United Regional Chamber of Commerce - eNews - Nov 11, 2014

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce eNews Nov. 11, 2014

Dear Stephen, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce strives to keep our members informed. As a member, you receive our weekly electronic newsletter, eNews, and occasional eNews alerts of upcoming events. If you do not wish to receive future editions of this electronic newsletter, please email Lisa or call her at 508-222-0801. In This Issue... Sales Summit Nov. 12 Volunteers Needed for Committee Meet Our Chamber Volunteers Are you a Gourmet Guy? Be a Santa to a Senior Members in the News School Seeks Professional Mentors Veterans Day 2014 In observation of Veterans Day, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce office is closed today.  Sales Summit Nov. 12 Tomorrow's Best Practice Sales Summit will explore "Inbound Lead Generation" which is clients calling/finding you. Dave Miles, owner of Miles Internet Marketing, will facilitate this in-depth discussion, highlighting how potential customers use theinternet to make purchase decisions. We'll identify what it takes to be in the right place at the right time when these consumers are doing their buying homework. Join the Sales Summit on Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro.  Volunteers Needed for Programs and Events Committee Are you interested in getting more involved with the Chamber? Do you have a passion for putting on great events? If so, WE WANT YOU! Recently the Board of Directors formed a programs and events committee and we are looking for a few good women and men. Our role will be to help improve existing events, create new events and serve as a resource and sounding board for people putting on Business after Hours and other events. If this sounds like something that you are interested in getting involved in we would love to have you. For additional information please contact Ken Abrahams. Meet Our Chamber Volunteers In an effort to introduce you to the many volunteers that help make our Chamber run, we introduced this new Meet Our Chamber Volunteers feature in our eNews. This week, we introduce you to John Sullivan of Wheaton College. How long have you been a chamber member? Since 2006, 8 years. What is your current role on the board? Currently, vice chair, former secretary Why did you choose to get involved? It's in keeping with the College's philosophy of supporting our local communities, their local businesses and residents. It's another facet of town-gown relations that support the best of the town, the college and its industry. Last, it's a philanthropic way that the college can give back to those communities that have supported us. What are one or two things that chamber members need to know or that you would like them to know about you? I strive to make a difference every day in what I do and for whom I serve. Whether it's the members of our great college community, or in the exemplary towns that surround us, I hope that my time and effort has a positive impact! Is there one Chamber event or series of events that you are particularly fond of? The Spotlight on Education Breakfast and Teacher of the Year Award. It showcases all the best in our community and promotes the bright future of our young adults and educators. Great event where students, parents, school administrators and businesses celebrate local accomplishments with pride. Are you a Gourmet Guy? Are you a great chef?! Do you have a specialty your wife or family loves? Sign up as a chef for New Hope's Annual Gourmet Guys! New Hope, Inc. will host its 25th annual "Gourmet Guys" Chefs community event on Nov. 21 at the Attleboro Lodge of Elks, 887 South Main St., Attleboro, at 7 p.m. Approximately 65 amateur and professional chefs prepare their specialties. Tickets are on sale for $30 for adults and $20 for seniors and children under 12. To register as a chef or purchase tickets to attend, email New Hope's Development Office.    Be A Santa to a Senior The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Home Instead Senior Care in Attleboro to provide holiday gifts to senior citizens in need. Visit the Attleboro office at the Chamber and select a tag. Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag and return the tag and gift(s) to the Chamber office by Dec. 11. Home Instead Senior Care and community volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts. Members in the News... Sturdy Memorial Hospital was honored with an "A" grade in The Leapfrog Group's Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries, and infections.    Lori Sousa has been appointed the new vice-president of development at New Hope. Previously she served in the Peace Corps stationed in Ukraine and as director of sales and marketing for the American Institute of Architects. School Seeks Professional Mentors Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School has an exciting new opportunity to become involved with its students. The school is recruiting professionals to become mentors to sophomore students in 18 technical areas. The program is designed to help with career exploration. The program will be begin January and end in June. We ask that mentors and mentees meet 6-8 times. Meetings can include tour of your employment, tours of local businesses, local colleges and trade schools. Some tours will be arranged by the school, while other tours will be schedule through the mentor. If you have any questions, call Kerrie Carrelas at 508-823-5151x130.   