✅ Thursday’s General Session: Charting the Path Forward – Advocacy Strategies in Changing Times
Join Senator Pat Jehlen, Rep. Thomas Stanley, and Bob Blancato for a powerful panel on advancing aging policy and advocacy in today’s evolving landscape.

Thomas Stanley is presently serving the people of the 9^th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence (formerly Elder Affairs), a post he has held since 2021.  Mr. Stanley is a native of Waltham who has also served as an At-Large member of the Waltham City council from 1997 to 2016; 2018-Present.

As the House Aging and Independence Chair, Representative Stanley championed improvements across the continuum of care for older adults in need of long-term services and supports (LTSS). He sponsored legislation (now Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024) that supports the long-term care workforce, increases oversight and transparency standards for facilities and operators, improves the quality of and access to care, and permanently allows assisted living residences to offer basic health services. He serves on the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All Other Dementias, the Rest Homes Task Force, the Assisted Living Residents (ALR) Commission, the Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and the Senior Housing Commission.

A dedicated community activist, Representative Stanley was a board member of the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Waltham Family School Advisory Board, Waltham Safe and Healthy Schools YRBS Steering Committee, Waltham Community Day Center (Honorary & Active Honorary), Reach Beyond Domestic Violence Advisory Board, and the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative.  Representative Stanley was also a member of the Lions Club, Sons of Italy, Fitzgerald School PTO, Fernald Use Committee, Hardy Pond Association, and the Friends of Waltham Library.

Representative Stanley has been honored with such awards as the Work, Community, Independence (WCI) – Human Service Advocate of the Year, the MassBay Community College Distinguished Alumni Award, the WATCH CDC Housing Advocate Award, the Minuteman Senior Services Certificate of Appreciation, the Greater Boston Legal Services and MetroWest Legal Services Pillar of Justice Award, the Edinburg Center Shining Star Award, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers’ Community Health Center Leader Award, 2023 and 2025 Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the LeadingAge Massachusetts 2024 Aging Services Champion Award, the Massachusetts State Association of PACE Programs 2024 State Champion, the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association 2024 Policymaker of the Year, the Dignity Alliance Massachusetts 2024 Legislative Champion of Dignity and Care Award, and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter’s 2025 Legislative Champion Award.

Representative Stanley received his associate’s degree in Business Administration from Massachusetts Bay Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Bentley College, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Suffolk University’s School of Management.

He is married to the former Kimberly Bayliss and has two children, Ryan and Parker.

Senator Patricia Jehlen represents Medford, Somerville, Cambridge, and Winchester in the Massachusetts Senate. She is Senate Chair of the Committee on Aging and Independence. She works on improving the continuum of care with her colleagues so that seniors of all income levels can access services that meet their needs.  This includes supporting the workers who provide care. Senator Jehlen also works on several commissions and task forces that focus on particular issues or groups such as ALRs, Rest Homes, CCRCs and LGBTQ+ aging.

In the Senate she serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Education as well as the Joint Committee on Revenue. Senator Jehlen also serves on the Committees on Judiciary, Cannabis, and Labor and Workforce Development.

Discover sessions on:

2025 MCOA Fall Conference Schedule | Sea Crest Beach Resort, Falmouth
October 22–24, 2025

Schedule At-A-Glance

Get Ready for the MCOA Fall Conference at Sea Crest Beach Hotel!

We’re thrilled to invite you to the MCOA Fall Conference, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth, MA! Located on the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, this venue offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and relaxation.

Why Attend?

• Engaging Workshops: Immerse yourself in sessions led by experts, all while enjoying the serene ocean views.
• Inspiring Keynote: Join us for Carrie Stack’s keynote, “It Starts with Us,” where we’ll celebrate the incredible impact you have on the older adults in your community.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals in the beautiful surroundings of the Sea Crest Beach Hotel. Share best practices and build lasting relationships in a truly inspiring setting.

About the Venue

The Sea Crest Beach Hotel, nestled in Falmouth, MA, boasts stunning oceanfront views, charming Cape Cod ambiance, and direct access to serene beaches. Whether you’re participating in a workshop or enjoying a refreshment break on the beachside patio, this venue is more than just a backdrop—it’s an integral part of the experience!

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and relax in one of New England’s most beautiful locations. See you at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel this fall!

Downloading and installing the MCOA Events app is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Visit Your Phone’s App Store: Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, head over to your respective app store.
2. Search for MCOA Annual Conference: Once you’re in the app store, use the search function to find the MCOA Annual Conference app. You can also scan the QR codes provided for quick access. (Look for our Logo!)
3. Get or Install the App: When you find the app, simply tap on the “GET” or “INSTALL” button to download it to your phone.
4. Open the App and Sign In: After the app is installed, open it up. You’ll find the sign-in option at the top right corner. Make sure to sign in using the email address you used to register for the conference.
5. Enter the Access Code: Follow the on-screen instructions to check your email for the Access Code. Once you have it, enter it into the app.
6. You’re In!: Congratulations, you’re now logged into the MCOA Annual Conference app as an attendee! From here, you can explore workshops, view schedules, access FAQs, and connect with other attendees through direct messaging and a symposium socila feed.

Don’t miss out on this valuable resource for the conference. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store!

MCOA is pleased to offer workshops, events and trainings, and does have costs associated with these events.

Attendees who have registered for any MCOA function, may cancel up to the closing date deadline (October 1, 2025).

If you are unable to attend our function, we request notification prior to the closing date deadline (October 1, 2025). Registrants may send an alternate person to the event. After that time, MCOA is obligated to the caterer and speaker for the costs incurred and will pass along that cost to the registrant. A registrant who has cancelled before the closing but paid for the function will be able to apply the fee towards the next function. Cash will no longer be accepted onsite.

 Attendees (and their organizations) with a history of unpaid invoices will not be allowed to attend any event without prior payment. To cancel, please submit your cancellation in writing to Lisa@mcoaonline.org by October 1, 2025, and use the following title in the subject heading: “Conference Cancellation”.