Senator Ross:April 2017 - State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, April 2017 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, It's hard to believe another month has passed and we are one step closer to summer. Throughout April, I have had the pleasure of meeting with various constituents including State House visits from both Bristol and Norfolk Agricultural High Schools. The first week of May is National Small Business Week, so be sure to read of the various Small Business Listening Sessions enclosed in this newsletter that are happening throughout the Commonwealth. Finally, I have been closely monitoring the progress of the FY '18 state budget that just passed the House of Representatives, and will be taken up by the State Senate at the end of May. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for new state house and district updates. It is a pleasure to serve you. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555. Sincerely, Senate Republicans Act to Protect Internet Privacy The Senate Republican Caucus has filed legislation to prevent internet service providers from using or selling customer information without their consent. The bill titled, "An Act ensuring Internet Security and Privacy" aims to protect the internet privacy of users. Federal legislation permits the unregulated collecting and selling of customer information without consent of customers. This situation serves as a threat to consumer privacy, an issue that is on the minds of many of my constituents. The new bill, if enacted into law, would specifically prohibit the collection and circulation of a consumer's personal information without the consent of the consumer. The measure would also prohibit internet service providers from imposing a charge on a consumer that did not provide consent. Lastly, if enacted, the legislation would prohibit a service provider from denying service to those who withhold consent. In order to prioritize the privacy of my constituents and people across the Commonwealth, I hope that this bill is moved forward. It was a pleasure to meet with teachers and students from Natick schools on behalf of the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO). METCO members from Wayland schools also visited to advocate for more opportunities to students in participating communities across the district. Plainville Eligible for Federal Highway Funds Autism: Beware of Dangerous Therapies Upgrading our transportation system is an ongoing challenge across the state, so I was pleased that after many meetings and discussions, MassDOT has determined that the reconstruction project of South Street in Plainville is eligible for Federal Aid highway funding. The DOT Project Review Committee estimates that the construction cost of this project is $6,400,000; the total project cost will consist of this estimated construction cost plus additional costs for project design, construction engineering, police details, and other costs associated with permits. The implementation of this project is contingent on successful completion of the project design and review process, securing all necessary right-of-way, and receipt of all appropriate permits. Mindful of so many constituents and families in my district living with autism, I was disheartened to learn that the FDA has had to crack down on false claims, products, and therapies that claim to treat autism or autism-related symptoms. The most important thing to know about autism is that there is no known cure. Such false claims and treatments may carry significant health risks. Some of these so-called therapies and treatments include "chelation therapies", hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and detoxifying clay baths. Other various products, including raw camel milk and essential oils, have been marketed as a treatment for autism or autism-related symptoms, but have not been proven safe or effective. If you are unsure about any products or treatments, talk to your health care professional. Read the full article here. Small Business Spotlight: Patterson Creations, Attleboro April 13, 2017 In an ongoing effort to recognize and promote small businesses in my district, I visited Patterson Creations, located in the heart of Attleboro. The owner, Jermaine Patterson, a longtime Attleboro resident and retired Attleboro Police Officer, was kind enough to give me a tour of his multipurpose space. Patterson Creations is an art gallery, event and music venue that caters to the areas of art, business and community. They also offer a full bar and a food options for events such as fundraisers, showers or business meetings. One of the most unique aspects of Patterson Creations is the art. If you're an artist trying to get your work out for viewing, Patterson Creations offers the perfect stage. Jermaine charges no rental fees for the space and a small commission on art sold.  He also offers discounted rates for custom framing. Since opening their doors three years ago, Patterson Creations has hosted many successful events, and Jermaine is always looking for more ways to expand in the community. Patterson Creations should soon offer a café, as well as potential outdoor event space in the near future. If you are interested in hosting an event with Patterson Creations, or have any further questions for Jermaine, please visit www.pattersoncreations.com. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in May Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Tuesday, May 2nd (Staff) Attleboro Council On Aging, 25 South Main Street, Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Monday, May 8th (Staff) North Attleboro Council on Aging, 204 Elm Street, North Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, May 16th (Staff) Sherborn Town Hall, 19 Washington Street, Sherborn 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, May 23rd (Staff) Natick Community Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick 11:00am-12:00pm Wednesday, May 31st (Staff) Needham Community Center, 300 Hillside Drive, Needham 11:00am-12:00pm Copyright © 2017 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA

The newsletter was edited for publication here. To review the full set of contents, view this link in your browser

May the 4th be with you!

