Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - September 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. Facebook Twitter Website Email Rep. Roy's Pay it Forward bill highlighted in this WBZ News report. Paying it forward on college costs We all know parents and students are struggling with the soaring costs of college. This year, I filed a proposal to help students get an education without being swallowed up by debt. It's called called Pay it Forward and it is the subject of House Bill No. 1062.  Under this program it wouldn't cost students anything to go to college while there. And after graduation, students wouldn't be thousands of dollars in debt. Instead, they pay for their education by having a small percentage taken out of their paychecks over the next 20 or 30 years. The exact amount would depend on their actual income. The bill was considered by the Joint Committee on Higher Education at its "Investment and Funding" hearing last week. I will keep you posted on its progress in future newsletters. Of course, there are pros and cons, and that's precisely why the proposal calls for a study of the Pay It Forward model. And we are looking at similar approaches being considered in Washington and Oregon as well. You can learn more about it by clicking on the WBZ News report video above. This proposal is one of the many ways your legislature is working to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Please continue to share with me your thoughts on this bill and any other ways you think we can be of assistance. Copyright © 2015 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 527A Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

State Rep Jeff Roy · State House Room 527A · Boston, MA 02133 · USA                                           The email newsletter was shortened for posting here but you can find the full email context here --> View this email in your browser

MassBudget: Large gains in health coverage, some growth in incomes, big challenges remain

MassBudget analysis of this week's US Census data release

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Large gains in health coverage, some growth in incomes, big challenges remain With the release this week of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we see strong evidence that the Affordable Care Act is working. More than 8 million people who had been without health insurance were able to get coverage in 2014, leading to the largest drop in decades in the percent of people without coverage. While Massachusetts already led the nation, even here 28,000 more people have become insured. This expansion of health care security will directly improve the lives of individuals and families across the Commonwealth and across the nation. The Affordable Care Act also saves our state money by providing federal funding for Medicaid costs previously paid by the state. [For MassBudget's full analysis of the recent Census releases, please click HERE.] The census also reports that incomes in Massachusetts increased. And that child poverty declined for the first time since 2008. But we have a long way to go. Incomes are barely growing across the country and more than one in five children nationally (and more than one in seven in Massachusetts) lived in poverty in 2014. While it is clear that our state and nation face real challenges, the new Supplemental Poverty Measure provides important evidence of the effectiveness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps), Social Security, and other supports that help lower income families and individuals pay for basic necessities. Census data show that these government efforts have lifted tens of millions of people above the poverty level. The national EITC and Child Tax Credit, for instance, combined to lift roughly 10 million people out of poverty in 2014, including more than 5 million children. In Massachusetts, we have taken important steps in the last year - raising the minimum wage and increasing the EITC. But on both of those issues, and many others, there is much more that can be done to make sure that everyone who works in our Commonwealth earns enough to make ends meet. For our complete analysis, please click HERE. 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

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

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Oct15connection.pdf

bocce court in back of the Senior Center

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FHS girls soccer, volleyball and field hockey win, football team scores with 6 seconds to win

The results of Friday's athletic competitions were successful for Franklin High School. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for putting the results together to share.

Girls Soccer

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final 

– Megan Georges netted a hat trick for the Panthers and Bailey Knouse added two goals.

Volleyball
Franklin, 3 vs. Brockton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin took care of the Boxers 25-21, 25-20, 25-17 in a non-league contest. Aubrie Kutil had 10 kills, Caroline Maguire added six kills and a pair of blocks and Beth Neal had six kills and four aces. Neal also added 16 assists while Dayna McCue had 23 serve receivers, 18 digs and four aces. Head coach Catherine Horsmann said Sam Campbell set the tone in the third set with a run of 16 service points to give the Panthers a big lead. Campbell also had a pair of digs and serve receives.

