Senator Ross: January 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2015 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: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, We are just one month into 2015, and from getting critical legislation signed and filed, welcoming our new legislators and Governor, all whilst battling severe weather, it has definitely proven to be an exciting year so far. I am very grateful to be back on Beacon Hill for the 189th legislative session to serve you, my constituents. Please read and share my monthly newsletter for updates on news in the district, office hours, and information on what is happening in the State House. As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Senator. Sincerely, SENATOR ROSS ACCEPTS NEW SENATE LEADERSHIP POST I am honored to have been appointed to serve as an Assistant Senate Minority Leader for the 2015-2016 legislative session. On Wednesday, January 21st the Senate adopted new Senate rules changes to expand minority party committee participation and floor leadership. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules was also subsequently split into two separate committees. I now serve as the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Ethics and I look forward to getting to work and fighting for my constituents across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. I was also appointed to the Joint Committee on Public Health and will continue serving on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the Joint Committees on Higher Education, Judiciary, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Public Safety and Homeland Security. Since being elected to the Senate in 2010, I have previously served as the Ranking Republican of the Ways and Means Committee, Minority Whip, and Assistant Minority Whip. ROSS, DOOLEY SECURE PLAINVILLE GAMING FUND In a last minute push before the end of the 2013-2014 legislative session, myself and Representative Shawn Dooley secured passage of legislation to establish a gaming revenue stabilization fund in the town of Plainville. As host to Plainridge Racecourse and the new Plainridge Park Casino, set to open this spring, Plainville will be entitled to Host Community Payments from the gaming facility. Bill S.2354 An Act establishing a gaming revenue stabilization fund in the town of Plainville, signed by former Governor Deval Patrick on January 7th, ensures that all Host Community Payments received by the town are deposited into the gaming stabilization fund. The fund is intended to be utilized for future capital projects, upon vote of a town meeting. Earlier this week, local state legislators welcomed new Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash to Plainridge for a tour and a briefing on the facility. It is estimated that when Plainridge opens it will create roughly 500 jobs. WINERIES BILL SIGNED INTO LAW Former Governor Deval Patrick signed into law, H4571 An Act relative to direct wine shipper licenses, which corrects a loophole in the FY15 budget that allows out-of-state wineries to ship limited quantities of wine directly to consumers. Throughout the budget process, lawmakers inadvertently eliminated the ability for small farmer-wineries and cider makers to sell directly to stores and restaurants, a provision that would have forced them to sell through one of the state's alcohol distributors. Countless Massachusetts wine and cider makers expressed their concern, including Homestead Hard Cider, located in Attleboro. Attleboro legislators worked with State Representative John Scibak (D-South Hadley), the bill's sponsor, to correct the mistake and push for the legislation's passage. Rep. Paul Heroux and I stopped by Homestead to chat with DoubleACS about the bill, you can check it our here. BILL AIMS TO PROTECT SAFETY ON STATE HIGHWAYS In light of serious public safety concerns on several interstate highways due to demonstrators stopping traffic, I have proposed a bill to prevent such trespassing on Massachusetts highways. An Act Relative to Preserving Public Safety and Preventing Trespassing on State Highways would punish anyone who willfully trespasses upon a state highway, without just cause, with a fine of not less than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months. While I respect meaningful discourse and lawful protesting, the line must be drawn when lives are put at risk. This is first and foremost a public safety issue and the people of the Commonwealth need to know we are doing everything in our power to discourage such reckless behavior. For the full release, please click here. TRANSPARENCY IN STATE SENATE My Republican colleagues and I successfully changed a major Senate rule requiring the posting of Senate committee votes to the General Court website within 48 hours of a vote being taken. The measure passed unanimously by a vote of 38-0. I had the privilege of serving on the temporary committee on Ethics and Rules, tasked with proposing recommendations to be adopted as the permanent rules of the Senate for 2015-2016. Participating in the Senate Rules debate was constructive and collaborative and the newly adopted rules will only help to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency throughout the legislative process. While I am disappointed some Republican initiated ideas were not included, we made some great gains, demonstrating the body's continued dedication to the people of the Commonwealth. For more information on all the changes, please click here. It has been an exciting month so far on Beacon Hill. Not only was I fortunate to be sworn in for my third term as your State Senator for the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District, but we have a new Governor as well as a few new changes to the Massachusetts Senate. Welcome to Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, my good friend and new Senate President Stan Rosenberg, and our two new members of the Senate Republican Caucus Vinny deMacedo and Ryan Fattman. Excited to get to work. GOVERNOR BAKER RELEASES $100 MILLION IN LOCAL AID I am thrilled to announce that Governor Charlie Baker has