Saturday, January 31, 2015

FHS Basketball: boys win, girls lose to North Attleboro

Hockomock Sports provides the results of the FHS basketball games against North Attleboro on Friday night. The boys won and the girls lost.

Boys Basketball


Franklin, 59 @ North Attleboro, 39 - Final - Franklin senior Marcus Giese led the Panthers with 18 points while classmate Dylan Reno added 10 points.
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-013015

Girls Basketball


Two years ago Franklin and North Attleboro shared the Kelley-Rex title and last season the Rocketeers made it back-to-back championships edging out the Panthers by a single game. On Friday night, the North girls took a big step towards a three-peat by going on the road to complete a season sweep of their rivals. 
Sopnhomore Julia Strachan had one of her best games of the season with a game-high 17 points, including a quartet of first half three-pointers, and the Rocketeers went 9-10 from the line in the fourth quarter to hold on for a 54-45 win that puts the Panthers three games back in the league standings. 
“They’ve talked about it before we even started,” said North Attleboro coach Derek Herber after the game. “Our goals were to win the league title, get into the tournament, and see how far we can go from there. This is another step in that direction.”
Continue reading the report by Josh Perry of Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/strachan-rocketeers-shoot-down-division-title-rival

Pregame huddle

Franklin in their pregame huddle
Franklin in their pregame huddle


North Attleboro takes a free throw

North takes a free throw
North takes a free throw

The final scoreboard showed

the final score
the final score


BFCCPS presents Camp Rock: The Musical


The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of Camp Rock: The Musical to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Camp Rock: The Musical
Camp Rock: The Musical
Two performances will be held on Saturday February 7th, a matinee beginning 2pm and an evening show commencing at 7pm. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children age five and up. Tickets will be sold at the door, or advance tickets are available for purchase at www.bfccps.org. 
This high-energy show is based on the hit Disney Channel movies, and attendees will enjoy two bands battling it out live on stage! The cast is comprised of 35 students in Grades Six through Grade Eight under the direction of Mr. Bernard Benjamin. Musical Direction has been provided by Ms. Ruth Monty, the pit will be directed by Mr. Christopher Heater, artistic direction and set design has been supervised by Mrs. Andrea Wolfe, and choreography by Mrs. Katelyn Dwyer. This year, the Assistant Director is BFCCPS alumna Aleena Butt who also coordinated this year’s costume design. The cast is also supported by a dedicated 20 member backstage crew. 

BFCCPS Camp Rock cast collage
BFCCPS Camp Rock cast collage
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has received the 2014 SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation for in recognition of its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the fourth time that the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has received this prestigious recognition. 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and will celebrate its twentieth anniversary this spring. The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has lead to local, state and national recognition. Applications are now available online for enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year. 
If you'd like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Senator Ross: January 2015 State House Update



Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2015
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State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District.

State House
Room 520
Boston, MA 02133

Ph: 617-722-1555
Fax: 617-722-1054
Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov

Dear Friends,

We are just one month into 2015, and from getting critical legislation signed and filed, welcoming our new legislators and Governor, all whilst battling severe weather, it has definitely proven to be an exciting year so far.

I am very grateful to be back on Beacon Hill for the 189th legislative session to serve you, my constituents. Please read and share my monthly newsletter for updates on news in the district, office hours, and information on what is happening in the State House.

As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Senator.

Sincerely,

SENATOR ROSS ACCEPTS NEW SENATE LEADERSHIP POST
I am honored to have been appointed to serve as an Assistant Senate Minority Leader for the 2015-2016 legislative session.
On Wednesday, January 21st the Senate adopted new Senate rules changes to expand minority party committee participation and floor leadership. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules was also subsequently split into two separate committees. I now serve as the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Ethics and I look forward to getting to work and fighting for my constituents across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District.
I was also appointed to the Joint Committee on Public Health and will continue serving on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the Joint Committees on Higher Education, Judiciary, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Since being elected to the Senate in 2010, I have previously served as the Ranking Republican of the Ways and Means Committee, Minority Whip, and Assistant Minority Whip.
ROSS, DOOLEY SECURE PLAINVILLE GAMING FUND

In a last minute push before the end of the 2013-2014 legislative session, myself and Representative Shawn Dooley secured passage of legislation to establish a gaming revenue stabilization fund in the town of Plainville.

