Reminder: Montessori Open House - Feb 7 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Montessori Open House

Saturday, February 7 

from 11am to 1pm

31 Hayward St., Franklin

Free event.
The public is welcome to learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten programs.

Website: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

Contact: Karen Roeber, Director at 508-541-8010

screen grab of Sunrise Montessori webpage

Motor Vehicle Excise Exemptions for Veterans - Revised RMV Procedures

Motor Vehicle Excise Exemptions for Veterans - Revised RMV Procedures

The Division of Local Services has posted on its website Bulletin 2015-01B which advises Boards of Assessors about a recent change in Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) procedures regarding veterans who the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) determined have permanent service-connected disabilities and are eligible for a disabled veteran (DV) plate. Veterans who the MAB has determined to have a permanent service-connected disability are eligible for a motor vehicle excise exemption on one vehicle used for non-commercial purposes. The MAB is now issuing a letter advising the veteran it has made the required determination and gives the veteran the option to be issued a DV plate. Previously, the veteran was just issued a DV plate and therefore, had to have the plate in order to establish he or she qualified for the exemption. Due to this change in procedure, however, a veteran may now establish eligibility for the exemption by (1) providing the assessors with a copy of the MAB determination of permanent service-connected disability or (2) having a DV plate on the vehicle.

Hello Mac Deli

Mega Bites is gone and Mac Deli is having their grand opening on Tuesday, Feb 3rd at 11:00 AM.

Mac Deli Franklin

Where is Mac Deli?
Where Mega Bites used to be. Located on West Central St between the Up Town bar and THE BLACK BOX theater. 

goodbye MegaBites, hello Mac Deli!

Check out the Mac Deli menu online -->  http://www.themacdeli.com/

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Tuesday 2/03/15

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

Due the continued snow and freezing temperatures schools are closed on Tuesday. 

School Offices and Administrative Offices at Town Hall are open at regular time. 

Thank you and please try stay off roads as they are very icy.

Parmenter School getting cleared on Monday evening

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

One Book One Community - you get to choose!

The Franklin Public Library has chosen a book for the past several years where the one book is read by the communty and a variety of programs are held centered on the book.

This year, the choice of the book is open to you input. There is a poll/survey being held on the Library page where you can make your choice.

Which books are there to select this year?

1. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel – Robin Sloan
2. Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
3. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates – Wes Moore
4. The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl – Timothy Egan

Once you have made your choice, you can do the poll here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/


Books summaries are contained in this PDF file:

I wonder which book Ben would choose?

Annual Report 2014: Board of Assessors

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report we come to the section on the Board of Assessors. This is the group responsible for the data gathering, property value calculations, and data validation that lead to setting the tax rate. The section provides a good overview of their entire process. At the end, I also include a link to my 'simpler' explanation of how the tax rate is calculated.   



REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS

Triennial Revaluation

The revaluation of all real and personal property in the Town of Franklin was completed Fall 2013 in preparation for Actual Fiscal Year 2014 3rd quarter tax bills.

Following is a brief review of that achievement.

Data Collection

Twelve years have now passed since we installed the real estate valuation and assessment administration software developed by Patriot Properties, Inc. Because our start-up data was from a different form of valuation system and most of our data had not been refreshed in nearly ten years, it was necessary to complete a town-wide data recollection program prior to finalizing the FY 2005 valuations. Patriot Properties was hired for this task. Over the past 9 years, our appraisal staff has performed the on-going property exterior measuring and interior inspecting for all real estate classes. Such reviews are done for the Department of Revenue (DOR) required cyclical program, as well as for building permitted changes, pre-appraisal and abatement verifications.

Field Review

In addition to individual property on-site review, field reviews are required periodically to check for obvious data accuracy and consistency. This drive-by review provides another level of assurance that when valuation schedules are applied, the results will be “Fair and Equitable”. 

Commercial/Industrial/Apartment Valuations Annually there are analyses of sales data as well as income & expense market data. The Board contracted Patriot to work with our Director to establish an income approach to value for each property. All requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue were met through final approval of the FY 2014 valuations.

