Senator Ross: September 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, September 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, I have made it a priority to meet and listen to residents of every town in our district. Hearing your comments and concerns is an important part of representing my constituents in Boston. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for updates on what is happening in the district as well as important resources for both citizens and local farmers. I am honored to serve you and look forward to the new legislative term. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Dear Constituent: It has been a great honor to serve you in the Massachusetts State Senate for the past six years. I work hard each and every day to make sure you have the most effective representation possible and that your voice is heard in all state matters. We have addressed many challenges in our State, but we have so much more to do to ensure that we can reach our full potential and greatly improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents. This is why I am asking for your help in identifying the issues most important to you, and where you want me to focus my efforts in the new session. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. To do so, click the "Give Feedback" button below. Thank you. Give Feedback PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITOES As the fall season approaches, it is important to remember that mosquitoes are still present. With recent cases of West Nile Virus found in Massachusetts, I urge my constituents to take precaution and be preventative against mosquito bites. Prevent mosquitoes and mosquito bites by: Applying insect repellent when outdoors: Be sure to use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient. Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Dusk to dawn is the peak hours for mosquitoes, so try to avoid outdoor activities during this time. Wear long-sleeves and other protective clothing to keep mosquitoes away from the skin Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in bodies of standing water. Be sure to drain rain gutters and change water in birdbaths often. ********************** The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full text, follow this link in your browser

FHS cross country results from Kelley Invitational

Congrats to everyone on a great meet at the Kelley Invite! We finished 4th place overall 🎉😊 pic.twitter.com/BkjxDjOi6p

— Franklin Girls XC (@FHS_girlsXC) October 2, 2016

FHS cross country team on the bus

FHS girls varsity cross country results from Kelley Invitational

The full set of results for the Kelley Invitational
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results#.V_G3Q_ArLIU

The girls junior varsity results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475592/formatted#.V_G4MfArLIU

The girls freshman results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475597/formatted#.V_G4e_ArLIU


The boys varsity did not appear to run,
The freshman boys did post results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475595/formatted#.V_G3ifArLIU

The boys junior varsity have results (preliminary - corrected ones expected)
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475513/raw#.V_G32_ArLIU

• For the Hockomock results for this meet

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-results-from-frank-kelley-invitational-2016/

"It’s time for vocational schools to get some respect"

Vocational education is in the news with two articles coming across the radar on Sunday. First from the Magazine section of the Boston Sunday Globe. The second from the Milford Daily News (MDN).

The Globe article touts vocational education as something to be considered. The MDN article effectively provides a good example of why.

The links to both articles are shown below:

"On a Monday morning in late spring, city buses arrive like clockwork on Malcolm X Boulevard, disgorging students hunched over cellphones, earbud wires trailing down the fronts of hoodies. They file toward Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, where executive director Kevin McCaskill, in a suit and pin-striped shirt with matching pocket square, and two other administrators greet them as if part of a receiving line. “Good morning! Good morning! Good morning!” McCaskill booms at bleary-eyed kids moving as if they are battling a stiff wind. 

Among those passing through the metal doors is Reno Guerrero, who emigrated several years ago with his mother, older sister, and younger brother from the Dominican Republic to Dorchester. Guerrero, 19, wears a white T-shirt, jeans, and white socks with soccer sandals. His hair is close-cropped, and a shadow of a beard is shaved to precision points at his temples. Clear stone studs sparkle in each earlobe. He is feeling nervous about his senior presentation on engine repair, the culmination of three years of course work plus intensive training in automotive technology. But the nerves are tempered by excitement. He’s learned he’s been accepted to MassBay Community College, and he already has a job lined up for after graduation at a garage that services Boston’s city-owned vehicles. “Cars, for me, is everything right now,” he says. “It’s what I know how to do, and I’m going to do it for life.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/28/workschool/BapGlJ8WGrI5cdQuDmcmNI/story.html

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior George Wood received the opportunity to tour Europe over the summer, thanks to his cooperative education employer. 

