Senator Ross: November 2014 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, November 2014 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 520 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1053 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, As we all prepare to be with our loved ones during the holiday this week, let us remember that this month is about giving thanks. Thank you to our veterans who have served us and continue to serve us valiantly. Thank you to our local leaders, those newly elected and reelected, who selflessly fight for us on a daily basis. Most of all, thank you to my constituents, whom it is an honor to represent in the legislature. These next few weeks, please enjoy time spent with family and friends. As always, please let me know what your priorities are and what you would like me to focus on before the new legislative session begins in January. Sincerely, This Veterans Day, I was privileged to attend several ceremonies across my district to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served our nation in conflict. Today, more than 19.6 million military veterans are living in the United States. We as a people, a state, and a country must work to guarantee that they have proper care and services. We must honor our veterans not just with our words, but with our actions. Thank you to those who serve and have served and thank you for your sacrifice.   THANK YOU TO MY CONSTITUENTS I would like to thank my constituents, the voters of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District for reelecting me to the Massachusetts state senate. I am honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve this district again. Over these past four years, I have worked tirelessly for the twelve cities and towns I represent. From Wayland to Attleboro, I will continue to work hard each and every day to ensure that my constituents have a strong, independent voice on Beacon Hill. When the new legislative session begins, I will continue to focus on the priorities of this district, such as local aid and transportation funding, while fighting to make critical reforms that will make our government more cost effective and responsive to you, the hard working taxpayers. Additionally, I ask for your input as to how we might be able to fix the many aspects of our state government and I look forward to working with the Baker/Polito administration to get our state back on track. It is a privilege to serve you in the legislature, and I look forward to continuing to earn your trust. YOUTH HOMELESS AWARENESS I stopped by Mason Field in North Attleboro for the first night of the Attleboro Area Youth Homeless Awareness Weekend. 110 area students were sleeping out in boxes and collecting donations by day to experience what others go through on a daily basis, raising money for a great cause. Homelessness continues to be a serious issue in Massachusetts, demonstrating the need for a strong economy to create more sustainable jobs. For the eighth year in a row, these teens along with local community organizations continue to inspire others by shedding light on a very important issue. Last year, the students raised over $10,000 and once again braved the cold temperatures to collect donations and non-perishable food items. Their efforts are a shining example of how much a community can accomplish when they come together for a common cause. MDA LOCKUP I had a great time participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Lockup at Barrett's in North Attleboro with Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance, Building Commissioner Doug Semple, and members of the MDA staff. MDA is dedicated to treating and curing more than 43 neuromuscular diseases- including ALS. In addition to funding life-saving research, MDA provides services such as equipment repairs, clinic visits, support groups, flu shots and more, to the families it serves. They also pay tuition for children with muscular dystrophy to attend a completely handicap accessible, overnight summer camp. By getting "Locked Up" we were raising "bail" for local children and families living with muscle disease. It was a wonderful day for a worthy cause, and you can still donate on my page here or visit www.mda.org to help someone in need. FRANKLIN STUDENTS HONOR VETS Just before Veterans Day, I was honored to attend an assembly at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin with my colleagues Senator Karen Spilka and Rep. Jeff Roy emphasizing the importance of reading and understanding our veterans' sacrifice.   Teachers at Horace Mann Middle School, headed by Mary Cotillo and Erin O'Leary, organized the event called "All In," which for the fourth year in a row brings the school together to read and discuss a piece of literature. This year, the teachers chose 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand which tells the remarkable true story of Louis Zamperini, a WWII veteran imprisoned in Japan during the war, enduring years of torture. Zamperini's story is just one of the many heartbreaking accounts of what our veterans have gone through and still go through. I am glad our students were able to hear his story along with those of veterans in their community. Our schools and our teachers are doing a great job, and I was so honored to be a part of it. 25 YEARS OF GOURMET GUYS I was proud to join local city officials, colleagues in the legislature, and many of my constituents at the Attleboro Elks Lodge for the Gourmet Guys 25th anniversary fundraiser. The event was presented by New Hope, a remarkable local organization dedicated to combating domestic abuse. Having worked on critical domestic violence legislation this past year and recently being appointed to the special commission on housing and shelter options