Celebrate Star Wars Day at the Franklin Public Library on Thursday, May 4

Celebrate Star Wars Day at the Franklin Public Library on Thursday, May 4

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/05/celebrate-star-wars-day.html

“I cannot think of a better location for the Horace Mann statue than the gateway to downtown Franklin”

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

The town will unveil a statue of native son - and father of public education in the United States - Horace Mann this weekend, some 221 years after his May 1796 birth. 

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Emmons and West Central street. Statue committee co-chairwoman Deborah Pellegri said coffee and pastries - sponsored by the school department - will be available beginning at 10 a.m. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - a member of the statue committee - will be speaking, as will State Sens. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Richard Ross, R-Wrentham. 

“Javier Cevallos, the president of Framingham State University will be there,” Roy said. “Horace Mann founded Framingham State as one of the first teachers colleges in Massachusetts.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170502/franklin-to-unveil-mann-statue-sunday

looking through the surrounding wall at the statue base in the rain

Karen Laven and Valerie Davis selected as speakers for Dean Commencement - May 6

"On Saturday, May 6, 2017 over 300 graduating students will join the ranks of over 25,000 Dean Alumni worldwide during the 2017 Commencement Exercises.  

Continuing with tradition, the 2017 Commencement ceremony will be held outside along Awpie Way, considered by many as the most beautiful and iconic part of campus. 

With only a few days until the ceremony, have you ever wondered how colleges and universities choose their commencement speakers? 

As noted by a recent article published by University Business, colleges and universities want their speakers to challenge and inspire the graduates, while also being both engaging and appropriate for the audiences of the graduating students, and their families, faculty and administrators. 

Here at Dean the students are our focus! We pride ourselves on making a difference in our students’ lives and in turn they make a difference in ours. Each year, we select student representatives to give messages to the graduating class. 

Selections are based on recommendations, academics and an overall commitment to Dean College. This year, two students were selected to speak on behalf of the Class of 2017. 

Karen Laven, a Business Management major from Franklin, MA and a member of both The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), as well as the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society has been selected as a speaker at the 2017 ceremony. Karen will be attending Northeastern University in the fall to complete her MBA. 

Another local resident, Valerie Davis (pictured above), has also been selected to speak on behalf of the Bachelor’s Degree students. Valerie is a Theatre and Business major whom has been actively involved on campus, participating in the Student Government Association (SGA) as treasurer, and as a student ambassador. Additionally, Valerie has performed in several theatre productions, including the most recent performance of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. 

After graduation, Valerie will be attending theatre auditions in New York City.
Dean College’s 151st Commencement Exercises will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the front lawn of Dean Hall on campus. 

Check back for a recap after Saturday’s exercises. Congratulations Class of 2017! "

Click here for more information on Commencement.

Boomer sits on the grass on the Dean campus

This was shared from the Dean College webpage
http://www.dean.edu/dean_college_blog_dean_college_selects_2017_commencement_speakers/

FYI - The IRS May Start Calling You about Debt, the key word is 'debt'

Catching up to share this item from MA Consumer Affairs which was posted in April:

"For years, we (along with other consumer protection and law enforcement groups) have told consumers that the IRS will never randomly call you and tell you that you owe money. In fact, there are established guidelines the IRS follows for collection of unpaid taxes and a phone call will never be the first time you’re hearing from them. 

However, a recent change to how the IRS collects unpaid taxes involves these very types of calls and it’s important that consumers be up-to-date on the topic in order to know the difference between a legitimate IRS call and the common IRS scam call."