Sales Analysis

The majority of the sales analysis was completed by September 2013, and the interpretation of sales continued through the next two stages of valuation. The town-wide program resulted in a valuation system that was applied uniformly throughout the town, while reflecting all the adjustments warranted individually and by neighborhood, to result in “Full and Fair Cash Values” as per Massachusetts General Law.

Value Generation

A system of valuation was established based on valid property sales and where applicable the income approach to value. These schedules concluded from the market were then uniformly applied to all taxable and exempt real property.

Final Value Review

Final reviews were completed in preparation for the DOR review. These include studies of various computer-generated reports to check for value
consistency, final field checks required, and for DOR documentation and its analyses.

DOR Review & Final Approval

Any on-site and statistical reviews by the DOR took place from April to September 2013. The appraisal staff provided files, generated property records, answered questions and addressed any concerns. At the conclusion of the DOR review, we were granted approval authorizing public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

The DOR approved valuations were available for disclosure to the property owners. While the administrative staff provided property record cards and general data reviews, the appraisers conducted informal hearings on valuations.

Personal Property

Business assets and those of utilities are reviewed for valuation as taxable Personal Property. For thirteen fiscal years we have engaged the specialized services of Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC) in the discovery and valuation of these accounts. These services have served us well, resulting in DOR approval and consistently defendable valuations. Also, considerable new growth has been certified annually. Additionally, the RRC Personal Property Software installed in our office has benefited us. The personal property valuation formulas are very straightforward, and the administrative capabilities have met our needs.

Classification Hearing & Tax Commitment

Following some discussion and a few presentations relative to single versus split tax rates, the Council approved a single tax rate at $14.45 per $1,000 of taxable value as calculated by the Board for all property classes. The tax commitment and mailing were timely for an actual 3rd quarter tax bill.

Abatement Reviews

Upon mailing of the tax bills and on or before the due date of the first actual bill, property owners have an opportunity to file an Abatement Application on the basis of overvaluation or misclassification. 95 abatements applications were filed of 11,452 taxable accounts, representing less than 1%. Generally those with merit were resolved through our conducting a complete on-site exterior measuring and interior inspection. Usually a valuation discrepancy is the result of a data error or as a result of an inspection appointment not being arranged and thus the data having been “estimated”.

Technology Improvements

In addition to our state-of-the-art software for the valuation and administration of both real and personal property, Cartographic Associates, Inc. (CAI) of Littleton, NH has continued to maintain the digital/GIS-mapping program it first developed for us in FY 2005. Following aerial photography and planimetric (physical features) mapping, CAI constructed cadastral tax maps (depicting parcels) through the use of over 5,000 plans and over 15,000 deeds. These new maps are continuously in our process of reconciliation with our property records for consistency in both parcel inventory and land area.

With the support of Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and the Town Council, we have capacity in our Patriot software to link and utilize the maps with our assessment file. In addition, for the past nine years we have provided our tax maps on the web to the benefit of both the Town staff and the general public.

Appraisal &Administrative Staffing

The use of automation has minimized the former heavy burden of traditional data processing. Due to this and numerous other office improvements, the Town approved our Staff Restructuring Plan. We have adjusted our administrative support staff to Board Secretary Anne Covell who is responsible for continuing to improve our service to the public at the counter and by phone. She focuses her efforts on providing and reviewing public records, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments and Abatements, Exemption Applications, the general and specific support to the Appraisal Staff and any other assignments as required. She continues to train in various administrative duties and computer applications. We thank Anne for her efforts in 34 years of service to the Board. The Appraisers have made special efforts in the development and implementation of usable written instructions for the assessing office procedures and for MUNIS financial software applications. These instructions were developed consistent with all Mass. General Law and the DOR requirements.

Appraisers

We thank Kevin W. Doyle, Director of Assessing for his diligence especially as Director beginning following his first two years here. He has overseen the completion of all our work these past thirteen fiscal years, five full revaluations and eight interim years of market adjustments. We are also pleased with the support work of Appraiser Peter Mooney since August 2004 and of Appraiser David Ruberti since July 2005. Our Director has been a Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) since 1990. Within the past seven years both Appraisers completed their designation required education and experience, being granted their MAA designations and maintaining the periodic recertification required.

