The Stanley Report
Lexington, Volume 6, No. 4April 2011
In This Issue
Lexington Corner
Upcoming Events

Tom Picture

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District 
 
Find me on Facebook
  
TMS in New Office
  
New Assignment: Rep. Stanley assigned to House Ways & Means Committee
 
Tom and Sen. Kerry
 
U.S. Senator John Kerry and Rep. Tom Stanley at Waltham Town Meeting
  
Tom Speaking
  
Rep. Stanley Addresses Meeting
  
Town Meeting
  

At the GWARC Legislative Town Meeting on Thursday, March 24. Legislators pictured are Rep. Stanley, Rep. Kaufman, Rep. Brownsberger and Rep. Garballey. 

   

TMS in hearing room 1  
 

Rep. Stanley testifying before the Joint Committee on Election Laws in support of his bill to remove restrictions on absentee voting.

  

TMS in hearing room2

  

Rep. Stanley speaking at a hearing of the Joint Committee on State Administration on legislation clarifying the surplussing of property and a bill requiring a comparable site for individuals using the Fernald Pool. 

 

Clubhouse

  

Rep. Stanley presented an award to Charles Webster Potter Place at a Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition event, honoring businesses that provide employment opportunities to MA citizens recovering from mental illness.

Lex Minuteman

Minuteman Statue

Lex Town Offices

Town Offices

State House in Spring

Springtime at the State House

tulips

Tulips

Yellow Tulips

Boston in Bloom

 Turkey1

Wild Turkey

White Flowers

Spring Fever

Boston Common

Boston Common

Hall of Flags 

 

Hall of Flags

 
Bruins
 
 Go Bruins!
 
 Fenway
 

 Let's go Red Sox!

 
 TMS reading
  
 
 Rep. Stanley reads to students.
   
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 April'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 

 

House Releases Budget

On Wednesday, April 13th, Speaker DeLeo released a $30.5 billion annual state budget. House leaders said the proposal will help close a $1.9 billion budget gap. Members of the House convened to discuss the Committee on House Ways and Means' recommendations for FY 2012 budget. The Senate is expected to release its proposed budget shortly.
 

Rep. Stanley Requests Hearing on Striped Bass Conservation

Rep. Stanley and Senator Timilty, in a letter to Paul Diodati, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), requested that a hearing be held concerning the commercial and recreational harvest of striped bass for the 2011 summer season. Rep. Stanley filed legislation to conserve striped bass by designating them as game fish and making it illegal to take them for commercial purposes, which is already a law in several other New England states. Because the striped bass population is suffering a serious decline, we must reduce the fishing mortality on these stocks. The letter requested that DMF hold a hearing to consider a reduction of 50 percent in the recreational and commercial striped bass fishing quota for 2011. With fishing season approaching, the timing of this hearing is critical before more damage is done to the remaining stock of striped bass.

Rep. Stanley's bill will conserve Atlantic striped bass and protect the state's most important saltwater recreational fishing species. It is an opportunity to recognize striped bass for their real economic and social value to the Commonwealth and our 600,000 plus resident and tourist recreational anglers. Passing this Bill will bring the management of wild striped bass into the 21st century here in the Commonwealth.

In addition to saving the stripers, Rep. Stanley's bill will create jobs and revenue in MA, democratize the fishery by mandating that everyone follow the same harvesting rules and regulations with no exceptions, increase tourism, institute long term species management, choose species enhancement over exploitation and protect our health by removing unhealthy wild striped bass from the marketplace and replace them with healthier and more predictable supplies of farm-raised stripers.

 

New Program to Help Community College Grads Pursue Four-Year Degree at UMASS Amherst

Gov. Patrick joined UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert C. Holub and Roxbury Community College (RCC) President Terrence A. Gomes to announce the launch of the Community College Connection program. Under this program, new community college graduates from across the state can receive exclusive financial benefits, including a tuition discount, as well as priority services designed to make it easy for them to complete a bachelor's degree at the UMASS Amherst.

The UMass Amherst Community College Connection (UMCCC) will begin in fall 2011. UMCC is for community college graduates pursuing admission through the existing Joint Admissions or MassTransfer programs who complete their associate's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. These students are guaranteed general admission to UMass Amherst, with applications processed before those of other transfer students. Further details are available at www.umass.edu/umccc.

Gov. Patrick Signs Legislation to Help Unemployed Workers Remain Eligible for Federal Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Patrick signed legislation to ensure that Massachusetts unemployed workers remain eligible for federal unemployment benefit extensions. The bill prevents Massachusetts from potentially losing eligibility for federally extended benefits as early as April 2011.