• If you do not have any federal tax debt you will not be a part of this program or receive a call from the IRS. Additionally, this program targets those who have tax debt going back several years and have heard from the IRS multiple times. If you are uncertain whether you owe taxes, you can look-up your account by using irs.gov/balancedue

Continue reading the update from MA Consumer Affairs
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/the-irs-may-start-calling-you-about-debt/

The IRS May Start Calling You about Debt

Tri-County Early Education Preschoolers Bake Bread

What does water, yeast, salt, flour and a zip-lock bag make? Bread, of course!

It was a thrilling culinary adventure for our Early Education preschoolers who recently made bread with Luke Lopez, a Culinary Arts Junior and Early Education Juniors, Madi Martini, Emma Monahan and Kylie Peltier.

Baking bread with preschoolers gives them a sensory experience, math experience, language experience, and science – a true learning opportunity. In a world where prepared food seems to be the norm, it's good for kids to know that something, even as basic as bread, comes from somewhere before it goes to the store.

After making the bread, the preschoolers were able to “purchase” the bread from the bakery for a penny. Fun was had by all as the kids were super-excited to receive their breads and take them home to share with their families!

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Tri-County Early Education Preschoolers Bake Bread

Volunteer for HMEA's incredABLE 5K - May 21

Join me in volunteering to help at the HMEA incredABLE 5K. I'll be at the road race registration desk. There are lots of other volunteer spots open!

NEW THIS YEAR - as a way to show our incredABLE volunteers how much we appreciate them, we will be giving each volunteer a book of 6 tickets to our Dream Raffle!  When you volunteer at HMEA's incredABLE 5k Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun, you help to promote the values, dreams and potential of people with developmental disabilities. Sunday, May 21, 2017 7:30 am - 3:00 pm (many shift times available) Dell - 50 Constitution Blvd., Franklin, MA Any time you give is incredABLE! Kids Corner 9:45am-12:30pm or 12:15pm-3:00pm or both We need volunteers to run a booth, game or food station! Activities will include (but are not limited to) sports activities & games, cotton candy machine, popcorn machine, crafts, snow cones, face painting and pm shift includes clean-up. Food Tent 10:30am-1:30pm Help us feed our hungry attendees by assisting with the setup, take down and distribution of food to all participants. Food includes hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, water, juice, chips & snacks. Great opportunity for a group to work together! Route Cheerer 10:00am-12:15pm Show your spirit and cheer along our walk route! Encourage our walkers and supporters as they complete their 5k walk route. This is a fun, high-energy position to keep the crowd moving and energized. This is a great volunteer opportunity for families and groups! and more volunteer positions available! click the button below to learn more or to become an

incredABLE volunteer

Volunteer for HMEA's incredABLE 5K - May 21

Wins for FHS baseball, softball and the boys/girls lacrosse and tennis teams on Monday

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Monday, May 1.

Baseball = Stoughton, 3 @ Franklin, 4 – Final

– Franklin sophomore Jake Macchi delivered a double in the bottom of the sixth inning, knocking in classmate Alex Haba for the go-ahead run to break a 3-3 game and give the Panthers the lead. Bryan Woelfel earned the save with a scoreless seventh inning. Junior Jason Ulrickson earned the win following a tremendous outing, striking out 10 while allowing just four hits and two walks. Jake Lyons added a double and a run scored for Franklin. Ruben Gonzalez was 2-for-3 with a walk, run scored an RBI and Evan Gibb had a two-run double to tie the game for Stoughton.