for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, I know how critical this issue is in the commonwealth. What makes this event so special year after year is that we all are coming together for a common goal: to help bring this epidemic to an end. Victims of abuse and assault should always know they have support within their communities and in their government. New Hope continues to do an amazing job to aid those in need, and the event itself is always a great time. I was honored to be a guest at the Jackson School in Plainville to see Mrs. Durand's second grade class perform "The Meaning of Veterans Day." (left) Celebrated the Amvet School 5th Grade Veterans Day Essay Winners in North Attleboro with Rep. Betty Poirier, and Supt. Suzan Cullen. (right) SPRING SEMESTER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES I am currently seeking interns in my State House office for the spring semester, all interested college students are encouraged to apply. With a new Governor, administration, and legislative session beginning in January, this is an exciting time to be on Beacon Hill. Interning in my office presents an excellent opportunity to experience the workings of state government and I am looking for driven, professional individuals who are capable of taking on real challenges daily. Intern duties include drafting correspondence with constituents, gathering news clips, legislative research, general administrative tasks, as well as attending formal Senate sessions and public hearings. Internships are unpaid, but present an opportunity to learn about the legislative process. My staff and I will work with students to gain credit where applicable. If a college student is interested, they are encouraged to send their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Spoke with the impressive members of the Wellesley College Republicans about the importance of this past election, state government, and why we need more young, motivated students like them to get involved in the political process. (left) I was happy to honor the Estate at Franklin for the grand opening of their new care facility. (right) CHILDREN'S BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM The Attleboro VNA will be hosting a children's bereavement program for kids, ages 5-13, designed to help them deal with the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or any other significant person in their life. As the director of a funeral home, I am all too familiar with the grief many families, especially young children, go through when they lose someone close to them. This program  is a great opportunity for the children to explore and express their feelings through group activities. The program is free and open to the public and takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 9:30am-12:00pm  at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. To register call (508)222-0118 or (800)220-0110. For more information, you can also visit www.communityvna.com. I was proud to stand with the family of the late Jack Thomas at Sweatt Field in Wrentham for the unveiling of a bench honoring his many years of service to the town and our youth. (left) Recognized Verastem for the opening of their new location in Needham with the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen John Bulian, Robert Forrester President/CEO of Verastem, and Greg Reibman President of the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce. (right) HOLIDAY HOME AND TRAVEL SAFETY Thanksgiving is this week, which means many of us will be traveling across the state and the country to celebrate with family, friends and relatives. The Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Fire Services (DFS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have compiled some helpful tips to ensure that you have a fun and safe Thanksgiving. Before preparing for your festivities and travel arrangements, take a moment to look over this list here and make the most of the holiday season. Celebrated Thanksgiving by serving food at local senior centers in Attleboro (left) and Wellesley (right). GIVING THANKS As the holiday season draws near, there are plenty of opportunities to give to those in need in your own backyard. Check out the list below to find a place near you where you can donate. Attleboro St. Joseph's Food Cellar: (508) 226-1115 Self Help Attleboro: (508) 226-4192 Murray Unitarian Universalist Church Food Pantry: (508) 222-0505 Hebron Food Pantry: (508) 223-4257 Franklin Franklin Food Pantry: (508) 528-3115 Millis Millis Ecumencial Food Pantry: (508) 376-5034 Natick Natick Service Council: (508) 655-8868 A Place to Turn: (508) 655-8868 Natick Service Council Food Pantry: (508) 655-1791 Needham Needham Community Council Food Pantry: (781) 444-2415 Norfolk Emmanuel Baptist Church Norfolk Food Pantry:  (781) 769-0425 North Attleboro Lenore's Food Pantry: (508) 699-0103 Plainville United Methodist Church Food Pantry: (508) 695-9587 Sherborn Sherborn Community Center: (508) 655-2701 Wayland Celebration International Church: (508) 653-6864 Wellesley Wellesley Food Pantry:  (781) 235-1188 Wrentham Original Congregational Church: (508) 384-3110 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT These past few months, I have been highlighting some spectacular small businesses in my district. If you would like your business to be a part of our Small Business Spotlight or would like to nominate a small business, email me at richard.ross@masenate.gov. To see the places I have visited so far, check out my website here. ATTENTION VETERANS: If you would like a copy of the "Guide to Veterans' Laws and Benefits," please email me at richard.ross@masenate.gov, and I will mail a copy to you. This is an excellent resource, and a must for any veteran and their family.

