News from Beacon Hill

Rep. Stanley asks Auditor Bump to declare state and national testing at Waltham schools as unfunded mandates

In a letter to State Auditor Suzanne Bump, Rep. Tom Stanley requested reimbursement for two different mandates, one state and one federal, which are forcing Fitzgerald Elementary School and Kennedy Middle School in Waltham to participate in national and international testing without receiving any compensation.

Under the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 and the No Child Left Behind Act, Kennedy Middle School is mandated to test for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the "Nation's Report Card."  Fitzgerald Elementary School is mandated to test in the international assessment, Trends in International Mathematics and Science study.  Waltham Superintendent Susan Nicholson received the testing notice from Department of Elementary and Secondary officials during the week of May 26th. 

In his letter to Auditor Bump, Rep. Stanley requested that the Division of Local Mandates (DLM) determine the fiscal impact of these mandates under the provisions of G.L. Chapter 29, Section 27(c).  Should DLM find that these laws impose cost obligations on school systems, he will be able to pursue state funding in order for the City of Waltham and other municipalities to comply with the law.

In 2011, Rep. Stanley successfully worked with Auditor Bump to declare the McKinney-Vento law an unfunded mandate.  Rep. Stanley was able to seek state funding for Waltham Public schools to be reimbursed for transporting out-of-district homeless students.

Rep. Stanley Attends DCR Event to Kick Off Charles River Weed Clean Up

Rep. Stanley sponsored an amendment to the FY15 House budget for $350,000 to fund aquatic invasive weed (water chestnuts) removal in the Charles River Lakes District. Reps. Khan and Lawn and Sens. Creem and Barrett also sponsored the amendment. Funding in this amount was passed in the House but reduced to $150,000 in the Senate.

To kick off the clean-up, he attended a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) event on the Charles to kick off the weed cleanup.  Thanks to FY14 funding, DCR expects to clear the weeds from the Lakes District this summer using large scale mechanical harvesters. Because these weeds are prolific and hardy, elimination will likely require another 3-4 years of mechanical harvesting after which whatever weeds remain can be controlled with a low-cost maintenance program. The outlook when finished: a restored river providing rich habitat and a full range of recreation opportunities. Downstream areas will also be protected from the spread of these invasive species.

Rep. Stanley hears testimony at House Post Audit and Oversight Hearing on DCF

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues on the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee questioned DCF Interim Commissioner Erin Deveney at a recent hearing. Deveney and staff along with the CWLA and SEUI 509 representatives testified regarding progress within the Department of Children and Families (DCF).   Deveney was appointed as Interim Commissioner two and a half months ago by Governor Patrick and Secretary Polanowicz.

Since being appointed, Interim Commissioner Deveney has implemented a 60-day action plan based on the recommendations found in the Child Welfare League of America's report on the agency. DCF has implemented an enhanced supervision model and training program for FY15, improved mobile technology and revised a visitation guide to ensure consistent and valuable observations from each visit.

Rep. Stanley Attends Sexual Abuse Bill Signing

Rep. Stanley stood with other legislators, advocates and victims as Gov. Patrick signed a bill filed by Rep. John Lawn and himself that will provide sexual abuse victims like Rozanne Sliney the chance at justice. Last month, Rep. Stanley and his colleagues in the House voted in favor of Rep. John Lawn's bill to extend the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual assault to bring civil claims against their abusers.  Rep. Stanley cosponsored the bill which will enable victims of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits up until the time they turn 53 years old, an additional 35 years on top of what is currently allowed.   The bill will also increase from three years to seven years the period in which a lawsuit can be filed after the recovery of repressed memories of childhood abuse. 

Legislature Passes Balanced FY15 Budget

Rep. Stanley and his colleagues in the Legislatures passed a $36.5 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) focused on economic growth and increased government accountability and oversight. The spending plan makes important investments in local aid, education, and human services including substance abuse treatment and prevention and mental health care.