made good on his campaign promise to release the remainder of the Chapter 90 local transportation aid funding statewide for FY15, essential for projects in our cities and towns. Here's a breakdown of increases for towns across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District: Attleboro will receive an additional $604,064 Franklin will receive an additional $468,315 Millis will receive an additional $137,727 Natick will receive an additional $500,667 Needham will receive an additional $456,350 Norfolk will receive an additional $195,225 North Attleboro will receive an additional $369,513 Plainville will receive an additional $136,128 Sherborn will receive an additional $126,964 Wayland will receive an additional $237,711 Wellesley will receive an additional $412,589 Wrentham will receive an additional $212,133 For more information please visit the MassDOT website here. Attended the Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officers Association Legislative Luncheon at the State House with Attleboro Veterans Officers Phil Audette, Lt. Col. Carl Bradshaw, and Col. Julie Hall (left). Recognized the newest Eagle Scouts of Troop 10 in Needham with Rep. Denise Garlick. Congrats to Kyle Bourke, Alexander Caulfield, Jacob Nikolajczyk, and Theodore Morin IV for this outstanding achievement (right). FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP AT BCC Bristol Community College will be hosting a free FAFSA workshop at the Attleboro Campus, 11 Field Road, on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Financial Aid Office staff will be available to walk people through the financial aid applications as well as answer any questions about the process. This event is open to the public. Please register in advance. For more information please call (508)226-2484 or (508)678-2811 ext: 3327 or email financialaid@bristolcc.edu. Recently toured Madonna Manor nursing home in North Attleboro with Administrator Mary-Ellen Murphy (left). Visited HESSCO Elder Services which serves many towns in Norfolk County including Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham, and spoke with Executive Director Mary Jean McDermott (right). IMPORTANT STORM SAFETY INFORMATION This week, Massachusetts was hit with one of the worst January storms in its' history. The people of the Commonwealth were prepared, but many of my constituents reported property damages, loss of power, and heat. It looks like Juno will only be the first of many severe winter storms to hit us over the new few months, which is why I encourage you to review this important list and ensure that you and your family know what to do and who to contact. MEMA is your best resource when it comes to up-to-date information on the severity of oncoming winter storms. On their website, they also have important information regarding how best to prepare as well as tips on winter storm safety. Visit their website here. To receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts app for free here.   Shelters are open across Massachusetts for those in need during winter storms. For more information, dial 2-1-1 or go to the Mass 2-1-1 website here. Please feel free to dial this number for any non-emergency related questions as well. Call your utility company to report outages and receive information regarding restoration. Customers served by a municipal utility in their community should locate their utility's phone number to report outages. NSTAR: 1-800-592-2000 National Grid: 1-800-465-1212 WMECO: 877-659-6326 Unitil (FG&E): 888-301-7700 Do not call 9-1-1 to report any outages. Do call 9-1-1 if you see any down power lines. View this electronic map from MEMA for information on power outages across the state. Safety is the number one priority. Always be prepared. Celebrating the renaming of the commuter rail station in downtown Natick to Natick Center Station with Senator Karen Spilka (left). Congrats to all of the Attleboro D.A.R.E. program graduates at Coelho Middle School. Thank you to Principal Andrew Boles and the Attleboro Police Department for making this important program a reality for our children (right). SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINARS As tax season approaches, my legislative colleagues and I will be hosting informational seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. This event is open to all and I encourage all of my constituents who believe they are eligible to attend this seminar and learn how they can take advantage of this great program. To see when we will be visiting your town, check out the schedule below. For more information on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit please visit my website here.  Tuesday, February 10th Attleboro Senior Center, 25 South Main Street, Attleboro 11:30am-12:30pm Norfolk COA, 28 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk 1:00pm-2:00pm Wrentham COA, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham 2:30pm-3:30pm Wednesday, February 11th Plainville COA, 9 School Street, Plainville 10:00am-11:00am North Attleboro COA, 204 Elm Street, North Attleboro 12:30pm-1:30pm Friday, February 27th Sherborn COA, 19 Washington Street, Sherborn 11:00am-12:30pm Franklin COA, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin 1:30pm-2:30pm Wednesday, March 18th Needham Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Avenue, Needham 10:30am-11:30am Natick COA, 117 East Central Street, Natick 12:00pm-1:00pm Millis Town Hall, 900 Main Street, Millis 1:30pm-2:30pm Tuesday, March 24th Wellesley COA, 219 Washington Street, Wellesley 10:30am-11:30am Wayland COA, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland 1:00pm-2:00pm Speaking with constituents from Millis, Needham, and Sherborn at my office hours at Sherborn Town Hall (left). Attended the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Annual Meeting with Rep. Steven Howitt, Rep. Betty Poirier, President and CEO of Sturdy Dr. Bruce Auerbach, Rep. Jay Barrows, and Senator Jim Timilty (right).  ----- Note the email was so long, the message was clipped. To view the full text, please go to the web version here View this email in your browser

