The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - marks the tunnel opening

The journey to upgrade the abandoned railroad path in Franklin & Bellingham began in December of 2008 when a representative of the Franklin Odd Fellows sat in on a meeting of the Grand Trunk Trailblazers in Thompson, CT and offered to be Franklin’s representative as the most easterly of (6) towns making up the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) from Franklin to the Connecticut border. 

The towns from East to West are Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, Douglas.  The grassroots committee that was formed in January of 2009 was called the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, but that was later changed to the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) when Bellingham members joined the committee and we saw a need to expand.  

By December of 2009, the rail trail committee had secured an Opinion of Probable Cost from Pare Engineering in Lincoln, RI to improve the overgrown railroad right of way into a multipurpose walking and biking trail with a tunnel at the Prospect St. crossing.   For the next 11 years the committee advocated, fundraised and continually worked to obtain grants and petitioned our state government for funds to improve the SNETT.  

Both towns of Franklin & Bellingham have been active participants in the process adding parking lots and signage at road crossings.   The town of Bellingham made a significant contribution by burying a town waterline on the path and getting a significant portion of the Bellingham section completed to a finished grade.  The high point of the committee’s effort has been the funding and construction of the tunnel at Prospect St.  

State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Senators Karen Spilka and Richard Ross signed on to an initial Bond Bill that included the necessary funding for the trail and tunnel.  State Rep. Mike Soter of Bellingham, the Bellingham Planning Committee and Franklin Town Administrators Jeff Nutting and Jamie Hellen of Franklin have also been active participants.  

The committee is also grateful for the thousands of runners who have supported our 9 years of fundraiser road races and the numerous corporate donors who gave us much needed annual financial support and for the Town of Franklin for allowing us to use the Remington School for our Road Race site.  

The committee is also very grateful for all of the advice, support and “boots on the ground” manpower that we received over the years from the Department of Conservation (DCR) and we certainly understand that whatever success we’ve had as a grassroots committee would not have been possible without their full cooperation and support.

**  Written by Dave Labonte, original member of the FBRTC. 

For more about the FBRTC    https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

In @TOFranklinMA The new SNETT tunnel was celebrated on Friday. @KarenSpilka @jeffroy @BeccaRauschMA   @Gannett       Look for upcoming  @laurenwhy_ @milforddaily story.  

 

Photo gallery here: https://t.co/f8i5BWGgOZ  

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/fZnxTQEVLE

Additional photos from Rep Jeff Roy on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/534850033/posts/10164157069840034/

photo from Rep Jeff Roy on Facebook

 

In the News: Roy wins, Rausch tops Ross

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

The Franklin delegation changes with challenger Becca Rausch defeating incumbent Richard Ross for Senate while Jeff Roy beat his challenger and Karen Spilka ran unopposed to return to their seats.

"State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, won another term representing the 10th Norfolk District, defeating opponent Patrick Casey by earning nearly 60 percent of the vote. 

Roy, who won by a tally of 11,304-8,038, said Tuesday there are four key areas that he’s been working on while in office – schools, addiction, health care reform and economic development. 

“I think a lot of people are awake and realize that this is a very important election, not only nationally but here locally,” said Roy holding a sign on Tuesday afternoon. “This election is about the soul of America and what direction we want to head in.” 

In Medway, Roy, who has served three two-year terms, received 2,727 votes over Republican Casey, a Franklin Town Council member, who had 1,996. In Franklin, Roy received 8,577 votes to Casey’s 6,042."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181106/state-rep-jeff-roy-wins-10th-norfolk-seat-again

"Democratic challenger Becca Rausch pulled an upset, defeating incumbent state Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, in the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District, according to the Rausch campaign. 

The final count was 37,323-35,641, announced in a text message to the Daily News by the Rausch campaign. 