This budget enhances the Commonwealth's partnerships with cities and towns through numerous funding streams including $945.8 million to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $25.5 million increase from FY14 and $4.4 billion for Chapter 70, a record funding level. The spending plan provides $257.5 million for the Special Education Circuit Break, ensuring full funding for the third consecutive year and $70.3 million for Regional School Transportation to reimburse municipalities at 90 percent, marking the highest rate in the program's history.

In addition to educational investments through local aid, this year's budget extends Massachusetts ongoing commitment to strengthening its educational systems to foster equality and provide residents with a competitive edge. The budget allocates $15 million to expand access to early education and funds a grant program at $9.1 million to support Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The budget also prioritizes higher education through investments in state universities, community colleges and the University of Massachusetts and includes $519 million for UMass which will enable a freeze in tuition and fees for the second year. In addition, the budget dedicates money to implement the STEM Starter Academy, an initiative created in the FY14 budget aimed at strengthening and expanding STEM programming in community colleges.

Reps. Stanley and Lawn Help Pass Comprehensive,

Balanced Gun Violence Legislation

Rep. Tom Stanley and Rep. John Lawn helped pass comprehensive gun violence legislation which, for the first time, authorizes a police chief to deny a firearm identification (FID) card if there is credible information that the applicant poses a public safety risk, authorizes licensed gun dealers to access criminal offender record information (CORI) and prohibits a convicted felon from acquiring a FID card. The bill passed the House 112 to 38.

The bill enhances record-keeping efforts and takes decisive steps to curtail gun trafficking by establishing a criminal firearms and trafficking unit within the State Police. To address any loopholes created by secondary sales, the legislation requires the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) to create an online portal for private sales. This will ensure that secondary sales are subject to proper monitoring and information sharing without placing an additional burden on gun owners. The bill also requires local licensing authorities to trace any firearm used to commit a crime and report relevant data, brings Massachusetts into compliance with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and requires gun dealers to obtain a CORI check when hiring employees.

To improve violence prevention, the bill creates a more standardized licensing process. While law enforcement officials have a procedure for issuing a license to carry (LTC), which is used to purchase or possess any legal firearm including hand guns, this bill establishes a similar process for the issuance of a FID card which is used for a shotgun or rifle. The legislation specifies that a person may only be denied a FID card or LTC based on unsuitability if they are deemed a risk to public safety based on reliable information. It also updates the law so that a licensing authority, upon a determination of unsuitability, must provide the applicant with the specific reasons for such determination in writing.

The legislation increases the fine for failure to report a lost or stolen firearm; requires applicants renewing their LTC or FID cards to verify that they have not lost any firearms or had any firearms stolen; establishes penalties for gun dealers who fail to report a lost or stolen weapon; and increases the penalties for improper storage while improving related awareness and education measures for gun owners.

The legislation includes provisions that will have immediate effects on school safety as well as provisions that will result in identifying best practices. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a safe and supportive schools framework that each school district will then individualize and implement, and requires school districts to have a school resource officer to provide security services. The bill also requires schools to develop plans to address the mental health needs of their students; requires schools to have two-way communication devices for specific use with police and fire officials; increases the penalty for carrying a firearm on school grounds and makes the offense a statutory right of arrest; and establishes a special commission to study and report on mental, emotional and behavioral health in public schools.

This legislation extends the House's commitment to addressing mental health problems and preventing domestic violence. It includes a number of provisions to ensure law enforcement officials have appropriate public documents relating to applicants' health and criminal histories and requires courts to report information regarding domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health. More than 60 percent of all firearm deaths are categorized as suicides. The bill heightens suicide prevention efforts and training for educators, health care providers and firearm owners and dealers. It also directs the Department of Public Health (DPH) to collect, analyze and report on suicides and creates a physician training program so doctors can advise on suicide and the risk posed by guns in homes.

The legislation does not disqualify individuals with a misdemeanor punishable by less than two years from acquiring a firearm; eliminates the 90 day renewal process for FID cards and ensures legal protection for individuals who have applied for renewal; lowers fines for expired cards; allows individuals to petition for judicial review for any restrictions placed on licenses; and allows minors to hunt with supervision of an individual who holds a FID or LTC card.

