Saturday, August 2, 2014

Franklin School: Get Ready for 2014-2015


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

I hope you are all enjoying a restful and fun summer.  I wanted to check in as we are one month away from the opening of the new school year.  Time to get out and purchase the new notebooks, pencils and backpacks!

Some pertinent dates/information:
  • Administrative Offices: All Principals and clerical staff will officially be back full- time on August 11. Class schedules and placement letters will go out in the mail on August 18.
  • Medication Drop Off: We are unable to accept student medication until our school nurse are back on September 3. If your child is required to take medication during  the school day, please see the school nurse on September 3 with the medication and medical orders. 
  • FHS is on schedule to open and our Class of 2018 will be visiting the HS as part of the FHS Experience the week of August 11. Students attending will be issued their Chromebook, Class Schedule, Bus Pass and School ID.
  • Transportation- Bus Passes will be issued at your child's school the week of August 24-28 between 7:30 and 4:00.
  • Bus routes will be online and in the local paper on August 14.
  • FHS parking- There is limited student parking and student spaces were assigned in the lottery last spring. Students who did not receive a parking space will need to  arrange for transportation , sign up for Pay to Ride or may purchase a Shuttle Bus Pass (reduced fee).

Other Town Information:
If you interested in going green, the Town of Franklin is seeking families to be part of the Solar Challenge. Using solar panels lowers your carbon footprint and can save energy costs. 
The Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development is hosting a meeting on August 20 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall to look at how to engage the community to invest in solar energy. By group purchasing community the cost can be lower. 
The Parmenter School has had solar panels for several years and  the energy savings has been tremendously impactful. We hope that our other schools will look to be a partner in this initiative.


the new Franklin High School under construction earlier this year
the new Franklin High School under construction earlier this year

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Franklin Schools: Phone Problems


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 
There is a problem with the school district phone system and all school phones are being routed to the Town Hall (508-553-4800). We hope this will be repaired by Monday morning.  
For calls placed beginning Monday 8/4/14 please know you will be re-routed to 553-4800 and if you know the extension you will get the school you are seeking. 
If you do not know the  extension you can call the Office of the Superintendent at 553-4819  or 553-4824 and we ill help you get access to the school. 
Thank you

the new Franklin High School earlier this year
the new Franklin High School earlier this year

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.


Franklin School For The Performing Arts To Hold August Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families on Tuesday, August 12 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 27 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs for all ages and abilities in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class. 
FSPA
FSPA
Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes for recreational enjoyment or serious study in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction. The music program provides private lessons and group classes with ensemble performing opportunities. 
Little Music School®, an innovative program developed exclusively at FSPA, teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. Dance instruction is offered in ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, dance for musical theater, acro and Horton Technique, with specialized classes for boys, adults and beginner teens. Drama department classes, beginning with kindergarten children, explore storytelling, theater games, improvisation, scenes and monologues, character development, and audition preparation. 
FSPA online
FSPA online

An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features studio voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, Glee Club, performing troupes, dance companies, ballet variations ensemble, ballet repertoire series, chamber music, and jazz and percussion ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, through audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows.
FSPA’s fall session begins on September 8 and summer programming runs through August 23. 
In addition to weekly classes in music and dance, the summer’s remaining one-week performing arts camps include Choreography Camp (August 11-15), Jazz and Tap Camp (August 11-15), and Acting Camp (August 18-22). Summer workshops include Vocal Styles (August 18-20), with critically acclaimed R&B singer April Hall, introducing students to jazz phrasing, scatting, and improvisation, as well as microphone and performance techniques. A performance skills workshop, Up Your Game (August 11-13), focuses on audition techniques, presentation skills, and developing or improving an audition binder, headshot/resume, and audition wardrobe. For musical theater and jazz dancers, Stepping Up (August 11-13) explores technique, choreography and audition skills.

Registration is ongoing for summer and fall programs. For more information, including summer session brochure and 2014-2015 class schedule, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/1/14 - THU 8/7/14

FRI 8/1  12-6pm   Farmers Market at Franklin Common
FRI 8/1   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

SAT 8/2   10:30am   Tanglewood Marionetts: The Fairy Circus, Franklin Public Library

SUN 8/3   8am   Yoga on the beach - free event at Beaver Pond, Franklin

MON 8/4   10:30am   FSPA presents: Once Upon a Time, Franklin Public Library
MON 8/4   3-7pm   Farmer’s Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham
MON 8/4   6:30pm   Family PJ Storytime at Franklin Public Library.