Fairy/Fishing Portrait Fundraiser - Feb Vacation Week

From Jennifer Lynn Photography:

Looking for plans during Feb break with your little ones? I am hosting 2 fundraisers that week to support my 2015 Boston Marathon run for Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of my stepdad Bob Bossa (from Franklin).

Fairy/Fishing Portrait Fundraiser

For additional information and to reserve a time slot:
https://www.facebook.com/events/791424417614797/?pnref=story

Blackstone Valley: February Things to Do

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February Things to do  in the Blackstone River Valley  National Heritage Corridor For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar.  Coffee with Charlene Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Join Charlene Perkins Cutler for her monthly coffee hour.   8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This month's topic:  Announcing a New Program! Location:  Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center - Pawtucket                   175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI For more information, click here Save the Dates! We are looking ahead to some great activities and opportunities.  Mark your calendars, and look for more information in upcoming newsletters. March 17       (Tuesday)  -  Coffee with Charlene  March 19      (Thursday) -   Blackstone Heritage Corridor                                                Annual Dinner  Partner Events in January February  7 - Wallum Lake Twilight Tour The Central MA Snowshoe Series will host this night-time snowshoe race.  If the current piles of snow melt before this event, it will take place as the durtyfeets Trail Series!   For more information,  go to the MRA Multisport web page: http://www.mramultisport.com/wallumtwilight/ February  7 - Blackstone River Theatre                 Occidental Gypsy Occidental Gypsy delivers an exhilarating blend of gypsy swing, jazz and world music with riff-rich, roaring acoustic sound and sultry vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing. For more information visit the BRT web page: http://www.riverfolk.org February   7 - Wintertime Market  The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse. Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI For more information, visit the web page: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=29&utm_source=Experience+Pawtucket%3A+Happenings+1-29-15&utm_campaign=Happenings1-29-15&utm_medium=email February 10 - Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce                   Annual Dinner The Chamber's 24th Annual Dinner will feature a keynote address by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. As the 75th governor of Rhode Island, she is the first female to hold the office. Prior to being elected governor, she served as General Treasure of Rhode Island. Raimondo's agenda is designed to kick start the state's economy and create Jobs. For more information, go to the Chamber's web page: http://www.nrichamber.com/events/Annual-Dinner-2102015-1317/details February 12 - BRWA Board Meeting Monthly Board meeting of the Blackstone River Watershed Association For more information, go to the BRWA web page: http://www.thebrwa.org/calendar.php February 13 - Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce                          Legislative Breakfast Meet and hear from your newly elected legislators!   For more information, go to the Chamber's  web page: http://members.blackstonevalley.org/events/details/legislative-breakfast-140 February 14 - Wintertime Market  The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.  Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI For more information, visit the web page: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=29&utm_source=Experience+Pawtucket%3A+Happenings+1-29-15&utm_campaign=Happenings1-29-15&utm_medium=email February 15 - Blackstone River Theatre                  FullSet All accomplished young musicians in their own right, FullSet create a stunning and unique sound that is full of energy and innovation, and are quickly becoming one of the most well-known bands in the Irish music scene today For more information visit the BRT web page: http://www.riverfolk.org February 16-20 - Winter on the Farm The Community Harvest Project is sponsoring a Winter-Break Camp for kids grades 4 - 7.  