Rep. Thomas M. Stanley 9th Middlesex District |
Contact Information:
State Rep.
Thomas M. Stanley
State House
Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2230
Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov
|
|
Dear Friend:
It is my pleasure to deliver November'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
|
|
News from Beacon Hill
Rep. Stanley Votes to Support and Honor Military Personnel and Veterans
Representative Stanley joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass multiple bills to protect the identities and legacies of active-duty military personnel and veterans. These bills build upon existing legislation to expand opportunities and services for military personnel, veterans and their families. The Stolen Valor Act criminalizes falsely representing oneself as military personnel, a veteran or a recipient of specific military honors in order to receive money, property or a tangible benefit. This crime would be punishable by a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year.
Under legislation passed, Purple Heart recipients would have free access to state parks, forests and reservations. The House also passed bills related to stealing, damaging or desecrating veterans' graves and inappropriately removing a commemorative American flag representing service the military, police or fire departments.
Stanley Report Cable Episodes 9 & 10 are online!
Rep. Stanley recently sat down with Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Francisco Urena to discuss veterans issues. Click here to view the video. He also interviewed guest Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. Click here to view the video.
House Approves Safe Haven Bills
The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved House Bills 114 and 108 which deal with the addition of 911 emergency responders to the list of locations for a safe surrender under the Commonwealth's baby safe haven law. The bills were filed by Reps. Keiko Orrall of Lakeville and Shaunna O'Connell of Taunton.
Governor Baker Signs Supplemental Budget to Close Fiscal Year 2015
Governor Baker signed the end of Fiscal Year 2015 supplemental budget into law, with supportive funding for substance abuse prevention, training services at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and a $120 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund.
The supplemental budget signed by the Governor today includes $27.8 million for various opioid treatment and preventative programs within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Education. This is an important step towards addressing all of the proposed measures outlined in recently filed legislation by the Governor to combat the Commonwealth's opioid epidemic.
The supplemental budget also contains important funding for DCF, including $2.2 million to address immediate staffing and training needs and another $1 million to provide training for foster families.
Massachusetts Health Connector Open Enrollment
Apply for or renew health and dental coverage during open enrollment through Jan. 31, 2016. Click here to learn more.
Governor Baker Files Substance Use Legislation
On Oct. 15, Governor Charlie Baker filed a comprehensive bill to combat the opioid crisis in Massachusetts. The bill includes provisions to empower medical personnel to intervene with patients suffering from addiction, control the spread of addictive prescription opioids, and increase education about substance use disorder (SUD) for providers and in the community.
Governor Baker introduced the bill, titled "An Act Relative to Substance Use Treatment, Education, and Prevention," with Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, and members of the Opioid Working Group.
New Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Monitoring Committee Sworn In
Governor Baker conducted the swearing in of the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Monitoring Committee at the State House. The committee consists of nine individuals, eight veterans of military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan and one Gold Star Parent. The committee shall oversee the construction, maintenance and dedication of the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial to be erected in Seaport Square Park in the South Boston Waterfront.
The nine members of the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Monitoring Committee were appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the executive director of the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund. Governor Baker has appointed Sergeant Eric Segundo, USA. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Francisco Ureņa appointed Captain Richard Holahan, USA, to the committee as well as Debra Booth as the Gold Star Parent. Senate President Rosenberg appointed Lance Corporal Victor A. Nunez Ortiz, USMC. Speaker of the House DeLeo appointed Sergeant Andrew Biggio, USMC. The MA Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund has appointed First Sergeant Dennis Mawn, USA, Staff Sergeant Patrick Hayden, USA, Major James Colvin, USMC, and Corporal Jason Farrar, USMC.
The Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial will be erected in Seaport Square park in the South Boston Waterfront of the city of Boston and will be the official memorial of the Commonwealth to honor all post-September 11, 2001 veterans of the Commonwealth who died while in service to this country in Iraq, Afghanistan and all other operations across the globe and in the United States. The memorial park will also pay tribute to all veterans of the Commonwealth who served after September 11, 2001.
Upon completion and dedication of the memorial, all commission duties relative to the memorial shall be the responsibility of the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, Inc.
State Launches New Substance Misuse Anti-Stigma Campaign
A second statewide media campaign aims to make Massachusetts a "#StateWithoutStigMA." The campaign is designed to impact the negative stereotype of drug misuse, asserting that addiction is not a choice, it's an illness. The five-week campaign kickoff utilizes radio, billboards and digital ads, featuring Massachusetts' residents in treatment for substance use disorders. It seeks to reduce stigma by providing detailed information about the illness of addiction, educating the public about stigmatizing behaviors and how to reduce them and encouraging those impacted and their families to talk about their journey, bringing the disease out of the shadows. Click here to learn more.