Town Revenue Enhancements

In addition to meeting all state requirements as well as daily office oversight, the Director and Appraisers have achieved many additional improvements to benefit the Town taxpayers. One such is the efficiencies built into the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment and Abatement processes in conjunction with the new MUNIS tax software installation. These excise taxes represent about 4 million dollars in locally raised annual revenue, or about 6% of locally raised tax revenue. We assure the citizens that like real and personal property, taxes on these are assessed and abated appropriately and uniformly for the maximum benefit of all. Registry of Motor Vehicles’ automation aided the Director and Appraisers to further enhance revenue in assessing dealer and repair plate registrations. As well, with the automation improvements of the Environmental Police, this professional staff successfully developed a new annual revenue stream in the identification and assessment of
excise taxes on boats principally situated in the Town of Franklin.

On-site Periodic Property Reviews

Because we have initiated the cyclical property remeasurement and re-inspection program acceptable to the Massachusetts DOR, we continue to make various public information efforts to assure property owners have advance information about this on-going program. Briefly, please note that the purpose of these property visits is to verify that the correct data is being used in the determination of valuations to achieve “full and fair cash value” in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 59. The Board appreciates the general public’s cooperation in its efforts to serve all property owners in all property types to assure fair and uniform values.

Your Elected Board of Assessors

Before entering the performance of his/her duties, each Assessor upon election has taken the oath of office specific to assessors. Massachusetts General Law has provided that because the DOR Commissioner of Revenue has regulatory oversight of assessing in every city and town, the Commissioner likewise determines the training requirements for the assessors and any assistants. At this time, the Commissioner has determined Course 101, including the Classification Training Workshop, meets the minimum requirements. All three assessors have completed these and have been certified as such by the Commissioner of Revenue.

The Board looks forward to continuing education opportunities offered by the MA DOR and the professional associations, the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) and the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). The assessors have attended seminars and workshops to broaden and reinforce their understanding of property tax law.

In particular, the Board has focused on current and possible future tax relief and deferral options for Franklin’s elder citizens. To that goal following meetings of the Town Senior Outreach Committee, last fall the Board, its Staff and the Office of the Council on Aging continued a broad-based effort to reach seniors. This resulted in successfully providing tax relief (exemption) information to additional seniors who owned and occupied their homes.

Also, with the valued assistance of Veterans Agent Bob Fahey, special efforts were made to identify veterans and their surviving spouses entitled to state exemptions, much of it reimbursable to the Town. All these efforts are consistent with the Board of Assessors commitment to meet its challenges as key Town Financial Team members to the benefit of all the citizens of the Town of Franklin.

At the Fall election of this fiscal year, two members of the Board of Assessors were reelected. As we write, the Board of Assessors and its Staff are preparing to finalize the Real and Personal Property Appraisal files for Interim Fiscal Year 2015 subject to DOR review and Final Certification.

Respectfully submitted,

W. Ken Norman, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Assessor
John H. Neas, Assessor
Franklin Board of Assessors

cover of 2014 Annual Report

------

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/



For the tax rate hearing to set the rate for FY 2012, I had prepared a presentation and audio podcast to follow along as I walked through the numbers. The numbers change from year to year but the calculation process does not and thereby the presentation is still insightful. Feel free tor ead and listen along here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/fm-101-tax-rate-info.html

Hold the date: July 25 - Aug 1 - Arts Festival in Franklin

Organizers putting together a summer arts festival in the downtown say the celebration will take place July 25 through Aug. 1. 

The festival, a first for the town, will mark the start of a volunteer-led effort to have the downtown named a state cultural district. 

Organizers, who met twice in January, have selected three main venues for the many music and theatrical performances slated during the week: the Franklin Performing Arts company 200-seat theater, The Black Box, 15 West Central St., the Franklin Town Common and Dean College.

Continue reading the article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150201/NEWS/150209725#sthash.Vb2V7XJj.dpuf

Dean College in the snow

Franklin Public Schools: Monday Weather - No School

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Evening - 

Based on the latest forecast weather conditions will necessitate all schools being closed on Monday, February 2 ( yes- Groundhog Day). 