Franklin’s Holiday Stroll to be held December 4

The entire family is invited to the Franklin Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 4. The Franklin Downtown Partnership will transform the downtown center into a festive holiday party from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., complete with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, holiday shopping, refreshments and plenty of entertainment.

The fun begins with carolers and hot chocolate at the annual tree lighting at 4 p.m. on Dean Hall Common on the Dean College campus.

From there, holiday revelers can stroll through downtown Franklin and stop into more than 30 participating businesses for tempting treats, special offers and holiday-themed entertainment. A complete list of each business’s activity or offering will be available at the tree lighting ceremony and at participating locations.

“The Holiday Stroll is a unique event that we feel really showcases our businesses. Our merchants stay open late and invite everyone inside. It’s a great opportunity to discover new businesses and have one-on-one conversations with business owners,” says event co-chair Gregg Chalk of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

Mrs Claus will read at the Franklin Historical Museum

Santa Claus will hear children’s wish lists at Simon’s Furniture from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Mrs. Claus will treat kids to an ornament craft, candy canes and hot chocolate at the Historical Museum.

Children can decorate gingerbread men under the lighted trees at Dean Bank, and find arts and craft activities hosted by the Girl Scouts on Main Street. Many other participating businesses also will have crafts for kids.

Visitors can check items off their holiday gift lists by shopping sales and specials at downtown shops. Several vendors will set up shop inside Depot Plaza and offer demonstrations, gift certifications and holiday items.

Refreshment of all kinds can be enjoyed at many participating downtown businesses, some of whom are partnering with stores located outside of central Franklin. Making Whoopie’s desserts can be found at The Black Box, while Pour Richard’s will offer cider at Jane’s Frames. Families making a night of it can stop into any participating downtown restaurant to enjoy discounts and dinner specials.

Music and entertainment will fill downtown that evening. Milford radio station WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast holiday music live from Emma’s Quilt Cupboard. Franklin School for the Performing Arts students will perform at The Black Box, and Alexa Katsaros will entertain crowds at Rockland Trust. Jamie Barrett is set to appear at Jane’s Frames, and Franklin High School music students will perform at the Cake Bar.

For younger visitors who have excess energy to burn, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA is providing a physical fitness and sports area in the Rockland Trust parking lot. The Franklin Fire Station is hosting a Touch-A-Truck event where kids can climb on the fire engines.

Amidst all the fun, there also will be opportunities for residents to give back to the community and donate goods to the Franklin Food Pantry. The Holiday Stroll falls in the middle of the Franklin Food Elves’ “12 Days of Donating” campaign. The Food Elves will place a red drop-off bin at the tree lighting ceremony and at 14 business locations throughout town.

This year’s Holiday Stroll is made possible by generous support from the local business community. This year’s Platinum Sponsor is Big Y World Class Market, and Gold Sponsors are DCU, Dean Bank, and Dean College.

Silver Sponsors are D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Ford, Franklin Local Town Pages and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Bronze Sponsors are Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C., Drama Kids of Metro West, Franklin Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, H & R Block, the Law Office of Timothy J. Teehan, Leaf Filter, NEWPRO, Simon’s Furniture and Vet Med Pet Supplies.

“Downtown Franklin shines brightly during the Holiday Stroll. It’s fun, it’s affordable, it’s close to home and it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit,” says co-chair Roberta Trahan.

For more information about the Holiday Stroll contact co-chairs Gregg Chalk, gchalk@dean.edu, or Roberta Trahan, Roberta_icu@verizon.net.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin. For more information about the FDP, please visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.



This was shared from http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/11/2014-holiday-stroll-press-release.html#sthash.9SWPEnPK.dpuf

Nice Car Care gives back to families in need

Nice Car Care 527 Beaver St Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4200 nicecarcarefranklin@yahoo.com Visit our website   Our team at Nice Car Care is proud to announce, we will again donate 5% of our profits, for the month of December, to the Franklin Food Pantry.  Especially during the holiday season, we feel it's important to give back to our community, and we can't think of a better charitable organization to be a part of. For more on the Franklin Food Pantry:   FranklinFoodPantry.org/  Facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry We encourage you to give any way you can.   From our family to yours, The Nice Car Care Crew Appointments Review Us Refer a Friend Preferences Having trouble viewing this email? Open in a web browser This email is provided as a service by Nice Car Care. This message contains information which may be confidential and/or privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachment(s) thereto without retaining any copies. Nice Car Care, 527 Beaver St Franklin, MA 02038 . © 2003-2014 Demandforce, Inc. All rights reserved.