After unemployed workers exhaust their state benefits, many are eligible for federally funded benefit extensions. The bill, H 3314, was passed by the legislature yesterday and signed this morning by Governor Patrick. The legislation helps unemployed residents receive the maximum allowable federal unemployment insurance benefits and prevents them from potentially losing benefits as early as April 2011. The change was encouraged by the U.S. Department of Labor. Individuals with questions about the status of their unemployment insurance claims are advised to contact the Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800.

House Passes Bill Authorizing $200 Million for Municipal Road and Bridge Maintenance

The House passed legislation to authorize $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth. The $200 million in road and bridge maintenance funds represent a 29% increase over the funding dispersed for the same purpose last year.

Legislature Sends Governor $325 Million Mid-Year Spending Bill

The House and Senate sent a $325 million spending plan to Gov. Patrick's desk, which included $50 million for snow and ice removal costs and dividing $200 million in federal funds for hospitals across MA. Additionally, the legislation provides $30 million for collectively-bargained pay increases for employees of the Trial Court, $8 million for family shelters and $6 million for youth summer jobs programs. Senate members passed the bill unanimously while the House voted 143-9 in favor of the bill. Gov. Patrick signed the bill.

Gov. Patrick Signs Legislation to Help Unemployed Workers Remain Eligible for Federal Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Patrick signed legislation to ensure that MA unemployed workers remain eligible for federal unemployment benefit extensions. After unemployed workers exhaust their state benefits, many are eligible for federally funded benefit extensions. The legislation helps unemployed residents receive the maximum allowable federal unemployment insurance benefits and prevents them from potentially losing benefits as early as April 2011. The change was encouraged by the U.S. Department of Labor. Individuals with questions about the status of their unemployment insurance claims are advised to contact the Division of Unemployment Assistance at 617-626-6800.

Agricultural Officials Announce Grants for Farmers' Markets to Assist Low-Income Residents

The Patrick Administration announced that it will provide $50,000 in grants for equipment and support to help farmers' markets process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits used by low-income residents. These grants, made possible by an ongoing partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), are for the purchase or rental of wireless point-of-sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.

The grants also fund transaction fees, outreach programs for SNAP participants, promotional materials and incentives to encourage SNAP participants to use their benefits at farmers' markets.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, serves more than 755,000 individuals in Massachusetts - one in nine residents of the Commonwealth - by assisting low-income individuals and families with purchasing healthy food. SNAP households can access their benefits by using an EBT card that is similar to a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores. This program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and serves as the first line of defense against hunger and poor nutrition. Individuals, families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs are encouraged to apply for SNAP by visiting www.mass.gov/dta, calling 1-866-950-FOOD, or visiting their local DTA office.

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.

Gov. Patrick Nominates Lenk as Associate Justice of the MA SJC

Gov. Patrick announced the nomination of Appeals Court Justice Barbara A. Lenk to serve as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). Justice Lenk, the senior Associate Justice on the Appeals Court and a former Superior Court judge, is slated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Judith A. Cowin. Justice Lenk has served the Commonwealth as a member of the judiciary for over 17 years, beginning with her 1993 appointment to the Superior Court. Lenk will face the Governor's Council for a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, April 27.

Lapidus Will Lead Massachusetts Cultural Council

Dr. Ira Lapidus of Williamstown will serve as the new Chair of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). Dr. Katherine Sloan, President of the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, will serve on the MCC Board. The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, humanities, and sciences to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. The MCC pursues this mission through of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. The MCC is funded primarily by the state and through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Bank of America and others. It achieves its mission through grants, services, and partnerships to nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists. Learn more at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State House

On Thursday, April 7, hundreds of farmers, agriculture officials, legislators and industry leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered at the State House for Agriculture Day., Participants gathered to celebrate Massachusetts agriculture and discuss issues and legislation affecting their farms and communities. The event included a speaking program, 'Agriculture Day' awards, informational exhibits and a reception featuring Massachusetts' farm and specialty food products. Attendees learned more about efforts to maintain the long-term viability of Massachusetts' agriculture and Massachusetts' agricultural products.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Issues RFP for the Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative

In July 2010, Massachusetts passed legislation to establish state-designated cultural districts in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. The legislation calls for the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to carry out this mandate by establishing criteria and guidelines for cities and towns to apply for state-designated cultural districts. The statute that created cultural districts has specific goals: to attract artists and cultural enterprises; encourage business and job development; establish the district as a tourist destination; preserve and reuse historic buildings; enhance property values; and foster local cultural development.

Any city or town in MA is now eligible to apply for a cultural district designation. Applications with a strong management plan; well-defined strategic goals; a plan to fully utilize local cultural assets through creative programming and marketing; and that include the community's unique history and topography, are likely to be the most successful. The Cultural Districts Initiative has a rolling application process. There are no deadlines and we will be processing applications on an ongoing basis from June 1, 2011. To learn more or apply, please click here.

