Senator Ross: July 2017 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, July 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, Where has the summer gone? The hot, sluggish days of August are upon us and soon it will be time to pack up the beach chairs and start the back to school shopping. Here in the Senate, things are finally slowing down after a busy July. During this past month, I joined with my colleagues to address graduate student loan debt, and protection for first responders. We debated telecommunication regulations and reached a compromise on the new marijuana law. Unfortunately, we still have not completed work on the FY18 budget, and have yet to settle on a sales tax holiday. Please take the time to read this update on what I have been working on this past month. Share this newsletter and invite your friends and neighbors to sign up for the mailing list. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555. Sincerely, Legislation for Special Education Funding During this legislative season, I co-sponsored a bill pertaining to special education enrollment. This legislation would ensure students can receive special education services when they need it. Furthermore, the bill would relieve school districts from some of the financial weight of special education programs. Current Massachusetts law limits how special education enrollment is calculated for purposes of local education funding. Presently, there is an artificial cap set for special education funding.  This ignores the actual number of students receiving services, and instead relies on an assumed rate of enrollment. These caps under estimate the number of students who require special education as well as the cost of services to them. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has reported that the average enrollment of special education students in school districts across the Commonwealth usually hovers around 17% with small fluctuations each year. This is significantly higher than the current laws artificial cap. Furthermore, districts spend substantially more on special education than what is allocated to them from the budget. S.305 would remove the artificial cap on special education enrollment and replace it with the prior five year district average of special education students. Using the prior five year average will provide a consistent number to estimate enrollment. This bill encourages the Commonwealth to recognize the particular needs of each school district in order to provide sufficient state education funding.  Addressing Food Waste  In 2015, The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection estimated that after recycling, food waste accounts for over 1 million tons per year. This is wasteful and unnecessary when so many Massachusetts residents experience the need for food assistance. I have explored solutions to the commonwealth's tendency to dispose of perfectly good food while also providing food assistance programs. In July, I co-sponsored a bill offering a solution to remedy this. Bill S.292 was heard by the Joint Committee on Education and aims to allow schools to donate excess food to local voluntary assistance programs. These programs include food banks, soup kitchens and others. Food waste in schools is needless and preventable. Helping reduce waste and assisting local families is a win-win with S.292. For this to be effective, schools must know this option is available to them and that it is done safely. The board will be able to notify educational institutions of their ability to donate and could provide technical assistance on how to best donate excess food in a safe and sanitary manner. Riding in the Needham 4th of July Parade with Needham Town Clerk Tedi Eaton Needham 4th of July Parade with Representative Denise Garlick, Board of Selectmen Matt Borrelli, Marianne Brons Cooley, John Bulian, Maurice Handel, and Norfolk County Treasurer James Timilty This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of content View this link in your browser

Election Collection - 2017

This post will serve as the collection point for all the posts related to the Franklin biennial election scheduled for Nov 7, 2017. Every two years, Franklin voters select who will run our community government.




Official Election Results - November 7, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/2017-official-franklin-biennial-town.html

Milford Daily News article on results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/election-great-moment-for-community.html

Election results - Nov 7, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-election-results-nov-7-2017.html

Final Election Prep posting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/you-get-to-vote-tuesday-november-7.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Patrick Casey
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_6.html

Candidate Interview Collection - Prepare for the Nov 7 Election

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/candidate-interview-collection-prepare.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Glenn Jones
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_5.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Matt Kelly

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_1.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Andrew (Andy) Bissanti
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_50.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Cindy Douglas

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee.html

Voices of Franklin: Vanessa Bilello

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/voice-of-franklin-vanessa-bilello.html

Registered voter totals by Precinct - Oct 18, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-total-voters-registered-as-of.html

Absentee Ballot Reminder
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/absentee-ballot-can-be-voted-in-town.html

Franklin Candidate for Board of Health: Bridget Sweet
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-board-of-health.html

What will Franklin be like in 2028?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/what-will-franklin-be-like-in-2028.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Mickey Whitmore
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html

Candidates Night video - available on demand
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/candidates-night-video-available-on.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Virginia (Gigi) Zub
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_31.html

Town of Franklin Biennial Election Info
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/biennial-town-election-tuesday-november.html

Absentee Ballot Reminder
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/absentee-ballots-are-now-available-at.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Dianne Feeley

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_30.html

Franklin Candidate Facebook pages
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidates-facebook-pages.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Anne Bergen

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_26.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Tom Mercer