Events include hands-on cooking, nutrition activities, nature crafts, container planting, and active games. For more information, go to the Community Harvest web page: http://www.community-harvest.org/get-involved/winter-on-the-farm February 17 - Canal District                    Carnaval de Canal  The Canal District is pleased to host Worcester's Fourth Annual "Carnaval de Canal" Mardi Gras Party - the grandest Mardi Gras Party in Massachusetts, bringing New Orleans fun and entertainment to our fine city. There is sure to be something for everyone! The Canal District offers venues for everyone's tastes! Come on down! The evening will kick off at 6pm and continue throughout the evening along Harding, Green, Water, and Millbury Streets until the close of business. For more information, visit the web page: https://www.facebook.com/events/548463038565004/ February 18 - BRWC/FOB Board Meeting Monthly Board meeting of the  Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone. For more information, go to the BRWC/FOB web page: http://blackstoneriver.org/blackstone/?ai1ec_event=brwc-monthly-meeting&instance_id=3935 February 21 - Wintertime Market  The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse. Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI For more information, visit the web page: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=29&utm_source=Experience+Pawtucket%3A+Happenings+1-29-15&utm_campaign=Happenings1-29-15&utm_medium=email February 21 - Blackstone River Theatre                  Rossoni This local singer/songwriter presents an evening of original folk/pop/rock music. For more information visit the BRT web page: http://www.riverfolk.org    February 26 - Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce                          Legislative Reception The annual Legislative Reception is an opportunity for business leaders from around the state to meet with colleagues and elected officials to discuss business issues and concerns they may have in a relaxed and informal setting. The Northern RI Chamber of Commerce coordinates the Chamber of Commerce Coalition, which is the largest business advocacy and lobbying organization in the state, representing more than 7,500 participating businesses and 70,000 employees.  For more information, go to the Chamber's  web page: http://www.nrichamber.com/events/Legislative-Reception-2262015-1400/details February 28 - Wintertime Market  The Wintertime Farmers Market has opened its doors!  Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse. Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI For more information, visit the web page: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=29&utm_source=Experience+Pawtucket%3A+Happenings+1-29-15&utm_campaign=Happenings1-29-15&utm_medium=email February 28 - Blackstone River Theatre                        The Gnomes The Gnomes play an eclectic blend of global folk fusion music -- Celtic, Scandinavian, Russian, Eastern European, Caribbean, Klezmer, Native American and originals. For more information visit the BRT web page: http://www.riverfolk.org Your event could be featured here! Include a description of the event, the event date/time, and other information shown on our event listing form.   Would you like to include a picture?  Be sure to send it along with the form! Call for Event Listings! Is your organization hosting fun, informative, adventurous, or educational activities?  We would love to help you get the word out! Click below for a copy of our submission form We will try to include all events and activities.  Simply start by providing some basic information about your event, and we will take it from there! The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a unique cultural landscape of industrial history and immigration in the interconnected system of the Blackstone River watershed. An energetic nonprofit, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. partners with organizations, local communities and businesses, and residents to insure the long term vitality of the Corridor.   Water Powered!