Wood, a computer information systems student from Medway, was hired by Hamilton Storage Technologies Inc. as part of the school’s Cooperative Education Program. Students who qualify for the program receive paid, full-time employment in their respective fields in place of the time they would spend in their career programs. 

After hiring Wood in the summer for the fall semester, Matthew Hamilton, president of the Franklin-based company, chose to send him to Switzerland to receive training from the information technology department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161002/tri-county-student-receives-it-training-in-europe

http://www.tri-county.us/

Ballot Question 2: Teachers on opposite sides

In the Magazine section of the Boston Sunday Globe, Oct 2, there was an article with a question and answer for two teachers on opposite sides of the charter school ballot question.

"Question 2, the referendum on November’s Massachusetts state ballot proposing to let up to 12 more charter schools open or expand each year than current limits, is expected to draw a record-setting $30 million in TV advertising spending by backers and opponents by the time polls open. The dollars might seem out of whack, given that if Question 2 passes it would be more than a decade before even 10 percent of the state’s public schools were charters (today just 78 of our 1,854 K-12 public schools are). 

The proposal looks incremental, but, nationally, this ballot question is seen as a shootout at the OK Corral for charter schools, says Paul Reville, who was then governor Deval Patrick’s secretary of education and is now a professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. He says Question 2 could eventually see hundreds of millions of dollars in state aid follow students to charter schools, threatening the status quo."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/28/charterschools/VYVtAZREZrZNR5pdupjw7L/story.html

Voter Information mailer for Nov 8, 2016

The MA.Gov summary of Question 2 can be found here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_2.htm

Franklin Recreation Basketball - signup by Oct 7

K-2 basketball will start December 3, 3rd-8th grade basketball will start November 12. 

Sign up before October 7

https://www.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t1.wcs?clientid=FRANKLIN&siteid=1

Shared from the Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/posts/1618716868429032



Register here:
https://www.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t1.wcs?clientid=FRANKLIN&siteid=1

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 5, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– September 21, 2016

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS 
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS 
- Election workers

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
 Historical Commission

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-58:Request for Legislation, Exempting all Positions in the Fire Dept from
Civil Service Law
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-768: Districts Enumerated. Creation of Rural Business
Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-769: Definitions. Country Store – Referral to Planning
Board
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-770: Rural Business Zone Use Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-771: Rural Business Zone Dimensional Regulations –
Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-772: Rural Business Zone Sign Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-773: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential 1 to
Rural Business an Area on Washington Street – Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN


You can find the full agenda and supporting documents as released on the Town webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F0E17-000F8513

Or a copy of the agenda can also be viewed/downloaded here

The new wing being added to the Franklin Library is rising into shape

Library topping off recognized on Tuesday, Oct 4 - 11:00 AM

As has been reported previously, the Franklin Public Library expansion and renovation is underway. The concrete foundation for the new wing has been poured and this week the steel girders started rising. The traditional topping off ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday morning, Oct 4 at 11:00 AM.

Recent walks captured these photos of the construction progress.

Saturday from School St

Friday from Dean College

Thanks to Library Building Committee Chairperson Judith Pfeffer for sharing the information

Keep your passwords secure (video)

The breach at Yahoo released millions of email addresses and passwords. 

Did you change your Yahoo password recently?

Do you change your passwords frequently?

In most corporate environments changing passwords every 60 or 90 days is required. It may be a pain but it can be a good security mechanism.





For more about staying safe online and how to manage your passwords, check out http://staysafeonline.org/

http://staysafeonline.org/  #lockdownURLogin

The Secret Life of a Massachusetts Teen - Oct 17

Learn What Your Teens Are Really Thinking — And How You Can Support Them

Do you wonder...

• What teens are really thinking?
• Why they don’t share their fears?
• How we can better support teens?
• How we can become better parents?

Parents will leave the workshop with...

• Strategies they can implement immediately
• New ways of understanding teens
• Innovative techniques for engaging teens
• Confidence, courage, and new language

Monday, October 17th @ 7PM = Franklin High School Auditorium

Sponsored by: Franklin Public Schools and PCC
Admission is free; Adults only please.