Massachusetts Food Policy Council Established

Gov. Patrick established the Massachusetts Food Policy Council to advance the goals of bringing healthy, local foods to all residents of the state. Following the passage of Chapter 277 of the Acts of 2010, an "Act Establishing the Massachusetts Food Policy Council", the Council was formed to develop recommendations that will advance food system goals and also align communication and coordination between state agencies to achieve these goals.

In addition to focusing on ending hunger, legislation calls for the council to focus on achieving the following four goals: (1) increased production, sales and consumption of Massachusetts-grown foods; (2) the development and promotion of programs that deliver healthy Massachusetts-grown goods to Massachusetts residents; (3) the protection of the land and water resources required for sustained local food production; and (4) the training, retention and recruitment of farmers and providing for the continued economic viability of local food production, processing and distribution.

Spring Publication of Unclaimed Property Listings

Unclaimed Property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered "abandoned" and turned over to the Treasury after three years with no activity. An updated list of unclaimed assets is published biannually as new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit to claim unclaimed property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

To see if you have unclaimed property, please visit www.findmassmoney.com or call 888-344-MASS (6277). Both the call and website are free of charge. The Unclaimed Property Division will have extended telephone hours from March 7, 2011 through April 16, 2011: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Free program to help veterans & their families quit smoking

A free, statewide smoking cessation program is designed to help Massachusetts veterans and their families live healthier and longer lives. Massachusetts veterans and their family members can now call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or click here to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

Earned Income Tax Credit provides assistance to eligible low and moderate income working families

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal and state income tax credit available to low and moderate income working families and individuals. The EITC program serves as a critical resource for families in need. However, in the 2009 tax year, 20 to 25 percent of eligible working families in Massachusetts failed to apply for the EITC, calling for increased awareness in the state. Depending on a family's size and income, individuals and families may be eligible for thousands of dollars in refunds, even if the individual or family does not currently owe any income taxes. To learn more about the Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit, and view the list of free, volunteer tax assistance sites located in Massachusetts please visit www.mass.gov/eitc.

Treasury Launches "Move Money" to Boost Loans to Small Businesses

To stimulate small business lending and grow private sector jobs in MA, Treasurer Grossman will launch a program to move money into small, local, community, and regional banks willing to commit to increasing their volume of small business loans upon the finalization of these guidelines following a public comment period. The Move Money program seeks to shift state cash deposits under the control of the Treasurer to small, regional, local and community banks that are willing to commit to increasing their volume of small business loans once the guidelines have been finalized following a period of public comment. To learn more, please click here.

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.

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.

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.

MA 2011 Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Sale Online

Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2011 season are now available through a new online licensing system for fishing and hunting licenses and permits - including the new recreational saltwater fishing permit. The system, known as MassFishHunt, allows hunters and anglers to order and print licenses online for use on the same day they place an order. In addition, the new system will enable the nine DFG field offices across the state to issue licenses electronically beginning in January 2011. MassFishHunt will process licenses for inland fishing, hunting, and trapping and permits for recreational saltwater fishing and lobstering. Prior to this new system, hunters and anglers could order licenses online but most hunters would have to wait to receive their license in the mail before hunting.

Environmental License Plates Available

Join over 40,000 other drivers who help raise nearly $1 million for environmental projects annually by purchasing an environmental license plate. Massachusetts drivers have given more than $17 million to support environmental programs in the state since 1995. Proceeds from these license plates allow the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to make grants to nonprofit organizations and municipalities all over the Commonwealth. Grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust have been used to find sources of pollution, restore marine and freshwater habitat, protect endangered species, monitor water quality throughout the state and educate students on environmental issues. Environmental license plates are available at any Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or online. Click here to learn more.

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 

  

236th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington

The 236th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington took place over Patriots' Day Weekend on Saturday, April 16 through Monday, April 18, 2011. The battle on April 19, 1775 was the first of the Revolutionary War. Thousands of people attended this year's re-enactment on the morning of April 18.

May 6 First Friday Forum on Green Waste

Lexington is evaluating the siting of an organic waste processing facility at the Hartwell Avenue Landfill that might make neighboring communities green with envy. Speakers at the League of Women Voters of Lexington's First Friday Forum on May 6 will describe green waste, how it's processed and why Lexington would embark on such a venture.

The speakers, Superintendent of Environmental Services Robert Beaudoin; Town Engineer John Livsey; Bruce Haskell of Camp, Dresser and McGee; and a representative from the Mass Department of Environmental Protection will also answer questions.

This is the eighth in a series of 2010-2011 First Friday Forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington to promote awareness and understanding of public policy issues. Coffee will be available at 9:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:45 inthe Community Meeting Room on the lower level of Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue. The library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway. For more information or to carpool, contact the League at 781-862-6435. All League forums are open to the public at no charge.

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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