FHS PAnthers

Field Hockey

Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Attleboro took a 1-0 lead into halftime but Franklin rallied in the second half. Dana Lewandowski scored both of the Panthers’ goals. Lewandowski tied it on assists from juniors Caroline Lounsbury and Kayla Marshall and then took the lead on an assist from freshman Annie Walsh just eight minutes into the second half. Samantha Jones made four saves to earn the win for Franklin.

Yelle’s Late Field Goal Elevates Franklin Over Milford

"Facing a 4th and 6 at the Milford 24 yard line in the final minute, Franklin head coach Brad Sidwell had no doubt on what he was going to do. 

He sent his offense back out — but there was no play. They attempted to get Milford to jump offside, but the end game was always a field goal. 

The snap from senior Will O’Reilly was on the money, junior Alex Cregg got the ball set up perfectly and senior Nick Yelle split the uprights for a career-long 41-yard field goal to give Franklin a 24-21 win over Milford in the HockomockSports.com Game of the Week. 

Yelle had missed a field goal near the end of the first half but showed no signs of nerves as he drilled the kick right down the middle with just 24 seconds left."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/yelles-late-field-goal-elevates-franklin-over-milford/




For all the rest of the results from Friday's Hockomock League action

http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-091815/

Attention - Commuter Rail Alert: September 26: Franklin Line shuttle

Buses will replace Franklin Line train service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin Stations on Sept 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. due to necessary railroad crossing replacement. Due to crews performing work on a necessary railroad crossing replacement, buses will replace Franklin Line trains between Forge Park/495 and Franklin Stations in both directions from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015. All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities. Shuttling the following stops: Franklin Forge Park / 495 Last updated: Sep 18 2015 06:12 AM Sent by the MBTA.

The white stones at Franklin Dean Station

There are five railroad crossings between Forge Park and Franklin Dean Station. Which one of the street crossing will be also closed by this is not yet known.

Forge Parkway, Grove St, Beaver St, Fisher St, and Union St. Beaver St was worked on during July 2013.

Adventures By Disney® on September 28

Dinner’s On Us! Adventures By Disney® Info Night You’re invited to a fun, casual evening to learn more about Adventures By Disney® on September 28, 6:00pm at Acapulcos Restaurant in Franklin, MA. This event is hosted by Enchanted Memories Travel and includes complimentary dinner and drinks. 

Spaces at this event is limited and on a first come, first served basis so please RSVP by 9/24 using the form below. If you have any questions please email info@enchantedmem.com 

Adventures By Disney® Info Night

A representative from Adventures By Disney® will be on hand to share with you all that an Adventures By Disney® vacation will mean to your family. In short, if you travel with Adventures by Disney®, you experience firsthand the people and cultures of the places you visit—and you do so with the service, VIP experiences and unique local opportunities you can only expect from Disney.

We hope you can join us for this fun and informative evening!

Taste of the Region Oct. 27

The Tastiest Event of the Year!

Make Plans to Attend the Tastiest Event of the Year!   Taste of the Region will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving samples of a variety of dishes! There's also an exciting silent auction. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-222-0801 for your tickets today! We will award prizes for Best Sweet, Best Savory and Best Presentation! We still have openings for restaurants and food establishments to share samples of their food with potential customers. There is no cost for member restaurants and food establishments to participate. Also, if you'd like to highlight your non-food related business at this very popular event, consider donating a silent auction item! Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 for more information.

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

In the News: viral meningitis precautions, FSPA Dance Company, SADD walk at Tri-County, power plant opposition

The news briefs from the Milford Daily News for Saturday:

School Principal Peter Light confirmed Friday that a faculty member had been diagnosed with the disease, which causes inflammation of the tissue near the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is usually considered less dangerous than its bacterial form. 

Light said, on learning of the diagnosis, the school worked quickly to take precautions. 

"We've disinfected all surfaces in any room that person might have been in," he said. "I think we've taken a lot of precautions." 

The school also sent home a letter to area parents about the disease and its symptoms.

