The Stanley Report
Lexington & Lincoln, Volume 7, No. 4
April 2012
In This Issue
News from Beacon Hill
Lexington & Lincoln Corner
Upcoming Events
About Rep. Stanley

Tom Picture 

Rep. Thomas M. Stanley
9th Middlesex District 
 

Like me on Facebook

 

 

 

Rep. Stanley spoke at a Clubhouse Coalition event at the State House.  Lisa Bilozur of the Rt. 128 Business Council and Mark Maragnano the Director at C.W. Potter Place joined Rep. Stanley at the event which honored organizations that employ Clubhouse members with mental illnesses.

 

 

Rep. Stanley attended a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) caucus where Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr. spoke. Rep. Ayers, Sen. Rush and Dan Hunt, DCR Director of Public Affairs also attended the caucus.

  

  

State Police prepared the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House for the Arrival of the President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff.

 

 

Gov. Patrick press conference regarding the MBTA's recommended fare increase, job reduction and service cuts to deal with its deficit. 

 

McKinney hearing

 

Rep. Stanley spoke at a legislative briefing regarding the McKinney-Vento Act and its impact on municipalities. 

 

 

Springtime shower on Beacon Hill  

 

 

Rep. Stanley hears testimony at the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing on the "Right to Repair" bill

 

 

Spring on Beacon Hill 

 

 

State House hearing on An Act to Protect Motor Vehicle Owners and Small Businesses in Repairing Motor Vehicles.   

 

Charles1

 

Along the Charles River  

 

 

State House Rotunda   

 

 

Western Greenway Trail    

 

daffodils  

 

April flowers 

 

Lincoln Library1   

Lincoln Public Library 

   

Old Town Hall Lincoln

 

Old Town Hall    

 

 

A packed MBTA hearing.  

 

 

The Massachusetts Club House Coalition gathered at the State House to advocate for the Dept. of Mental Health services.    

     

 

 

At the DeCordova Museum

 

 

At the DeCordova Museum    

 

 

Swan on the Charles River 

 

Flint Pond

 

At Flint Pond 

 

Drumlin Farm2

 

Drumlin Farm     

 

Walden2

 

Sunshine at Walden Pond 

   

Matlock Farm2

 

Lovelane Therapeutic Riding Facility in Lincoln   

 

Nobel

 

The House Chamber  

 

Walden1

 

Walden Pond  

   

Entering Lincoln Sign

 

Entering Lincoln  

 

TMS in New Office

 

Rep. Stanley at the State House

  

Lex Minuteman

 

Minuteman Statue in Lexington

 

TMS at Podium

 

Rep. Stanley in the House Chamber 

 

House Chamber

 

House Chamber  

 

Old Town Hall Lincoln

 

Old Town Hall, Lincoln    

  

Lex Town Offices  

Lexington Town Offices  

 

Commuter Rail and Station

 

Commuter rail station      

   

State House2

 

State House, Boston   

 

Dome

 

State House Dome

 

Dome

Massachusetts State House
 
Conservation Land Lincoln

Conservation Land, Lincoln

Eagle Statue
 
Memorial Eagle, Lincoln

Nat'l Heritage Museum

National Heritage Museum, Lexington

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

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.  If you'd like to follow my fan page, please 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) 722-2310. 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Signature 

Thomas M. Stanley

News from Beacon Hill

 

Lincoln and Lexington Receive Funding for Municipal Road and Bridge Maintenance

 

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in the House in passing legislation today to authorize $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth.  Overall, the bill authorizes $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the Commonwealth.  This $200 million marks a high for Chapter 90 funding and demonstrates the House's strong commitment to local road and bridge funding.  Lincoln will receive $272,907 and Lexington will receive $924,164 under the legislation.

 

Rep. Stanley spearheads effort to reimburse cities and towns for McKinney-Vento Reimbursements

House Ways and Means Budget Includes $11.3M for McKinney-Vento Reimbursements

 

Representative Stanley joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in thanking Speaker DeLeo and House Ways and Means Chairman Dempsey for including $11.3 million for McKinney-Vento reimbursements in the House Ways and Means budget.  Representatives Stanley was one of 108 legislators who cosponsored a letter to Gov. Patrick, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Murray and House and Senate Ways and Means Committee members requesting the reimbursement of $11.3 million in unfunded mandates be included in a supplemental budget appropriation and in future budgets. 