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council-tom.html

Voices of Franklin: Maria Lucier - Vote on Nov 7

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/voices-of-franklin-maria-lucier-vote-on.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Monica Linden (audio)

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_24.html

Milford Daily News Candidate profiles - Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/in-news-town-council-candidate-profiles.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Melanie Hamblen (audio)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_23.html

Candidate Night available On Demand

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/candidate-night-available-on-demand.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Denise Schultz
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Alexandra Porter-Marques

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_20.html

Commercial Industrial Development highlights - Milford Daily News
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/in-news-candidates-night-40b-and.html

Live reporting from Candidates Night - Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-ma-candidates-night-oct-17-2017.html

Milford Daily News on the Candidates Night - Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/in-news-candidates-night-oct-17.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Eamon McCarthy Earls
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_16.html

Milford Daily News - School Committee candidate profiles
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/milford-daily-news-school-committee.html

Franklin Election Candidates Night - Tuesday, Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-election-candidates-night.html

Are you registered to vote - Last day, Oct 18
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/are-you-registered-to-vote-last-day-to.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Judith Pfeffer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html

Free cable time for Franklin Candidates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/free-cable-time-for-franklin-candidates.html

Final listing of Candidates for Nov 7
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/final-listing-of-candidates-for.html

Updated Candidate Listing - as of Sep 15, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/updated-candidate-listing-for-franklin.html

Important Dates to Remember
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/important-dates-to-remember-for.html

Candidate List as of Sep 8, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/the-updated-franklin-candidate-listing.html

Candidate List as of Aug 31, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/who-is-going-to-be-responsible-for-half.html

Election Prep: What does the Planning Board do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/election-prep-what-does-planning-board.html

Election Prep: What does the Board of Health do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/election-prep-what-does-board-of-health.html

Election Prep: What does the Board of Assessors do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-board-of.html

Election Prep: What does the School Committee do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-school.html

Election Prep: What does the Town Council do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-town-council-do.html

Offer to candidates for interview
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html

Election Candidate List as of Aug 11
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/franklin-election-2017-candidates.html

Election Candidate List as of Aug 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/franklin-election-2017-candidate-status.html

Linden announces candidacy for School Committee
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/linden-announces-candidacy-for-franklin.html

Important dates for the Election, Nov 7, 2017
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdHVWamxEMGJLZnM/view?usp=sharing

Biennial Announcement reminder
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/franklin-biennial-town-election_30.html

Biennial Announcement
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/franklin-biennial-town-election.html

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

5th Annual Wiffle ball Tournament - Aug 19

The 5th Annual Wiffle ball Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 19. This is an annual fund raising event for the Random Smile Project.

• Registration: 8-8:45am, games start at 9am
• $125 per team
• Each team plays a minimum of 3 games prior to tournament seeding
• Fletcher Field, Peck Street, Franklin, MA
• Two Divisions:
• Recreational (here for fun)
• Competitive (fast pitch)
• 5 players per team

Register at http://www.randomsmile.org/wiffle/

5th Annual Wiffle ball Tournament - Aug 19

"there is some hope when it comes to partisan blindness”

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

"UMass Lowell senior Hannah Daly helped conduct a nationwide political survey whose results were anything but surprising: the two major political parties just don’t trust each other. 

The results of the 1,000-person, nationwide survey offer a glimpse into how political differences skew our view on the founding principles of democracy. Through her research, she discovered that, over the years, opposing parties have lost faith in each other’s respect for core democratic values. In other words, political parties have trouble believing the opposing party will uphold the standards of democracy properly. 

“We were expecting to see something like the results looked like,” said Daly, a Franklin native.. “In previous work on democratic tolerance, commitments to values like free speech have been much higher percentage-wise, like, in the 90 (percentile). So, it was kind of interesting to see that our results were in the 80 and 70 (percentile).”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20170730/franklin-native-helped-coordinate-nationwide-political-survey

For more info on the results of the UMass-Lowell polls, follow the link
https://www.uml.edu/Research/public-opinion/polls/

UMass-Lowell polls

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing another friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "A recent review of online traffic interacting with our website, done through Google Analytics, indicates that without question our most popular feature is providing an online research capability for users to access all our online land documents. Consumers can see up to 6,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. We are bringing the Registry records into people's homes and businesses. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumer can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors such as, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (only plans which are recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "A crucial focus we bring to our work at the Registry of Deeds each and every day is ensuring all our users are receiving first-class customer service. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does that by bringing the Registry records into your homes and businesses." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