FHS Community entrance

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915662/1994/NEWS

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts introduces the FSPA Dance Company this fall, providing expanded options for students in many disciplines with opportunities to travel to New York City and Walt Disney World for classes and performances. 

Building upon FSPA’s dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop, the Dance Company will provide students with the chance to develop their craft and performance experience.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915530/1994/NEWS

A Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School group will be holding a walk this Sunday to benefit and raise awareness for a designated driver campaign. 

The three-mile walk will be hosted by the school's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and will take place at 10 a.m. at the building's athletic track. 

Spokeswoman Jessica Silva said this will be the first time SADD has had such a walk at Tri-County. 

"SADD students participated, two years ago, in a similar walk at Gillette Stadium," she said. "They and their advisers took the lead in bringing this to Tri-County."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915521/1994/NEWS

A day after more than a dozen residents stood outside Town Hall protesting the planned expansion of Exelon’s power plant, the seventh letter opposing the plan was filed with the state board that oversees permits for the project. 

Beth Buckley, who identifies herself as a Medway resident, is the latest to write a letter to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board protesting Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street facility. 

The proposal would add two highly efficient simple-cycle peaking turbines capable of producing electricity in just 10 minutes.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915519/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/18/15 - THU 9/24/15

FRIDAY 9/18/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon at the Dean College
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 9/19/15
9am-4pm   Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library, classical music by Betty Kushner from 9-10am
2-4pm   Check Out Cub Scouts at the King Street Field
4-7pm   Beer Extravaganza at Pour Richard's in Franklin. Free event, donations for the Franklin Food Pantry will be appreciated.

SUNDAY 9/20/15
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at the Franklin Public Library
9am   The HERO Walk at the Tri-County RTVHS. Registrations start at 9am, walk at 10am.

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

"we need to respond with the best solutions that medicine and behavioral therapy can provide together"

The Obama administration announced a major policy shift Thursday in its efforts to combat the nation's opioid abuse epidemic. Speaking at a conference on opioid addiction in Northern Virginia, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said her agency would rewrite regulations to remove some of the obstacles that have prevented greater involvement from doctors in treating those addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers.

Continue reading the article online here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-administration-heroin_55fa058ee4b0fde8b0ccf192

heroin use is part of a larger substance abuse problem

The CDC webpage has additional information on the heroin problem here
http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin/index.html

Current listing of candidates for Franklin's election Nov 3

The "Current" listing of candidates for the Franklin election on Nov 3. The next three important dates leading to the election are as follows:


Last day to object or withdraw (5:00pm) Thursday, October 1, 2015

Last day to register to vote (8:00pm) Wednesday, October 14, 2015

and a 'candidates night' has been booked for Tuesday, Oct 6. Beginning at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. "for only contested races.  It will be live on cable and then repeated each day (if possible) after so that people will get to know the candidates."

Additional details to be shared when made available. 

POSITION	NAME	Total
Assessor	Donna Greenwood
	W.Kenneth  Norman
Assessor Total		2
Bd. Of Health	Donald G. Ranieri, Jr.
	Gail P. Chirdon
	Philip M. Brunelli
	Tara E. Gurge
Bd. Of Health Total		4
Constable	Daniel J. McCahill
	John S. Power
	Philip M. Brunelli
Constable Total		3
Planning Bd	Gregory T. Rondeau
	John F. Carroll
	William D. David
Planning Bd Total		3
School Com.	Anne K. Bergen
	Cynthia J. Douglas
	Denise L. Schultz
	John S. Jewell, PHD
	Kevin P. O'Malley
	Mary Jane Scofield
	Trevor A. Clement
	Vanessa A. Bilello
School Com. Total		8
Town Clerk	Diane M. Padula-O'Neill
	Elizabeth F. Simon
	Paul J. Cheli
	Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk Total		4
Town Council	Andrew M. Bissanti
	Brett S. Feldman
	Deborah L. Pellegri
	Glenn F. Jones
	James D. Schultz, Jr.
	James V. Gianotti, Jr.
	Judith Pond Pfeffer
	Matthew T. Kelly
	Peter E. Padula
	Richard W. Power, Sr.
	Robert D. Dellorco
	Robert R. Vallee
	Sean P. Slater
	Thomas D. Mercer
Town Council Total		14