Looking for a Job? Check Our Job Board! Have you checked out the Job Board on the Chamber's website? There are lots of new listings. If your company has an open position that you'd like to advertise, post it on The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's website job board! It's free for Chamber members to post a position - one of the many member benefits! Email Lisa to have your job posted on the Chamber website or visit the Chamber website to see what positions are available. Monthly Groups *Extreme Networking Group I meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. at Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill, 60 Man Mar Dr., Plainville. Contact: Ed McDonough, 508-308-8224. *Extreme Networking Group III is exclusively business-to-business and meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. This group meets at Commonwealth Financial Group, 4 Broad Street in Plainville. Contact: Janet Letourneau, 508-699-4415. *Best-Practice Sales Summit is held the second Wednesday of every month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Contact: Ben Couto, 617-530-0997. *Executive Express-o is held the first Friday of every month from 8 a.m. sharp to 8:55 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Contact: Charlie Miller. Thank you for taking time to read this issue of eNews. This is your Chamber and we value your comments. My door is always open to Chamber members. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns about the Chamber you might have. One of our most highly effective means of communicating with our members is eNews. To ensure you continue to receive eNews, please add jack@unitedregionalchamber.org to your address book. If you would prefer to not receive this weekly electronic newsletter, please email lisa@unitedregionalchamber.org or call the Chamber at 508-222-0801. The Chamber eNews subscriber list is not sold or distributed. Sincerely, Jack Lank The United Regional Chamber of Commerce Quick Links Event Calendar Membership Directory Ad Opportunities Join the Chamber Member Discounts Job Board   Parkinson's Support Group On Nov. 12, the Parkinson's Disease Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Community VNA, 10 Emory St., Attleboro, this group is designed for caregivers and their loved ones. It is free and open to the public. The Estate at Franklin Grand Opening The Estate at Franklin, 656 King St., Franklin, is hosting a grand opening presentation on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. Tour the new senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. Enjoy refreshments and live entertainment. RSVP to Jackie at 508-520-1150. MS Open House The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital is hosting a free Open House on Nov. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This informational session will give community a chance to meet the MS Center team, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, and more. To register, call 508-236-8020.  Memory Screening As part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Pond Home will offer free, confidential memory screenings on Nov. 18. Screenings will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pond Home, 289 East St. (Route 140) in Wrentham. A healthcare professional will administer the memory screenings and provide educational materials about memory concerns, brain health and caregiving. The face-to-face screenings consist of a series of questions and tasks, and take 5 to 10 minutes to administer. Walk-ins are welcome, email Terri Avery. Community Programs Dyer-Lake is hosting two upcoming community service programs. "Protect Yourself from Schemes, Fraud and Abuse" will be held Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Dyer-Lake, 161 Commonwealth Ave., North Attleboro. Learn about this program here. During the month of November, Dyer-Lake is offering to check the batteries in smoke alarms for seniors (65+) living independently. They will replace the batteries free of charge and if the smoke alarm is not operational, they will replace it free of charge. Find more information here. Auditor Training MassMEP ISO Internal Auditor Training will be held in Worcester on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. This course is designed to increase your understanding of auditing techniques and will take you step by step through the stages of an internal audit. Get more information and register here. Proctor Mansion Events Proctor Mansion Inn is hosting two holiday events: Dec. 6, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Holiday Victorian Tea, $38.50 (excluding tax & gratuity) featuring Victorian carolers Dec. 12, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.), Holiday Concert featuring Dear Prudence, $18 in advance ($22 at the door). Call 781-718-5041 Planning Workshop The Arc of Bristol County is hosting Life Long Planning for Your Relative with Special Needs on Jan. 10, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venus de Milo Restaurant. This workshop will address the unique needs that families have in planning for the financial and legal future of their relative with a developmental disability. $25 per person includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Register here.

