Senator Ross: November/December 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, Nov-Dec 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, As we all prepare to be with our loved ones during the holidays, let us remember that this month is about recognizing the many gifts for which we have to be thankful. I want to especially thank my constituents who voted in this year's election. I am humbled to yet again be re-elected as your state senator. The new legislative session begins in January, and I am eager to hear the concerns, ideas, and suggestions of my constituents. Your priorities are my main focus and I strive to represent all of your needs on Beacon Hill. These next few weeks, please enjoy time spent with family and friends. As always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Thank You I would like to thank my constituents, the voters of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, for re-electing me to the Massachusetts state Senate. I am honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve this district again for a fourth consecutive term. The past six years have consisted of listening and working to address the concerns of the 12 cities and towns I represent. Every day on Beacon Hill, I will continue to work diligently to ensure the strong and independent voice of my constituents is heard. As the new legislative session begins, I will continue to focus on the priorities of my district, such as local aid, public safety and economic development, while striving to maintain a cost effective government. Because the voice of my constituents is so important to doing my job, I encourage you to reach out to my office and attend district office hours so that I can better understand the areas of our state government that need attention. Through our partnership, it is my hope that the Baker-Polito administration will be able to work with the Legislature on many reforms in order to achieve change that will better our district. It is a privilege to continue to serve as your state senator and to earn your trust. Thank you. – State Senator Richard J. Ross MBTA COMMUTER RAIL DELAYS UPDATE These past several weeks my office has received many calls and complaints regarding the commuter rail service and delays, particularly the Franklin and Needham lines. My staff and I are aware of your concerns and have been in contact with a liaison from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as well as Keolis Commuter Services which operates the commuter rail system in Massachusetts. October and November are known as the "slippery rail season" which has caused many difficulties for commuter rail services on the Franklin and Needham lines this fall. Wet leaves being ground into the tracks create slippery conditions and make it especially difficult for trains to operate safely at normal speeds. During this time,  the commuter rail operator conducts regular cleanings of the tracks at night and throughout the day to ensure safe travels for all passengers. While Keolis did experience significant delays in service this fall, they are hoping to improve their performance in the coming weeks. As the slippery season comes to an end in December, this will bring a relief from the wet leaves that slow travel. A recent under-staffing on trains that lead to longer travel times will be remedied as a group of new hires just begun work a week ago. An increase in staff members will alleviate burdens on the current crew and help trains function more efficiently. In addition to wet tracks and staffing issues, some of the older train sets experience more mechanical issues. Fortunately, Keolis is currently implementing a plan to increase the coach and locomotives maintenance capacity, with close to 60 new hires that should be operational by January. The MBTA has also rented some extra locomotives to help improve locomotive availability in the short run. The Franklin and Needham lines both have a high proportion of single track where delays on one train can ripple across the entire line. Both lines, and especially the Franklin line, also must coordinate with other incoming trains as they share their track with the Stoughton and Providence lines, and with Amtrak traffic. However, recent adjustments to the schedules should improve the overall on time performance. The MBTA and Keolis listened to the Needham constituents and changed the schedule for train 606 back to 8:02 am, which should reduce overcrowding on train 604. Keolis is very excited to welcome their new General Manager, David Scorey, who brings a wealth of international experience and knowledge to the table. While there have been setbacks, their goal is to achieve long term and sustainable quality service. Keolis is taking the necessary steps to effectively change the system they inherited, and to provide quality reliable transportation for all passengers. Commuter rail riders with concerns regarding issues such as service delays can contact Keolis Customer Service via hotline or email. The customer service line can be reached at 617-222-3200 or by email at customerservice@keoliscs.com. All complaints are noted and logged to better improve the commuter rail service. We also recommend that you follow them on twitter @MBTA_CR and sign up for their T Alerts on the MBTA website. There are also a number of smart phone apps, like the Transit App, that can provide valuable information about the MBTA transportation system. As always, if you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 617-722-1555.

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Bubbles & Bark!

Saturday, December 3 2-5 PM

Saturday, December 3 2-5 PM Never Drink Ordinary!  So much more than a wine tasting.... What is Bubbles and Bark? Well.... It's a wine and spirits tasting. We'll have Champagne, sparkling wines, and holiday-worthy reds. All our favorite people will be here. Charlie Tower, aka 'Old Man Whisky', will be pouring exquisite malts from the Lost Distillery Project. John Grange is bringing Laurent Perrier Brut, Extra Brut, and Rose (swoon!). Dave Catania is rolling out homemade eggnog and some killer Cognac. The inimitable Bob Gifford has Le Mesnil and Cava. Rich has Besserat and Nebbiolo. Plus Coole Swan, Deutz Champagne, and much, much more. It's a party. The year is wrapping up, and we'd like to celebrate with our other favorite people-our fabulous customers and friends. Because parties need food, we have invited Snappy Dogs. I'm planning on eating at least 3. You probably should, too. Bring a little cash for raffle tickets and Snappy Dogs; at this time of year, they are a cash-only biz. It's important. Forever Home Rescue has rescued and re-homed over 1,500 homeless and unwanted dogs. Their adoption fees cover only a fraction of the work they do; for the rest, they depend on donations from generous people like yourself. Every dog deserves a loving home. Won't you join us? Tickets, $10, are a 100% donation to FHR. Raffle tickets will be available, also a 100% donation. Pour Richard's will also donate a portion of our sales. Thank you for trusting us with your beverage business. Please share this email with friends who are interested in delicious wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)  Cheers! Ann Williams  Our Beer List  |  Our Wine List Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits  (508) 520-9163 | www.pourrichardswine.com  14 Grove Street  Franklin, MA 02038 Sun 12-5  Mon 12-7  Tues-Thurs 10-8  Fri-Sat 10-9

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by ann@pourrichardswine.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Community Relations Subcommittee: Coffee hour - Dec 3 at 9:00 AM

Reminder that the Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will be hosting a coffee hour on Saturday morning, December 3 at 9:00. 

Join us at the Franklin Cable Access studio, 23 Hutchinson Street. 

We would greatly appreciate input on budget, policy and the new superintendent search!! 

All citizens welcome!!

Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street

Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

"Till the Siren Blows Again" performed by Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies on the Circle of Friends outdoor stage at THE BLACK BOX for the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

Jim Henry along with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies

Jim Henry http://www.jimhenry.net/

Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies http://www.boxcarlilies.com/

Holiday Stroll - Updated Program

Note: there may still be some changes to this but as of Thursday morning, this is the plan

Dean College:

Tree Lighting with refreshments

Dean Bank:

OUTDOORS

Gingerbread Man activity

Music Street Realty

Relay for Life/sponsored by Dean Bank

Rockland Trust:

OUTDOORS

Shaws Market Wreaths

INDOORS

Franklin Girl Scouts

Franklin Distinguished Young Woman/sponsored by Rockland Trust

Corner near Teddy Gallaghers:

OUTDOORS

Envoy Mortgage

Depot Plaza:

INDOORS

Enchanted Memories (stand alone business front, downstairs)

UPSTAIRS at Depot Plaza

Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail

Drama Kids

FUSF

Beaux Regards

Flynn Wirkus Young

Salley’s Alley

Mary Rubino Hypnosis

DOWNSTAIRS at Depot Plaza

Franklin Driving School

Blessed Sacrament School

Family Legal Practice

Edward Jones

LuLaroe Willow and Daisy

Emma’s Quilt:

INDOORS

North Pole Postman

Kennedy-Donovan Center

America’s Best Defense

Touchstone Crystal

Norfolk Music Together

Refreshments

Franklin Historical Museum:

INDOORS

Mrs. Claus

Refreshments

Franklin Fire Department:

Touch a Truck

THE BLACK BOX:

Performance snippets of upcoming Holiday Shows!

Jane’s Frames:

Jamie Barrett (4:30 - 5:30) (music)

WMRC outdoors

Simon’s Furniture:

Outdoors

Erik the Wood Carver

Feet in Motion (dance)

Franklin Ford

Honda/BMW

DCU

Boston Solar

Rescom

Central pizza-coupons

Indoors:

SANTA CLAUS!!!

FHS Performers (music)

Elizabeth Randall Designs

Roaming Main Street:

Saint Mary Choir

Central Pizza offering coupons to strollers!

Holiday Stroll, Dec 1 - 4:00 to 7:00 PM

Plastic bag bylaw put aside; recreational marijuana zoning proposal moves forward

I used Twitter to record some of my notes from the Economic Development Committee meeting on Wednesday. I used Storify to summarize the meeting.

• Plastic Bag Bylaw

After some contentious discussion and nitpicking the plastic bag measure was declined to move forward by a unanimous vote. Additional work was acknowledged to be done. To the students credit, they took this in stride and are prepared to do the work and bring the measure back.

• Recreational marijuana zoning

The Committee also voted to bring forward a measure to allow Franklin to implement a 2% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana and to adjust the zoning to use the existing adult and medical marijuana overlays to also include recreational marijuana. Both of these actions are in advance of the first sale sometime in 2018 with additional State level regulations to be announced before then. The Town Council should see this at one of their meetings in December.


I will post the audio recording of the meeting to share that for your listening pleasure.

FHS students leading the discussion on the proposal to ban plastic bags for retail

(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 4 - 7:00 PM

NEW ENGLAND IRISH HARP ORCHESTRA

Under the direction of Regina Delaney

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th ~ 7:00 pm

237 Pleasant Street, Franklin MA

There is nothing quite as magic as the sound of 6 or 12 harps playing together in harmony, with some fiddle, whistle and perhaps bodhran (Irish drums ) thrown in for good measure. 

New England Irish Harp Orchestra will share a wonderful medley of holiday music that will put you in the perfect mood for Advent !! 

This is a fundraiser for the church - tickets are $ 10 at the door and will be available in the office after November 1.

Free to Dean College students with student ID.

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 4

"This thing got to us as a council when it probably shouldn't have"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously against a proposed plastic bag ban after it met with impassioned opposition at a meeting Wednesday. 

The committee held a session to seek feedback on the issue, which was first brought before the Town Council by a group of high school students at a meeting in September. 

Those students gave an abbreviated version of their presentation, citing environmental concerns as a primary driver for the measure."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161130/franklin-committee-opposes-bag-ban

For the Franklin Matters summary of the full meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/plastic-bag-bylaw-put-aside.html

FHS students presenting on the proposal to ban plastic bags for retail