Franklin Town Common

Offer to candidates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html


The "Election Collection" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html

Victory in all competitions on Thursday for FHS sports

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the wins recorded by the FHS volleyball, cross country and golf teams in their competition on Thursday, Sep 17

Volleyball

Sharon @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin swept the Eagles by scores of 25-16, 25-15, 25-13. Beth Neal had nine assists, six kills and three aces for the Panthers while Dayna McCue added seven digs and six aces and Aubrie Kutil had five kills. Franklin head coach Catherine Horsmann said Rose Morrissette and Sam Campbell played well defensively for the Panthers.

FHS Panthers

Cross Country

Boys

Franklin, 23 @ Attleboro, 35 – Final

Girls

Franklin, 15 @ Attleboro, 50 – Final

Golf

Attleboro, 184 @ Franklin, 153 – Final 

– The Panthers carded a season-low 153 to pick up their first win of the season. Sophomore Bryan Woelfel shot an even par 35, junior Matt Dao carded a 38 and Matt Pleshaw and David Hardin each shot 40. Attleboro’s Tyler Letendre shot a team best 44 on the day.

For all the results across the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-091715/

FSPA Launches New Dance Company

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) introduces the FSPA Dance Company this fall, providing expanded options for students in many disciplines with opportunities to travel to NYC and Walt Disney World for classes and performances. 

Building upon FSPA’s dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop and more, the Dance Company will provide students with the chance to develop their craft and performance experience. There’s flexibility for dancers to choose how they'd like to be involved – across which disciplines and with what time commitment.

The ensemble will present a Dance Company Concert at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin in June, along with several showcase performances throughout the school year. The company will perform works of longer length and technical challenge, giving dancers more of a pre-college experience. Requiring greater endurance to sustain longer repertory performances and the ability to comprehend and retain lengthier choreography, dancers will develop the skills needed by today’s dance majors and professionals. 

The process will take dancers beyond simply learning steps and provide a greater emphasis on artistry. Bringing many pieces of original choreography to the stage, dancers will be encouraged to contribute to the creative process to help communicate the choreographer’s vision. Company members will work with FSPA dance faculty as well as guest teachers to present pre-professional pieces in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater genres. Dancers will have the opportunity to delve deeper to explore new types of dance and to pursue a broader range within a particular discipline. 

With travel opportunities to Walt Disney World, New York City and a New England dance convention, Dance Company members may choose just one option or all three. The January NYC weekend provides a full-on dance experience within the Big Apple’s vibrant dance world and scene. Students will have the opportunity to see a dance show and take classes at the city’s top schools, such as Broadway Dance Center, American Ballet Theatre and The Ailey School of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

In the fall, a local dance convention in the Greater Boston or Providence areas presents the chance for Dance Company members to take a full day’s worth of classes by choreographers and dancers specializing in different genres. Drawing dancers from all over the country, it’s a chance to glean fresh perspectives and experiences from new teachers and talents. 

Rounding out the year, FSPA’s annual spring trip to Walt Disney World is full of fun and camaraderie, with time to explore the parks, take master classes with Disney performers and choreographers, and present two shows on Disney stages. 

With three tiers of participation and tuition, FSPA Dance Company is open by audition to FSPA students in grades 8-12. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 3:30-5:00 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

Please note that auditions for eighth graders will begin at 2:00, which is also the audition time for Next Step, FSPA’s junior dance company for students in grades 5-8. For more information about dance at FSPA, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center

FINAL COUNTDOWN IS ON! 

"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center. OPEN TO ALL! 