Forward email The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Veterans Day - Veterans Services

From the MA GOV blog:

Americans admire the selflessness, courage, and valor of current and former service members year-round. Veterans Day, however, is an occasion for the nation to publicly recognize those who bravely serve our country. On Nov. 11, join Massachusetts as we come together to remember and honor the veterans who defend our freedom. For information on events in your area, contact a local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO).

Honor our veterans

Where can you find out about veterans services in Franklin?
At the Senior Center. Bob Fahey, is Franklin's Veteran's Service Officer
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

Franklin Senior Center

Dinner & Comedy Night to benefit the Ellie Fund - Nov 13

Franklin residents are hosting the 2nd Annual Night of Dinner and Comedy to support The Ellie Fund starting at 6:30 pm on Thursday November 13, 2014 at Primavera Restaurant in Millis. The Ellie Fund is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that fights breast cancer by easing its effects on patients and families. 

Since 1995, The Ellie Fund has been providing critical support services including transportation to medical appointments, childcare, housekeeping, groceries and nutritious prepared/delivered meals free of charge to hundreds of women and families across Massachusetts each year. All of the things you need that are not covered by insurance, The Ellie Fund steps up to the plate and takes care of. At least one Franklin resident who has been an Ellie Fund Client will be in attendance.

The evening includes an elegant buffet dinner and a very special night of entertainment including the hilarious comedy of Harrison Stebbins and Jessica Casciano as well as music by David Penza. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and cash bar. Tickets can be purchased in advance using the link below, and they will also be available at the door.

Tickets can be purchased online here

Ellie Fund - fighting breast cancer

Numerous local businesses are supporting this wonderful event:

3 RestaurantAK KitchenAllegra PrintingGaetano's BakeryGold's Gym MillisHometown Paint/ Aubuchon HardwareExpressive InteriorsLowell's RestaurantTri- County cosmetology schoolSanctuary SalonThe Boston GlobeA local math tutorStephanie Mc Bride psychic mediumEsbe designsConfidence BeadsBack to Business LLCStrategic College SolutionsHappy Tails Doggy DaycarePawsh Pooch groomingHarkey's LiquorsUnion Street LiquorsRyan Family amusementsThe Boston GlobeFine Feathers BoutiquePrimavera Restaurant

FHS Sports News for Today

Cross Country All Stars

FHS Panthers

The cross country all stars were announced by the Hockomock League. The all stars were voted on by the coaches. Franklin was represented by Ryan Spellman and Brittany Robinson.

For the full listing of Hockomock Cross Country All Stars visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-cross-country-all-stars

Girls Soccer Playoff Game

D1 South Sectional Semifinals

#2 Franklin vs. #3 Needham (@ Braintree), 4:00

For the full listing of Hockomock League action today, visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-111114

"Postcard History of Norfolk County Massachusetts" - Thu, Nov 13 - 7:00 PM

Paul Tedesco comes to the Franklin Public Library to talk about his book: "Postcard History of Norfolk County Massachusetts".

When?

Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Postcard History of Norfolk County Massachusetts

The Amazon entry for this book can be found here
http://www.amazon.com/Postcard-History-Norfolk-County-Massachusetts/dp/0979205921/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

This item was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/paul-tadesco-postcard-history-of.html

"the last generation of children who will ever hear first-hand accounts of World War II"

A day before the country recognized Veterans Day, Horace Mann Middle School students kicked off a school-wide reading project on Monday by honoring 14 former military members. 

At an assembly where the school’s band played patriotic songs, student council members introduced 14 veterans, reading a brief biography of each one. 

Among the honorees was Joseph McManus, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before working as a shipping clerk for nearly as long. And Barbara Gannon, born in Clinton, spent two years as a nurse in the Air Force only to later become one at Franklin High School.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141111/NEWS/141119500/1994/NEWS


I read the book earlier this year and do recommend it. A powerful story.

For more about the book "Unbroken" you can visit the authors site
http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com/

"Unbroken" is a movie scheduled for released this December
http://www.unbrokenfilm.com/

Are you concerned about your preschooler’s development?

The Franklin Public Schools offers developmental screenings at no charge to families. These screenings are designed to identify preschool children who may qualify for special education services. 

If you are concerned about your 3, 4 or 5 year old preschool child’s development, please call the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center at 508 541-8166 to schedule an appointment.

the ECDC is located behind the Oak St/Horace Mann schools

You can learn more about the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center by visiting their page on the Franklin Schools website
http://franklinecdc.vt-s.net/Pages/index

  

Franklin Federated Church to host Annual Christmas Concert Nov 29

The Franklin Federated Church will host it's Annual Christmas Concert, this year entitled "Peace on Earth," on Saturday, Nov 29, at 7:30 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin. 

Tickets are $15 each and will be available at the door or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church. 

This year's concert will feature an arrangement of traditional Christmas melodies performed by a handbell choir, the Back Bay Ringers Sextet, and a string quartet, Quartet Duviteux. from the New England Conservatory. 

Back Bay Ringers Sextet

The Back Bay Ringers are an advanced, auditioned community handbell ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2003, BBR has quickly developed a reputation for excellence, regularly performing at such Boston-area landmarks as Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall, the Boston Children's Museum, and the Prudential Center. 

Quartet Duviteux is comprised of New England Conservatory students: Canadian violinist Maria van der Sloot, Philadelphia violinist Daniel Koo, Philadelphia violist Linda Numagami and Peruvian-born cellist Marza Wilks.

Tiffany Vail Miller
Communication Director
Franklin Federated Church

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is now on Facebook and Twitter!