As host to Plainridge Racecourse and the new Plainridge Park Casino, set to open this spring, Plainville will be entitled to Host Community Payments from the gaming facility. Bill S.2354 An Act establishing a gaming revenue stabilization fund in the town of Plainville, signed by former Governor Deval Patrick on January 7th, ensures that all Host Community Payments received by the town are deposited into the gaming stabilization fund. The fund is intended to be utilized for future capital projects, upon vote of a town meeting.

Earlier this week, local state legislators welcomed new Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash to Plainridge for a tour and a briefing on the facility. It is estimated that when Plainridge opens it will create roughly 500 jobs.

WINERIES BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

Former Governor Deval Patrick signed into law, H4571 An Act relative to direct wine shipper licenses, which corrects a loophole in the FY15 budget that allows out-of-state wineries to ship limited quantities of wine directly to consumers.

Throughout the budget process, lawmakers inadvertently eliminated the ability for small farmer-wineries and cider makers to sell directly to stores and restaurants, a provision that would have forced them to sell through one of the state's alcohol distributors.

Countless Massachusetts wine and cider makers expressed their concern, including Homestead Hard Cider, located in Attleboro.

Attleboro legislators worked with State Representative John Scibak (D-South Hadley), the bill's sponsor, to correct the mistake and push for the legislation's passage. Rep. Paul Heroux and I stopped by Homestead to chat with DoubleACS about the bill, you can check it our here.
BILL AIMS TO PROTECT SAFETY ON STATE HIGHWAYS
In light of serious public safety concerns on several interstate highways due to demonstrators stopping traffic, I have proposed a bill to prevent such trespassing on Massachusetts highways.
An Act Relative to Preserving Public Safety and Preventing Trespassing on State Highways would punish anyone who willfully trespasses upon a state highway, without just cause, with a fine of not less than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months.
While I respect meaningful discourse and lawful protesting, the line must be drawn when lives are put at risk. This is first and foremost a public safety issue and the people of the Commonwealth need to know we are doing everything in our power to discourage such reckless behavior.

For the full release, please click here.
TRANSPARENCY IN STATE SENATE
My Republican colleagues and I successfully changed a major Senate rule requiring the posting of Senate committee votes to the General Court website within 48 hours of a vote being taken. The measure passed unanimously by a vote of 38-0. I had the privilege of serving on the temporary committee on Ethics and Rules, tasked with proposing recommendations to be adopted as the permanent rules of the Senate for 2015-2016.
Participating in the Senate Rules debate was constructive and collaborative and the newly adopted rules will only help to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency throughout the legislative process. While I am disappointed some Republican initiated ideas were not included, we made some great gains, demonstrating the body's continued dedication to the people of the Commonwealth.

For more information on all the changes, please click here.
It has been an exciting month so far on Beacon Hill. Not only was I fortunate to be sworn in for my third term as your State Senator for the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District, but we have a new Governor as well as a few new changes to the Massachusetts Senate.

Welcome to Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, my good friend and new Senate President Stan Rosenberg, and our two new members of the Senate Republican Caucus Vinny deMacedo and Ryan Fattman. Excited to get to work.
GOVERNOR BAKER RELEASES $100 MILLION IN LOCAL AID
I am thrilled to announce that Governor Charlie Baker has made good on his campaign promise to release the remainder of the Chapter 90 local transportation aid funding statewide for FY15, essential for projects in our cities and towns. Here's a breakdown of increases for towns across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District:

Attleboro will receive an additional $604,064
Franklin will receive an additional $468,315
Millis will receive an additional $137,727
Natick will receive an additional $500,667
Needham will receive an additional $456,350
Norfolk will receive an additional $195,225
North Attleboro will receive an additional $369,513
Plainville will receive an additional $136,128
Sherborn will receive an additional $126,964
Wayland will receive an additional $237,711
Wellesley will receive an additional $412,589
Wrentham will receive an additional $212,133

For more information please visit the MassDOT website here.
Attended the Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officers Association Legislative Luncheon at the State House with Attleboro Veterans Officers Phil Audette, Lt. Col. Carl Bradshaw, and Col. Julie Hall (left). Recognized the newest Eagle Scouts of Troop 10 in Needham with Rep. Denise Garlick. Congrats to Kyle Bourke, Alexander Caulfield, Jacob Nikolajczyk, and Theodore Morin IV for this outstanding achievement (right).
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP AT BCC
Bristol Community College will be hosting a free FAFSA workshop at the Attleboro Campus, 11 Field Road, on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Financial Aid Office staff will be available to walk people through the financial aid applications as well as answer any questions about the process. This event is open to the public.

