Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - January 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email Israel study tour a success The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston continued its long history of leading Massachusetts community leaders on a study tour of Israel, providing state and local officials with an in-depth look into the political, security, and economic challenges and successes facing Israeli society. From December 8-18, 2014, I was one of 16 participants who traveled throughout the state, learning from government officials and religious, academic, media and business leaders. The trip allowed us to deepen our understanding of Israel's politics and culture and examine some of the business and economic ties that bring Israel and Massachusetts together.  While there we met with government officials and other influential leaders from all sectors of Israeli society. We visited Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the West Bank. We encountered Israel's economy, including its booming research, development, and tech sector. The trip helped me understand how a young nation, which is similar in size to New Jersey and Massachusetts, has become one of the most creative and economically strong countries. Beyond that, it gave me a sense of empathy for Israelis, Palestinians, and the Arab world around them. Empathy leads to better decision-making, and thus will help me be a better legislator. I look forward to sharing more about the trip over the coming weeks. Governor's Inaugural Great pageantry surrounded the inauguration of Charlie Baker as the new Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As he put pen to paper and signed the book on the House rostrum, it was a sign that a new chapter was about to begin for our great state. Rep. Roy is happy to begin his second term as this new chapter unfolds. Congratulations Governor Baker. We look forward to working with you and your team. For more pictures from Inauguration Day, click here. For the Milford Daily News report, click here. MCSW Commission The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women and Girls now has 9 new Commissioners! At a ceremony at Framingham State University, Franklin's Denise Schultz joined her fellow commissioners to take the oath from Framingham District Court First Justice David Cunis. Rep. Roy was delighted to attend the swearing in ceremony. Thank you to Sen. Karen Spilka for filing the legislation. Rep. Roy was honored to be a co-sponsor and looks forward to working with the Commission. For the Milford Daily News report on the event, click here. Promoting biotech Rep. Roy hosted a Life Sciences Development Meeting in Franklin earlier in the month. Local biotechnology companies, Franklin town officials and members of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center joined the discussion about the opportunities within the Life Sciences Industry, the potential for future development within the region, and what Franklin has already done to successfully attract and retain life science companies. Cornerstones of Life Sciences Industry range from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics and biotechnology. Thanks to its world-class academic institutions and medical centers, its talented and innovated workforce and its industry-sector leading companies, Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a global leader in the Life Sciences and has fully committed the state's economic well-being to the development and advancement of these Industries. "Franklin has positioned itself well to attract life science businesses to the area," said Rep. Roy "In 2014 its BioReady ranking was elevated from Gold to Platinum signifying Franklin's readiness to work with biotechnology companies interested in locating in the area. On top of that, it has great schools and reasonable housing prices, making it a great place to live, work and raise a family." Click here for the Milford Daily News report on the event. To view the press release on the event, click here. Study tour to Israel links To review the Milford Daily News reports on Rep. Roy's trip, click here and here. To view photographs from the tour, click here. To view the book that Rep. Roy put together about the journey, click here. To view the Jewish Community Relations Council website, click here. To view the JCRC press release on the trip, click here. To view the report from The Jewish Journal on the trip, click here. To view an op-ed piece from Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim on the trip, click here. Sworn in for second term Wednesday, January 7, 2015, was quite a special day in Boston. At 11 a.m., Rep. Roy was sworn in for his second term as a member of the House of Representatives. "It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Franklin and Medway and I am grateful to everyone who helped me get here," said Roy after the ceremony. Later that day, Governor Patrick took his lone walk out of the State House for his last day in office. Rep. Roy was one of many onlookers and noted that it was a pleasure serving with Governor Patrick. To see photos from the swearing in ceremony and lone walk, click here. State House time capsule opened at MFA Rep. Roy attended the opening of the State House time capsule from 1795 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It was simply amazing to see these pieces of history come alive and bring us back in time. Artifacts from Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, along with newspapers and coins from that period were revealed in great condition. The artifacts will undergo some preservation work, and then will be displayed for the public before getting buried again. For more details on the capsule opening, click here. For pictures from the capsule opening, click here. Click here to see workers removing the cornerstone at the State House to retrieve the capsule. Bills filed for 189th General Court session Last Friday was the deadline to timely file legislation for the 189th General Court. By 5 p.m. that day, the House Clerk had recorded over 5,333 bills filed by 200 legislators. Rep. Roy filed several bills dealing with higher education financing, teen sexting, privacy of student data, the independent contractor law, and loan repayments for human service workers. He also modified and re-filed some legislation from last session which includes bills on distinctive license plates, online legal notices, and genocide education. Over the next two weeks, Rep. Roy will be reviewing legislation filed by other representatives for the purpose of co-sponsoring the bills. You can review and follow the progress on Rep. Roy's bills by clicking here. You can set up an account to track all legislation and legislators throughout Massachusetts by clicking here. The revived Foundation Budget Review Commission is hearing testimony through March 2015. The Commission will be required to present its findings in a report on or before June 30, 2015. The Commission is reviewing the adequate spending level for school districts known as the "foundation budget." The charge to the commission is to review the way foundation budgets are calculated and to make recommendations for potential changes in those calculations as the Commission deems appropriate. Citizens are encouraged to testify live, or otherwise let your voice be heard by providing written testimony. Anyone interested in getting on the record is urged to contact our office for hearing dates, locations, or the address for submitting written testimony. You can also get more information by clicking here. We will report on the Commission findings and recommendations later in the year. Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