 

Rep. Stanley and Rep. Spelliotis asked State Auditor Suzanne Bump for reviews of these unfunded mandates for their towns.  Because of the results, Auditor Bump found reason to conduct a state-wide review.  She announced the results of a statewide survey which found that school districts are projected to spend close to $11.3 million this fiscal year as a result of an unfunded state mandate.  Auditor Bump determined that the voluntary state plan to implement the federal McKinney-Vento Act relating to educational opportunities for homeless students imposes unfunded state mandates on local cities and towns.


Due to the state's participation in the federal McKinney-Vento Act, cities and towns are required to provide transportation and education of some homeless children after they are placed in a different municipality for temporary housing.  The Act provides that a homeless student living in temporary housing in a "host community" outside of the city or town where the family lived prior to becoming homeless (the community of origin) may choose to remain enrolled in the community of origin schools. Most significantly, the state plan requires "host" and "origin" communities' school systems throughout Massachusetts to fund school transportation costs for homeless students choosing to remain in their community of origin school system. This requirement is in contrast to the general rule whereby school districts are not responsible for students who move outside of district boundaries or students from other communities temporarily living in theirs.

Earlier this month, Rep. Stanley spoke at a legislative briefing  regarding the McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance Act. The briefing featured several legislators, the State Auditor, and several policy experts. At the briefing, a variety of speakers provided an overview of the Act, and explained its impacts on students, schools, and communities.

Rep. Stanley cosponsors legislation to end the fraud and abuse of EBT cards

 

Rep. Stanley signed onto House Bill 4343, an act relative to electronic benefit transfer card reform, legislation to implement reforms to end the fraud and abuse of EBT cards.  He also signed onto legislation requiring businesses to apply to accept electronic benefit cards.  In order to accept EBT cards as payment for point of sale purchases, businesses will need to apply and receive an authorization number that must be displayed in their place of business.  This simple online application will enhance the ability to identify businesses that should be prohibited from accepting EBT cards. There is no fee to apply.

 

Senate Passes Energy Bill

 

The Senate passed legislation to increase the state's renewable energy supply and stabilize electricity prices.  Opponents of the bill claims that renewable energy efforts could have a negative effect on prices while proponents claims the investments in the renewable energy sector will generate new jobs and decrease reliance on dirtier imported fuels.  The legislation includes provisions to encourage competition and transparency in the renewable energy industry, give hydropower a role in the renewable energy mix and reduce risks associated with long-term renewable energy contracts. 

 

Rep. Stanley supports Senate bill to help domestic violence victims keep their jobs

 

As an honorary Board member of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence (REACH), Rep. Stanley is supporting a Senate Bill which will bring much-needed assistance to victims of domestic violence by helping them keep their jobs. In May, Rep. Stanley and REACH will host an event to raise awareness of Senate Bill 918. 

 

Too many victims of domestic violence are losing their jobs due to abuse.  According to Jane Doe Inc., a statewide coalition that promotes the safety, liberty, and dignity of victims and survivors, more than 20 percent of women who have experienced abuse have consequentially arrived late or missed work as a result.  Approximately 50 percent of victims reported a job loss in part due to domestic abuse and nearly 60 percent of victims are reprimanded at work for abuse-related incidents.   According to REACH, victims are exponentially more likely to stay with their abuser when they are financially dependent.  Having and keeping their jobs is critical to the safety of victims of domestic abuse.

 

Senate Bill 918, drafted for victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, will help protect victims in their fight for independence by providing job security.  The bill, which only effects businesses that employ more than 50 employees, would provide 15 days unpaid, guaranteed leave for domestic violence victims and their families. 

 

Transportation Reform, Budget Legislation Filed

 

The Patrick-Murray Administration has filed transportation reform legislation that addresses the MBTA FY 2013 budget and builds on the success of the Transportation Reform Act of 2009.  The legislation would authorize several steps to allow the MBTA to close its FY13 structural deficit, including a shift of Motor Vehicle Inspection Trust Fund surplus funds. The bill calls for increased MBTA fines for fare evasion to $75 first offense, $200 second offense, and $350 for subsequent offenses, along with requiring the reporting to RMV in 21 days of citations not paid, resulting in license suspension until fines are paid.  The number of MBTA noncriminal fare evasion citations increased from 818 in 2007 to 3,248 in 2011.  The increases in fines are intended to serve as a significant deterrent to those deliberately not purchasing the required fare.

