The Stanley Report
Lexington, Volume 5, No. 10October 2010
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
2010 Ballot Questions
Lexington Corner
Upcoming Events

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District 
 
Find me on Facebook
 
 
Barn
 
Barn and Carriage 
 
Burke
 
Burke Mountain
 
Fence
 
Vermont field
 
Festive Barn
 
Fall festiveness
 
 Field
 
Foliage 
 
 Field2
 
Sun on the Mountains
 
Foliage
 
Northeast Kingdom 
 
 LW Gap
 
Lake Willoughby Gap
 
Horse
 
Grazing
 
Lake1
 
Westmore, VT
 
two boats
 
Wind on Lake Willoughby 
 
 leaves
 
Leaves at Peak
 
trees
 
Country Road
 
fall flowers
  
Autumn Flowers 
 
Charles River 
 
State House
 
State House Tour
 
If you'd like to arrange a State House tour, please call (617) 727-3676.
 
Rep. Stanley Reads1 
 
If you'd like Rep. Stanley to visit your classroom, call
(617) 722-2310.

Contact Information:

 

State Representative

Thomas M. Stanley

State House, Room 167

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 722-2810

 [email protected]
Dear Friend, 

It is my pleasure to deliver October's edition of The Stanley Report, my monthly update from Beacon Hill. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to your friends, family and co-workers and let them know they can subscribe to receive my monthly newsletter by emailing me.  If you are interested in following me on Facebook, please click here and become a fan.

Thanks for reading, and for giving me the opportunity to represent you in the legislature.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (617) 722-2310. 

Sincerely,

Signature 

Thomas M. Stanley

News from Beacon Hill
 
Massachusetts General Election is Nov. 2

 

Don't forget to vote in the Massachusetts General Election on Tuesday, November 2nd!  If you have questions about your elected officials, where to vote or how to register to vote, please click here.

 
Safe Driving Legislation Now in Effect!
 
On July 2, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law the Safe Driving Legislation.  This law becomes effective on September 30 and bans sending/reading text messages behind the wheel, bans junior drivers from talking on a cell phone, as well as other new violations including improper use of a mobile phone by operators 18 and over, elder driver provisions and medical fitness reporting. Please visit Massachusetts Department of Transportation's website for complete information.
 
Amnesty Helped Mass. Collect $32.6 Million in Taxes
 
In an effort to balance the state budget, a two-month amnesty period (April and May) allowed delinquent business taxpayers to avoid penalties resulted in the collection of more than $32.6 million for the state. The delinquent filers that paid up avoided nearly $9 million in penalties.  According to a report from the Patrick Administration, 8,495 taxpayers made full or partial payments on what they owed the state in a variety of tax categories: sales, meals, income, cigarette, rooms, meals, alcohol and fuel, among others.
 
State Announces Incentive for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

State officials announced that they are taking applications over the next 60 days from cities and towns interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations.  According to state officials, $200,000 is available to pay for installation of 80 to 100 stations, or more if partners like malls, garages or hotel owners offer matching funds.  While all 351 cities and towns are eligible to apply, the Department of Energy Resources will give preference in awarding the funds to cities and towns that have been designated as "Green Communities."
 
Update on the Spending Bill
 
The House and Senate delivered a $420 million spending bill to Gov. Patrick last week.  The governor signed the bill on Friday with an amendment that sets limits on the costs non-network ambulance companies may charge insurers.  The $420 million bill is funded through federal stimulus money that will not be available next fiscal year and aims to put nearly $200 million into a state rainy day fund that has been depleted during the recession.  The budget includes funds for government health care programs as well as services to the disabled and the State Police. 
 
Public Health Board Approves Caritas Sale

The state Public Health Council approved the sale of the non-profit Caritas Christi hospital chain to Steward Health Care System, a subsidiary of the major private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management. Attorney General Martha Coakley endorsed the transfer last week.  The hospitals run by Caritas include the Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Norwood Hospital in Norwood, St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton.
 
Mass. Insurers Rank In Top 10 Nationwide

Four Massachusetts health plans ranked in the top 10 nationwide, according to the latest rankings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, which rates plans based on performance, member satisfaction and accreditation. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Associated Health Plan captured the top two spots, while Fallon Community Health Plan and Health New England were also ranked in the top 10. 
 
Economic Development Reorganization Overview
 
Senate Bill 2345, the Economic Development Omnibus Bill, recently became law and will create a business-friendly environment that will stimulate job growth and improve the ease with which MA businesses can operate in the markets they serve. The bill implements strategically-focused economic development policies that will promote job retention and job creation throughout the state and within the targeted sectors in which MA can be competitive; enables all segments of the workforce to grow in a coordinated and concentrated manner; eliminates redundancy and waste in the economic development activities funded by the government and holds the entities conducting those activities responsible for delivering results;  facilitates assistance for new and existing businesses; and strives to ensure that state government is not an obstacle to job creation.
 