TUE 8/5   4pm   Beach Box Craft for ages 11 and up, Franklin Public Library

WED 8/6   3pm   Scott Kepnes: Electric Zany Rock and Roll Science Show at Franklin Public Library

THU 8/7   6-10pm   Feast of St. Rocco, Franklin. All rides open, limited food booths.
THU 8/7   6:30-8:30pm   Ladies Night Out at Pour Richard's in Franklin
THU 8/7   7:30pm   FSPA SummerStage presents Legally Blond: The Musical at Medway High School


For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Mobile food pantries hit the road

As announced earlier, the Boston Globe gets to talking about the mobile pantry that the Franklin Food Pantry has started.
In a move to serve residents who otherwise have difficulty accessing its services, the Franklin Food Pantry has launched a delivery service to provide assistance where its clients live and gather. 
Last month, the private, nonprofit operation began a series of weekly deliveries to three rotating locations — two at the town’s Housing Authority properties and one at the Franklin Senior Center. 
“One of the reasons we looked into doing a mobile pantry is that hunger can be very isolating,” said Erin Lynch, the pantry’s executive director and lone employee. “As much as possible, we want to make sure we’re reaching neighborhoods and connecting them to the resources they need.”

You can continue reading the full article in the Globe West section of the Boston Globe edition on Thursday or online here   http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/07/30/mobile-food-pantries-hit-road-area-communities/t16S85DPe8NLxg61FBioOJ/story.html


the Franklin Food Pantry's mobile pantry
the Franklin Food Pantry's mobile pantry

Related posts on the mobile pantry
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2014/06/franklin-food-pantry-announces-summer.html

Volunteers for the mobile pantry can sign up here
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2014/06/looking-for-volunteer-opportunities.html

PanMass Challenge rides through on Saturday

Be aware there will be hundreds of bicyclists on the roads early Saturday morning as the riders for the PanMass Challenge make a stop at Remington-Jefferson School. The water stop is a favorite spot full of energy and fun. If you haven't been, I would suggest making a visit sometime.


Photos from last year:

the riders arrive at Remington-Jefferson
the riders arrive at Remington-Jefferson


refreshments, gears checks, and lots of conversations
refreshments, gears checks, and lots of conversations


Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting

A map of the PMC Course
http://www.pmc.org/routes/sturbridge-provincetown

You can donate to the PMC by rider or in general
http://www2.pmc.org/donation.asp


Post on the PMC form 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-pan-mass-challenge-riders-through.html

Post on the PMC from 2009
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/08/pmc-franklin-water-stop.html

KidsCount: FAQ - Earned Paid Sick Time



  MASSBudget     


EARNED PAID SICK TIME:
Frequently Asked Questions
A state economy works best for everyone when working people can balance work, family, and life's challenges. Over the past several years a number of cities, and one state, have enacted laws that allow workers to take time off if they are ill or need to care for a sick family member. Without these laws, workers can generally be fired if they miss work because they are sick.

Earned Paid Sick Time - Frequently Asked Questions describes how many workers currently have no access to earned paid sick time, what kinds of jobs these workers have, and how these laws work.
  
 
 


The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
Twitter Facebook

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Senator Karen Spilka: Approaching the Finish Line




July 31, 2014

Dear Steve,

The legislature's schedule of formal sessions comes to a close today at midnight, and we're running through the tape at full speed! We will continue to meet regularly in informal sessions to address routine business, but many important controversial matters must be debated and finalized today.

I'm pleased to share a few highlights from the week so far in the Senate, and be sure to stay tuned for many more legislative updates after today's final formal session. For more frequent news from the Senate and other details, be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page.


Legislature Passes Capital Bond Bill for State Building Projects

Yesterday, the legislature enacted a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in spending for the improvement of state facilities and other building projects across the state. The bill includes funding for accessibility improvements, cultural facilities, school equipment at vocational schools and public library improvements, as well as increases in spending authorizations for state universities and community college campus facilities.


I was especially proud to successfully advocate for $14 million in additional funding for MassBay Community College to build a new campus in downtown Framingham, bringing the state's total capital contribution to $36 million for the $59 million campus project. MassBay is a true partner for the MetroWest region, and this additional funding for a new campus is wonderful news for the college and for our ongoing efforts to transform and revitalize downtown Framingham. MassBay will be able to improve and expand educational opportunities for students, and a new campus in the heart of downtown will also provide a significant boost to local businesses in the area.