 

House Passes Legislation to Create Emergency Response Plans in Schools

 

Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that calls for school committees and trustees to create and implement an emergency medical response system in their institutions. This legislation applies to Massachusetts public and charter schools.  The legislation will help minimize the number of tragedies we see among students, athletes and faculty.

 

House Passes Job Protection Legislation for Volunteer Firefighters

 

Rep. Stanley joined his colleagues in passing legislation to protect the primary jobs of call and volunteer firefighters.   This legislation adds a level of job protection for call and volunteer firefighters to the current statute that protects them from being dismissed from their primary job if they arrive late for work because they were fighting a fire. This legislation broadens the responsibilities of call and volunteer firefighters that may be excused by primary employers to include natural disasters, emergency medical response, and hazardous material incidents.

 

Governor Signs Bill to Create Supportive Housing Opportunities for Low-Income Residents

 

Gov. Patrick signed House Bill 3963, "An Act Relative to Community Housing and Services," legislation that will promote supportive housing for the Commonwealth's homeless, individuals with disabilities and elders. The legislation calls for the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) across state agencies to create housing opportunities that combine affordability with voluntary services for the most vulnerable populations.

 

The MOU will promote the procurement and availability of supportive housing for low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Specifically, the MOU must facilitate the development of a demonstration program that would create up to 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing by December 31, 2015; require agencies to assess the need for permanent supportive housing to serve the Commonwealth's homeless or at-risk of homelessness, citizens with disabilities and elders; and establish a long-term target to produce new supportive housing opportunities to meet the state's need.

 

The MOU will be between state agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Commission for the Blind, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Department of Veterans Services, the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and Housing Partnership, and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation.  The bill also requires the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to study the establishment of a comprehensive ombudsman program to service the needs of the Commonwealth's elderly residents.  

 

Five-Member Gaming Commission Moving Forward With Business

 

State officials announced the final two appointments to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, rounding out the five member independent body which is responsible for implementing and overseeing the expanded gaming industry in the Commonwealth.  The appointees are James F. McHugh, retired associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court; and Bruce Stebbins, business development administrator for the City of Springfield. Both appointees will serve as full time commissioners.

 

Governor Patrick appointed Steve Crosby as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on December 13, 2011. In February, Attorney General Coakley selected former New Jersey Lieutenant Colonel Gayle Cameron as the Attorney General's law enforcement appointee to the Commission. Treasurer Grossman selected Enrique Zuniga as the Treasurer's corporate finance and securities appointee. In order to ensure the strongest possible commission, Justice McHugh will now serve as the Attorney General's law enforcement appointee, and Lieutenant Colonel Cameron will now serve as the joint appointee with legal experience related to gaming. Stebbins will serve as the final joint appointee.

 

All costs of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will be borne by the gaming industry itself and will not be paid for by Massachusetts taxpayers.  The commission will now move forward with its business of hiring staff, establishing an office, hosting public meetings and soliciting bids for up to three commercial casino licenses and one slots facility. Licenses must be competitively bid and awarded following local approval, under the rules of the Expanded Gaming Act signed by Governor Patrick on November 22, 2011.

 

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.

Grant Funding Now Available for Local Consumer Programs

 

Funding is available for local consumer and mediation programs through grants available from Attorney General (AG) Coakley's Office.  The application period for Local Consumer Aid Fund Grants (LCAF) is open for new or existing grantees throughout the Commonwealth.  The AG's Office provides grants to a statewide network of Local Consumer Programs (LCPs) and Face-to-Face (FTF) Mediation Programs.   Interested applicants can visit the Attorney General's website, www.mass.gov/ago/grants, for additional information about the application process and to download application materials.

 

Eligible organizations seeking funding should submit a letter of intent to apply no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 16, 2012, including information on the coverage area and contact details for the grant manager.  Questions regarding the grant funding must be submitted no later than April 19, 2012.  Grants will be awarded for the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, for fiscal year 2013.