AIM Commends Rep. Stanley for Key Votes

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) recently commended Rep. Stanley for his commitment to economic growth and job creation. AIM, a nonprofit association of MA employers, seeks improvements in the economic climate of MA on behalf of its member employers and their employees. 
 
Rep. Stanley voted for landmark transportation reform that eliminated the antiquated and inefficient transportation structure in MA while bringing considerable cost-savings. The transportation reform bill also alleviated any need for an increase in tolls.  
 
Rep. Stanley voted to pass economic development legislation that included a sales tax holiday and promotes a business-friendly environment that will help small businesses open, expand and create jobs. The new law will overhaul the state's network of business development agencies, establishing a streamlined, cohesive model with built-in oversight and transparency to reduce redundancy and waste. 
 
Rep. Stanley also helped pass small business health care legislation that will reduce small business health insurance costs and promote job retention and job creation. The bill reduces premium fluctuations in the market and requires insurers to offer affordable health plans.  Last winter, Rep. Stanley also voted to halt a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment that all employers pay.
 
NSTAR and Northeast Utilities Announce Merger
 
Northeast Utilities and NSTAR announced that both companies' Boards of Trustees have approved a merger agreement that will create one of the nation's largest utilities, with a total enterprise value of $17.5 billion.  The Company will continue to be called Northeast Utilities.  The companies will come together in a stock for stock merger of equals as well as provide electric and gas energy to over half of the customers in New England.  
 
The combined company will operate six regulated electric and gas utilities in three states and will have nearly 3.5 million electric and gas customers.  Northeast Utilities will have nearly 4,500 miles of electric transmission lines, 72,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 6,000 miles of gas distribution lines. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Northeast Utilities' earnings in the first year following close.
 
Attention Veterans: Stop Loss Pay

 
The deadline to apply for Stop Loss Pay has been extended to December 3, 2010.  The Defense Department will provide retroactive stop loss special pay. Active, reserve and former service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to stop loss are eligible for this special pay, if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Applications for stop loss pay must be received before December 3, 2010.  Service members must provide documented proof they were stop lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.   Please click here for contact information.
 
Need help with your medications?
 
MCPHS Pharmacy Outreach Program is a confidential information and referral service available to all MA residents seeking help with their medications. There are no income guidelines.  By calling a toll-free help line, residents can speak to pharmacists and case managers to receive personal assistance, answer pharmacy related questions or find programs to help with the cost of medications. MassMedLine is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Services include medication counseling, prescription drug plan counseling and referrals for free and discount drug programs. All MassMedLine services are free.
 
MassMedLine does not have prescription drugs to give out or money to help pay for prescriptions. It is an information and referral service. MassMedLine will try to find government and private programs to help any resident get the medicine they need.  Mass Medline is a partnership between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  To learn more, please click here.
 
SMART Retirement & Beyond Seminar Series

Attention state employees!  Join us for SMART Retirement & Beyond, our third year of offering a retirement planning seminar series exclusively for Massachusetts State Employees sponsored by State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, the Massachusetts State Board of Retirement, the Deferred Compensation SMART Plan, the Social Security Administration and Group Insurance Commission.

This seminar is designed to provide you with the information and tools needed to help achieve financial security and comfort in retirement. Seminars are conveniently scheduled in the evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the following locations: October 14 at Holyoke Community College, October 21 at Framingham State College, October 28 at North Shore Community College, Danvers Campus & Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, November 4: at University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth and November 18 at Massachusetts State  Lottery Headquarters in Braintree. Registration is required.  Click here to register.
 
National Guard to Host Open House on Cape Cod
 
The public is invited to attend a free Open House on Camp Edwards, Massachusetts Military Reservation showcasing the base's rich history and highlighting its current mission. The open house will be on Saturday, October 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is welcome and admission and parking are free.  Please enter through the Main Gate off the Otis Rotary in Bourne. Concessions will be available.
 
Observe Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II encampments complete with role players reenacting famous battles chronicling the history of the base. Saturday features a demonstration by the National Lancers, a mounted honor guard.  Tour the Sgt. Michael J. Kelley Tactical Training Base, a replica of a forward operating base simulating military life and housing in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Balkans.
 