There are no after school activities and school buildings are closed. 

The Administrative Offices in the Municipal Building will open at 10:00 a.m. 

Thank you  - Enjoy the Super Bowl - GO PATRIOT'S 

Stay warm,
Maureen

Franklin Town Common already covered with snow

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin DPW: One day trash and recycling day due to storm

Due to the winter storm curbside trash and recycling will be delayed one day this week.  

Service will start on Tuesday at 7 AM and end on Saturday this week only.  

Please make sure your carts do not interfere with snowplowing operations.

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Recycle News mailing list.

screen grab of Franklin DPW webpage

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 4, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Town of Franklin Other Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) Trust Trust Agreement - Pete Lounsbury

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-06:Approval of Extension of Intermunicipal Agreement for Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
2. Resolution 15-07:Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
3. Resolution 15-08:Appropriation – Zoning Board of Appeals

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The full set of documents released for this meeting agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/020415.pdf

Lifelong Learning: Registration opens for the spring semester

Registration opens for the spring semester at The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning in Franklin on Wednesday, February 3. Participation is open to individuals and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. 

This spring, participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options. Course offerings include everything from a Winemaking Partnership with La Cantina Wine School and a series of Floral Design Seminars with Hillside Nurseries to Watercolor and Pastel art classes. 

In addition, folks will find Knitting and Cooking classes; Career Building and Child Care Continuing Education, Marketing for Your Business or Nonprofit and a CSI – Franklin Style Introduction to Forensic Science. 

You will find more exercise and sports programs than ever – Yoga partnerships for adults and kids; Qigong, Zumba and a specialized Indoor Walking class. We will have two additional nights of Men’s Basketball this spring AND we are adding Beginner Co-Ed Volleyball in addition to the Intermediate and Advanced Volleyball classes already in place. 

French, Italian and Spanish round out the Language field. Wedding and Digital Photography, along with Photoshop for Graphics or Photography also make an appearance this spring. 

Brochures are in the mail, so watch for them. Then go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com, click on Adult Education to get all of the details for these exciting programs along with a downloadable catalogue. AND, register at the same time. 

You can also register by mail. Send to:

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning 

Franklin High School 

218 Oak Street 

Franklin, MA 02038

Plan to register early. Some classes have limited space. Classes begin during the week of March 8. 

Franklin High School at night

About The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning at Franklin

The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning at Franklin is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for adults in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. 

Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin. Our commitment extends to working professionals, senior citizens, persons with special needs and those in transition. 

For more information, please contact The Center for Adult Education office at 508-613-1480 or email adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us.

From the Pantherbook: food, school spirit and driving training

The students at Franklin High School have an opportunity to write and produce for Pantherbook. A quick review of the RSS feed for this weeks reveals these share worthy posts.

On food:

Located in the media center of FHS is a café that serves food and drinks such as, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soup, snacks, fruit cups, seltzer, and pudding parfait. 

But who can purchase these items? Registered dietitian and the district’s food service director, Missy Hope, said any student can become a customer of these new products. 

With the swipe of a student ID, students can provide themselves with a healthy and quick lunch or snack. 

Continue reading the article: http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2015/01/29/fhs-feeding-frenzy-2/#sthash.vi9FLZ7m.dpuf

More on where you can eat the food:

more on Rattle City

On changing driver's education and training

Franklin High School

FHS Sports Saturday: Swimming, Wrestling, Track, Hockey and Basketball results

Hockomock Sports reports on the swimming championship results for the boys and girls:

On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, two programs that are relatively new to the Hockomock League and that had claimed dual meet titles with undefeated records continued historic seasons by winning each program’s first Hocomock Championship Meet title. 

In front of a packed viewing area at the Milford High pool, the Taunton boys’ won the title with 318.50 points, which was 60 more than the hosts in second, and the King Philip girls swam away with the title by 117 points. The Warriors finished with 407 points with Franklin taking second at 290.

You can find the individual event results here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/taunton-and-kp-make-waves-with-first-championships

Hockomock Sports reports on the wrestling championship which was held on Saturday.

