Senator Ross: September 2015 State House Update

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Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, September 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 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, Fall is in full swing and the Massachusetts Senate is back in formal session debating the issues you care about most. As the Assistant Minority Leader of the State Senate and serving on several legislative committees, I have been busy ensuring your voice is well represented and heard on Beacon Hill. Be sure to read my newsletter for updates on pertinent legislation and what to look forward to in the months ahead. As always, let me know how I can better serve you. Sincerely, SENATE TAKES ACTION ON ADDICTION PREVENTION   On October 1, 2015 I joined my colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate in unanimously adopting a bill intended to reduce the rate of opioid addiction as well as the number of opiate pills in circulation by working with doctors, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacists. The Senate bill, An Act relative to substance use prevention, was developed from recent findings of the Senate Special Opioid Committee, of which I am a member, following a year-long effort to produce recommendations to further strengthen opioid abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery options. Over the past several years, we have seen with alarming regularity an increase in drug-related deaths across the Commonwealth. This opioid epidemic touches every community and no family is immune to it. Last session, we passed comprehensive legislation that made a strike against this epidemic, but this session we went a step further by focusing on education and prevention. The Senate Special Opioid Committee first convened in January 2014 in response to the substantial increase in reported overdose emergencies and fatalities across Massachusetts.  Deaths from heroin and other opioids totaled more than 1,200 in 2014, a spike of 34% over 2013 and 88% greater than 2012. Components of this legislation include: Directing the newly formed Drug Formulary Commission to publish a list of non-opiate pain management products that may be used as lower risk alternatives, Establishing a voluntary program for a person in recovery to record a non-opiate directive. This would allow a person to have a clear indicator in their patient record that a health care practitioner shall not administer or prescribe opiate drugs to that person, Limiting opioid prescriptions in an emergency department to a 5-day supply; Establishing a Drug Stewardship program for drug manufacturers to allow patients to safely dispose of unwanted drugs, Creating a school-based screening and referral system, Ensuring patient access to pain management consultation, Expanding our "Good Samaritan" legal protections for first responders to possess and administer Naloxone. It is my hope that this legislation will not only reach those who are already in need of addiction treatments, but also our children who are most susceptible to outside influences. This legislation provides key tools for our schools, physicians, and public safety officials to limit the amount of unused and unwanted prescription pills available, keep our communities safe, and ultimately save lives. To read more about the legislation passed by the Senate, please click here. CELEBRATING KP TURF FIELD After years of hard work and dedication, the King Philip Regional School District Turf Field is finally a reality. The effort to revamp the old field that was in disrepair finally came to an end this month as parents, teachers, students, and local school officials came together to celebrate this momentous occasion. Much of the funding secured for the field was raised through donations, as well as the towns KP includes: Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville. Most recently, myself and Rep. Shawn Dooley were able to secure $100,000 in the FY16 budget for the project, a final push from the state to help out the families we represent. This turf field is going to make an enormous difference in so many students' and teachers' lives. Because of the determination and vision of our towns and our community, generations of KP students will be able use and enjoy this field for years to come. SENIOR CITIZEN SAFETY ZONES   I testified before the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses regarding my bill S120: An Act Relative to Establishing Senior Citizen Safety Zones. Protecting the safety of our senior community has always been one of my top priorities and it is imperative that we ensure our senior citizens are able to live and travel safely throughout their communities. This bill would allow a municipality to establish senior citizen safety zones in areas adjacent to: senior citizen housing, hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, community centers where senior activities are conducted regularly, or congregate elderly facilities. This practice would also allow communities to foster safer and more secure streets and crosswalks in areas that senior citizens are likely to live or visit regularly. Our seniors deserve our full support. For more information on this legislation, please click here. Great discussion with Senator Karen Spilka, Rep. Jeff Roy, and legislators from across MetroWest at the SouthWest Advisory Planning Committee (SWAP) Legislative Breakfast (left). Always fun attending the Greenwood Emergency Vehicles Open House in North Attleboro (right). Great crowd and conversation at the Franklin COA Health Fair (left). Pleased to join WJAR NBC10 News Anchor Mario Hilario at the New Hope, Inc. Legislative Breakfast. New Hope does phenomenal work for a number of towns I serve and I look forward to continue working with them to end domestic violence in our communities (right). Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in October Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 to register for a meeting in advance.          Tuesday, October 6th Sherborn Town Hall, 19 Washington Street, Sherborn 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, October 13th Wellesley Town Hall, 525 Washington Street, Wellesley 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, October 20th Franklin COA, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin 10:00am-11:00am Monday, October 26th The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Avenue, Needham 11:00am-12:00pm ATTENTION VETERANS: If you would like a copy of the "Guide to Veterans' Laws and Benefits," please email me at richard.ross@masenate.gov, and I will mail a copy to you. This is an excellent resource, and a must for any veteran and their family. Thank you for taking the time to read this monthly update on what I have been working on over the past few months. If there is someone you know who would like to receive my State House Update, share this newsletter and invite them to sign up for our mailing list today! Please feel free to contact my office regarding any questions or concerns you may have. You may also check my website for the most up-to-date information on Beacon Hill. It is my pleasure and honor to continue serving you as State Senator, and I look forward to providing you with the newest updates next month. Share Tweet Forward Share +1 Copyright © 2015 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · 24 Beacon St · Boston, MA 02212 · USA

Hockomock Area YMCA invites families to costume swap and pumpkin picking events

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites families in our community to participate in a Halloween costume swap. Families are invited to bring their clean, gently-used costumes into any Member Service Desk at its Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro) no later than October 7th. 