The Secret Life of a Massachusetts Teen - Oct 17

About Jon Mattleman 

Mattleman is a mental health counselor and trainer with 30 years of experience working with youth, parents and families. In 1993 he established Youth/Family Resources, a consulting firm focused on overcoming personal barriers and building healthy relationships. His dynamic presentations and workshops give participants tools they can implement immediately, strategies that work with children and youth, and constructive approaches to communication and collaborative problem solving.

For more about Jon
http://www.jonmattleman.com/the-secret-lives-of-teens

The event flyer can be viewed/downloaded here:

Ribbon Cutting on Main at Harvest Stroll - 4:00 PM - Oct 6

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony To Mark End of Roadwork! Join fellow FDP members, town administrators and elected officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Harvest Stroll.  The ceremony will officially mark the end of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project construction and the beginning of the next phase of downtown revitalization. Be part of a photo op to mark this important piece of Franklin History!

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: early voting begins Oct 24, STEM classes get questions rolling

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. 

Early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot. 

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/early-voting-to-begin-oct-24

"Questions filled Jim Schliefke’s seventh grade science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classroom at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin Wednesday afternoon. 

Students asked Schliefke about a team activity to design a remote-controlled cargo carrier that could carry balls and plastic cubes around the room. 

“Some of them are realizing right now that they can’t do what they thought,” Schliefke noted as he walked around. 

Although it’s not a new addition to Schliefke’s course this year, the project is a prime example of the trial-and-error teaching style more schools around MetroWest and the Milford region are trying to use."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/schools-teachers-see-growth-and-changes-in-stem-classes

Horace Mann Middle School shares the building with Oak St Elementary School

Election Collection 2016

Leading up to the election on November 8, 2016 this post will collect the articles on and related to the State election (in particular, the four ballot questions) and the election day process for Franklin voters.

Key resources

• Franklin Town Clerk webpage

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index

• Secretary of the Commonwealth - Elections Division

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

• Sample ballots

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/sample-ballots-for-nov-8.html

screen grab of Franklin Town Clerk new webpage

Articles

• Franklin Election results - November 8, 2016

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/unofficial-tally-for-franklin-ma-for.html

• Election Day

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/election-day-2016-your-time-to-vote.html

• A collection  of recent links on the ballot questions

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/a-collection-of-recent-links-on-ballot.html

• Early voting ends Nov 4

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/early-voting-ends-friday-nov-4.html

• Milford Daily News "Your guide to MA ballot questions"

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/milford-daily-news-your-guide-to.html

• US Rep Kennedy speaks with AP Class

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/in-news-kennedy-speaks-to-fhs-ap-class.html

• Candidate Rosa speaks with AP Class

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/in-news-candidate-visits-ap-class.html

• Last day to register - Oct 19

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/last-day-to-register-to-vote-on.html

• Town Council to consider resolution recommending No vote on Question 4

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/a-direct-prohibition-would-not-be.html

• Ford Hall Forum on Question 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/ford-hall-forum-presents-questions-on.html

• What is early voting? (video)

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/voter-information-what-is-early-voting.html

• WGBH Callie Crossley on Ballot Question 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/how-can-mountains-of-positive-data-be.html

• MDN article on early voting

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/early-voting-begins-oct-24.html

• Two teachers on opposite sides of Ballot Question 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/ballot-question-2-teachers-on-opposite.html

• Early voting begins Oct 24

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/early-voting-available-to-franklin.html

• Hold the date - parent forum on Question 2

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/hold-date-parent-forum-on-ballot.html

• The September primary results

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/state-primary-results-sep-8-2016.html

Links

• Save Our Public Schools   https://saveourpublicschoolsma.com/  (vote no on 2)
• Great Schools Now    http://yeson2ma.com/   (vote yes on 2) 

"These programs are self-funded through enrollment fees... it's an efficient program,"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"District officials said the schools' summer programs made the grade this past season, citing record attendance at the High School Experience and offerings in the math, science, art and music departments. 