Senate Passes Healthy Kids Bill

The Senate passed An Act relative to healthy kids, which encourages healthy living by requiring physical education courses in public schools across the Commonwealth. Promoting public health starts with our children, and this bill takes important steps to improve education in the areas of health, wellness and nutrition, while increasing our kids' physical activity.


Legislature Passes Disabilities Rights Bill



Too often, people with intellectual disabilities and their families have little control over major life choices regarding their care and the services they receive. This lack of control inhibits people from fully participating and thriving in their own communities. Their voices deserve to be heard. The Real Lives Bill, passed by the legislature yesterday, changes the conversation about the role disabled individuals should play in their own lives. We are expanding the ability of people to direct their own public funds and empowering them to choose what is best for their unique situations.

Legislature Passes Technology Spending Bill

The House and Senate passed a multi-year technology bond bill, authorizing up to $1 billion for the improvement of information technology equipment and projects across the state. Innovative technology drives economic growth in Massachusetts, and this bill makes important investments to allow the state to take full advantage of the opportunities that modern technologies offer. These technology upgrades and projects will allow the Commonwealth to better support our schools, public safety, transportation and other government operations, while also increasing internet and technology access state-wide.

Highlights include funds for upgrades to the State Police's communication network, a public school broadband access improvement grant program, a system to track diagnosis, treatment and services for individuals with autism and IT improvements at the Department of Transportation.


As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please do not hesitate to call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov.

Warm Regards,


Senator Karen E. Spilka
2nd Middlesex and Norfolk
http://www.karenspilka.com

Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka
Room 320, State House
Boston, Massachusetts  02133


This message was sent to shersteve@gmail.com from:
Senator Karen Spilka | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133
Email Marketing by iContact - Try It Free!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Dean College Executive Lecture Series Announces World Series Champion Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner as Honored Guest Speaker for Fall 2014

Dean College is honored to host Thomas C. Werner, Chairman of the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, for the Dean College Leadership Institute Executive Lecture Series on September 23, 2014. The Executive Series offers a unique and interactive opportunity for students, alumni, and the local community to interact with today's business leaders. 
Guest speaker Thomas C. Werner, is one of the chief architects behind three World Championships for the Boston Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2013, in which the Sox won their first World Series at Fenway Park since 1918. 
"The Red Sox are a New England institution and Mr. Werner has helped build one of the most successful franchises in all of sports," said Dr. Paula Rooney, President of Dean College. "This event is a great opportunity for our students to learn from the management of the Red Sox as Mr. Werner shares many of the keys to his and the team's great achievements." 
Dean College
Dean College
Before joining the Red Sox ownership group, Mr. Werner was an award-winning television producer behind several network hits including The Cosby Show, Roseanne, and That 70's Show and is a member of the Television Hall of Fame. He became Chairman of the Boston Red Sox in 2002 when his company, Fenway Sports Group, bought the club. He is also chairman of the New England Sports Network, and since 2010, chairman of the Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League. 
Under Werner's leadership as Chairman of the Boston Red Sox, he oversaw successive improvements to Fenway Park that restored its luster. In 2012, Fenway Park was the first ballpark to celebrate its 100th anniversary. More importantly, during Werner's tenure, the Boston Red Sox have enjoyed unprecedented success, having advanced to postseason play three straight seasons and six times in seven years for the first time in its history. The pinnacle, of course, was the 2004 World Championship that ended an 86-year drought. Another World Series victory would follow in 2007, and another in 2013. 
Charitably speaking, Werner was instrumental in establishing the Red Sox Foundation, which gives away millions of dollars each year to local programs, and the Home Base Program, which aims at helping military veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. 
Werner has served on a number of Boards, including the White House Fellows Commission. He currently serves on the Crossroads School Board, Board for After School All Stars, and the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Werner also serves on the Board of Major League Baseball Enterprises, Major League Baseball Properties, and the Board of the MLB Network.  In 2013, for his leadership and dedication to the game, Werner received the Dave Winfield Humanitarian Award from the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation. 
The speaking program will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA on September 23, 2014. The program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. Click here to register for this event.

Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers five baccalaureate degrees in Business; Liberal Arts and Studies; Arts and Entertainment Management; Dance; and Theatre. Dean also offers 15 associate degree programs as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year.

Short cuts - update

When I had posted the pictures of the utility pole short cut I found at the corner of Mount and Summer St, there were a number of comments. One regular reader pointed me to the pole on Winter St. Another pointed out that all the poles are tagged with ownership. I had recalled seeing numbers on them but hadn't about the ownership. They are mostly tagged with owners although some of the acronyms are cryptic and or missing.