On display will be Army and Air National Guard aircraft and military vehicles, Explosive Ordnance Device Robots, artillery and weapons. Vast amounts of information, kids' games and activities will be available to teach about the base's natural resources and military training that coincides with the environment. Information will also be on hand about the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Air Force 6th Space Warning Squadron, all co-residents of the Massachusetts Military Reservation. 
 
Constituent Tours offered by the State Library
 
The State Library welcomes Rep. Stanley's constituents to the library and arranges tours for school groups or other groups who wish to view the premises and see some of its special holdings.  Staff can show materials about Rep. Stanley's district and about subjects of interest to Waltham and Lexington.To schedule a tour, please contact [email protected] or call 617-727-2590 or email the reference department directly using the above number or email [email protected].  You may also contact Rep. Stanley's office for assistance. You may wish also to visit the library's blog.
 
Fall Publication of Abandoned Property Listings Available 
 
Abandoned Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.  After three years of no customer-generated activity, most accounts are considered "abandoned" and are turned over to the Treasury.  An updated list of abandoned accounts is published twice annually as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit to claim abandoned property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.  Please click here to check the Abandoned Property list.  The newly released list includes 2 accounts over $100,000, 3 accounts between $50,000 and $100,000, and more than 250 accounts in excess of $5,000.  In addition to bank accounts, the new accounts include 100 abandoned safe deposit boxes, 25 owners of mutual funds and 7,652 owners of stock. 
 
Massachusetts State Treasury presents a Fun Financial Education Game for Adults
 
The Financial Education Department of the Massachusetts Treasury has teamed up with Doorways to Dream (D2D) Fund to bring to you a "Massachusetts 2010 Financial Entertainment Contest," with "Celebrity Calamity," an online financial education game tournament. While focused on fun, this game aims to empower participants to master personal finance skills, improve confidence in financial decision making and increase responsible consumer behavior.  To learn more, please click here.
   
Federal Grants Are Available
 
Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. Learn more about Grants.gov and determine if you are eligible for grant opportunities offered on this site. Grants.gov does not provide personal financial assistance. To learn where you may find personal help, check out Government Benefits, Student Loans andSmall Business Start-up Loans. 

RMV Customer Service: Road Test Online Booking
 
Road tests can now be booked online at www.mass.gov/rmv. The newest customer convenience to the RMV online branch could help reduce the demand on the call center by approximately 260,000 callers a year. In the last 18 months, MassDOT RMV has made the online branch the busiest by adding a dozen new website transactions which resulted in 39% more customer traffic.

MassDOT RMV examiners conduct 2,500 road tests a week at 29 locations throughout the state. During a two week test launch of the new online feature, more than 1042 permit holders booked a road test through www.mass.gov/rmv. Those who prepay for the exam when they book online also save themselves a trip to an RMV branch once they've completed the road test.

Bay State Gas Residential Past-Due Balance Forgiveness Program
 
Residents struggling to pay overdue utility bills are finding it a bit easier now with help from the Bay State Gas past-due balance forgiveness program. The program provides qualified customers with assistance in budgeting for their current natural gas bills, while each month also forgiving a portion of past-due balances. To take advantage of the forgiveness program, current Bay State customers must first qualify for the company's residential assistance rate. Anyone interested in more information should speak with one of Bay State's specially trained call center representatives by calling 1-800-688-6160. Please click here to learn more.
 
Online access to statewide community resources
 
Mass 2-1-1 online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families. Click
here to learn more about Mass 2-1-1.
   
AARP launches new web tool to help lower drugs costs
 
AARP launched its new Doughnut Hole Calculator, a free web tool that can help residents "avoid the dreaded coverage gap" which can leave folks stuck with thousands of dollars in unbudgeted spending. Click
here to access this calculator.  According to the AARP, in 15 minutes visitors can view a graph of their out-of-pocket spending by month, look up lower cost drugs for their conditions, create a Personal Medication Record and print out personalized letters to their doctors to help start a conversation about safely switching prescriptions. 
 
Apply online for Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance!
 
You may be able to complete a Food Stamps or Health Insurance and Health Assistance Programs application online. A simple screening survey asks questions about people in your household and compares your answers with the program rules. For more information, please click
here
 
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA

There are a number of job listings posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts home page. For more information, click
here.
 
2010 Statewide Ballot Questions
 
Three statewide ballot questions will appear on the November 2nd State Election ballot.  The questions pertain to a Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages, Comprehensive Permits for Low- or Moderate- Income Housing and Sales and Use Tax Rates.  Information on each question is below:
 
Question #1: Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages 
 
Explanation:  The proposed law would remove the Massachusetts sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol, where the sale of such beverages and alcohol or their importation into the state is already subject to a separate excise tax under state law. The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2011.
 