The legislation also eliminates Class B licenses; increases the punishment for being armed with a firearm while carjacking; and establishes penalties for unlawfully transporting firearms into the Commonwealth for the commission of criminal activity or unlawful distribution.

Residents will vote on four ballot questions on 11/4

Election Day is set for November 4th, 2014 and voters will see four questions on the ballot, according to Secretary of State William Galvin, the state's elections chief.  The questions will include the potential of the elimination of gas tax inflation indexing at the top, the proposed expansion of the bottle deposit law, the initiative aiming to repeal the 2011 casino law and an initiative looking to guarantee earned sick time for employees.

Rep. Stanley and House Pass Legislation to Combat Substance Abuse Epidemic

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that increases access to treatment for individuals confronting substance addition and takes significant steps to combat the current epidemic.   The bill seeks to set patients on a path to sustainable recovery by both increasing access to care and improving the standard of care. Under this legislation, all insurance plans in the Commonwealth will cover acute treatment services, clinical stabilization and medical detox for at least ten days, and patients will have access to treatment without having to obtain prior authorization first. Additionally, licensed drug and alcohol counselors will be added to the list of specialists covered to allow these providers to bill insurers for their services. 

The legislation expands on efforts taken by the House last year by allowing for the emergency scheduling of substances by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH).  DPH will now have the authority to temporarily categorize a substance as "schedule I' on an emergency basis to avoid imminent hazard to public safety or preserve public health. Additionally, this bill authorizes DPH compile a list of prescription drug drop boxes and other safe locations where people will be able to dispose of excess prescription drugs.

To increase oversight and enhance the Commonwealth's ability to respond to public health problems, this legislation increases the membership of the Drug Formulary Commission (DFC) to include representatives from the Department of Insurance, DPH, Medicaid and chronic pain and addition medicine specialists. The DFC will also be required to recommend a list of chemically equivalent substitutions for opiates that are less likely to be abused to encourage the prescription of abuse-deterrent medications.

House Engrosses Water Infrastructure Bill

The House engrossed legislation that will provide financial assistance to cities and towns for drinking water, wastewater and storm water facilities. The bill includes $3 million in funding for planning and technical assistance grants; adds $50 million annually to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program which provides loans to municipalities for drinking water, wastewater and storm water facilities and improvements; creates new lower and no-interest loans through the SRF program; and creates a new principal forgiveness/grant program for certain projects; and creates a mechanism that allows the state to provide a 1:1 financial match for connection costs to regional water or wastewater systems, including the MWRA.

The bill provides financial incentives to communities that choose to implement innovative or "green" water management approaches using SRF funding.  It also expands the scope of the Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to include water innovation; provides MassCEC with $1.5 million to leverage private investment by local water innovation companies and startups, which supports a growing cluster of water innovation companies that can create jobs in MA by filling a $960 billion global need for better water management technologies.  Additionally, funding will support the creation of local jobs including planners, engineers and labor.

House, Senate Pass Legislation to Improve Oversight, Licensing and Quality Standards for Compounding Pharmacies; Gov. Signs Bill

Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation that will increase oversight, improve quality and safety standards, and establish rigorous transparency and accountability practices for pharmacies engaged in the compounding of sterile and complex non-sterile drugs. The bill creates comprehensive and uniform standards that will govern the operations of specialty pharmacies engaged in compounding, an industry that previously lacked consistent standards at both the state and federal level. This legislation was carefully crafted in response to the 2012 meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated drugs produced at the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts.  Gov. Patrick signed the bill on 7/10.

The legislation addresses the unique needs of this industry by requiring the Board of Registration in Pharmacy to establish specialty licenses for retail sterile compounding pharmacies, retail complex non-sterile compounding pharmacies, institutional pharmacies, which include hospitals, and out-of-state businesses selling their products in Massachusetts. Additionally, all licensed compounding pharmacies will now be required to adhere to strict quality control protocols, production standards and reporting requirements.

