News from Beacon Hill

Fernald School Transaction Complete

State and local officials met in Boston to sign off on the final sale of the Fernald Center site.  Last month, the Waltham City Council voted to buy most of the 200-acre Fernald Center site for $3.7 million. The Commonwealth will continue to operate the Marquardt Nursing Center and also keep several buildings. The City will use approximately $2.7 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to purchase nearly 140 acres while Waltham's general fund will buy 40 acres for $795,668.

Gov. Romney moved to close the Fernald School and auction off the 200-acre state land without community input. To respond to this, Rep. Stanley authored and passed legislation to establish the Fernald Reuse Committee and gathered support of over 100 legislators to reject Gov. Romney and Speaker DiMasi's attempted to permanently change the state land disposition process. Rep. Stanley's leadership resulted in the preservation of local control over state land disposition and the diversion of overdevelopment of the Fernald land.

Waltham Awarded SAFE funding

The Waltham Fire Department awarded $7,432 in Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) grants and $3,395 in Senior SAFE grants. The SAFE program was created 20 years ago and since then, annual child fire deaths have been reduced by 72%. The Senior SAFE program continues in FY15 and is aimed at education seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.

Rep. Stanley files resolution to establish Olympic Planning Committee

Rep. Stanley filed a resolution before the Waltham City Council to establish an Olympic Planning Committee to plan and prepare Waltham for the selection of Boston as host for the 2024 Olympic Games.  The committee will include a representative of the Downtown Waltham Partnership, the Waltham Planning Director, the Police and Fire Chiefs, the Director of the Waltham Chamber of Commerce, a Waltham City Councillor and representatives from Bentley University and Brandeis University. The proposal was sent to the Council's Economic Development Committee. 

Gov. Charlie Baker Sworn In

On Thursday, January 8th, Governor Charlie Baker delivered his inaugural address to a joint session of the Massachusetts state legislature.  Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Democratic Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, former Republican Massachusetts Govs. Mitt Romney and William Weld and former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown attended the ceremony.

As governor, Gov. Baker plans to fix and balance the state budget deficit. He also plans to tackle homelessness, the state's opiate abuse crisis, lowering the state's electricity costs and increasing charter schools in underperforming school districts. To view his remarks, click here.

Karyn Polito was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor. Later in the day, Gov. Baker swore in six of his chief advisers: Education Secretary James Peyser, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker, Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash.

Stanley Rosenberg Will Lead Massachusetts State Senate

The Massachusetts Senate elected Stanley Rosenberg as its new president.  Rosenberg pledges to lead with openness and shared prosperity and leadership. In his inaugural address, Rosenberg mentioned expanding technological know-how to stretch government dollars, build infrastructure, invest in education, deal with climate change and fight drug addiction. To view his speech, click here. 

Boston Chosen for U.S. 2024 Summer Olympic Bid

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) chose Boston over Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco to represent the United States in a bid for the 2024 Summer Games. Boston will now compete against international bidders for the Olympic and Paralympic games. The International Olympic Committee's deadline for 2024 bid submissions is Sept. 15, 2015, with a final decision to be made at a meeting in Lima, Peru in September 2017.

In response, Mayor Walsh laid out a nine-month schedule of community meetings in neighborhoods across Boston.  The city will hold its first public meeting on the Boston 2024 effort on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Suffolk Law School, 120 Tremont St. The meeting will be to discuss the benefits and impact on the City.

House Committee Chairs Release Review on Department of Children and Families

Rep. Stanley, Chairman David Linsky and other members of the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and House Chair Kay Khan of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities released a report entitled "The House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and House Members of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities' Review of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families".  Click here to read the report.

The report provides a review of the Committees' investigation of the Department which began in December of 2013. In the report the Committees recommend that the Department continue to address caseload levels, while supporting management and supervisory staff, portable and stationary technology, continued training for workers and policies and procedures that best address the best interest of the child. The report also highlights the many ways in which the Department has strived to meet and continuously improve many of these directives.

Chapter 90 Funds for Local Infrastructure Released

Governor Charlie Baker directed Acting Secretary of Transportation and Chief Executive Officer Frank DePaola and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to follow through on the Baker-Polito administration's commitment to release immediately $100 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds critical to job creation, public safety and economic growth. Each community's share of funding is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles and employment. The release of this $100 million constitutes the remaining one-third of additional Chapter 90 funding authorized in 2014.

Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the Highway Department district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Department districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns. Funding for Chapter 90 is accomplished through the issuance of bonds.

MA Health Connector

Visit the Massachusetts Health Connector website which helps MA residents find the right health insurance - with expert advice and affordable plans from top carriers.  With up-to-date information, expert advice, free quotes, and affordable health plans from top carriers, Health Connector helps Massachusetts residents find the right health insurance and avoid tax penalties. Click here to learn more.

Northeast Utilities Announces New Name

Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), which operates New England's largest energy delivery company, today announced it will begin doing business under the new brand name of Eversource Energy on February 2nd. All of the company's subsidiaries, including Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P), NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH), Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) and Yankee Gas Services Company (Yankee Gas) will adopt and operate under the Eversource name.

The company's re-branding initiative will officially take place on February 2nd. Customers will receive more information regarding the brand change after the launch. As part of the change, Eversource plans to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ES. Changes to the comp

Major Federal Funding Commitment for Green Line Extension

Former Governor Patrick was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx as he announced a $996 million federal grant agreement to extend the MBTA Green Line light rail service from East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford. The Green Line Extension (GLX) will provide faster and more efficient travel downtown Boston and will serve some of the region's most densely populated communities. Secretary Foxx and Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan participated in a ceremony to commit the funds with Governor Patrick, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Michael Capuano, MassDOT Acting Secretary Frank DePaola, MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott and other federal, state and local officials.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will contribute approximately $996 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program (New Starts) funding over the course of the $2.3 billion project with funds from the Commonwealth covering the remainder.