There are three easy ways to stay up to date on all the latest news from the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

1. Find them on Facebook  Like and Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org
2. Follow them on Twitter @FranklinDowntwn
3. Subscribe Via Email  On the Franklin Downtown Partnership website enter your email address into the box and click "Subscribe." You will receive an email prompting you to confirm. Once you confirm, you will receive an email after 3 p.m. each day that something new has been added to the website. 

Did you know that to join the Downtown Partnership as a citizen, it only costs $25/year?
Consider joining!  The membership info can be found here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/membership-info.html

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Some of this was shared from
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/11/three-ways-to-keep-up-with-fdp.html#sthash.WzdtJ9JM.dpuf

Franklin's Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

The Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars were announced:

Aubrie Kutil and Dayna McCue were named to the Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars representing Franklin. Megan Rogers joined them with an Honorable Mention.

For the full listing of Volleyball All Stars follow this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-volleyball-all-stars

“We have an attorney who tells us the exact opposite”

As local officials ponder possible reuses for the 158-year-old South Meeting House on Washington Street, the church that deeded the historic property to the town in 1972 has demanded compensation. 

The Franklin Federated Church, known back then as the First Congregational Church, contends that the town violated a covenant of the deed by poorly maintaining the property and building a pump station there. 

Town officials, however, do not believe they owe the church anything and continue to review potential uses for the property with the historical commission. 

According to a memo sent to the town council last month by town attorney Mark Cerel, the church conveyed the property to the “inhabitants of Franklin” for the purposes of historic preservation.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141110/NEWS/141119854/1994/NEWS

Where is the church?

Located on Washington St just past the interchange with Grove St, on the way to Bellingham.

South Meeting House

Franklin uncovered

Those commuting via the MBTA from the downtown station saw the stones reappear this week. A couple of folks cleared out the brush and growth to reveal the rocks before applying a fresh coat of paint.

"old time" Franklin has reappeared!

view from the stairway to the downtown station

from the platform on a sunny Saturday

framed from the Berry Ins - Depot Building parking lot

Updated: The gentlemen who did the work were Tony Marzullo and Steven Pellegri with paint provided by Judith Pond Pfeffer

Curious: Does anyone know when this first appeared?

Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Home Buying And Reselling Program

We Buy Them, Fix Them Up and We Resell Them

Lottery: Saturday, December 13, 2014 10:00 AM

Applications due by Tuesday, 

December 9, 2014, 4:00 PM

Lottery Location: Franklin Municipal Building,

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts

For Information, contact Maxine Kinhart at 508-520-4949

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT AT THE LOTTERY OR AN

INFORMATION SESSION TO BE SELECTED

136 Chestnut Street

6 Rooms, 3 Bedrooms, 

1 Bath, Garage

$160,000

Information Session will be held at the

Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 

2nd Floor, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 

Date: Wednesday November 12, 2014, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building

The information here was shared from the official Franklin webpage
http://www.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01F00221-000F8513

The story of Post Office Square Park

Neal Sanders writes:

This post originally appeared on November 17, 2012.  I reprint it today because I learned that the Norman B. Leventhal Park at Post Office Square, the subject of this essay, was just chosen as the 2014 national winner of the Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects.  The prize is given for "a distinguished landscape architecture project completed between 15 and 50 years ago that retains its original design integrity and contributes significantly to the public realm of the community."  In my humble opinion, no park I have ever visited so perfectly matches that description as does this one.

Post Office Square Trellis (photo from Neal Sanders)

I spent many years working in downtown Boston and one of my favorite places to have lunch during the summer was Post Office Square Park. 

If you did not know the full story behind the park (and I did not), Neal shares it all here:
http://theprincipalundergardener.blogspot.com/2014/11/they-pulled-down-parking-lot-and-put-up.html


How does this apply to Franklin?

I am sure that there are others who if they have not worked in Boston, at least have visited and found the park to be a unique and enjoyable space. Given the discussions in Franklin around our downtown, what could/should be the 'gateway', our own renovations of Main St, our own treasured green space (the Town Common), and that Neal had spoken here recently, his posting popped up on my radar as worthy of sharing. 

Franklin DPW: No Trash Delay Next Week

Hello, this is the Franklin Department of Public Works reminding you that trash and recycling collection for next week, starting Monday November 10, will NOT be delayed.  Going forward the only holidays where trash and recycling collection will be delayed are:

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• 4th of July
• Labor Day

If you have any questions please click on "Trash & Recycling" on Town of Franklin homepage (www.franklin.ma.us) or call the Solid Waste Hotline at 508-553-5519.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 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 receive email notifications from TOWN OF FRANKLIN, please click here

Franklin trash and recycling bins

“We didn’t take advantage of some of the opportunities that we had"

Hockomock Sports reports on the FHS girls soccer game:

Taking off his cap after a 4-0 win over the Bridgewater-Raynham Trojans, Franklin girls’ soccer coach Tom Geysen noted that his “hair is getting grayer and grayer by the game here.” 