Softball = Franklin, 12 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final

– Franklin junior Jackie Cherry retired the final six batters on strikes and notched a career-high 12 strikeouts to help the Panthers earn a win on the road. Offensively, Tara Hartnett had three RBI, Meg Caron had a pinch-hit two-run single and Alexx Niss went 2-for-4 with a triple and scored three runs. Taylor Levine and Alessandra Leffredo each drove in a run for the Black Knights and Nikki Coppola had a pair of hits.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 @ King Philip, 4 – Final

– Franklin limited King Philip to just one goal in the first half and scored five goals in each frame to pick up a key division win. The Panthers raced out to a 5-1 lead after the first two quarters. Eric Civetti scored a game-high four goals and had one assist, Sam Arsenault scored once and had three helpers, Packie Watson notched two goals and one assist, Chase Tanner found the back of the net twice and Nitin Chaudhury had one goal and one assist for Franklin. FHS head coach Lou Verrochi praised the work of sophomore Pat Morrison, saying “he was a beast in close defense.” Connor O’Rourke made eight saves in net and sophomore Jacob Alexander won 13 of 18 faceoffs for Franklin.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final

– Franklin lost just one game in doubles play and won all five matches in straight sets to beat Stoughton. James Johnston and Derek Wu won 6-0, 6-0 at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Rahul Hosdurg notched a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles. Rahul Herur won 6-2, 6-3 at first singles, Eli Brooks didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at second singles and Dan Angermeier won 6-1, 6-1 at third singles.

Girls Tennis = Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final

– Franklin seniors Madison Derby and Julia Hogan won a tightly contested match at first doubles in a 10 set tiebreaker to punctuate the Panthers’ win over Stoughton. Derby and Hogan won 7-5, 5-7, 10-6 while juniors Hailey Strier and Jillian McLaughlin won 6-3, 6-1 at second doubles. Hannah Sweeney didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles and senior Anja Deric won 6-0, 6-2 at second singles. Stoughton senior Ally Swartz won 6-4, 6-0 at third singles for the Black Knights.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 @ Medfield, 5 – Final

"Franklin did not follow the standard script on Monday night at Medfield High. Typically, girls’ lacrosse games are won by the team that has the ball the most. Coaches always preach winning draw controls and keeping possession, but the Panthers used a different formula to beat the Warriors. 

Despite winning only 4-of-17 draws and spending long stretches of the game in the defensive zone, Franklin pulled out a 10-5 non-league victory over the perennial Div. 2 contender by hitting the Warriors with a series of quick counterattacks. 

Sophomore Annie Walsh and freshman Kelsey MacCallum each scored hat tricks and junior Jordan Jette scored a pair of goals, as Franklin broke open the game with a 7-3 second half."

Continue reading the game recap by Josh Perry of Hockomock Sports
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-lacrosse-pulls-away-in-second-half-to-beat-medfield/

Additional photos from Hockomock Sports from the FHS girls lacrosse match
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Spring-2017/Franklin-Medfield-Girls-Lacrosse-5-1-17/

Annie Walsh (3) scored a hat trick for the Panthers on Monday to help Franklin to a non-league win at Medfield. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

For results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-050117/

Reminder: 7th Annual Franklin / Bellingham Fives Road Race - May 6

7th Annual Franklin / Bellingham Fives Road Race

5K or 5 mile run or 1.5 mile walk

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Remington Middle School 

628 Washington Street Franklin, MA

Register Now!

USA Track & Field Sanctioned Event

Run or Walk-5k or Run 5 mile Courses through residential neighborhoods on paved roads. 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods. 

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham. 

Post race refreshments. Prizes awarded by category. T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. 

Participation Medals and raffle prizes and DJ at the site for your enjoyment.

Event details and schedule

• T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. Prizes awarded by category. Post race refreshments. Race timing by Spitler Race Systems.
• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run – 5K & 5 mile course through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods

Entry Fee: $30 prior to race day, $35 day of the race, $15 Students $20 Race Day for Students

7th Annual Franklin / Bellingham Fives Road Race - May 6

Register Now!

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/7th-annual-franklin-and-bellingham-franklin-fives-road-race-2017

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - May 13

The community is kindly invited to meet with the Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee. Information and updates will be provided on budget, policy, and the superintendent search. 

We welcome your feedback and understand how important community involvement is regarding the education of our young people. 

Join us on:

• Sat, May 13, 9:00 AM at the Franklin Cable Access TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street
• Friday, June 9, 9:00 AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - May 13

Make Change for Change "Pub Crawl" says Thank You!