Tickets will be given out to participating families on a first come first serve basis. These families are invited to come to our North Attleboro Branch on Thursday, October 8th, 6:00pm to choose from our costume selection. 

In addition, the Hockomock Area YMCA invites families in our community to join them at Wards Berry Farm, 614 South Main Street, Sharon, MA for an afternoon of fall fun on Tuesday, October 13th starting at 3:45pm. 

Families will have the chance to visit with the animals, enjoy a hayride and face painting, pick your own pumpkin, and play on the playground and haystacks. The cost is $9 per person, cash only, payable to Wards Berry Farm at time of activity. No pre-registration is required.

To learn more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s costume swap or Ward’s Berry Farm event, please contact Ashli Phillips, Camp & Family Experience Director at 508-772-1353 or ashlip@hockymca.org.

Hockomock YMCA

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - October 7, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– September 23, 2015

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
- 15-752: Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses, a Zoning Bylaw
Amendment Proposed by the Franklin Town Administration to Amend the
Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 18– 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-62:Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Respite Program Revolving Account for Fiscal Year 2016
2. Resolution 15-63: Prior Year Bill – Firefighter Arbitrator Services
3. Resolution 15-64: Ratification of AFSCME Municipal Building Employees Memorandum of Agreement
4. Resolution 15-65: Ratification of AFSCME Custodians Memorandum of Agreement 
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-752:Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses – 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

Summer St construction, part of this is with the Downtown Improvement Project, part is Town funded/controlled

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found online here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/10072015.pdf

Should there be a gymnastics team at FHS?

Sharing more broadly by request:

Anyone (no matter the age of your child) interested in bringing back a gymnastics team to Franklin High School, should attend a meeting with FHS Athletic Director Brad Sidwell on Monday, 10/5 at 7:00 PM at FHS.  

If you are attending, he is asking that you email him so he has a rough count for room location.  Currently it is planned for his office but we are expecting it to be too small a space for those interested in attending ...  

His email address is 'sidwellb@franklin.k12.ma.us'

main entrance to Franklin High School 

How many teams does FHS have today?
Check the MIAA listing for each of the seasonal sports here
http://miaa.net/schools/public/FranFr

"We just have to fine a way on offense to sustain our drives a bit more"

Through the first 12 minutes, North Attleboro’s offense had ran just four plays compared to Franklin’s 20. 

But that was fine, considering the Rocketeers were able to grab a pair of touchdowns from the defensive unit. 

Nick Rajotte had a 35 yard pick six in the first quarter to put North Attleboro up 7-0 and on Franklin’s next possession, Rajotte had a 50 yard fumble return to give the hosts a 14-0 lead. 

North Attleboro improved to 4-0 on the season with a 28-6 decision over Franklin.

Continue reading the article by Hockomock Sports online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/rajotte-defense-boost-rocketeers-over-franklin/

Hockomock Sports game photo

Additional photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Fall-2015/Franklin-North-Attleboro/

MAB Community Services' Annual Meeting 2015: Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization

You're invited to join us on Wednesday, October 21st for MAB's Annual Meeting 2015, featuring a panel discussion and awards presentation!!

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** YOU'RE INVITED ** MAB Community Services Annual Meeting 2015: "Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization" Wednesday, October 21, 2015  5:30 Registration  6:00 Program MassHousing  1 Beacon St.  Boston, MA 02108 RSVP to Andrea Croak at acroak@mabcommunity.org or 617.732.0279 by October 16. Panel discussion: "Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization: What Needs to be Done" Over the past four decades, there has been a tremendous change in how people with disabilities are cared for in Massachusetts and throughout the country, as individuals have moved from poorly funded, overcrowded institutions to living full and satisfying lives in the community. Despite this progress, however, more work still needs to be done to truly realize the vision of deinstitutionalization. Our panel of experts will talk about the changes they would like to see to help bring this vision to fruition. Panelists: Susan Senator, Author, Making Peace with Autism and Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life Barbara Salisbury, CEO, MAB Community Services Gary Blumenthal, President and CEO, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers Moderator: Jeff Keilson, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning at Advocates   And honoring our community partners: Lisa DiBonaventura, M.A., COMS, Statewide Director for Vision and Vision Loss Services, DDS Wesley Finnemore, owner, Matilda's Sandwich Shoppe Linda Glenn, former Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services The MAB Community   Experience. Innovation. MAB Community Services has been creating opportunities for people with disabilities since 1903. Our experience allows us to forge strong community partnerships to meet the pressing need for high quality services and transform lives.

Forward email MAB Community Services | 200 Ivy Street | Brookline | MA | 02446

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam Continuing his efforts to combat consumer fraud, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his ongoing frustration regarding Norfolk County residents who continue to receive direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an exorbitant fee ranging anywhere from $59.50-$83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "These companies are making outrageous profits. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them a certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay these companies such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner's deed by the Registry (usually two pages) is $3.00." The Registry has heard numerous stories from Norfolk County residents about examples of receiving deed solicitation notices from a California private company. The solicitation was labeled Recorded Deed Notice and requested that the homeowner forward a check to them in the amount of $83.00 for a copy of their deed. A Weymouth resident, who received the solicitation, notified the Registry about the advertisement instead of spending $83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "While the practice may be legal, it's certainly not ethical. Clearly these direct-mail companies are preying upon the innocent assumptions of Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I urge Norfolk County citizens not to fall prey to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements." If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your deed, also contact the Registry's Customer Service Center and we will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage