Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) host Family Fun House - Nov 13

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host a Family Fun House on Sunday, November 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

FSPA

The community is invited to enjoy this free event geared to young children and families. Activities include face painting, story-time, creative movement, arts and crafts, sing-alongs, and an instrument petting zoo. Costume fun and photo opportunities will be featured as well; kids can either wear their own or dress up at FSPA. 

Learn about the Little Music School at FSPA through demonstrations and a sampling of activities for the youngest music makers. 

Guests are encouraged to bring a book or toy for a Thanks Giving Tree, with donations going to Friends of Franklin. 

For more information, call (508) 528-8668, email krezendes@fspaonline.com or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

Nominate Person of the Year and Business of the Year

Submit your nominations for the 2016 Person of the Year and 2016 Business of the Year awards that will be presented by The United Regional Chamber of Commerce at its 100th Annual Meeting in December. 

• The Chamber's Person of the Year award is bestowed on a person who is committed to the overall mission of the Chamber of Commerce and who has made a positive impact on the community as a whole. 
• The Business of the Year award will be presented to a Chamber member company which has staying power as an established business, increase in sales as an indication of continued growth, and innovativeness of product or service offered. 

Some of the criteria considered include employees donating their time and talents to community projects, fundraising, or other activities for the betterment of the entire community. Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 or visit the Chamber's website at www.unitedregionalchamber.org to request nomination forms.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

For complete information and details, visit The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's website at www.unitedregionalchamber.org or call 508-222-0801.

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich as 2016 Legends Ball Honoree

The Hockomock Area YMCA is honoring Rob Ninkovich, defensive end and Super Bowl Champion for the New England Patriots, as the recipient of 2016 Legends Ball Award at the 11th annual Legends Ball. The announcement was made at the YMCA’s Invensys Foxboro Branch Kraft Family Center in the Marilyn Rodman Youth and Teen Leadership Center. Ninkovich is being recognized for his commitment and passion to the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative. Teammate Devin McCourty, and the Y’s 2015 Legends Ball Honoree, made the special announcement noting, “Rob is a leader on our team and he does tremendous work in the community, off the field, while also being a father and a husband at home.”

Rob Ninkovich with Integration Initiative participant Matt O'Neill

Addressing the young people at the announcement, Ninkovich reminisced, “From the time I arrived in New England in 2009, I’ve been a part of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Legends Ball every year. It doesn’t seem real because I don’t consider myself to be a legend.”

Praising the YMCA, Ninkovich noted, “What the Y stands for in the community and what they’ve been able to do are remarkable. I remember being 10 years old and playing basketball at my local YMCA. Having the Y as a place to go, it meant a lot to me.” Rob Ninkovich and his family are members of the Hockomock Area YMCA and continued, “I’m a strong supporter of the Hockomock Area YMCA and what they are able to do for all kids. I’m honored to accept this award and looking forward to Legends Ball this year.”

“We are proud to honor Rob Ninkovich as our 2016 Legends Ball Award Recipient. Rob is a great friend and partner of our Y and his involvement has had a tremendous impact on local children and families,” said Ed Hurley, Hockomock Area YMCA President & CEO. “Rob always takes time out to support our programs and the kids are always so excited to see him. Rob is a true champion on and off the field.”

At this announcement, Ninkovich was surrounded by members of the Integration Initiative’s Flag Football Team as well as the VIP Club (Volunteerism through Inclusive Partnerships).

The Legends Ball will take place on November 15, 2016 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA. Past honorees have been Devin McCourty, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Peter Brock, Rick and Dick Hoyt, Matt Light, Joe Andruzzi, Steve Grogan and Andre Tippet.

YMCA group photo with Rob Ninkovich and Devin McCourty

Proceeds from the Legends Ball benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in YMCA programs and activities alongside their typically-developing peers. The program improves social skills, builds self-esteem, increases physical activity and independence, and enhances mutual respect among people of all abilities. Since its inception, the Integration Initiative has served more than 1,000 children and their families by connecting children with special needs and their families to the community at large by creating a culture of inclusion at our YMCA.

Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in event sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.hockymca.org/an-amazing-night-to-celebrate-legends-ball-november-15/

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Informational Seminar - Nov 16

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its much-anticipated final rule changing the regulations for the so-called "white collar" exemptions under the FLSA, and significantly increasing the minimum salary level necessary for employees to be properly classified as exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees.

The final rule and its increased salary requirements will take effect on December 1, 2016. 

The new regulations will:

• Increase by slightly more than double the minimum salary level for exempt "white collar" employees from $455/week ($23,660/year) to $913/week ($47,476/year);
• Raise the highly compensated employee ("HCE") threshold from $100,000 to $134,004; and
• Automatically update every three years (1) the minimum salary level to the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers in the lowest income region of the country; and (2) the HCE threshold to the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally.

No exception is made for small businesses. The final rule does not make any changes to the duties tests for executive, administrative and professional employees. The final rule also allows for up to 10 percent of the minimum salary level for non-HCE employees to be met by non-discretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions, if these payments are made on at least a quarterly basis.

As a practical matter, these changes to the "white collar" regulations mean higher wages to employees, higher wage costs for employers, and likely increased exposure and risk to employers in wage and hour cases.

On November 16, 2016 at 8:00 AM at Dean College in the Campanella Board Room in the Campus Center. Attorney Michael Doherty will examine upcoming changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act regulation, which will go into effect on December 1, 2016. The new regulations will have a significant impact on whether will be eligible to earn overtime pay or whether they will be considered "exempt". 