Linn Torto to Spearhead Homelessness Efforts
The Commonwealth appointed Linn Torto as the Executive Director of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH), spearheading the administration's efforts to end homelessness through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) and respective agencies. A veteran of state government, Torto brings extensive public and private sector experience in housing and policy development. As Executive Director of the ICHH, Torto will coordinate a comprehensive, local rapid response system aimed at preserving access to stable housing, preventing and reducing homelessness and sustaining the emergency shelter safety net.
Administration Awards $2.6 Million in Violence Against Women Act Funding
Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito and Secretary of Public Safety Daniel Bennett announced 41 grants totaling nearly $2.6 million that have been awarded to community-based organizations, police departments, and state agencies through the Violence Against Women Act, Services Training Officers Prosecutors (VAWA STOP) program. This program is offered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research (OGR).
Green Line Extension Meetings Scheduled
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and MBTA boards will host two meetings on November 30th and December 9th to understand the Green Line Extension's history, why costs increased and future options for the project. The first meeting will help members get a better understanding of the project's history while the second meeting will focus on options to complete the project as planned.
Student Aid Application Changes to Help Families
President Obama recently announced changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in an effort to give increased access to affordable higher education. Beginning in 2016, students will be able to file a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1st instead of Jan 1st. The change will help students and their families better understand what financial aid they are eligible for when they are applying to schools.
The president also announced that families filling out a FAFSA can report income information from an earlier tax year to remove the need for estimating income and later updating the form. The change is expected to reduce the amount of time completing a FAFSA takes by letting filers use an IRS tax information retrieval tool.
Gov. Baker Enlists State's Medical Schools in Combatting Opioid Epidemic
Gov. Baker met with the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Deans from four medical schools today to discuss opportunities for enhancing curriculum and establishing cross-institutional best practices in pain management and safe prescribing of opioids. Providing doctors additional training on opioids was part of the comprehensive set of 65 recommendations released in June by the Governor's Opioid Working Group. The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) has been a strong partner, leading the way in reviewing best practices for opioid prescribing.
The four medical institutions - University of Massachusetts Medical School; Harvard Medical School; Boston University School of Medicine; and Tufts School of Medicine - instruct about 3,000 medical students per year. With today's first meeting, attendees agreed to continue towards making recommendations regarding identified best practices, curricula enhancements, and opportunities for public/private, cross-institutional collaboration.
Gov. Baker Urges Entergy to Address Concerns at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station
Governor Baker wrote the leadership of Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.-owned Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station to urge facility operators to take corrective actions that address the recent downgrade by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column, due to failure to address the causes of several unplanned shutdowns dating back to 2013. In the letter, Governor Baker notes that while the NRC's determination that Pilgrim Station continues to operate safely and the issues raised are of low to moderate significance, Entergy should "take all steps necessary to perform an appropriate root cause analysis of the shutdowns and to complete all necessary repairs and corrective actions."
In recognizing Pilgrim Station's significance in the Commonwealth's economy and energy supply, Governor Baker also writes that, "the most important task at hand is for Entergy to ensure the safety of the plant's operations and that of all of the residents of the Commonwealth that live within proximity to the plant." Further, Governor Baker asks "that Entergy work closely with my administration to make sure that we, and the residents of the Commonwealth, have access to the most up to date and accurate information about the corrective actions that will be taken to ensure the public's safety."
Administration, Federal Congressional Delegation Seek Financial Relief for State Fishing Industry
Joined by the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation, the Baker Administration sent a letter to the Secretary of Commerce and other federal partners urging their support in covering the costs of At-Sea-Monitoring (ASM) for the entire Northeast fishery. Additionally, the correspondence requests that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) expedite electronic monitoring and other cost-saving alternatives to At-Sea-Monitoring.
The letter, which comes on the heels of a request by the New England Fisheries Management Council to suspend ASM and further evaluate the program's effectiveness, seeks to relieve the Commonwealth's vibrant and economically significant fishing industry from financial and regulatory measures imposed by NOAA and other federal agencies.
The delegation expresses their strong opposition to the use of Bin 3 federal disaster, appropriated to Massachusetts' commercial fisherman after the 2012 federally-declared fishery failure in the Northeast Groundfish fishery, to subsidize the At-Sea-Monitoring Program. The communication to federal partners goes on to note that the intent of the funding was to be used for the future viability of the Commonwealth's fishing industry.