Former Gov. Patrick Announces Positive Results of Administration's Safe and Successful Youth Initiative

Before Gov. Baker took his oath, Governor Patrick announced the results of the Commonwealth's Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), the Patrick Administration's comprehensive, interagency strategy for reducing youth violence in the Commonwealth. The evaluation, conducted by a third-party research organization over the past four years, highlights the significant returns on a $22.4 million investment in programs and services to reduce violence in 11 cities across the Commonwealth.

Over the last two years, SSYI engaged cities experienced 139 fewer violent crime victimizations on average per month compared to non-SSYI municipalities. In 2013, SSYI cities saw a 31 percent reduction in aggravated assaults compared to 2009, as well as a 25 percent reduction in homicide victimizations. Youth in these cities who exhibited the proven-risk characteristics but not engaged with SSYI were 42 percent more likely to be currently incarcerated than SSYI-engaged youth. This year alone, for every dollar invested, taxpayers have saved as much as $7.35 from the crime reductions produced through the program's support services.

Cong. Kennedy Will Serve Second Term as Honorary Co-Chair Of Stem Advisory Council

Former Governor Deval Patrick swore in Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III for a second term as the Honorary Co-Chair of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council. Together with the Council's Co-Chair Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, this leadership model will continue to enhance STEM related efforts in the Commonwealth. Congressman Kennedy serves the Fourth District of Massachusetts in Congress and was recently appointed to the influential House Committee on Energy & Commerce. An engineer by training, he is a member of the Congressional STEM Caucus.

March of Dimes looks for support to reduce smoking among pregnant women

The March of Domes plans to launch a smoking cessation campaign in 2015 and is seeking support from the MA legislature.  One out of 10 women smoke during pregnancy in the United States. The group would like the lawmakers to help them boost awareness of smoking-related birth problems, which can be linked to 23 to 34 percent of all Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases. In 2013, the Commonwealth spent 4.4 percent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended $90 million on anti-tobacco programs, ranking behind 34 other states and Washington, DC. According to the March of Dimes, approximately 5 to 8 percent of all pre-term births are related to smoking, and 13 to 19 percent of low birth-weight babies can be attributed to smoking during pregnancy.

Winter Heating & Energy Savings Resources

In preparation for the upcoming winter, please be aware of winter energy efficiency and renewable energy resources available to Massachusetts consumers. The most up to date information including energy efficiency programs and rebates, do-it-yourself options and help with utility/fuel bills and fuel assistance can be found here.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute Announces March 2015 Public Opening

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (EMK Institute) announced it will open to the general public with a formal dedication in March of 2015. Housed in a beautiful 65,000 square-foot facility designed by world renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, the Institute will be a dynamic center of learning and civic engagement.  It will use cutting-edge technology to convey the history of United States Senate and its pivotal role in America's development and governance.

The Institute is located next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The location, on the University of Massachusetts - Boston campus on Columbia Point, will enrich the cultural and educational life of Boston and the region and serve the country as a center of national and international scholarship and public discourse.  As construction nears completion, a planned rollout will bring the Institute to life in stages in the next year with three tracks of targeted outreach, public activities, and initial programming leading up to the public dedication next March.  For more information about the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, please visit www.emkinstitute.org. Follow the Institute on Twitter @emkinstitute. 

Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Improvement Project Update

Throughout the months of September through November 2014 the MBTA will be continuing construction of major improvements on the Fitchburg Line. This is the second year of a 3-year improvement project to improve track, signals, bridges, and stations to reduce trip time and increase service reliability.  To facilitate the efficient completion of this work, weekend service has been suspended on the line from July 12th through November 16th, 2014.  Click here for additional information.

Government Center Station Closure

Child sexual abuse is "a silent epidemic," according to the American Medical Association. One in 4 women and 1 in 6 men report experiencing sexual abuse in childhood. The Enough Abuse Campaign offers educational information to parents, youth, professionals, and other concerned adults to prevent people from victimizing children today and to prevent children from developing abusive behaviors in the future. Click here to view a summary of the Enough Abuse Campaign's current training curricula which is intended achieve those goals.

Neighbors Who Care is proud to be serving elders in the greater Waltham area for the past 11 years. We match volunteers with seniors who may find themselves isolated or having a hard time doing life-giving activities, such as getting groceries or going to the hair dresser.  Its volunteers serve as compassionate visitors, accompanying shoppers, or friendly supporters at a doctor's appointment. As well, its clients and volunteers can be found playing Scrabble, reading and discussing a book together, visiting a festival in the North End, exploring a local museum or shopping for a  good bargain. Neighbors Who Care also host clients and volunteers for ice cream socials, teas, an outing to the symphony and holiday parties.  If you are interested in learning more about its volunteer opportunities or services, go to www.neighborswhocare.net or contact info@neighborswhocare.net.

The City of Waltham, through its Mayor's Office, and the Waltham SWITCHBOX Art Committee, invites any person who lives or works in Waltham to participate in a public art project.   To represent the vibrancy and spirit of Waltham, a switchbox art project will be instituted to "transform" plain electrical boxes throughout the City into public pieces of art. These metal canvases will present an exciting opportunity to turn background urban utilities into conversational pieces that celebrate the historical and cultural wealth of our City and increase the beauty of our public space. To learn more or complete a form to participate, click here.

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.

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.