Yes, this is indeed a short cut. They left the bottom piece in as well as the top dangling.

Winter St pole - full view
Winter St pole - full view

Winter St pole - identification tags
Winter St pole - identification tags


This pole on Summer St will need to be addressed as the construction to re-do the street gets underway this year. The pole is on the section of street that Franklin will do, not the section of street that the state will do as part of the downtown improvement project.

Summer St pole propped upon the  curbing
Summer St pole propped upon the  curbing

Summer St pole - limited tagging
Summer St pole - limited tagging
If you find other examples of such short cuts in your neighborhood and can taker a picture to share, please send it along.

The prior post on the utility pole short cut can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/utility-short-cut.html

FSPA Summerstage Presents Legally Blonde The Musical -> Aug 7-8


Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
FSPA
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) SummerStage 2014 presents Legally Blonde: The Musical at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. The annual SummerStage musical theater program casts students in grades 8-12 in the full-length musical production, while students in grades 5-8 will be showcased in an original musical comedy titled Paralegal! The Musical, with one performance on August 8 at 5 p.m. Both productions will be staged at Medway High School, 88 Summer Street.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is a feel-good stage musical adaptation of the smash-hit movie based on the novel by Amanda Brown. With music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach, Legally Blonde is a high energy, campy romantic comedy featuring tongue-in-cheek humor, memorable songs and a winning, upbeat style. The musical tells the story of sorority sister Elle Woods, who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School intent on winning him back. But Elle learns to stay true to herself instead in this hilarious and heart-warming story of transformation and self-discovery. 
Featured roles will be played by Ali Funkhouser (Elle Woods) of Franklin, Jenna McDermott (Margot) of Wrentham, Kylee Rollins (Serena) of N. Attleboro, Lindsey Sparages (Pilar) of Franklin, Aaron Frongillo (Warner) of Franklin, Michael Fajardo (Emmett) of Hopkinton, Katie Gray (Paulette) of Milford, Julie Shapiro (Brooke) of Mansfield, Madison Asgeirsson (Enid) of Franklin, Katherine Waples (Vivienne) of Franklin and Catherine LeClair (Kate) of Franklin. 
In Paralegal! The Musical a clever middle school class takes creative license with a social studies assignment, bringing their demonstration of our legal system to life and the stage with comic song-and-dance style.

Tickets for Legally Blonde are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. Tickets for Paralegal! are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit www.fspaonline.com. For more information, call (508) 528-8668.

Franklin Library: Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show

Scott Kepnes will bring his "Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show" to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday Aug 6th.

The show starts at 3:00 PM

Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show
Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show


This was re-posted from the Franklin Library website:
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/07/scott-kepnes-electric-zany-rock-roll.html

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Concerts on the Common - July 30th

6:00 PM - Electric Youth


Concerts on the Common
Concerts on the Common

Next week - Aug 6th
no concert next week (St Rocco's Festival opens Aug 7th)


Next concert - Aug 13
6:00 PM - Lolly the Clown
6:30 PM - The Leeds


Franklin Ford gets a new look

On my walks around town over the past couple of weeks, I have been observing that Franklin Ford is getting some work done. This week the new look is really coming out.


Franklin Ford - new look 1
Franklin Ford - new look
Franklin Ford - new look 2
Franklin Ford - new look 2
From June 24th

Franklin Food under construction 1
Franklin Ford under construction 1

Franklin Food under construction 2
Franklin Ford under construction 2
June 6th - they were a 'no name place'

Franklin Food - no name for the moment
Franklin Ford - no name for the moment

Franklin Food - no name for the moment 2
Franklin Ford - no name for the moment 2

The Franklin Food Pantry truck was purchased from Franklin Ford

MA One Stop Career Centers

From the MA.gov blog I find this posting with information on the Career Centers. Franklin has the choice of using one in Attleboro or Milford as they are the closest. When I spent the better part of two years on my job search, I visited Milford and they were a helpful resource.


"Finding a job can be a daunting task that requires a great deal of preparation and commitment. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers are here to help residents find the resources they need to launch their careers. Growing businesses can also benefit from the services provided."
MA Career centers
MA Career Centers

Continue to read about the services and resources available at the Career Centers here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/employment/massachusetts-one-stop-career-centers/

To find all the locations of the career centers, they have an interactive map here
http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-services/dcs/find-a-career-center-near-you.html


If you know someone who is looking for work, there will be a Job Search Jam Session held in Hopkinton on Sep 12th. Visit this site to check for information on registration as it becomes available.
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/


Franklin Library: "Once Upon a Time" - Aug 4th, 10:30 AM

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts continues their busy summer schedule with an appearance at the Franklin Library on Monday, Aug 4th at 10:30 AM.