The request from the Baker Administration and the state's congressional delegation both encourages NOAA Fisheries to prove the cost-effectiveness of the burdensome At-Sea-Monitoring Program and support federal funds to pay for the monitoring. In a further attempt to assist the Commonwealth's fishing industry, the letter also encourages federal fishing partners to use Massachusetts' commercial fishing industry as a resource to effectively gather the best available data and develop monitoring practices going forward.
Russell Gittlen Appointed to MassDOT Board of Directors
Gov. Baker announced the appointment of Russell Gittlen to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The MassDOT Board was expanded to 11 members by the Legislature this year based upon a recommendation by Governor Baker's Special Panel of transportation leaders that was assembled to review structural problems with the MBTA and deliver recommendations for improvements.
Russell Gittlen is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) New England Area Director and Assistant Business Manager for Local 447. He has been an active member of the IAMAW for nearly three decades. Gittlen, a former mechanic with United Parcel Service, coordinates all of the activity among the IAMAW's five District 15 lodges, including negotiating large contracts with many major global transportation companies throughout New England. He also serves as vice president on the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Board of Directors, Chairman for the District 15 New England Health Fund, Trustee on the IAM/UPS annuity fund, and as a delegate to the Massachusetts State Council. Each year, Gittlen heads up the New England Region of District 15's annual Charles W. Foley Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Guide Dogs of America (GDA), helping to raise nearly $400,000 since its inaugural outing in 2004. In 2014, Gittlen received the GDA's highest honor, the Gift of Sight award.
One-Year Delay in Implementation of Costly ACA Provision
The Division of Insurance issued a bulletin authorizing carriers in the large group market to renew existing plans for employers with 51-100 employees. Pursuant to a federal transition policy, issued in March of 2014, the state's decision to permit renewals will delay the impact of the merged market rules and prevent significant premium increases for small and mid-sized employers.
The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires that, no later than January 1, 2016, a state's small group market must be defined as groups of 1 to 100 eligible employees. This definitional change will result in a merging of the 1 to 50 Market with the 51 to 100 Market and will subject the 51-100 employer groups to the small group market rules. The federal government issued a notice on March 5, 2014 outlining a transitional policy allowing employer groups of 51-100 to renew in the large group market at the state's discretion.
Gov. Baker Nominates Paul Treseler to Massachusetts Parole Board
Governor Charlie Baker nominated veteran prosecutor Paul M. Treseler to the Massachusetts Parole Board, the agency within the Executive Office of Public Safety authorized to grant paroles and supervise parolees. If confirmed, Treseler would be designated Chairman by Governor Baker.
Paul Treseler has served for more than 19 years as a prosecutor in the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, supervising death investigations and murder trials before the Suffolk District and Superior Courts in coordination with state, local, and federal law enforcement authorities. Among Treseler's cases as a supervisor and investigator with the Suffolk DA's Office, were the MBTA Green Line "Texting" crash, the fatal Boston Fire Department Ladder 26 tragedy, and the Commonwealth's "drug lab" crisis. Within the Suffolk DA's Office he served as chief of the Narcotics Case Integrity Unit and the Major Felony Bureau and has extensive experience in prosecuting gang cases. Treseler is a graduate of the Boston Latin School and Ohio Wesleyan University, and earned his law degree at Boston College. Treseler clerked for the Honorable David S. Nelson, of the United States District Court for Massachusetts.
The seven members of the Parole Board are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Governor's Council. Members are appointed for five year terms or to fill the unexpired term of a prior member. Board members serve on a full time basis. The Governor designates one member of the Board as the Chairman, who acts as the executive and administrative head of the Board.
RMV Introduces Free WiFi at Eight Locations
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced the availability of free in-branch WiFi service for customers performing transactions at eight branch locations across the Commonwealth. The RMV is offering this amenity as part of its effort to enhance customer service and modernize branch operations. The locations are Braintree, Brockton, Haymarket, Revere, Springfield, Watertown, Wilmington and Worcester.
The WiFi service has been available in the Boston Haymarket Branch since the facility opened last September. The RMV recently opened the network to customers earlier this month for seven more branches. Since that time, approximately 5,000 people have used the service. The RMV intends to monitor usage prior to bringing the service to additional branch locations.