Rausch texted at approximately 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, “WE WON!!!! Pending confirmation of all the numbers, but we are confident.” The outcome hung on the result from Attleboro, the last of the 12 communities in the district to report. Attleboro went 3,387-3,055 for Ross."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181107/democrat-becca-rausch-upset-winner-over-republican-state-sen-richard-ross


The 'election collection' can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html

Election Information for Nov 2018

Senator Ross: October 2018 Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, October Update 2018 View this email in your browser 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 and Constituents, I hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween and are gearing up for the holiday season. During the month of October, I was busy meeting with many constituents, organizations, businesses, and public safety officials in my district. The State House is preparing for formal session to begin again in January, but the hard work is not finished. As we enjoy the rest of fall foliage and soaking in the Red Sox World Series win, my staff and I are working towards a productive 2019-2020 session.  Within this e-newsletter, you will find important information about the work we've been doing regarding promoting cancer treatment research, the supplemental budget, legislation regarding learning disabilities, and more. There is also helpful information for those who will be visiting the RMV soon, as there are specific items necessary to obtain a REAL ID so make sure you come prepared.  As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at (617) 722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely, This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents, visit https://mailchi.mp/85840f1ba16c/please-read-my-october-update?e=c5417034e9

In the News: Ross challenged for Norfolk, Bristol, Middlesex seat

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

Incumbent state Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, is challenged by Needham Democrat Becca Raush the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex district seat in the state Senate. The district includes the towns of Franklin, precincts 1 to 4, inclusive, and precinct 7, Millis, Needham, precincts A to C, inclusive, I and J, Norfolk, Plainville, Wellesley, precincts B, F, and G and Wrentham, in the county of Norfolk; the city of Attleboro, ward 1, ward 2 and ward 3, precinct A, and the town of North Attleborough in the county of Bristol; and the towns of Natick, precincts 6, 7, 9 and 10, Sherborn and Wayland in the county of Middlesex.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181101/sen-ross-faces-challenge-from-becca-rausch

Ross campaign page  http://www.richardjross.com/

Raush campaign page  https://www.beccarausch.com/


The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html

Election Information for Nov 2018

In the News: walkway foundation set; Ross not responding to debate offer

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

"The Veterans’ Memorial Walkway is starting to take shape on the Town Common, a month after a ceremonial groundbreaking was held at the spot of the planned path. 

This week, Department of Public Works workers have been clearing and putting down a foundation of stones in the newly designed path in front of the current veterans memorial. 

The path is now cleared and ready for the granite curbing. Crews will place the curbing this weekend. Workers will place granite slabs along the path as well as the granite dividers along the walkway, between the dedicated bricks. 

An official dedication ceremony will take place once the pathway is complete, scheduled for Veterans Day (Nov. 11), but applications to buy more bricks will stay open for years to come."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/foundation-cleared-for-franklin-veterans-path

foundation set for the Veterans Walkway on the Town Common

"State Sen. Richard Ross is apparently not interested in debating his Democratic challenger before the Nov. 6 general election. 

Ross, a Republican from Wrentham, “has refused the offer” to participate in a face-to-face candidates forum with Democrat challenger Becca Rausch of Needham, according to an email from the presidents of three local League of Women Voters chapters sent to the campaigns. 

Ross did not respond to two emails and five phone calls requesting his attendance at a candidates forum to be cablecast on the Wayland public access station, according to the Monday email from LWV presidents in Wayland, Wellesley and Needham. A four-term incumbent, Ross has represented the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District since winning a special election in May 2010."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/republican-richard-ross-of-wrentham-wont-debate-challenger-becca-rausch-of-needham

Senator Ross: September Newsletter

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update View this email in your browser 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 and Constituents, The summer has come to an end and fall is in full swing. During the month of September, I was busy meeting with many constituents and organizations in my district. The State House is preparing for formal session to begin again in January, but the hard work is not done. As we enjoy the fall foliage and apple cider, my staff and I are working towards a productive 2019-2020 session.  Within this e-newsletter, you will find important information about the work we've been doing regarding cancer treatment, veterans, the opioid epidemic, and more. There is also helpful information for those who will be visiting the RMV soon, as there are specific items necessary to obtain a REAL ID so make sure you come prepared.  As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at (617) 722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely, This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, follow this link -> https://mailchi.mp/ff96489a7305/september-newsletter?e=c5417034e9