�         A YES VOTE would remove the state sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol where their sale or importation into the state is subject to an excise tax under state law.
�         A NO VOTE would make no change in the state sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol.
 
Question #2:  Comprehensive Permits for Low- or Moderate-Income Housing and Sales
 
Explanation:  This proposed law would repeal an existing state law that allows a qualified organization wishing to build government-subsidized housing that includes low- or moderate-income units to apply for a single comprehensive permit from a city or town's zoning board of appeals (ZBA), instead of separate permits from each local agency or official having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed housing. The repeal would take effect on January 1, 2011, but would not stop or otherwise affect any proposed housing that had already received both a comprehensive permit and a building permit for at least one unit.
 
�         A YES VOTE would repeal the state law allowing the issuance of a single comprehensive permit to build housing that includes low- or moderate-income units.
�         A NO VOTE would make no change in the state law allowing issuance of such a comprehensive permit.
 
Question #3: Sales and Use Tax Rates
 
Explanation: This proposed law would reduce the state sales and use tax rates (which were 6.25% as of September 2009) to 3% as of January 1, 2011. It would make the same reduction in the rate used to determine the amount to be deposited with the state Commissioner of Revenue by non-resident building contractors as security for the payment of sales and use tax on tangible personal property used in carrying out their contracts.
 
�         A YES VOTE would reduce the state sales and use tax rates to 3%.
�         A NO VOTE would make no change in the state sales and use tax rates.
 
Lexington Corner 
 
Lexington Housing Authority Receives State Funds
 
The Department of Housing and Community Development recently awarded the Lexington Housing Authority $7,420 for a heating system replacement at the development located at 705-2 Wood Street. This award is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Weatherization Assistance Program funding.   The development was chosen for an award not only because the heating system needs replacement but because tenants directly pay for their heating/fuel bills and the project will result in cost-effective energy savings that reduce heating costs.
 
Wondering About Mental Health Services?
 
Project INTERFACE is a FREE mental health and wellness resource and referral service offered by the Freedman Center at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Project INTERFACE strives to improve access to mental health and wellness information and services for children and families. To learn more about anxiety, bullying, depression, divorce, grief/loss and more and resources available to help, please click
here. You may also contact the Helpline at 617-332-3666 X 411 for resource information and/or mental health provider referrals from a mental health professional experienced in working with children and families. The work of Project INTERFACE is supported in part by the Massachusetts Child Access Project and Saint Elizabeth's Hospital.  
 
Nonprofit Spotlight: Art Without Borders
 
The ART Without Borders (ARTwb) members believe that art, through its commitment and interrogation, is one of the most direct avenues for people to use to better understand each other, respect each other's values, and promote peace. Art makes the community and the world a better place in which to live. Behind the pure esthetic, the ARTwb members believe that artists help individuals to have the freedom and ability to make meaning, formulate ideas, ask hard questions and imagine promising alternatives for the world and ourselves. This is why artists are such an important part of any society, but also why they are among the first ones to be the victims of human rights violation or deprivation.

ARTwb wants to participate in the building of a much better world through its programs, and advocate for the artist's human rights in the world. ARTwb is a non-profit organization 501(c) (3), incorporated in April 2006, which supports the cause of artists' human rights in America and in the world. Please click
here
 to learn more about ARTwb.
 
Lexington Food Pantry
 
In November 1990, the Lexington Food Pantry opened its doors to distribute non-perishable food to residents in need of food assistance.  Open on Saturday mornings, the Food Pantry is currently distributing food to 60-65 families from Lexington, Lincoln, and Winchester.  For more information, please click here.
 
Volunteer Drivers Needed One Day per Month
 
If you are retired, have a flexible work schedule, or have available time during the day, please consider becoming a volunteer one day a month for Lexington's F.I.S.H. (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help), a community-service organization.  F.I.S.H. has been providing free rides to medical appointments for over 30 years for Lexington residents, but our 130 volunteer drivers and phone callers cannot meet the current client demand.  Drivers typically volunteer to drive for one day a month and can choose to provide round-trip rides to destinations either in Lexington and vicinity or in the greater-Boston area. "Phone F.I.S.H." volunteers make calls from their homes for a few hours on a given day to assign F.I.S.H. clients needing a ride to the volunteer drivers.  Being a F.I.S.H. driver or Phone F.I.S.H. is a very rewarding experience and we hope you will consider helping out your fellow Lexingtonians who have become very dependent on this unique service. For more information about volunteering for F.I.S.H., please call F.I.S.H. President David Horton at 781-862-3293.
  