Please register in advance. For more information please call (508)226-2484 or (508)678-2811 ext: 3327 or email financialaid@bristolcc.edu.
Recently toured Madonna Manor nursing home in North Attleboro with Administrator Mary-Ellen Murphy (left). Visited HESSCO Elder Services which serves many towns in Norfolk County including Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham, and spoke with Executive Director Mary Jean McDermott (right).
IMPORTANT STORM SAFETY INFORMATION
This week, Massachusetts was hit with one of the worst January storms in its' history. The people of the Commonwealth were prepared, but many of my constituents reported property damages, loss of power, and heat. It looks like Juno will only be the first of many severe winter storms to hit us over the new few months, which is why I encourage you to review this important list and ensure that you and your family know what to do and who to contact.
  1. MEMA is your best resource when it comes to up-to-date information on the severity of oncoming winter storms. On their website, they also have important information regarding how best to prepare as well as tips on winter storm safety. Visit their website here.
  2. To receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts app for free here.  
  3. Shelters are open across Massachusetts for those in need during winter storms. For more information, dial 2-1-1 or go to the Mass 2-1-1 website here. Please feel free to dial this number for any non-emergency related questions as well.
  4. Call your utility company to report outages and receive information regarding restoration. Customers served by a municipal utility in their community should locate their utility's phone number to report outages.
    NSTAR: 1-800-592-2000
    National Grid: 1-800-465-1212
    WMECO: 877-659-6326
    Unitil (FG&E): 888-301-7700
  5. Do not call 9-1-1 to report any outages. Do call 9-1-1 if you see any down power lines.
  6. View this electronic map from MEMA for information on power outages across the state.
Safety is the number one priority. Always be prepared.
Celebrating the renaming of the commuter rail station in downtown Natick to Natick Center Station with Senator Karen Spilka (left). Congrats to all of the Attleboro D.A.R.E. program graduates at Coelho Middle School. Thank you to Principal Andrew Boles and the Attleboro Police Department for making this important program a reality for our children (right).
SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINARS

As tax season approaches, my legislative colleagues and I will be hosting informational seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District.

This event is open to all and I encourage all of my constituents who believe they are eligible to attend this seminar and learn how they can take advantage of this great program.

To see when we will be visiting your town, check out the schedule below. For more information on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit please visit my website here
Tuesday, February 10th
Attleboro Senior Center, 25 South Main Street, Attleboro
11:30am-12:30pm
Norfolk COA, 28 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk
1:00pm-2:00pm
Wrentham COA, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham
2:30pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, February 11th
Plainville COA, 9 School Street, Plainville
10:00am-11:00am
North Attleboro COA, 204 Elm Street, North Attleboro
12:30pm-1:30pm
Friday, February 27th
Sherborn COA, 19 Washington Street, Sherborn
11:00am-12:30pm
Franklin COA, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin
1:30pm-2:30pm
Wednesday, March 18th
Needham Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Avenue, Needham
10:30am-11:30am
Natick COA, 117 East Central Street, Natick
12:00pm-1:00pm
Millis Town Hall, 900 Main Street, Millis
1:30pm-2:30pm
Tuesday, March 24th
Wellesley COA, 219 Washington Street, Wellesley
10:30am-11:30am
Wayland COA, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland
1:00pm-2:00pm
Speaking with constituents from Millis, Needham, and Sherborn at my office hours at Sherborn Town Hall (left). Attended the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Annual Meeting with Rep. Steven Howitt, Rep. Betty Poirier, President and CEO of Sturdy Dr. Bruce Auerbach, Rep. Jay Barrows, and Senator Jim Timilty (right). 
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Fairy/Fishing Portrait Fundraiser - Feb Vacation Week


From Jennifer Lynn Photography:
Looking for plans during Feb break with your little ones? I am hosting 2 fundraisers that week to support my 2015 Boston Marathon run for Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of my stepdad Bob Bossa (from Franklin).

Fairy/Fishing Portrait Fundraiser
Fairy/Fishing Portrait Fundraiser



For additional information and to reserve a time slot:
https://www.facebook.com/events/791424417614797/?pnref=story

Blackstone Valley: February Things to Do



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February Things to do 

in the Blackstone River Valley 

National Heritage Corridor


For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar

Coffee with Charlene

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Join Charlene Perkins Cutler for her monthly coffee hour.  
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

This month's topic:  Announcing a New Program!
Location:  Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center - Pawtucket
                  175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
For more information, click here



Save the Dates!