View this email in your browser

Senator Richard Ross: Summer at the State House

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, Summer Update 2018 View this email in your browser 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, This has been a busy summer here at the State House. Upon closing out our formal session, we finalized the FY19 budget and passed important legislation regarding veterans, the opioid crisis, energy, criminal justice, and many others. However, there is still more work to be done as we enter the fall.   I suggest you review my FY19 Budget Round-Up, which includes information on funding for improvements across my district to help our towns and lessen the burden on you, the taxpayers. Within this e-newsletter, you will also find important information pertaining to proper identifications and other important pieces of legislation.  As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at (617) 722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely, ON THE HILL FY19 Budget Round-Up I am pleased that the budget signed by Governor Baker includes funding for many important programs and projects throughout my district. This funding will go a long way in improving the quality of education at our schools, providing transportation to our citizens, especially seniors, improving streets and dams, and fighting the opioid epidemic. There is more I wish we had done, as far as cost saving measures and letting taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars, but our work continues. FY19 Earmarks 1. Attleboro Fire Safety – Provides $50,000 for a fire safety grant in Attleboro 2. Franklin Veterans War Memorial - Provides $50,000 for Franklin to construct a veterans memorial parkway on the town common 3.Franklin – King Street Park Improvements - Provides $200,000 for improvements to the King Street Memorial Park 4. Franklin downtown Partnership - Provides $25,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership 5. New England Center for Children PArtner Program - $100,000 for Parmenter Elementary School in Franklin to help children on the autism spectrum. 6. Millis Senior Transportation - Provides $50,000 for Millis to purchase a new senior van 7. Millis High School Auditorium - Provides $60,000 for Millis to renovate the High School auditorium 8. Natick Veterans Oral History Project - Provides $30,000 to the Veterans Oral History Project at Morse Library in Natick 9. Natick Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Provides $75,000 to Natick to support Camp Arrowhead which provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities statewide 10. Natick Opioid Task Force - Provides $60,000 for the Opioid Task Force in Natick 11. Natick Service Council for Veterans -Provides $25,000 for the Natick Service Council for Veterans substance abuse prevention efforts 12. Needham handicap Accessible Transport Van for Seniors - Provides $90,000 for Needham to purchase a handicap van for senior transportation 13. Needham Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Provides $200,000 for Needham to make certain public safety improvements 14. Needham Cutler Park Improvements - Provides $100,000 for maintenance and improvements to Cutler Park in Needham 15. Norfolk City Mills Dam Improvements - Provides $50,000 for Norfolk for improvements to the portion of Main Street traversing the City Mills Dam 16. North Attleboro Child Safety Grant - Provides $50,000 for the WWII Veteran Memorial Pool in North Attleboro 17. Wellesley Pedestrian Crossing Study - Provides $30,000 for Wayland to conduct a feasibility study on improving the crossing at Route 9/Worcester Street in Wellesley 18. Wellesley Protective Gear - Provides $24,000 for Wellesley to purchase personal protective gear and medical supplies for law enforcement 19. Wrentham Developmental Center Mitigations - Provides $100,000 to cities and towns hosting developmental centers or state schools 20. Tri-County Voc-Tech High School Handicap Activity Van for Disabled Students - Provides $50,000 for Tri-County to purchase a new handicap activity van 21. King Phillip Regional School Safety - Provides $100,000 to the towns of King Philip (through Wrentham) for school safety improvements Franklin Matters: The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of contents follow this link -> https://mailchi.mp/4ce3c36158d0/summer-at-the-state-house?e=c5417034e9