5 Things You Need To Know Today in Framingham: April 17

1. The Walsh Middle School Robotics team, also known as the WalshBots, had its first day of competition in the VEX World Robotics Championships in Kentucky on Thursday. Click here to see how they did.

2. State Sen. Karen Spilka, who represents Framingham and is chair of the Senate’s Ways & Means Committee, will be the keynote speaker at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce’s Exec-Connect Luncheon today at the Hampton Inn in Natick.

In a pivotal role as chair of the Senate’s Ways & Means Committee, Spilka is uniquely qualified to speak about the state budget and how it will impact the regional economy, said Chamber CEO & President Bonnie Biocchi.

Walk-ins may attend at $40 each. Luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m.

3. Framingham High girls softball team will host Lincoln-Sudbury today at 3:45 p.m.

4. Plan ahead: Greet the National Lancers, a ceremonial cavalry troop in the Massachusetts Organized Militia based in Framingham at the main Framingham Library on Saturday.

Prior to their Patriots’ Day re-enactment of Paul Revere’s and William Dawes’s rides to alert the Minuteman, the Lancers are riding to Framingham Public Library to meet and greet the public.

Come meet the horses while their riders answer any questions you may have about the Lancers, their history, how to join, and what else they do during the year.

5. The Learning Center for the Deaf student, Jenna M., was invited to the Massachusetts State House to share her perspective on the importance of access to statewide public announcements during severe weather emergencies, this week. During Boston’s historic record snow this past winter, Jenna sent a video to the Governor asking him to ALWAYS use an interpreter when he gave announcements so she could stay informed and know when the weather was going to impact her and whether or not she would have a “Snow Day.” The Learning Center for the Deaf is located in Framingham.

Photo courtesy of The Learning Center for The Deaf