The Stanley Report
Lexington, Volume 5, No. 11November 2010
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Lexington Corner
Upcoming Events

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District 
 
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Honoring our Veterans
 
Vets Day
 
Flags on Veteran's Day
 


Raking the Leaves


Thanksgiving Treat 

 Fall Flowers

Fall 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 November'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

Report Ranks MA as 3rd Most Competitive State

 

The Beacon Hill Institute's annual State Competitiveness Report recently ranked Massachusetts as the nation's third most competitive state, with strengths in human resources and technology offset by lower scores in indexes measuring government and fiscal policy and environmental policy.  Massachusetts placed behind North Dakota and Colorado and placed first in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. The index is based on a set of 43 indicators divided into eight sub-indexes - government and fiscal policy, security, infrastructure, human resources, technology, business incubation, openness and environmental policy.

 

State eyes restrictions on alcoholic energy drinks

 

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission's (ABCC) efforts to ban Four Loko sales has prompted the Legislature to look at ways to further restrict the sale of alcoholic energy drinks and the way these drinks are packaged. Four Loko, a caffeine-infused alcoholic drink sold in a fluorescent can, is said to be aimed at young drinkers.  Officials at Phusion Projects, the beverage's parent company, say that the drink is safe.  The ABCC intends to file an emergency measure to ban alcoholic beverages that include herbal or chemical stimulants such as caffeine, guarana, taurine, gingko biloba and ginseng.

 

Federal Government Approves Mass Hazard Preparedness Plan


Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved Massachusetts' emergency statewide hazard mitigation plan which includes details to prevent death and damage from floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes. The plan offered an assessment of natural disaster risks facing the state and develops goals for addressing them. FEMA approved the plan in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


Audit Finds Overbilling in Medicaid Dental System

According to Auditor Joseph DeNucci's office, Massachusetts' Medicaid program distributed millions of dollars for excessive, unnecessary and potentially fraudulent dental claims. The office's audit included sampling 360,000 claims submitted by Medicaid dental providers.  Officials discovered that nearly $5.7 million in overcharged and unnecessary costs, mostly from excessive X-ray services. Over the past four years, payments to dentals providers in the Medicaid program have increased by more than 250 percent.

 

New Reverse Mortgage Law in Effect

 

Due to requirement included in a bill signed by Gov. Patrick in August, reverse mortgage borrowers in Massachusetts must now agree in writing to their loans and certify that they have completed required third party counseling. A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners 62 or older to borrow against the equity in their home and receive a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit or a combination of those. Please call the Division of Banks with questions at 617-956-1501 or visit www.mass.gov/reversemortgage.

 

New Guardianship Rules and Forms

 

The Probate and Family Court has issued two new rules and two new forms for guardianship, effective November 16, 2010.  Please click here for additional information.

 

Gov. Patrick Announces Nomination of Chief Justice

 

Gov. Patrick announced the nomination of Senior Associate Justice Roderick L. Ireland to serve as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Ireland, a highly regarded Associate Justice of the SJC and former Appeals Court and Juvenile Court judge, is slated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall. If confirmed, Justice Ireland will be the first African American and person of color to serve as Chief Justice of the SJC.   

Justice Ireland has served the Commonwealth as a member of the judiciary for over three decades, beginning with his 1977 appointment to the Boston Juvenile Court. After thirteen years on the Juvenile Court, he became an Associate Justice of the Appeals Court in 1990. In 1997, Governor William F. Weld nominated him to the Supreme Judicial Court, where he became the first African American to serve that distinguished court in its more than 300 year history.  

 

November is National Family Caregivers Month

 

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program offers caregivers assistance and support to ease the strain and reduce the challenges of caregiving. Caring for a loved one can often be difficult and frustrating. The Program empowers elders and caregivers by providing information, education, support, and services that enhance quality of life. Please click here to learn more.

 
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.

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.
 

Lexington Corner 


Improvements at Marrett Road and Waltham St.

 

MassDot recently announced that it is certifying the low bidder J. Tropeano to perform improvements at the intersection of Marrett Rd (Rte 2A) and Waltham Street.  Bids were solicited on October 5, 2010. The improvements will include widening the roadway to provide exclusive left-turn lanes, installation of a full traffic signal, cement concrete sidewalks, wheelchair ramps to meet the current ADA standards, new hot asphalt pavement and new pavement markings and signs.

 

Wondering About Mental Health Services?


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. 

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.
 


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

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.
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