"Make Change for Change held its first annual Pub Crawl on Saturday. It was a huge success. The tickets were sold out and the bars we went to are donating 10% of our purchases to the charity.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone that came out Saturday night. You are all so much fun and I want to hang out with you all the time! You made the night a success and you give us hope that we can make a big difference to those in need in MA.

I big thank you goes to the bars that hosted us: Alumni, Teddy Gallagher's, Rome and Jimmy D's. You are all so generous for taking on 50 crawlers!

We will definitely do this again!

Thank you all! (And please post pictures on the Make Change for Change Facebook group)"

Warmly,
Amy Gilman
Director of Development and Fundraising

Make Change for Change "Pub Crawl" says Thank You!

The Make Change for Change Facebook group can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/MakeChange4Change/

Rabies Clinic - May 20

The Franklin Lions will conduct a Rabies Clinic on May 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM with the cost of $15 per animal.

Franklin/Bellingham Rabies Clinic will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 11AM to 2PM (other towns welcome) 

Location: Franklin Elks 1077 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 CASH ONLY $15.00 ($13.00 for senior citizens, veterans, and 1st Responders) 

Dogs MUST be leashed and Cats MUST be in a carrier. 

Any questions please Call 508-726-9913 

Written proof of rabies vaccine within last 12 months is needed for a 3 yr. vaccine.

Rabies Clinic - May 20

Encore Spring Recital Dates

Mark Your Calendars! Encore's Spring 2017 Recital Dates

View this email in your browser SPRING 2017 RECITALS  Saturday, May 20th 3 Bent Street in Franklin 1:30pm - Featuring students of Lea Botta and Ronald Hawkins 3:00pm - Featuring students of Lea Botta  Sunday, May 21st 3 Bent Street in Franklin 2:00pm - Guitar, Percussion, Trumpet, and Bass Featuring students of Brian Dollaway, Jon Ustin, John Salzillo, Tom Carlisle, Tom Karol, and Lex Schmidt Saturday, June 10th: 142 Exchange Street in Millis (Church of Christ Congregational) 12:00pm and 2:30pm - Voice Recitals Featuring voice students of Becki Abalutzk, Caitlin Medlin, Brian Dollaway, Heidi Baker, Lois Francello, and Lisa Ostrow, and The EnHarmonix  5:00pm - Voice and Violin Recital Featuring violin students of Don Krishnaswami, and voice students of Becki Abalutzk, Caitlin Medlin, Brian Dollaway, Heidi Baker, Lois Francello, and Lisa Ostrow, and The EnHarmonix  Sunday, June 11th: 142 Exchange  Street in Millis (Church of Christ Congregational) 12:00pm - Dress Rehearsal for Senior Recital 2:00pm - Senior Recital Featuring Encore's Senior Students and The EnHarmonix 4:00pm - Piano students of Alexander Morollo, Becki Abalutzk, Lisa Ostrow, and Scott Nicholas Saturday, June 17th 3 Bent Street in Franklin 2:00pm - Featuring piano students of Patrick Dreier  and cello students of Alexander Badalov Dress code: dresses, skirts, nice slacks, shirts, and dress shoes are preferred.   Copyright © 2017 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios 3 Bent St Franklin, Ma 02038 Add us to your address book

FHS MSTCA Track and Field Division One Relay Meet Results

In the MSTCA Division One Relay Meet held on Sunday, the Franklin girls track and field team turned in three top 10 performances and the boys team turned in 2.

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
2 - Franklin A - 4:07.10

Girls 4x800 Meter Relay
1 - Franklin A - 9:46.17

Girls 1600 Sprint Medley
6 - Franklin A - 4:24.21


Boys 4x200 Meter Relay
9 - Franklin A - 1:36.94

Boys 4x1600 Meter Relay
8 - Franklin A - 19:19.96

 

FHS Panthers

The complete D1 relay results can be viewed in the attached PDF file