The Cake Bar: Open Mic Night - Thursday

From Facebook, I find this event scheduled for Thursday:

The Cake Bar will host the first "Open Mic Night" this Thursday, January 22nd from 5:00PM - 8:00PM. 

Talent is limited to a capella or acoustic acts due to the size and configuration of the bakery. 

If you'd like more information on performing, please contact Angie at (508) 553-8700. 

All are welcome to come enjoy some live music, good coffee, and delicious pastry!

Open Mic Night - The Cake Bar

Post by The Cake Bar, Franklin MA.

Martin Luther King Day

The MA GOV website shares ideas on how to celebrate Monday

How to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 Whether individually, with family, or with kids, there are many ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

1.  Visit a Museum — Various museums offer educational and celebratory opportunities during Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The New Bedford Historical Society is a great place to learn about the history and legacy of people of color in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Museum of African American History hosts its annual “Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Additionally, the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture hosts a free reception and special exhibit “Legacy, Life & the Dream: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art Exhibit” on Jan. 19, 2015.

1.  Walk the Black Heritage Trail — Download a map and take a 1.6-mile self-guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail, where you can learn about the first African Americans and their descendants in Massachusetts. Stops on the tour include The Phillips School, one of Boston’s first public schools to be desegregated, and the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, a shelter for fugitive slaves traveling the Underground Railroad.

1. Serve Your Community — You can volunteer at your local community center, find a project online through the Corporation for National and Community Service listings, or search the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) database. If you live in greater Boston, you can reach out to Boston Cares to volunteer.

1. Take Time to Reflect — Join the Cambridge Peace Commission at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to commemorate Dr. King. Whether you’re attending an event or staying at home, take a moment to remember this historical leader and his accomplishments.

This was shared from the MA GOV site here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/celebrate-martin-luther-king-jr-day/

Franklin Art Association - Meeting - Feb 4

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday Feb.4th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. The program will feature a nocturne oil painting demonstration presented by RI artist Jonathan McPhillips. 

Meetings are free and opened to the public. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association

Reminder: information sessions for BFCCPS scheduled

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) has scheduled two events at the school

• one on January 22nd from 7 - 9pm 
• one on February 7th from 10am to noon 

Both events at BFCCPS will include building tours and an arts showcase


They will also offer information sessions 

• at the Bellingham Public Library on January 27th from 6-8pm 
• at the Milford Town Library on February 5th from 6-8pm

BFCCPS school sign

The BFCCPS brochure can be reviewed and downloaded from here

A quick update: babysitting will be available for the Information Session at BFCCPS scheduled for this Thursday evening (Jan 22). 

"Babysitting will be available for children age 5 and up and will be held in the Art Room. The cost is $10 per family. This service is offered as a fundraiser to benefit the upcoming 7th Grade trip to Quebec." 

We hope this makes attendance at the presentation a little more accessible for families with young children! 

Mass Climate Action Network: Selma and Science

New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) Selma and Science by massclimateaction Back in January 1995, I read a great piece in the now-defunct Boston Phoenix about Martin Luther King Jr.'s April 1967 "Beyond Vietnam" speech, in which King strongly denounced the Vietnam War. The Phoenix piece noted that "Beyond Vietnam" was the most controversial speech of King's career; he was viciously denounced by many of his former supporters, who argued that his condemnation of the Vietnam War would alienate those who might otherwise support King on the issue of civil rights. (It reminds me of the criticism Naomi Klein received last year over her condemnation of the economic assumptions and attitudes that gave rise to the climate crisis.) Ted McIntyre and I discussed King's legacy and lessons for climate hawks at the conclusion of the January 15 MCAN Climate Minute. King's legacy has certainly been distorted and abused over the years; I remember a January 2004 piece by Wall Street Journal columnist James Taranto in which he asserted, "Would Dr. King really have favored leaving [Saddam Hussein] in power in Iraq? There's no way of answering that question, but [it] surely correct to say Dr. King believed in liberty and democracy--the very values for which America is fighting in Iraq." Based on his remarks about Vietnam, I doubt very much that Dr. King, had he lived, would have been a supporter of the Iraq War. However, I'm quite certain that King would have joined the 400,000 of us who marched in New York last year--and his concluding words in the "Beyond Vietnam" speech also apply to the climate crisis: We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. The "tide in the affairs of men" does not remain at the flood; it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is deaf to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residue of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words: "Too late." There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for peace...and justice throughout the developing world -- a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act we shall surely be dragged down the long dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight. Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter -- but beautiful -- struggle for a new world. This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers wait eagerly for our response. Shall we say the odds are too great? Shall we tell them the struggle is too hard? Will our message be that the forces of American life militate against their arrival as full men, and we send our deepest regrets? Or will there be another message, of longing, of hope, of solidarity with their yearnings, of commitment to their cause, whatever the cost? The choice is ours, and though we might prefer it otherwise we must choose in this crucial moment of human history... And if we will only make the right choice, we will be able to transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of peace. If we will make the right choice, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our world into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. If we will but make the right choice, we will be able to speed up the day, all over America and all over the world, when "justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." massclimateaction | January 18, 2015 at 10:18 pm | Tags: Climate Minute, global warming, Global Warming Solutions Act, Selma | Categories: Climate Action | URL: http://wp.me/p14L3C-12v Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN). Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/01/18/selma-and-science/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