This was shared from the Franklin Food Pantry webpage here

Hockomock All Star Football Team

Hockomock Sports announced the Hockomock All Star Football Team.

Colton Cardinal and Andrew Parent were named representing Franklin. Daevon Weathers was given Honorable Mention.

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

Mission's Historic Anniversary Approaching

Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus will begin its 12 year in March 2015 and will have completed 10 years as a duly recognized non-profit Mission Church by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts which requires all non-profits to renew their non-profit status every 10 years. 

In advance of refiling our papers with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts we are having our 11th annual Mission appeal in the hopes of raising $7775.00 (Seven Thousand seven hundred seventy five dollars) which will cover our usual annual operating costs and eliminate our outstanding debt of almost $3000 (Three Thousand Dollars) saving us the interest we pay on that debt each month. 

Twice Each month Mass is celebrated nursing homes in Canton, Milford, Medway, every other month at Taunton State Hospital and we visit on average 20 shut-ins a week in Worcester, Norfolk, Bristol, Middlesex and Plymouth Counties as well as in Vermont and New Hampshire bringing them Eucharist and some comfort in . All this plus collecting food and clothing for those in need is only possible through the generosity of our donors. 

Please make a donation or commit to a monthly donation for the coming fiscal year which will allow us to continue this work. 

Making a donation is easy either by using the PayPal DONATION link on our web site, http://www.missionstsergius.org 

or by sending your check directly to our Mission Bank with the notation

DONATION

^{MISSION Saints Sergius & Bacchus}

 ^{C/O MIDDLESEX SAVINGS BANK}

^{850 Washington Street}

^{Holliston, MA 01746}

screen grab of Mission webpage

Pax et Bonum
Peace & All God's Goodness be with you

Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
Divine Mercy Old Catholic Parish
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Link to Fr. Bob's Weekly TV show
http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriarBobJohn
Mission Web Site www.missionstsergius.org
Franciscan Web Site www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
ICCA Seminary Link http://www.iccamericas.org/seminary/
Diocese Office: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html

Reminder: TRASH AND RECYCLING CALENDAR

The following are the only holidays where trash and recycling will be delayed: Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Years's Day Memorial Day 4th of July Labor Day Yard waste is picked up on your normal trash and recycling day during collection weeks.  Yard waste can consist of leaves, brush and small limbs.  Leaves must be in open barrels or in compostable paper  leaf bags.  Brush must be tied with non-plastic twine no larger than 12 inches by 4 feet long.  No yard waste will be picked up in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or other containers.  Contaminated yard waste will not be picked up. Yard waste pick up dates are as follows: Week of October 27, 2014 Week of November 17, 2014 Week of April 13, 2015 Week of May 11, 2015 Do not put yard waste to the curb earlier than your pickup week to keep it from the weather. Christmas trees will be picked up the week of January 5, 2015 and only bare trees will be picked up.  Anything in bags, with ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc. will be left behind. PLEASE REVIEW THE SOLID WASTE WEBSITE AT WWW.FRANKLIN.MA.US   THE ANNUAL MAILER HAS ALL THE DATES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

THERE IS A NEW SOLID WASTE INFORMATION LINE: 508-553-5519 FOR UP TO THE DATE INFORMATION.

trash and recycle bins

In the News: sewer repairs, tax rate set

The public works department needs to make emergency repairs on a damaged culvert off Beaver Street that supports a section of sewer line to prevent a potential "environmental disaster." 

If the cast iron pipe is compromised, raw sewage will flood into nearby Mine Brook at a rate of 2 million gallons per day. 

Originally installed in 1914, the pipeline transports 70 percent of the town’s sewage flow effectively from Beaver Street to Pond Street. The lining inside the pipe has weakened from years of erosion.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141128016/1994/NEWS

Town councilors have approved a 39-cent increase to the tax rate, raising it from $14.45 to $14.84. 

Taxes on a home assessed at $381,000 -- the average value – will increase by 7.5 percent, or roughly $397, in fiscal year 2016. 

Overall, residential property values have increased by about 4.7 percent, according to Kevin Doyle, the director of assessing. 

“Values are beginning to trend up slowly — about a half a percent per month — and we’re continuing to track the market,” Doyle said last week during the brief tax rate hearing before the council.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141128012/1994/NEWS

New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice field would be that is now going to be a turf field and that will be regulation sized to be used for games

As reported last week, the summary of the Town Council meeting can be found here (including links to all the detailed reporting during the meeting)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html