WiFi gives customers the ability to connect to the internet and other sources through various portable technologies including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Customers logging on are directed to www.MassRMV.com and from there are able to access the internet. For service reliability and bandwidth reasons, video streaming sites such as Netflix and YouTube are not available. In addition, adult content sites have also been blocked. Customers are encouraged to Tweet about the service @MassRMV #InBranchWiFi.
Mass. Launches Online Voter Registration
Massachusetts residents can now register to vote online. To submit an online application, you must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must also have a signature on file with the RMV. Please click here to learn more. .Government Center Station Closure
Government Center Station is closed for two years while crews work to reconstruct the station into a fully accessible, safer, modern, more comfortable facility. During the Station's closure, both Blue and Green Line trains will pass through Government Center Station but will not stop there. For more information, click here.
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.
Check out the 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
|
|
|
Waltham Corner
Mental Health Care Consultation Info
Mental Health Care Consultations are a new service in which an experienced clinician meets with families struggling with bipolar disorder or depression either in our office in Waltham, over the phone, via Skype, or in various community organization settings for two 1-hour long sessions. During these sessions we navigate difficult family dynamics that may be acting as barriers to treatment, discuss a family's concerns, develop an action plan, educate families on their options, and give families referrals to treatment centers and resources in their communities. This service is FREE of charge to low-income families. To learn more and find out if you're eligible, visit http://familyaware.org/care-consultations/financial-aid or call us at our office at (781) 890-0220." Click here to learn more.
Learn about the Leland Home and Deaconess Abundant Life Communities
The Leland Home and Deaconess Abundant Life Communities are proud to announce that after 123 years of being private pay in the Waltham community, The Leland Home is now approved to accept state financial aid with Medicaid. This is an exciting opportunity to open up its doors to seniors who previously couldn't consider Leland as a viable option for long term residency. In keeping with its mission to provide affordable care with the comforts of home, Leland's Medicaid initiative was a way to respond to the needs of the community. Many Rest Homes have come out of reach of many people from a financial perspective. Leland Home is happy to expand its demographic beyond its private pay clientele, through Medicaid, to those who need supportive services such as medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, and three meals per day.
The Leland Home is proud to continue its mission as set forth by Hannah Leland back in 1892. It offers an exceptional retirement lifestyle of independence combined with security and quality health maintenance to our residents at a reasonable, affordable price, in the comforts of home. It continues to strive in order to provide a gold standard of care to its residents. If you have questions or know of an older adult who would benefit from the accommodations and services of The Leland Home please contact David Volovick, Administrator at (781) 893-2557, or at dvolovick@lelandhome.org.
Rep. Stanley serving on Enough Abuse Campaign Board
Rep. Stanley is serving as a Board member on the Enough Abuse Campaign. The Enough Abuse Campaign is a grassroots movement gaining momentum across the country. Developed in Massachusetts, the Campaign has been adopted by New Jersey and Maryland and has now been launched in New York and California. To learn more about the group, click here.
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
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.
SWITCHBOX Art Project
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. Scouts Offer Programs for Youth
The Scouting programs of Massachusetts offer many varied opportunities for youth. Cub Scouting is a year-round, family-oriented part of the Boy Scouts of America program designed for boys who are in first through fifth grades (or are 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Parents, leaders, and organizations work together to achieve the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting: character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure, and preparation for boy scouts.
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.
If you're interested in either program, the best way for you to get information is through the "Be a Scout" tools online. Just enter your address, and the information for the closest units will be displayed. For info on Boy Scouts, visit https://beascout.scouting.org/. For info on Girl Scouts, visit
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. 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 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/. 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!
|
|
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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. Learn more.
WALTHAM TOASTMASTERS, Toastmasters International meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month
Group works to help get over anxiety in public speaking and work on leadership skills. Learn more.
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.
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. Learn more. 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. Learn more. 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. WALTHAM MUSEUM Experience the rich history of Waltham at The Waltham Museum, 25 Lexington Street. Learn more. 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. Learn more. The French American Victory Club : The French American Victory Club, a fraternal and charitable organization that promotes and supports community needs through volunteer efforts. The Club has many activities taking place, so be sure to check out our Calendar for upcoming events! Learn more.
|
About Rep. Stanley:
State Representative: 2001 - Present
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - Present
Council President: 2003
City Council Committees:
Chair, Economic & Community Development Committee
Chair, Long Term Debt Committee
Ordinance & Rules Committee
State Committees: Ways & Means CommitteePost Audit & Oversight Committee
Municipalities Committee
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 21, Parker, age 12
|
|
|
|
|