Franklin finished fourth overall with 166 and had five second place finishes (Nick Narducci, Mike Copolla, Dan Pisani, Pat Glynn and Bilal Khan) one third place (Mike Racca) and two fourth place finishes (Sean Foley and John Miller).

You can find the remainder of the article including links to over 100 photos here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-wrestling-championships-2015

Hockomock Sports reports on the Indoor Track championships held on Saturday. 

Franklin boys finished 6th and the girls finished 5th. The complete write and top five finishers in each event can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-indoor-track-championships-2015

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 74 @ Milford, 46 - Final - Senior Dylan Reno sparked Franklin, leading all scorers with 19 points while junior Tim Prunier was right behind him with 18 points.

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Medfield, 4 - Final

The Panthers celebrate with their fans after DJ Shea scored the eventual game-winner for Franklin in the third period. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Boys Hockey

As the buzzer sounded, the official behind the net emphatically pointed to the puck sitting in the back of the goal. Even as the clock read all zeros, Canton was given the lead heading into the third period.

The outrage on the visiting bench carried over into the locker room. But the Panthers, with 17 seniors on the roster, were able to get their focus back on the task at hand and came out of the second intermission set on turning around the deficit against their perennial rival. 

Seniors Nick Downie and DJ Shea each scored goals and senior goalie Ryan Shea made seven of his 29 saves in the third period to help Franklin bounce back on Saturday night at the Metropolis Rink and pull out a 2-1 victory to sweep the season series with Canton.

Read the full article on the Franklin vs. Canton hockey game here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/third-period-rally-lets-franklin-claw-out-win-at-canton

FHS Basketball: boys win, girls lose to North Attleboro

Hockomock Sports provides the results of the FHS basketball games against North Attleboro on Friday night. The boys won and the girls lost.

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 59 @ North Attleboro, 39 - Final - Franklin senior Marcus Giese led the Panthers with 18 points while classmate Dylan Reno added 10 points.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-013015

Girls Basketball

Two years ago Franklin and North Attleboro shared the Kelley-Rex title and last season the Rocketeers made it back-to-back championships edging out the Panthers by a single game. On Friday night, the North girls took a big step towards a three-peat by going on the road to complete a season sweep of their rivals. 

Sopnhomore Julia Strachan had one of her best games of the season with a game-high 17 points, including a quartet of first half three-pointers, and the Rocketeers went 9-10 from the line in the fourth quarter to hold on for a 54-45 win that puts the Panthers three games back in the league standings. 

“They’ve talked about it before we even started,” said North Attleboro coach Derek Herber after the game. “Our goals were to win the league title, get into the tournament, and see how far we can go from there. This is another step in that direction.”

Continue reading the report by Josh Perry of Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/strachan-rocketeers-shoot-down-division-title-rival

Pregame huddle

Franklin in their pregame huddle

North Attleboro takes a free throw

North takes a free throw

The final scoreboard showed

the final score

BFCCPS presents Camp Rock: The Musical

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of Camp Rock: The Musical to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Camp Rock: The Musical

Two performances will be held on Saturday February 7th, a matinee beginning 2pm and an evening show commencing at 7pm. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children age five and up. Tickets will be sold at the door, or advance tickets are available for purchase at www.bfccps.org. 

This high-energy show is based on the hit Disney Channel movies, and attendees will enjoy two bands battling it out live on stage! The cast is comprised of 35 students in Grades Six through Grade Eight under the direction of Mr. Bernard Benjamin. Musical Direction has been provided by Ms. Ruth Monty, the pit will be directed by Mr. Christopher Heater, artistic direction and set design has been supervised by Mrs. Andrea Wolfe, and choreography by Mrs. Katelyn Dwyer. This year, the Assistant Director is BFCCPS alumna Aleena Butt who also coordinated this year’s costume design. The cast is also supported by a dedicated 20 member backstage crew. 

BFCCPS Camp Rock cast collage

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has received the 2014 SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation for in recognition of its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the fourth time that the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has received this prestigious recognition. 

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and will celebrate its twentieth anniversary this spring. The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has lead to local, state and national recognition. Applications are now available online for enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year. 

If you'd like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School 

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

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