We are looking ahead to some great activities and opportunities.  Mark your calendars, and look for more information in upcoming newsletters.


March 17       (Tuesday)  -  Coffee with Charlene 

March 19      (Thursday) -   Blackstone Heritage Corridor 
                                              Annual Dinner 



Partner Events in January



February  7 - Wallum Lake Twilight Tour
The Central MA Snowshoe Series will host this night-time snowshoe race.  If the current piles of snow melt before this event, it will take place as the durtyfeets Trail Series!  

For more information, 
go to the MRA Multisport web page:


February  7 - Blackstone River Theatre
                Occidental Gypsy
Occidental Gypsy delivers an exhilarating blend of gypsy swing, jazz and world music with riff-rich, roaring acoustic sound and sultry vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing.

For more information visit the BRT web page:



February   7 - Wintertime Market 

The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, visit the web page:


February 10 - Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce 
                 Annual Dinner
The Chamber's 24th Annual Dinner will feature a keynote address by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. As the 75th governor of Rhode Island, she is the first female to hold the office. Prior to being elected governor, she served as General Treasure of Rhode Island. Raimondo's agenda is designed to kick start the state's economy and create Jobs.

For more information, go to the Chamber's web page:


February 12 - BRWA Board Meeting
Monthly Board meeting of the Blackstone River Watershed Association

For more information, go to the BRWA web page:


February 13 - Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce 
                        Legislative Breakfast
Meet and hear from your newly elected legislators!
 
For more information, go to the Chamber's  web page:


February 14 - Wintertime Market 
The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

 Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, visit the web page:


February 15 - Blackstone River Theatre
                 FullSet
All accomplished young musicians in their own right, FullSet create a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation, and are quickly becoming one of the most well-known bands in the Irish music scene today

For more information visit the BRT web page:


February 16-20 - Winter on the Farm
The Community Harvest Project is sponsoring a Winter-Break Camp for kids grades 4 - 7.  Events include hands-on cooking, nutrition activities, nature crafts, container planting, and active games.

For more information, go to the Community Harvest web page:

February 17 - Canal District  
                 Carnaval de Canal

 The Canal District is pleased to host Worcester's Fourth Annual "Carnaval de Canal" Mardi Gras Party - the grandest Mardi Gras Party in Massachusetts, bringing New Orleans fun and entertainment to our fine city. There is sure to be something for everyone! The Canal District offers venues for everyone's tastes! Come on down! The evening will kick off at 6pm and continue throughout the evening along Harding, Green, Water, and Millbury Streets until the close of business.

For more information, visit the web page:


February 18 - BRWC/FOB Board Meeting
Monthly Board meeting of the 
Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone.
For more information, go to the BRWC/FOB web page:

February 21 - Wintertime Market 
The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI
For more information, visit the web page:


February 21 - Blackstone River Theatre
                 Rossoni
This local singer/songwriter presents an evening of original folk/pop/rock music.

For more information visit the BRT web page:

  
February 26 - Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce 
                        Legislative Reception
The annual Legislative Reception is an opportunity for business leaders from around the state to meet with colleagues and elected officials to discuss business issues and concerns they may have in a relaxed and informal setting. The Northern RI Chamber of Commerce coordinates the Chamber of Commerce Coalition, which is the largest business advocacy and lobbying organization in the state, representing more than 7,500 participating businesses and 70,000 employees. 
For more information, go to the Chamber's  web page:


February 28 - Wintertime Market 
The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI
For more information, visit the web page:


February 28 - Blackstone River Theatre
                       The Gnomes
The Gnomes play an eclectic blend of global folk fusion music -- Celtic, Scandinavian, Russian, Eastern European, Caribbean, Klezmer, Native American and originals.

For more information visit the BRT web page:




Your event could be featured here!

Include a description of the event, the event date/time, and other information shown on our event listing form.  

Would you like to include a picture?  Be sure to send it along with the form!


Call for Event Listings!

Is your organization hosting fun, informative, adventurous, or educational activities?  We would love to help you get the word out!

Click below for a copy of our submission form


We will try to include all events and activities.  Simply start by providing some basic information about your event, and we will take it from there!

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a unique cultural landscape of industrial history and immigration in the interconnected system of the Blackstone River watershed. An energetic nonprofit, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. partners with organizations, local communities and businesses, and residents to insure the long term vitality of the Corridor.

 
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