United Regional
Chamber of Commerce

The Department of Labor has estimated that the upcoming changes will affect approximately 4.2 million employees across the country. Program attendees will learn about the current status of the regulations, the factors governing whether an employee is considered exempt from overtime laws, how the current regulations will change on December 1, 2016, and what employers can do now to prepare for the changes.

For complete information and details, visit The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's website at www.unitedregionalchamber.org or call 508-222-0801.

• The US Dept of Labor page for the FLSA can be found here  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
• Original doc from 1938  https://templatelab.com/fair-labor-stand-act/

FHS field hockey playoff game scheduled for Friday, 11/4/16

The seeds for Hockomock teams in the MIAA field hockey playoffs have been annouced (by MIAA) and posted by Hockomock Sports.

D1 South

#10 Franklin (11-3-4) will travel to #7 Bridgewater-Raynham (13-3-2) on Friday, 11/4 at 2:30.


For all the Hockomock teams in the playoffs
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/

FHS Panthers

Reminder: Boston Children's Hospital Bloodmobile Comes to Franklin - Nov 11

Friday, November 11th, marks Veteran's Day in the United States. What better way to honor the soldiers that fought and continue to fight for us to safeguard our Nation's freedoms than to give the gift of life through blood donation? Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating regular blood drives in the Franklin community through Boston Children's Hospital as part of their National Honor Society Service Project.

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating blood drives

When one of the twins underwent major surgery and needed blood at the age of 12, the significance of blood donation hit home. Giovanna and Olivia have been regular blood donors at Boston Children’s Hospital since they turned 16, the legal age to donate. They were among those recently recognized by Boston Children’s Hospital for each having donated over 1 gallon of blood since that time. Today, their goal is to encourage young people like themselves to become life-long donors. Donating costs nothing but a little time, yet gives the gift of hope and life!

The first blood drive is scheduled for Friday, November 11, 2016 (Veteran's Day) at the Benjamin Franklin Charter School parking lot in Franklin. Sign up on-line at halfpints.childrenshospital.org for an appointment time, or contact Giovanna and Olivia at (508) 541-1253, or giovannasylvia@hotmail.com, or oliviasabini@hotmail.com, for more information and to sign up.

Senator Ross: October 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, October 2016 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, October was a busy time in the district, and I am grateful to have met with so many of my constituents to hear their concerns. As we transition into November, please be mindful of the importance of voting. Whether it be the local, state, or presidential election, do utilize your right to vote. Included in this newsletter is important information about early voting taking place in the district. As always, please let me know what your priorities are and what you would like me to focus on before the new legislative session begins in January. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Team G.R.E.E.N., a student-teacher volunteer organization of North Attleboro Middle School, invited me to a celebration of their 5th year anniversary. Students from Beijing, China on an exchange program with Wayland High School were welcomed to Beacon Hill as I gave them a State House tour. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRONIC TOLLING The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has announced that as of October 28th, the new All Electronic Tolling (AET) system for the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) has gone live. The primary purpose of this new system is to increase safety, alleviate congestion, and reduce Greenhouse gases. The following FAQ's explain important information to know about the new AET system implemented in Massachusetts. How does AET work? AET gantries installed at 16 locations on I-90 contain sensors that will electronically register toll charges as vehicles pass under them. Drivers will no longer need to stop at toll plazas and will be able to maintain a safe highway speed. Vehicles that have E-ZPass transponders will be automatically charged to their E-ZPass account. Because drivers are not required to use transponders, vehicles without an E-ZPass transponder will be sent an invoice as the gantry will photograph the vehicle's license plate. How were gantry rates set? Gantry rates were developed by calculating the per mile cost on several sections of I-90. The set costs will be as close to the cost per mile that exists today. The total revenue generated on the Western Turnpike and Metropolitan Highway System will remain nearly the same to the total revenue generated by the previous toll system. Will people pay more if they don't have a Massachusetts E-ZPass transponder? Yes. MassDOT has three rates at each gantry: One rate is for users of E-ZPass transponders issued by the state of Massachusetts One rate is for users of compatible transponders issued by other states One rate is for vehicles without a transponder that will be billed using the "Pay-By-Plate" system. The billing will include the gantry charge and a processing fee. What kind of personal data will the gantries collect? Both law and policy requires MassDOT to ensure the privacy of all motorists. All data collected is done for billing purposes only and will remain secure and confidential. Any data collected is about the vehicle license plate, transponder, location, and time. Speed data is used to ensure an accurate image capture of vehicle license plates and cannot legally be used for any traffic law enforcement purposes. What will happen to the existing Toll Plazas? Drivers will gain the full benefits of the AET system once the toll booths have been removed to ensure they can use the highways at safe speeds. The process of demolishing current toll plazas will begin as soon as AET goes live. Work will begin to demolish the center lanes of the plazas and reconstruct portions of the roadway. This work will be completed in 30 days or less. Following this phase, drivers will be able to travel through the center lanes of the toll plazas as the rest of the removal process takes place. All work is to be completed by the end of 2017. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in November 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 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Wednesday, November 2nd Norfolk Town Hall, 1 Liberty Lane, Norfolk 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, November 15th Attleboro Senior Center, 25 S Main Street, Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Monday, November 21st (Staff) Wrentham Senior Center, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham 10:00am-11:00am Copyright © 2016 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 · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA                                         The email newsletter was edited for publication here. To view the full original View this email in your browser

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