Mass Climate Action Network

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 21, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
September 17, 2014, June 18, 2014

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

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-02: Authorization to join Bellingham for the FY 2015 CDBG Program Application
2. Resolution 15-03: Declaration of Town-Owned Land at 150 Emmons Street (Old Municipal Bldg. Property) as Surplus and Available for Disposition
3. Resolution 15-04:Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town Owned Land @ 150 Emmons Street(Old Municipal Bldg. Property)
4. Resolution 15-05: Appropriation: Town Administration: Legal Expenses
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 2ND Reading

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

150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA - subject of decision to sell or not

The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf

RESOLUTION 15-04: Authorization For Disposition (Sale) Town-Owned Land At 150 Emmons Street

RESOLUTION 15-04

AUTHORIZATION FOR DISPOSITION (SALE) TOWN-OWNED LAND

AT 150 EMMONS STREET (OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROPERTY)

WHEREAS, Town owns a parcel of land containing 34,795 square feet more orless at the corner of Emmons and West Central Streets, shown on Franklin Assessors Map 279 as Parcel 36 (Title ref: Norfolk Registry Book 655, Page 411) containing the currently-vacant former Municipal Building, and 

WHEREAS, Town Council, by Resolution 15-03, has declared said parcel to besurplus and available for disposition subject to a reserved easement shown on “Exhibit 1” attached thereto for public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings and public amenities, and 

WHEREAS, pursuant to G.L. Chapter 30B, Section16, Town previously obtainedan appraisal and subsequently issued several Requests for Proposals (RFP's), thelatest being issued on or about September 10, 2014, which proposal contained aminimum bid price of four hundred, seventy-five thousand dollars, and 

WHEREAS, one prospective developer-purchaser Roger V. Calarese submitteda responsive proposal to the latest RFP and Town Council has evaluated said proposal and heard a public presentation from the developer purchaser, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN OF FRANKLINACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS TOWN COUNCIL: 

1. Determines that the proposal of Roger V. Calarese (hereinafter: “Calarese”) to pay the Town of Franklin the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars for the subject property and to construct either a single-story retail and office building thereon, as more fully described in his proposal and, more specifically, as shown on a conceptual plan captioned “Office and Retail Concept Plan of Land for 150Emmons Street in Franklin, Massachusetts” dated December 30, 2014, or, in alternative, to construct a single-story bank building with accessory vehicular drive through, as more fully described in his proposal and, more specifically, as shown on a conceptual plan captioned “Concept #7 Plan of Land for 150 Emmons Street in Franklin, Massachusetts” dated August 19, 2014 is advantageous to the Town and accepts same, subject to the provisions of the following paragraphs. 

2. Votes to dispose of the subject property by selling it to Calarese for the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars subject to a reserved easement on a portion of said parcel to maintain the public green space, including a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings and public amenities in accordance with Resolution 15-03 and “Exhibit 1” thereto, conditioned upon Calarese's execution, within sixty days, of a purchase and sales agreement and/or landdisposition/development agreement containing terms and language consistent with Town's RFP and otherwise satisfactory to Town, both to ensure Town's timely receipt of the full purchase price and that the property is developed consistent with Town's RFP and Calarese's proposal within a reasonable time period; without limiting the foregoing, the agreement shall provide for exhaustion of reasonable efforts to develop retail and office building on property prior to proceeding with development of bank building, and shall prohibit any vehicular drive-through, except as accessory to bank building and operation. 

3. Directs the Town Administrator, with the assistance of the Town Attorney, to prepare and execute a purchase and sales agreement, land  disposition/development agreement, deed and such other documents as he determines to be necessary, both to effectuate the sale of the subject property by Town to Calarese and to ensure that the subject property is developed consistent with Town's RFP and Calarese's proposal and the provisions of this resolution. 