Despite dominating possession and just about every other statistical category, it took his #2 seeded Panthers an uncomfortable 45 minutes to finally get on the board in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 South sectional tournament. 

Franklin controlled the majority of play in the first half, but had nothing to show for it. A Megan Adams header off of a free kick in the 10th minute was the Panther’s first shot on goal, but it was easily handled by B-R keeper Cailey Sullivan. Five minutes later, Megan Georges had the best chance of the half for Franklin, but her shot hit the left post from about 15 yards out.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/panthers-surge-past-b-r-with-four-goal-second-half

happy FHS team walking off the field - Hockomock Sports photo

The #2 seed FHS girls next play at Braintree on Tuesday at 11:00 AM against #3 seed Needham.

For all the  results from Saturday's action in the Hockomock League follow this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-110814

Representative Roy: What's happening in the district

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you know anyone who may be interested in receiving it, 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. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email Thank you for your vote It was an exciting 2014 election with many open races on the ballot. The turnout was impressive at 60 percent, and voters had an opportunity to let their voices be heard. You can view pictures from the day by clicking here. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a second term in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with Governor Baker and the rest of my colleagues on Beacon Hill to continue to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family. I thank you for expressing your confidence in me through your vote and look forward to working with you again over the next two years. School visits Rep. Roy taught a unit on State Government in an AP History class at Medway High School. He used real examples from the Legislature to explain the role government has in everyday life and the influence it can have on the economy. Thank you to Mr. Pacelli for the invitation. Rep. Roy also was the guest lecturer in a Graduate Economics course at UMass Boston earlier in the month. Thank you to Franklin's Ed Cook for that invitation. Governor Patrick joined us in Franklin for a trip downtown. The tour highlighted some of the ways that investments in infrastructure are helping to revitalize downtown Franklin. His stops included the fire station, Keefe Insurance, Franklin Food Pantry, Nail It hair salon, the Black Box Theater, and Rick's Restaurant. While at Keefe, the Governor was presented with his original customer file from 1992 when he was a customer there. You can read the Milford Daily News report of the visit by clicking here. For photos from the tour, click here. Human services bills signed Rep. Roy was honored to stand with the disabled community and his colleagues at Fenway Park to witness the signing of the Autism, Real Lives & National Background Check bills. It was a proud moment for Massachusetts. The Autism Bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to no longer use an IQ-based eligibility requirement for adult services, allowing many more individuals with disabilities to receive services. It also includes a state version of the national Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which establishes state tax-advantaged accounts to empower families to better provide services for family members with disabilities. The Real Lives Bill enables people with intellectual disabilities to make decisions that are central to how they live their lives through self-directed planning and by giving them the ability to control decisions about where they live, work, and their finical budgets. The third bill requires national background checks for all individuals who apply for work with DDS or its vendor agencies. It ensures that people who work with individuals with disabilities go through a state and national background check, adding another important level of protection for our most vulnerable residents. Manufacturing round-table with Congressman Kennedy Another great discussion about manufacturing needs in our area took place at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Congressman Joe Kennedy joined us for the discussion. Area manufacturers told us they are facing a workforce crisis and we discussed ways that we could work together to bridge the gap. Curriculum development in schools and getting kids (and their parents) interested in manufacturing early on are part of the solution. Reducing energy costs and regulatory compliance were other concerns at the table. These ongoing discussions and action plans are important ways that government can help with economic development and Rep. Roy is happy to be at the table. For more details and to read the Milford Daily News report on the meeting, click here. Tranquil Yoga opens Rep. Roy enjoyed welcoming the folks at Tranquil Souls Yoga to Franklin. It is the newest business in downtown Franklin and will help with the revitalization of the area. Congratulations to Heather on this new venture. Namaste! Ukranian genocide curriculum Rep. Roy had the opportunity to meet with Medway resident Maria Walzer to continue work on the Ukranian genocide curriculum bill. They met to discuss the curriculum package prepared by Ms. Walzer which has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for inclusion in the model curriculum program. Energy saving tips for winter With winter weather on its way, now is a good time to think about energy efficiency in your home. National Grid offers a number of ways to help you manage your energy usage through its energy efficiency services and incentives. You can learn more about these programs by clicking here. Small changes to your daily activities can have a big impact on your bill and the environment. Click here for some tips that can help manage your home energy usage. You can save money while learning to be more efficient and help the environment as well. 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