 

New Law Will Expand Retirement Options for Non-Profit Workers

 

Gov. Patrick signed a bill which will allow Treasurer Steven Grossman's office to offer a tax-deferred retirement savings plan to employees of non-profit organizations.  The Treasury will work with the Internal Revenue Service to set up a retirement savings plan that will be available to all non-profit organizations in Massachusetts with twenty or fewer employees.

 

Much like a 401(k) or 403(b), this plan would deduct pre-tax dollars from an employee's paycheck and invest them in a tax deferred market portfolio.  The Treasurer's Office would administer the participant-funded plan at no cost to taxpayers.

The Treasurer's Office presently oversees tax-deferred retirement savings accounts for over 280,000 government workers, giving it the existing infrastructure and expertise to set up these non-profit accounts.

 

EEA Kicks Off 2012 Conservation Land Tax Credit Program

 

Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan announced that applications for tax year 2012 are now being accepted for the EEA's Conservation Land Tax Credit Program. This new initiative, launched in 2011, offers refundable state income tax credits in exchange for conservation land donations.    In 2011, the program received 22 donations totaling 934 acres, with land valued at $5.8 million. Tax credits in the amount of $976,225 were distributed for land donations. To learn more about the program and view an application, please click here.

 

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.

 

Partnering to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke

 

The Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in an effort to reduce the number of deaths each year. Heart disease, which includes heart attacks and strokes, is the number one cause of death in the United States for both men and women, accounting for nearly 600,000 deaths annually. Every year, about 785,000 Americans suffer a first heart attack. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, accounting for more than 128,000 deaths a year. Every year, about 795,000 people have a stroke.

 

To increase awareness about how to prevent heart attack and stroke in the first place, how to recognize the signs, and what to do if someone has a heart attack or stroke, DPH partnered with the Massachusetts Medical Society to produce this month's edition of Physician Focus: Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke.  

 

In addition, Massachusetts is partnering with the CDC on the Million Hearts Campaign, which aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the next 5 years. The Department will continue its work to educate people about reducing the amount of salt in their diet, encouraging healthy eating and active living through Mass in Motion, recognizing the signs of heart attack and stroke, and educating people about the ABCS of prevention.

 

Department of Public Safety Offers Smoke Alarm Info

 

Smoke alarms are the single most important means of preventing fatal fires.  The Department of Public Safety's website offers information about fire safety and fire alarms.  Please click here to learn more.

 

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. 

 

Massachusetts' New and Leased Car Lemon Law

 

The Massachusetts Lemon Law protects consumers who have serious defects in their new cars. The law defines a lemon as a new or leased motor vehicle that has a defect which substantially impairs the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle, and which has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.  If your new or leased vehicle has a substantial defect that still exists or recurs after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then you may have the right to a refund or replacement vehicle. Keep in mind that not all car problems are serious enough to qualify under the Lemon Law.  Click here for more info.  

 

MassWildlife Offers Calendar of Events

 

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.   The Division works to balance the needs of people and wildlife today so wildlife will be available for everyone's enjoyment today and for future generations.  To learn more about DFW events across the Commonwealth, such as wildlife-related workshops, talks, walks or demonstrations, please click here.

 

MassDOT RMV urges eligible drivers to renew their licenses online

 

The number of license renewals is expected to increase by 50 percent beginning in November and continue at higher levels for the months thereafter. November is the beginning of a five-year license renewal cycle that began in 1991, replacing the previous four-year cycle.   The result of that change is one year every five years with a reduced number of license renewals.  That lower volume year ends as of November 1, and transactions will increase. The RMV has responded by launching a publicity campaign through Highway Division billboards and public service announcements at the MBTA to urge drivers to check their license expiration dates and renew online.

 

Services available on the MassDOT RMV website include applying for a first time license; converting an out-of-state license; scheduling a branch appointment; registration renewals; ordering a driving record, crash report or Fast Lane transponder; viewing the status of a license, registration, driver education certificate and title; signing up for organ/tissue donation; and canceling a registration plate.

  

Renew Your Recreation Vehicle and Snowmobile Registration Online!

Through the Massachusetts Environmental Police Online Registration System, you can now renew your motorboat, snowmobile, or recreation vehicle registration online. Please click here for more information

     

State Announces Internship Opportunities Website

The state launched a website featuring internship opportunities across Massachusetts. The new website, promoted by the Commonwealth Marketing Office, aims to convince college students and recent graduates to stay in the state. Companies are allowed to post opportunities at no charge and serves as a "a one-stop shop" for students searching for internships. Currently, the site features more than 100 internship opportunities.