Discussing the programs with the School Committee, Pandora Carlucci, director of the district's Lifelong Learning department, said the schools offered about 13 different programs, providing dozens of courses and multiple initiatives. 

Carlucci said a forensic science class - in which such topics as fingerprints and blood spatter analysis were explored - has been a perennial favorite. 

She said there were classes for both high school and middle school students, and noted that it was a good opportunity for the younger children to see what was possible at the high school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160930/franklin-schools-summer-program-deemed-success

The two documents used for the presentation and discussion with the School Committee can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/real-time-reporting-school-committee_27.html

discussion of the high school experience for the incoming 9th grade class

FHS girls soccer, field hockey and golf teams post wins on Friday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results from the full set of FHS fall sports action on Friday, Sep 30.

*** Football = Oliver Ames, 14 @ Franklin, 13 – Final

1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Wolowacki 1 yard rush, Matt Zucco XP good; (OA) Anthony Berksza 27 yard rush, XP no good.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (F) J. Wolowacki 2 yard rush, XP blocked; (OA) Liston Funai 5 yard rush, Kyle Gagliardi 2pt pass to Brandon Timulty.

FHS Panthers

*** Boys Soccer = King Philip, 4 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

– King Philip cashed in the first five minutes as junior Tyler Mann put the Warriors up in the fifth minute on an assist from Zac White. Colby Koch doubled KP’s lead in the 20th minute, on an assist from Jack Bush and then tripled the lead, converting a penalty kick that he earned just before halftime. Sophomore Tony Bozza added a fourth goal in the 50th minute off an assist from Koch.

*** Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 1 – Final

– Miranda Smith, Halle Atkinson, and Molly Duncan (from the penalty spot) scored the goals for the Panthers. Lauren DeStefano had an assist in the win.

*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Canton, 3 – Final

– Canton twice erased a one goal deficit and then took its first lead, Emily Campbell scoring the game-winner on a penalty stroke with six minutes to play. Franklin went up 1-0 on an unassisted goal from Annie Walsh and then 2-1 when Walsh scored again on a pass from Caroline Lounsbury.

*** Golf = Mansfield, 172 @ Franklin, 169 – Final

– Franklin’s Matt D’Errico shot a team-low round of 41 while Bryan Woelfel added a 42 and both Connor Norton and Matt Dao shot 43 to help the Panthers edge Mansfield. Brendan Loomer was the match medalist, shooting a low round of 38 for the Hornets while Jason Hindman carded a 41.


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-093016/

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 5th !

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, October 5th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Learn simple exercises to help you lighten up about life and bring more laughter into it! Laughing strengthens the immune system, and helps with stress, depression and anxiety.

There are no fancy postures and is appropriate for all ages and all physical levels. New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com. Wear a fun hat or costume this month if you want!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 5

      

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Fiddler on the Roof

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents the musical theater masterpiece Fiddler on the Roof. The beloved classic opens FPAC’s 26th season. Performances are October 15 at 7:30 p.m., October 16 at 2:00, October 21 and 22 at 7:30, and October 23 at 2:00. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, the iconic musical is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, Fiddler on the Roof is a staple of the musical theatre canon. Set in the small village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and hold onto traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Tzarist Russia. Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition has won the hearts of audiences with its celebration of life and family. The musical features the cherished songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker.”

Leading the cast are Nick Paone (Tevye) of Franklin and Kellie Stamp (Golde) of Westport. The production also features Jason Barney (Motel), Greg Dutton (Lazar Wolf), Aaron Frongillo (Perchik), Anna Grasso (Bielke), Shauna Martin (Yente), Debra Packard (Grandma Tzeitel), and Katharine Waples (Tzeitel) of Franklin; Colie Vancura (Hodel) of Medfield; Katie Gray (Fruma Sarah) of Milford; Griffin Wilkins (Fyedka) of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott (Chava) and Susauna Wickstrom (Shprintze) of Wrentham. Nick Paone directs FPAC’s production, assisted by Raye Lynn Mercer, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Mercer and Kellie Stamp.

Tickets are $34. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com. Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

THE BLACK BOX, 15 W Central St, Franklin, MA