This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations ofthe Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

150 Emmons St

The text of resolution 15-04 was copied from pages 18-19 as released for the Town Council agenda for Jan 21, 2015
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf

RESOLUTION 15-03: Declaration Of Town-Owned Land At 150 Emmons Street as surplus

RESOLUTION 15-03

DECLARATION OF TOWN-OWNED LAND AT 150 EMMONS STREET

(OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROPERTY) AS

SURPLUS AND AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSITION

WHEREAS, Town owns a parcel of land containing 34,795 square feet more or less at the corner of Emmons and West Central Streets, shown on Franklin Assessors Map 279 as Parcel 36 (Title ref: Norfolk Registry Book 655, Page 411) containing the currently-vacant former Municipal Building, as shown on "Exhibit 1" attached hereto, and 

WHEREAS, Town is not currently using and no longer intends to use said parcel for municipal purposes, with the exception of an area immediately abutting the intersection of Emmons and West Central Streets shown on said “Exhibit 1” which Town intends to develop as a public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together
with appropriate plantings, and public amenities, 

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin, acting by and through its Town Council, declares the parcel of Town-owned land described above and shown on "Exhibit 1" to be no longer needed for municipal purposes, except for the area of said parcel also described above, and therefore to be surplus and available for
disposition, subject to a reserved easement on said parcel, of the area immediately abutting the intersection of Emmons and West Central Streets shown on “Exhibit 1” which Town intends to develop as a public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings, and public amenities. 

This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

150 Emmons St, the subject property

This was shared from page 16 of the document released for the Town Council agenda for Jan 21, 2015
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf

"no evidence that mastering these standards in kindergarten rather than in first grade brings lasting gains"

One key concept being lost in the educational discussion is "developmentally appropriate." This article from the Washington Post highlights a report showing no studies supporting the Common Core and reading requirements for kindergarten level students.

The Common Core State Standards call for kindergartners to learn how to read, but a new report by early childhood experts says that forcing some kids to read before they are ready could be harmful. 

Two organizations that advocate for early childhood education — Defending the Early Years and Alliance for Childhood — issued the report titled “Reading in Kindergarten: Little to Gain and Much to Lose.” It says there is no evidence to support a widespread belief in the United States that children must read in prekindergarten or kindergarten to become strong readers and achieve academic success.

Brian Peyes-Mendez participates in a test with Kendra Sarris as kindergarten teachers assess students with new tests, on Oct. 30 in Accokeek, Md. (Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post)

The report summary outlines the following:

• Many children are not developmentally ready to read in kindergarten, yet the Common Core State Standards require them to do just that. This is leading to inappropriate classroom practices.
• No research documents long-term gains from learning to read in kindergarten. 
• Research shows greater gains from playbased programs than from preschools and kindergartens with a more academic focus.
• Children learn through playful, handson experiences with materials, the natural world, and engaging, caring adults.
• Active, play-based experiences in language rich environments help children develop their
• ideas about symbols, oral language and the printed word — all vital components of reading.
• We are setting unrealistic reading goals and frequently using inappropriate methods to accomplish them.
• In play-based kindergartens and preschools, teachers intentionally design language and literacy experiences which help prepare children to become fluent readers.
• The adoption of the Common Core State Standards falsely implies that having children achieve these standards will overcome the impact of poverty on development and learning, and will create equal educational opportunity for all children.

You can find the full report here

https://deyproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/readinginkindergarten_online-1.pdf

FHS Basketball: Coaches vs. Cancer

The Franklin Boys Basketball teams and Cheerleaders will be running a Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser on Friday, January 23rd. 

There will may be a dress down day for teachers and staff (for a small donation) and There will be events and activities at all three basketball games later that day. 

The freshman play at 3:30, JV at 5:00, Varsity at 6:30.

FHS Panthers

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site. 

Click the link below to read the latest edition
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Feb15connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

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In the News: Franklin's birthday party, Scouts help seniors

The memorable man on the town's seal turns 309 today (Saturday - 1/17/15). 

And as it has for the last few years, the Historical Commission will celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the 80 West Central St. museum.

Franklin Historical Museum

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116998/1995/NEWS#sthash.ppNuNwV1.dpuf

With his troop by his side, Boy Scout Mike Hurley read a short story to senior citizens at the Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

For the seniors, it was all about spending quality time with Troop 126, who devoted their afternoon to the seniors Saturday. 

At the community service event, the Scouts and seniors took part in knot tying, played bingo and made origami cranes. 

“It’s wonderful. We look forward to it,” said Donald Adiletto, adding the seniors have days the Boy Scouts visit marked on a calendar in the main office.

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116848/1994/NEWS#sthash.rpy2BDup.dpuf