House Passes Strict Campaign Finance Legislation to Improve Transparency of Super PACs

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that strengthens campaign finance regulations and requires super PACs to disclose their funding sources. To ensure the public has timely and relevant information before voting, the bill updates reporting timeframes and mandates that entities disclose expenditures in state, county and local elections within seven days. Additionally, PACs that run television advertisements would have to list the top five contributors on the commercial. If passed, Massachusetts will be one of two states with this type of provision.

Specifically, the bill requires entities that make independent expenditures (IE) to process four separate reports over a period of time to ensure there are no significant post-election disclosures. If an IE is made within ten days of an election, the report must be electronically filed within 24 hours.  The bill also boosts individual limits on annual campaign contributions from $500 to $1,000, the first increase since 1994.

Legislature Votes to Raise Minimum Wage; Lower Business Costs through Reform

Rep. Stanley helped pass final legislation to increase the minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2017 and lower costs for businesses through an updated unemployment insurance rating table and multi-year rate freeze. Adjusting for inflation, the minimum wage in 1968 would be worth $10.72 today. The compromise legislation increases wages for tipped workers to $3.75 per hour by 2017. Current law sets wages at $2.63 for tipped workers. In addition, the minimum wage for agriculture and farming will increase to $8 per hour from $1.60 per hour under this bill.

As part of unemployment insurance reform, the bill expands the experience rating table to allow stable employers to pay lower rates and require negatively rated employees to pay higher rates, from $0.73 per employee to $11.13 per employee. The expanded rating table also sets the taxable wage base at $15,000, an increase of $1,000 to achieve employer savings while ensuring the maintenance of a health UI trust fund.

House Establishes Framework for Paroling Juvenile Murderers

The House passed legislation in response to recent judicial decisions deeming juvenile sentences without the possibility of parole unconstitutional. The new framework applies to individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 convicted of first-degree murder. Under the legislation, individuals convicted of first-degree murder with "deliberate premeditation with malice aforethought" or "extreme cruelty and atrocity," become eligible for parole in 25 to 30 years. Those convicted of felony murder become parole eligible in 20-25 years.

To shield victims' families from having to testify excessively, the legislation establishes a ten year setback period that allows the parole board to extend the period of time before a prisoner can next present him or herself to the board. This is only applicable in the most extreme cases, when prisoners make no effort to rehabilitate themselves.

DPH Advances 11 Registered Marijuana Dispensary Applicants to Next Phase of Selection Process

The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that 11 Registered Marijuana Dispensary applicants will advance to the Inspection Phase of the selection process following the successful completion of the Department's Verification Phase, which included enhanced background checks and information verification. These 11 applicants would bring 97 percent of the Commonwealth's population within 30 miles of a Registered Marijuana Dispensary, ensuring patient access across the Commonwealth.

During the verification process, investigative firm Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) completed 176 enhanced individual and corporate background checks on investors, staff and related companies, and conducted investigative interviews with applicants to verify all information submitted as part of their applications. Additionally, DPH contacted more than 200 individuals to verify applicants' representation of local support. The Department also closely reviewed each applicant's business and operational plans, investor lists, source of funds and investments and information resulting from any background checks.

The results of these reviews were used by the executive director to determine which applicants were suitable to advance to the Inspection Phase. Before dispensaries are allowed to open, DPH will conduct inspections on grow-readiness, and processing and retail-readiness to ensure product safety and quality, security, storage and transportation and responsiveness to patient needs. In addition, applicants must complete municipal approval processes, including zoning and permitting before any dispensary is awarded a final Certificate of Registration to open.

Five Applicants Eligible to Apply in Open Counties

The Department has identified five applicants eligible to apply for dispensaries in counties that currently do not have a dispensary (open counties). The application process for eligible applicants seeking to operate in open counties will begin July 9 with the selections scheduled for October of this year.

Massachusetts voters approved the Medical Use of Marijuana ballot initiative in November 2012 with 63 percent of the vote and majority support in 349 of 351 cities and towns. DPH then held listening sessions, engaged stakeholders and passed regulations to promote the program's goals of patient access and public safety.