FSPA presents "Once Upon a Time"
FSPA presents "Once Upon a Time"


*** Electric Youth (EY) will perform free outdoor summer concerts on Wednesday, July 30, from 6-8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common and on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30-8 p.m. on Norfolk Town Hill.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/electric-youth-to-perform-free-outdoor.html



This was re-posted from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/07/franklin-school-for-performing-arts.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Are you ready for a photo challenge?

There are lots of gardens in Franklin; both flower and vegetable. 
Take a photo of something growing. Post it or email it to me. Tag with #franklingrows 
I'll collect them and share them all this weekend. Submit the photo by Friday Aug 1 and they'll be shared on Sun Aug 3.

full photo
full photo

Instagram cropped version:

Ladybug Spots on the Town Common --- Aug 9-10

You recall earlier this year, the Franklin Cultural Council created the Ladybug Spots Project. The decorated Ladybug Spots are now ready to showcase to one and all.

The showing will be held on the Franklin Town Common Saturday and Sunday, Aug 9 and 10 from noon to 4:00 PM.

Ladybug
Ladybug

Davis Thayer's Ladybug
Davis Thayer's Ladybug






On the one hand you can combine a visit to the St Rocco's Festival with a visit to the Ladybug Spots. On the other hand, be aware that parking around the Town Common with St Rocco's underway will be challenging.


From the archive on Ladybug Spots

Jan 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/community-will-gain-lot-from-it.html

Apr 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/cultural-council-open-house-and-awards.html

Jun 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/ladybug-spots-public-art-project.html

Franklin Art Center is moving - Sep 1

This was shared on Facebook and in case some of you that only visit here or only read via email missed that news, I am sharing here....

Franklin Art Center - 391 East Central St
Franklin Art Center - 391 East Central St




Rep Jeff Roy - July 2014 newsletter



This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you know anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward a copy of it to them. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the buttons below.
Email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.
Rep Jeff Roy newsletter Follow on Twitter Friend of Facebook
House passes gun bill

House passes gun bill

Something remarkable happened at the State House this month.

In a country where gun-control proposals usually provoke a harsh backlash from gun-rights advocates, we approved an historic gun violence bill that drew support from both the Gun Owner's Action League ("A great victory for Second Amendment advocates in Massachusetts.") and Stop Handgun Violence ("This is a huge win.").  As reported in the Boston Globe (click here to read the article), with the vote, the state is a leader when it comes to bridging what often seems like an intractable gulf between the two sides.

Brian Malte, policy director for the Brady Campaign, said he could not recall such a respectful debate in any other state that has tightened its laws. That is obviously a credit to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who built on the state's strong record on gun control to craft even more sophisticated legislation.

As Rep. Roy stated at the beginning of the legislative session, he was committed to figuring out how best to balance the mental health, safety and constitutional issues involved. He understood that we could not do this without respect and empathy for one another's opinions and ideas. It's amazing what can happen when we listen to one another and work together.

The bill is currently before a House and Senate conference committee to iron out differences between the two versions of the bill that were passed. It is hoped that a compromise will be reached before the end of the session on Thursday.
House passes safe access bill

House passes safe access bill

Last week, the House passed the Safe Access bill, balancing the right to access health care with the free speech concerns of those who wish to protest.

Prior to the vote, the Judiciary Committee heard very emotional testimony on the proposed bill to address the Supreme Court decision on the Massachusetts buffer zone case. Rep. Roy serves on the Judiciary Committee. Testimony from the hearing noted that the Supreme Court has upheld reasonable buffer zones at polling places, and even maintains one in front of its building in Washington, DC. In that context, the proposed bill would allow protesters to promote their messages, so long as they do not substantially impede access to those who wish to enter a reproductive health center.

"It's a delicate balance to craft legislation in this area, but the proposed bill does a good job of maintaining the right to speak and respecting privacy rights," noted Rep. Roy. In addition, he thanked everyone who offered respectful, thoughtful, and personal stories at the Judiciary hearing.

You can view the WBZ report on the bill and hearing by clicking here.
Massachusetts is the best state

Massachusetts is the best state

Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family, and we aim to keep it that way. And as reported in the Washington Post, that success often starts with a good education. No state lays that groundwork better than Massachusetts.