Franklin Biennial Town Election – November 7th, 2017

Nomination papers will be available beginning Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Town Clerk's Office

The Following positions are available in the Biennial Town Election to be held Tuesday, November 7, 2017

• Board of Assessors - 1 Seat - 4 Year Term (2017- 2021)
• Board of Health - 1 Seat - 4 Year Term (2017- 2021)
• Planning Board - 3 Seats - 4 Year Term (2017- 2021)
• School Committee - 7 Seats - 2 Year Term (2017- 2019)
• Town Council - 9 Seats - 2 Year Term (2017- 2019)

Contact Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk with any questions,
(508)520-4900 / tburr@franklinma.gov
Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/134873


Related post:

The screen shots showing each of the existing memberships, who remains, who's position is up for election:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/open-positions-franklin-town-election.html

the steps to the Franklin/Dean MBTA station have finally been patched.
The station is an on-going topic for the Town Council

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Saturday Recap

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Festival as it happened on Saturday, July 29, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.

day is done, the tent is empty

Thanks to all who helped to make this wonderful event a reality! Thanks also to all those who came to participate, please tell your friends and neighbors to come next year!

Elks Care, Elks Share 5K Race and Walk - Sep 30

The needs of our Veterans are ever evolving. As a community it's up to us to be there for them when they need us most - will you help us in serving those who have served for us?

It's easy and fun!

• You or your business can be sponsors for this event having a booth race day to promote yourself
• Sign up to be a walker or runner and create a free fundraising platform where people can pledge for you
• Create a team and have people join you in your goals
• Print this flyer and hang it around town to spread the word

We appreciate anything you can do to help the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 spread the word of this community event that raises awareness. 

Website: http://www.franklinelks.org/elks5k

Race registration: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=8098

Elks Care, Elks Share 5K Race and Walk - Sep 30

Franklin Public Library: Harry Potter Party - July 31

The Franklin Public Library will host a Harry Potter Party, Monday, July 31, 1:00 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite character, get sorted into a Hogwarts House and enjoy other games and snacks.

Franklin Public Library: Harry Potter Party - July 31

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/07/harry-potter-party-monday-july-31-100-pm.html

Encore Music: Fall Registration 2017

Fall registration is fast approaching! Find out how to ensure your preferred lesson timefor the year!