The 11 applicants selected today to enter the Inspection Phase have previously completed Phase 1, which included an application review; Phase 2, which included initial background checks, an independent expert review, screening by the Selection Committee, and executive director review; and the Verification Phase, which included enhanced individual and corporate background checks, application information verification, business and operational plan review, and funding and investment source review.

Two Trial Attorneys Nominated to District Court Bench

Governor Patrick announced two judicial nominations: William J. O'Grady as Associate Justice of the Chicopee District Court and William A. Rota as Associate Justice of the Southern Berkshire District Court.  William O'Grady has practiced civil and criminal litigation at the firm of Parker & O'Grady in Southampton and Springfield since 1985. He previously worked as a litigation associate for five years at the Springfield firm of Cohen, Rosenthal, Price, Mirkin, Jennings & Berg. O'Grady also has been an Associate City Solicitor in Chicopee since 1986 and in Westfield since 2009.  William Rota has over 30 years of private practice experience in civil and criminal litigation. He has been a sole practitioner in Pittsfield since 2000. Rota worked as an associate and a partner at the Pittsfield firm of Cain, Hibbard, Myers & Cook from 1986 to 2000 and as an associate at a small firm in Boston from 1981 to 1983. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Berkshire County from 1983 to 1986, assigned to the District Court.

Governor Patrick Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Legislation

Governor Patrick signed "An Act Establishing a Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights" on June 26th. The bill extends basic work standards and labor protections to approximately 67,000 nannies, housekeepers, care givers and other home workers.  The bill guarantees that domestic workers get breaks for meals and rest, termination notices, and work evaluations. It also clarifies their work duties and state laws regarding what deductions employers can make for food and lodging. The Attorney General's Office has been charged with enforcing the bill of rights once it goes into effect April 1, 2015. The law also ensures that domestic workers are protected from discrimination and sexual harassment and brings their employers under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Governor Patrick Signs Legislation to Address Gas Leaks

Governor Patrick signed a bill aimed to ensure public safety, protect the environment, reduce costs and create jobs by reducing potentially hazardous gas leaks in Massachusetts.  The legislation establishes a uniform natural gas leak classification standard for the Commonwealth and requires all Grade 1 leaks, which are the most serious, to be repaired or receive continuous surveillance until the hazard is eliminated. Grade 2 leaks are now required to be repaired within 12 months, while Grade 3 leaks require reevaluation. Gas companies will file an initial plan that includes a timeline for removing all leak-prone infrastructure on an accelerated basis. Every five years, gas companies will provide a summary of its replacement progress to date and a summary of work to be completed during the next five years.

The bill further increases public safety by requiring strong communication between municipalities and gas companies regarding projects exposing gas infrastructure. Gas companies are also required to prioritize any repairs detected within school zones. The bill also calls for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to design and offer programs that will increase the availability, affordability and feasibility of natural gas service for new customers at the local level.

MA Per Capita Prison Health Care Spending Seventh In U.S.

A study published by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the MacArthur Foundation states that MA spends the 7th highest in the nation on prison health care spending in the U.S.  Contributing factors to the rising costs include the rising age of inmates, close proximity to hospitals and diseases like Hepatitis C and mental illness.  Overall spending on prison health care rose from $81.6 million in 2007 to $95.3 million in 2011, an increase of 17 percent compared to a nationwide 13 percent average.

State Public Health Officials Announce Season's First Positive Mosquito Sample for West Nile Virus

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito in Massachusetts for the first time this year. A WNV infection was confirmed by the State Laboratory Institute in a mosquito sample which was collected on July 3 in the Town of Clinton. No human cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2013, there were eight human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes, click here. 

Government Center Station Closure

Zoning Advisory Board Members Needed

Early this year, Councillor Stanley filed a resolution in the City Council to establish a Zoning Advisory Board. After much debate, the Council established the advisory board and is now recruiting members. Interested Waltham residents and business men and women should read this notice and contact the City Council Nominating Committee. Click here for contact information and additional details.

Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Improvement Project Update

Upcoming Construction Work in Waltham
July 12-13, and 19-20, 2014
Clematis Brook Replacement

As the MBTA and its Contractor on the Fitchburg Main Line Improvement project proceed with improvements to the commuter rail line from Boston to Fitchburg, we will be performing track and signal upgrades throughout Waltham MA as well as replacing the Clematis Brook culvert in the area.

Over the next two weekends, The MBTA's Contractor JF White will be removing and replacing the Clematis Brook in Waltham. Work will commence each weekend after the last train on Friday evening/Saturday Morning approximately 1am and will continue through the weekend until work is completed prior the beginning of commuter service Monday Morning approximately 5 am. It is expected to take two weekends to replace this culvert. Work on this project will be performed around the clock as needed to complete the construction during the weekend suspension of rail service.

Weekend shutdowns of Commuter Rail Service to support the construction effort on the Fitchburg Line began last year and resumed this year on April 26th 2014 with service only provided between North Station and Brandeis Roberts Station. Beginning July 12th there will be no weekend service on the entire Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line until the weekend of November 16th of this year.

Full weekend service will be in effect during the winter months and on holiday weekends including the weekends of July 4th and Labor Day. Click here for more info.  

Waltham Farmers' Market at New Location

The Waltham Farmers' Market runs every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will now be held at School and Lexington Streets, in the Government Center lot, Waltham. Parking is available behind the building off Lexington Street and at the Central Square Parking Deck, accessible by both Lexington and Common Streets. The market will have pedestrian access from both School and Lexington Streets.  The market is held rain or shine, and will run from every Saturday through November 8. The market is wheelchair-, bicycle- and stroller-accessible. Leashed pets are welcome.

Nearly three dozen vendors will sell their goods at the market this year, bringing fresh, Massachusetts-grown fruits and vegetables, organic and specialty produce, herbs, cheese, goat milk and cheese, eggs, maple syrup products, beef, pork, chicken, fish, smoked fish, coffee, wine, preserves, sauces, baked goods, pasta, gluten-free baked goods, candies, soap, jewelry, bags, handcrafts, plants and cut flowers. A food truck will also be on site.

SNAP EBT cards can be used at eligible vendors and SNAP purchases up to $10 per person per week will be matched, with support from Waltham Fields Community Farm, Waltham Farmers' Market, First Parish in Waltham and Watertown Savings Bank. Credit and debit cards are accepted by all vendors. WIC coupons are accepted by participating farmers.

Eight free one-hour concerts will be held at the market. The series begins June 28 with a concert of medieval and Renaissance music by The Solstice Sackbuts. On July 12, folk singer/songwriter Terry Kitchen performs. July 26, Steve Taddeo and his Swing Senders play Big Band music. August 9, Joe Pete and Ruth Rappaport perform acoustic music. Gerry Beaudoin brings his jazz guitar trio to the market on August 23. On September 13, Eric Royer's One Man Band plays bluegrass in a concert that will delight all ages. The Moody Street String Band performs Celtic, Scots and Yankee traditional music on September 27. On October 25, Dave Birkin and the Hot Shots play jump blues, swing, R&B and jazz in the final concert of the season. Concerts are sponsored by Watertown Savings Bank, Doctors Express Waltham, Waltham Local First, Brookline Bank and the Waltham Cultural Council, with additional support from Waltham West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, please call (781) 894-0357 or go to www.walthamfarmersmarket.org.

The Girl Scouts of America programs are also available for the same age range. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

http://www.girlscouts.org/join.asp.

News from the Waltham Symphony Orchestra-"World Class Music Right in the Heart of Waltham"

Maestro Patrick Botti invites all Waltham residents to its FREE concerts of orchestral and chamber music.  In keeping with the orchestra's mission of community outreach and promotion of young artists, many concerts feature the participation of Waltham students.  For dates and times of upcoming performances, visit www.walthamsymphony.org.

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 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/.

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.