Audition Times for 

• ages 5-7 -> 1-1:30
• ages 8-9 -> 1:30-2:15
• ages 10-12 -> 2:15-3
• ages 13 plus -> 3:00-4:00

Patti Eisenhauer Dance photo

Auditions will take place at the Dance Center 31 Hayward Street Franklin, MA. 

We look forward to seeing you all there to be a part of this timeless classic.

More info can be found on the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Patti-Eisenhauer-Dance-Center-119810176867/timeline/

In the News: state police alert on scams, eagle scouts recognized, development along RT 140, MCAS argued for

Massachusetts State Police issued a scam warning on their official Facebook page Thursday. According to the posting, scammers pretending to be members of the state police or affiliated with the police are calling people and soliciting money for drug prevention and intervention programs. 

The scammers may claim to be part of a narcotics unit, police said.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916356/1994/NEWS

Boy Scouts Patrick Cunniff, Jonathan Tomaso and Joseph Kroon, from Troop 99 of Franklin, were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Aug. 1 for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts. 

Each scout completed a community service project that benefited the community: Cunniff worked with the Franklin Girls Softball Association to build four dugouts at the Remington-Jefferson fields; Tomaso constructed a walkway between the front and back entrances to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School benefiting both charter school students and St. Mary Parish CCD students; and Kroon, sponsored by the Town of Franklin, built an arched foot bridge over a stream on the disc golf course at Dacey Fields.

arched foot bridge at Dacey Field disc golf course

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916212/1994/NEWS

"There will be several different buildings," he said. "There's a gas station and, adjacent to that, a lube place and at least one restaurant. There will be several other retail spaces as well." 

According to Taberner, the developer has not labeled all of the proposed buildings, meaning it is uncertain which businesses will occupy them. 

Taberner said the board has requested more information from the developer, and would likely be considering the project for some time. He said he did not know how long the process might take. 

"The matter was continued to the next Planning Board meeting," he said. "It could be two, three, four or five - I have no idea how many meetings it might take."

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916038/1994/NEWS

In a meeting with the Daily News editorial board on Wednesday, Pioneer Institute’s Jamie Gass and Tom Birmingham, former Senate president and co-author of the Education Reform Act of 1993 which created the MCAS, cautioned against switching from the long-standing test. Instead, the pair recommended working within the current system for better results. 

After education reform went into effect, Birmingham said the state set and met new standards that have pushed school performance to the top in the nation. If Massachusetts signs on to the PARCC test, Birmingham said he worries standards will drop to accommodate students in other PARCC states that don't have tests as rigorous as those in Massachusetts. 

“Before you outright jettison what has been coincident, at least, with our historic, unprecedented education success stories … I think you should bear in mind the words from the Hippocratic Oath, which is first, do no harm,” Birmingham said. “I’m fearful that if we do jettison MCAS and replace it with something else that is yet completely untested, we are inviting regression in terms of our education success.”

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150915990/1994/NEWS

Info on MCAS can be found here   http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/

Downtown Project Update #10

Note the dates added in parenthesis ( ) are my interpretation of the schedule. This was posted on Wed 9/17 and by the time this gets out and around the reference points can change.

Next Wednesday they will be setting the curbs on West Central Street (they were waiting on the subcontractor).  (9/24)

Mid to late next week they will be line striping the new top that they are putting down this week.  (approx 9/24)

At the end of next week or into the following week the landscapers will be spreading loam and seeding in the area that has been paved and completed.  (approx 9/25 through 10/2)

Starting tomorrow and into next week they will be finalizing walk ways between Moore Ave and Pleasant Street.  (9/18 through 9/25)

The week after next they will be paving Emmons Street and Summer Street, possibly at night.  (approx week of 9/28)

In about two weeks they will be working in front of the Fire Station entrance. 

They are not excavating any more sidewalks on West Central Street for now.The sidewalk widening on Main Street will be done when the subcontractor gets back, in the next few weeks. 

We are waiting on National Grid to move a few telephone poles. 

If anyone has a question please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

Main St when it was closed for paving