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.

Registering as a donor can save the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. More than 110,000 Americans, including about 3,000 Massachusetts residents, are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant that may not come in time. In 2009, the RMV became the first state agency in New England to create an on-line application to allow an individual to register to be a donor. New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region. Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England - LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.

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.

 

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.


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 & Lincoln Corner 

 

League Forum - Getting around Town:  Do you really need to drive?

 

A variety of perspectives about transportation issues and opportunities in and around Lexington will be presented at the League of Women Voters monthly forum on Friday, April 13.

 

What can be done about increasing traffic congestion on our streets?  What are the differing transportation needs of students, their parents, seniors, commuters, and businesses?  How will the proposed MBTA cuts affect bus service in Lexington and LexPress?  How will the increasing price of gas affect transportation choices in the future? 

 

Panelists will include Rick Abrams of the Greenways Corridor Committee; Michelle Ciccolo, Lexington Planning Board; Lexington Transportation Services Coordinator Jeanette Rebecchi; Monica Tibbits, Executive Director of the 128 Business Council; and a member of the ad hoc School Transportation and Safety Study Committee.

 

This is the seventh in a series of 2011-2012 First Friday Forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington to promote awareness and understanding of public policy issues.  Note the change in location.  Coffee will be available at 9:15 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:30 in the Samuel Hadley Public Service Building at 201 Bedford Street which is 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.
 

Publish your events in The Stanley Report

 

The Stanley Report is a great way to spread the word about an upcoming event!  Please forward any community, civic or nonprofit upcoming events that you would like included in next month's Stanley Report.  If interested, please email Tara Conklin, Rep. Stanley's legislative assistant, with information about your event.    


The Lexington Arts & Crafts Society

 

The Lexington Arts & Crafts Society is a non-profit regional education center dedicated to the preservation and promotion of excellence in both the traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Registration is now open for new classes and workshops in all arts and crafts offered by its guilds. To learn more about its exhibits, classes and workshops and much more, please visit

 

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 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   


Town of Lincoln Events

 

The Town of Lincoln's official website offers information about town services, schools, offices and boards and commissions, as well as information about local events and opportunities.  Click here to read what's new in Lincoln or here to view a complete calendar of events, meetings and holidays.

 

Drumlin Farm Special Events Listing

 

Enjoy a change of pace at Drumlin Farm, where you and your family can explore a real working farm and a wildlife sanctuary all in one day.  To view a listing of special events and the latest news from the farm, please click here.

The 2012 deCordova Biennial

 

The 2012 deCordova Biennial opened on January 22, 2012 and features 23 artists and collaboratives and will occupy almost the entirety of the museum and beyond-reaching into the park, Boston, and nearby communities through several public, off-site projects.  For more information, please click here.

 

For a full list of calendar items at the The deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, please click here.   


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

Codman Community Farms Offers Events & Classes

 

Codman Community Farms is a living example of Lincoln's agricultural heritage, offering a place for children and adults to see animals, celebrate community and conservation, and learn about farming. The farm operates year-round and offers events and classes.  For more information, please click here.


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].

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.

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.
.
 
About Rep. Stanley:

State Representative: 2001 - Present 
City Council: 1998 - 2004, 2006 - Present
Council President: 2003
 
City Council Committees:  
 
Public Works
Community Development
Veterans
Long Term Debt, Chair

Committees:

Joint Committee on Ways and Means
House Post Audit and Oversight Committee
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
  
Education:  Suffolk University (MPA), Bentley College (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
 
Member: Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Democratic City Committee, Fitzgerald School PTO, Fernald Reuse Committee, Hardy Pond Association, Friends of Waltham Library 
 
Awards:

Work, Community, Independence - Human Service Advocate of the Year, 2008
COFAR - award recipient for support of people with mental disabilities, 2003
MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
WATCH CDC - Housing Advocate Award, 2007
Minuteman Senior Services - Certificate of Appreciation, 2006
Boston Bar Assoc., Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services - Pillar of Justice Award, 2003
Shining Star Award,
Edinburg Center 
 
Other:
 
Basketball coach for the Police Athletic League

Personal:

Married to the former Kimberly A. Bayliss
Children: Ryan, age 17, Parker, age 8