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Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/30/15 - THU 2/5/15

FRI 1/30   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 1/30   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena 

SAT 1/31   11am-1pm   Open House at Sunrise Montessori School in Franklin
SAT 1/31   1:30pm   CPR Training at National Medical Academy in Franklin. Please register on-line and use CPRSAVES cupon code for 50%off!
SAT 1/31   7pm   Comedy Night- Frank Santos, Jr. with Live Music - Four Noble Truths at Elks Lodge (benefits the Franklin Fusion)

SUN 2/1   3am   Registration Begins for Lion’s Heart - Teens Giving Back Organization
SUN 2/1   2pm   Get Organized with Organizing Boston at Franklin Public Library

MON 2/2   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Halls at FHS

TUE 2/3   1am   Registration Opens for Adult Education and Community Learning classes in Franklin
TUE 2/3   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Halls at FHS
TUE 2/3   7pm   Franklin Garden Club Meeting - public welcome. At St. John’s Church, Pleasant St., Franklin.

WED 2/4   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Track at Franklin High School
WED 2/4   6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Public Meeting with Painting Demo, Franklin Senior Center

THU 2/5   8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting. Public welcome! at Dean College - Golder Room
THU 2/5   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Halls at Franklin High School
 
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

The Wizard of OZ is coming to Our Town

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will present two all-student productions in February, beginning with the cherished family musical, The Wizard of Oz, on February 7 and 8 and continuing with Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Our Town, on February 28. All performances will take place at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin.

The Wizard of Oz, the stage musical adaptation of the MGM movie classic, features the film’s beloved story, iconic characters and memorable songs, including “Ding, Dong! The Witch is Dead,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Heart,” and the perennial favorite, “Over the Rainbow.” Featuring FSPA students in all levels of musical theater, the colorful, fantasy show invites audiences of all ages to follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man to the magical Land of Oz. FSPA’s production of The Wizard of Oz is directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell.

Featured roles will be performed by Jenna McDermott (Dorothy, Saturday evening and Sunday early matinee) of Wrentham, Colie Vancura (Dorothy, Saturday matinee and Sunday late matinee) of Medfield, Jason Barney (Cowardly Lion) of Franklin, Michael Fajardo (Tin Man) of Hopkinton, Aaron Frongillo (Scarecrow) of Franklin, Christian Daniele (Wizard of Oz) of Medfield, Sarah Bonde (Glinda, Saturday matinee and Sunday late matinee) of Medfield, Sammy Hartley (Glinda, Saturday evening and Sunday early matinee) of Franklin, Catherine LeClair (Wicked Witch, Saturday matinee and Sunday late matinee) of Franklin, and Melissa Wyner (Wicked Witch, Saturday evening and Sunday early matinee) of Franklin.

Our Town is a classic portrayal of small-town American life. The deeply human play in three acts depicts life and death, marriage and daily life in Wilder’s fictional, turn-of-the-century Grover’s Corner, New Hampshire. The nostalgic masterpiece is Wilder’s most renowned and frequently performed play. FSPA’s production of Our Town is directed by Nick Paone.

Featured roles in Our Town will be played by Franklin’s Graham Hancock (George Gibbs), Catherine LeClair (Emily Webb), Madi Asgiersson (Mrs. Webb), Aaron Frongillo (Mr. Webb), Lily Barney (Young Emily), and Jocelyn Jones (Mrs. Gibbs), as well as Michael Fajardo (Dr. Gibbs) of Hopkinton and Griffin Wilkins (Young George) of Walpole.

FSPA is pleased to offer prospective students a complimentary ticket to The Wizard of Oz or Our Town as part of the school’s All Access Pass program. Students interested in learning more about the school are encouraged to see the show and experience firsthand the kinds of performing opportunities available at FSPA. To reserve a complimentary ticket, contact FSPA at 508-528-8668 for more information and to schedule a free trial class or tour of the facility. Registration is ongoing for all FSPA programs.

FSPA will present The Wizard of Oz on Saturday, February 7, at 2 and 6 p.m. and on Sunday, February 8, at 1 and 5 p.m. Our Town will be staged on Saturday, February 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.theblackboxonline.com. Visit www.fspaonline.com for more information about FSPA, including class schedule and course catalogue.

THE BLACK BOX Theater