 
Stanley Report to highlight Lexington non-profit orgs

If you'd like your organization highlighted in the Stanley Report, please let Rep. Stanley know!  To allow more members of our community to hear about your organization's good work, please submit your upcoming community events, announcements and any other information about your organization.  If interested, please email Tara Conklin or via mail to Rep. Tom Stanley, State House, Boston, MA 02133.


Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Lexington Calendar & Events (as announced in the Lexington Minuteman)

Lexington Arts and Craft Society: Back Door Gallery
 
The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society opens a second gallery to showcase the works of the artists and craft persons. Bi-monthly new works by its nine guilds: Basketry, Ceramics, Decorative Arts, Metalworkers, Needle Arts, Painters, Polymer Clay, Weavers and Woodworkers are on display in the Gallery which is located at 130 Waltham Street, 3rd door, parking lot entrance.  The gallery is open every weekday from 9am- 4pm and features works that are rotated on a bi-monthly basis to keep a new selection all the time. For more information call 781-862-9696 or visit http://www.lacsma.org/.
 
Chess club, Starbucks, 60 Bedford St., Lexington, Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m. Lexington Chess Club meets every Friday when school is held that day and on the following Monday. Free, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit
http://groups.google.com/group/lexchess.
 
Needle arts guild Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham St., Lexington, meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and the second, fourth and fifth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 781-862-9696 or e-mail [email protected].
 
Photo exhibit 'Treasured Lands: The Fifty-Eight National Parks in Focus' photos by Quang Tran. National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, Feb. 20-Oct. 17. Free. Hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am-4:30 pm, and Sunday, noon-4:30 pm. Free. For more information, call 781-861-6559 or visit www.nationalheritagemuseum.org.
 
La leche league   
The La League provides breastfeeding support and information through monthly meetings with accredited leaders and mother-to-mother support.  The Lexington group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave. The Lexington group attracts women from Lexington and surrounding towns.  For more information, call Francesca at 781.862.4762, Ann Marie at 781.863.1689, or Shari at 781.270.0944. 

Moving On Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Merriam St., Lexington. Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Moving On is a nondenominational, on-going conversation and social group which provides a comfortable environment for now single adults to re-enter a fuller life after the loss of a partner through death, divorce or relationship termination. A $2 per person donation covers the room rental. For more information about this nonprofit group, contact John, 781.790.1708 (Waltham), [email protected]; Marti at 978.256.5872 (Chelmsford); or Phil at 978.922.3690 (Beverly). 

Fix It Shop Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. A Fix it Shop is held for the repair of small items. Drop-off and pick up only during the above times. Labor is free, repair parts at cost. Donations accepted. 

Volunteers sought Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Mass Ave., Lexington. The Friend to Friend Program at the Lexington Senior Center is looking for volunteers to spend a few hours a month to help isolated seniors keep in touch with everyday activities. Volunteers could help a senior with vision impairment pick up some groceries or a prescription, get a haircut, attend a special luncheon, or just have a cup of coffee and chat. People are carefully matched according to the time they have available and what they would like to do. Currently, there are several seniors looking for a friendly volunteer. Call Charlotte Rodgers, 781.861.0194, for more information. 

Newcomers Club Lexington Newcomers Club welcomes new residents to town. Consider joining the Lexington Newcomer's Club, a non-profit social organization, to meet friends and learn about the town. Visit lexington-newcomers. Org for more information or call Marjoleine, membership chair, 781.274.9822, to join.
 
Exhibit
National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. Ongoing. The National Heritage Museum opens "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution," its new cornerstone exhibition. The new long-term installation is designed to stimulate new ways of thinking about the battle at Lexington on April 19, 1775. In addition to describing the battle and events that led up to it, the exhibition will explain why members of this small farming community were willing to take arms against their own government to protect a way of life, Through an engaging mix of objects, documents, images, re-creations of historic environments, and interactive elements, people of all ages will be able to learn about the roots of the American Revolutions. "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty" will replace "Lexington Alarm'd," the museum's current exhibition on colonial life that has been on view since April 19, 1995. Free and open to the public. Call 781.861.6559 or visit nationalheritagemuseum.org for further information.

NAMI Support Groups The Central Middlesex affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts, serving Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow offers daytime and evening support groups for families and friends: Bedford, last Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 pm, First Church of Christ, 25 Great Road, Routes 4, 62 and 225, Bedford; West Concord, first Thursday of each month, 12:30-2:00 pm, West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street, West Concord; Stow, -third Saturday of every month, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Fellowship Hall, First Parish Church in Stow, near the intersection of Rt. 117 and Rt. 62. Call 781.982.3318.