That's according to the Education Week Research Center, a nonpartisan group that measured indicators such as preschool and kindergarten enrollment, high school graduation rates, and higher education attainment. The yearly study also considered family income and parental employment, which are linked to educational achievement. You can read the report by clicking here.

Massachusetts again emerged as the top-achieving state, a position it has held since the index was first introduced in 2008.

This recognition gives credence to the commitment etched on the exterior of the Boston Public library: "The Commonwealth requires the education of the people as the safeguard of order and liberty."
DTA recognition ceremony

DTA recognition ceremony

Rep. Roy attended the Department of Transitional Assistance Client Recognition Ceremony in Framingham. While there, he witnessed the awarding of certificates to several clients who had participated in programs providing them with the basic skills, education, and support services needed to acquire and retain jobs.

"It was certainly wonderful to see these people who participated in a government program that helped them help themselves," said Rep. Roy. "With these certificates, they are well-versed in what needs to be done to get employed, and hopefully they will all be back on track in the workforce. This will help them, their children, and their communities."

Congratulations to the graduates.
Direct shipment of wine to begin soon

Direct shipment of wine to begin soon

Beginning in 2015, residents will have the luxury of merely hopping online to order wine from out-of-state vineyards.

The Fiscal Year 2015 budget included a provision that allows the direct shipment of wine, something that was prohibited in Massachusetts before July 2014. Massachusetts became the 40th state to authorize these sales.

Former Patriot Drew Beldsoe was at the State House in March pushing wine shipment reform (he owns a vineyard in Washington). 
Pan Mass Challenge

Pan Mass Challenge

Next weekend, Rep. Roy will ride his 12th Pan Mass Challenge with Phil's Phriends. He is committed to raising funds for cancer research by riding in the 2014 PMC and would love for you to join him.

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event in the country, $414 million since 1980 and $39 million last year alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding for, and caring about, a cure.

To donate to Rep. Roy's ride, click here.
Franklin & Medway make top 100

Franklin & Medway make top 100

It was nice to see that Franklin (#47) and Medway (#72) have both made the list of the top 100 communities in Massachusetts. You can read the report by clicking here.

To translate "great community" into a quantifiable assessment, GoLocalWorcester went to the data. Their researchers spent hours poring over measures from public sources that help define a great place to live. They gathered and assessed housing prices, tax rates, median household incomes, crime statistics, and school performance on standardized tests in elementary, middle, and high schools. They counted places to go out and have fun, from bars and restaurants, to theaters, historic sites and museums, and golf courses. They even counted libraries.

Rep. Roy congratulates both towns and noted that it's an honor an privilege to represent the people in them.
Medical marijuana tax bill heard

Medical marijuana tax bill heard

The Revenue Committee heard our bill seeking a local sales tax on medical marijuana last week. Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting joined Rep. Roy to offer testimony at the State House. The town of Dennis was also there seeking similar authorization from the Legislature.

The legislation would allow the town to impose a 5 percent local sales tax on the retail and wholesale sale of medical marijuana. The tax would apply to the retail and wholesale sale of the marijuana cultivated in town and sold in another community.

The bill was filed after Franklin's Town Council adopted a resolution requesting Rep. Roy to seek authorization from the Legislature allowing it to tax facilities in town. The text of the resolution can be read by clicking here.

Channel 22 News from western Mass was very interested in the marijuana sales tax bill because the Franklin growing facility will set to the dispensary in Northampton. You can view its report on the story by clicking here.

Magna Carta on display in Boston

Thanks to the hard work or our colleague Rep. Cory Atkins of Concord, the Magna Carta will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through September 1.

It's one of four of the original documents remaining from 1215 and is one of the seminal documents in the development of limited government, individual rights and liberties, and the rule of law. This is a must see exhibit and joins other historical loans as well as portraits and works of art from the Museum's collection—including the MFA's Sons of Liberty Bowl (1768) by Paul Revere, which is engraved with the words "Magna/Charta" and "Bill of/Rights"—to tell the story of patriots and revolutionaries who fought for freedom in the face of tyranny.

The exhibition also includes portraits, marble busts, and historical documents related to several of the Founding Fathers, presidents, and abolitionists, particularly from Massachusetts, who were inspired by the liberties enshrined in Magna Carta. To learn more about the exhibit, click here.
Copyright © 2014 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House.
Our mailing address is:
State Rep Jeff Roy
State House Room 134
Boston, MA 02133

Add us to your address book
Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp