested community members, reach out to the wider Waltham community, present guest lecturers and collect what members have learned and build a plan to implement. The League will run a series of discussions on current thoughts in urban design and will present materials providing the philosophical basis for current urban design and talk about how other local communities have set their goals. To learn more, contact Annette Reynolds at 617-306-2906.
Senior Citizen Grant Opportunity
The Massachusetts Financial Literacy Trust Fund (FLTF) Board announced the Financial Education for Senior Citizens Grant Program. This is an opportunity for eligible organizations which support the senior citizen population and will take creative and innovative approaches to serve seniors in the arena of financial literacy. Click here to learn more.
One School, One Book Waltham Reads Initiative
This summer Waltham High School students and faculty will participate in a shared reading experience called Waltham Reads. Teachers, students, administrators, parents and members of the Waltham community will all read the same book Left for Dead: A Young Man's Search for Justice for the USS Indianapolis by Peter Nelson. Thanks to the generosity of the Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation, the Sally Peter's Enrichment Program and The Friends of the Waltham Public Library, Waltham High School will be able to purchase books for every student as well as fund an engaging speaker.
The Waltham Reads committee will partner with local businesses, book stores, veterans associations, the Waltham Public Library, and other community organizations to promote the initiative and make the book available to the broader public. Some programming ideas include book discussion groups at the public library, veteran guest speakers, World War II movie fest, food/clothes drive for armed forces, community service with veterans, and an author visit. Donations can also be made to the WEBF to help fund the initiative in order to ensure future success with this community endeavor. To learn more about the initiative and/or order the book, please click here.
Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra News
The mission of the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra is to provide the community opportunities to perform in and attend orchestral and chamber concerts of the highest quality. Please find below a preview of upcoming events. For more information, click here.
Waltham Council on Aging Seeks Volunteers
The Waltham Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels Program needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Volunteering involves 45 minutes one day a week to deliver about 10 meals in a designated neighborhood. Please contact Debbie Barry at 781-314-3300.
Waltham's School Health Advisory Committee Seeking Members
The Waltham Public Schools School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meets four times a year, and welcomes new members. 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 and concussion data. 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 info, email Marie DeSisto, Director of Nurses and District 504 Coordinator at
mariedesisto@k12.waltham.ma.us or call 781-314-5462.
PSW, Inc. Helps Teens Get Jobs in Waltham
Youth employment is at an all-time low. In the first two months of 2012, youth employment was at 25.6%. Partnerships for a Skilled Workforce, Inc. (PSW, Inc.) partnered with Waltham High School (WHS) to place youth in jobs with local employers. With funds from the Department of Education and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, 50 Waltham youth gained valuable work experience this summer.
Gerard Leone, Middlesex County DA, is a champion for recognizing the importance of youth employment as part of a healthy community and has helped PSW, Inc. to provide summer jobs. Waltham employers played the key role in our youth employment partnership. Many Waltham employers have stepped up the plate consistently, investing in our future workforce. Employers such as Boston Environmental and Engineering Associates, Harrison Transportation, True Value Hardware, Waltham Veterinary Hospital, and Watertown Savings Bank have hired teens through our career specialist Russell Chudnofsky at WHS for summer jobs.
Young people need to learn to work. PSW, Inc. is looking for employers who want to invest in student work experiences year round. Many career goals start with a young adult's first job. To learn more or partner with PSW, Inc., contact Kelley French, Youth Director at kfrench@pswinc.org or 508-281-6910 x7.
Non-profit spotlight: Neighbors Who Care
Neighbors Who Care, based in Waltham, provides volunteer services such as companionship and transportation to medical appointments, assistance with grocery shopping and errands, and home visits for homebound elders and chronically ill adults in the greater Waltham community, free of charge. Neighbors Who Care is looking for volunteers to help enhance the quality of life of homebound elders and have a direct positive impact on a person in the Waltham community. Volunteering just a few hours a week will have a great impact. To learn more about the program, please visit www.neighborswhocare.net or email heather@neighborswhocare.net.
About Waltham Fields Community Farm
Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) promotes local agriculture and food access through its farming operations and educational programs, using practices that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. It encourages healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows. To learn more about this valuable resource in our community and view upcoming events, please click here.
Waltham Women's Club
The Waltham Women's Club has been in existence for over 118 years. At one time there were over 125 members of the Waltham Women's Club whose mission is to "increase among women a spirit of cordial cooperation in addition to educational, philanthropic and civic awareness." The Waltham Women's Club is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to self and community. The club meets monthly from Sept. to April on the first Wednesday of the month. Check out or website for more information: https://sites.google.com/site/walthamwomansclub2/.
Housing Clinic at WATCH
The Housing 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 (24 Crescent St, #401) 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 Housing 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!
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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.
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.
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. 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
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 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 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.
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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 Municipalities and Regional Government
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
House Committee on Ways and Means
Education: Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley University (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
Children: Ryan, age 19, Parker, age 10
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