Fall Registration is fast approaching! Re-acquaint yourself with our registration process and find out how to ensure your preferred lesson time for the year!  View this email in your browser Fall Registration 2017 How time flies! Fall registration is already upon us as of Tuesday, August 1st!  Click to Review our Policies - Including Inclement Weather Fall Registration  Registration opens Tuesday, August 1st! Contact the front desk at either Encore location to find out instructor availability and ensure your preferred time. Payment must be taken at the time of scheduling, and the annual registration fee of $15 will apply. In addition to the ever-popular monthly plan, Encore also offers the following discounts for students: Annual Plan: Commitment to the entire academic year, with a 10% discount when paid in full before the year starts. For the 2017-2018 academic year, the deadline is August 31st. Trimester Plan: Commitment to a trimester (Fall, Winter, Spring), with a 5% discount when paid in full before the trimester starts. For Fall 2017, the deadline is August 31st. ENCORE HOURS FOR THE 2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR    From September 5th through June 30th, Encore's typical hours of operation are as follows: Monday-Thursday, 2:00pm-9:00pm Friday: 2:00-6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm (Millis only) Fall 2017: CLASSES OFFERED Please come and join these exciting opportunities at Encore! Call (508) 533-7700 for more information! VOCAL PREPARATORY CLASS Ages 6-8 This class offering at Encore is specifically designed for children who are too young for our more advanced vocal ensembles or private lessons. It is also a perfect stepping stone into the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program for those who are interested in becoming a part of this internationally-acclaimed achievement program. Students will be introduced to the elements of singing — breathing, ear-training, and rhythm. Performances will be held throughout the year.   Wednesdays: 5:00-5:45  OR Thursdays: 4:30-5:15 THE ENCORRIGIBLES   Ages 8-13 This boys' vocal ensemble offers the opportunity to sing in a fun and supportive environment. This one-hour class will meet weekly and explore many genres of music including jazz, rock, pop, and a cappella. Opportunities to perform will be available throughout the year. No prior experience required.        Tuesdays: 6:00-7:00 GIRLS' VOCAL ENSEMBLE Ages 8-13 This all-female vocal ensemble teaches teamwork while exploring two– and three-part harmony singing. Students will build self-confidence while expanding their knowledge of various musical genres like pop and musical theatre. Opportunities to perform will be available throughout the year. No prior experience required.  Thursdays: 5:30-6:30 THE ENHARMONIX RECORDING ENSEMBLE  Ages 8-18, By Invitation This class, held in tandem with our Recording Techniques course, is designed to teach students what it means to work as a studio musician/back-up vocalist. Students learn first-hand about mic-technique, patience, preparedness, harmonies, and production. This two-hour, weekly class requires commitment, home preparation, and flexibility. Students will have opportunities to perform both as a group and as soloists. Wednesdays 6:00-8:00  WIND CHAMBER MUSIC Ages 10 and up Woodwind Specialist will be coaching this collaborative chamber group. Two years of experience with an instrument is recommended, but not required. Flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and bassoon players are all welcome, and will have opportunities to perform as a group throughout the year. Mondays 7:00-8:00 JAZZ & ROCK ENSEMBLE All abilities, ages, and instruments are welcome for this weekly class with John Salzillo! There are performance opportunities throughout the year, and students learn the art of improvisation and playing in a collaborative environment. Saturdays: 1:30-3:00   SONGWRITER'S WORKSHOP Ages 14 and up The Songwriter's Workshop is a class designed specifically with the modern songwriter in mind. We will focus on the details of lyric writing, exploring rhyme schemes, literary devices, and lyrical analysis to assist our creation of vivid and descriptive stories.  We will analyze examples of popular song structures and music theory specific to the modern songwriter. Basic music theory is not a prerequisite nor is the ability to play an instrument, but it is strongly encouraged.  Students will need a lyric writing journal and a device for taking notes. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their existing compositions or songs in progress with the class as we offer constructive critique and analysis in a safe and intimate setting. Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 RECORDING TECHNIQUES Ages 13 and up Instruction in audio recording techniques is the focus of this 90-minute, weekly class. Students learn about audio recording and sound reproduction in tandem with the Encore EnHarmonix recording ensemble. With hands-on work in an active recording studio, students will have opportunities to learn about signal flow, mic placement, sound engineering and editing, and many other aspects of music production.        Wednesdays 6:30-8:00   BEGINNER THEORY This class introduces students to the fundamentals of reading music, key signatures, time signatures, and other rudimentary concepts. This level of theory is a co-requisite for students of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program who are studying at Level 5.       Mondays 7:00-7:45 INTERMEDIATE THEORY  (Beginner Theory a prerequisite) This class builds upon the concepts introduced in Beginner Theory. Students will continue to expand their knowledge of music, including composition and form. Co-requisite with Levels 6 and 7 of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.     Mondays 8:00-8:45 ADVANCED THEORY (Intermediate Theory a prerequisite) This class is for the advanced musician who has already taken Intermediate Theory or AP Theory in school. The class will flesh out the concepts learned in earlier classes, and will lead the student toward the study of Harmony. This class is co-requisite for Level 8 of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.    Wednesdays 8:15-9:00   Mark Your Calendars Tuesday, August 1 -  FALL REGISTRATION OPENS Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5 – Royal Conservatory Performance Assessments in Franklin Friday and Saturday, August 11 and 12 - Royal Conservatory Academic Assessments in Franklin Saturday, September 2 - Summer Session Ends Monday, September 4 – CLOSED for Labor Day Tuesday, September 5 - Fall Trimester and Academic Year Begins Location, Location, Location!  As Encore continues to grow and evolve, we are experiencing increased movement between our two facilities.  When we opened our Millis location in May, 2014, at 352 Village St., one very compelling reason for our choice of location was its proximity to our flagship location in Franklin.  Although they may sound very far apart, rest assured that our Millis location is just a short, two-mile, four-minute drive from Franklin and is easily accessible.   Stay Connected Encore joined Instagram! Follow us here to see photos, videos, and important announcements! Keep up with the latest happenings at Encore by joining our group on Facebook called  Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios. This is not to be confused with our Facebook page of the same name. The page is dedicated to announcements made by the Encore administrators, including closings due to inclement weather. The group is YOUR VENUE. We encourage all students, parents, alumni, and staff to make use of it: post musical events, ask questions, share ideas! Don't be shy: get to know the members of your Encore family today. The Encore Music Education Foundation now has a Facebook page! Please visit and "like" this page for up-to-date information about scholarship and subsidy availability. Copyright © 2017 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 3 Bent St Franklin, MA 02038