Showing posts with label Voices of Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Voices of Franklin. Show all posts

Friday, December 4, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Paula & Herb Gross encourages vote for Frongillo

Democracy starts at the grassroots level, and this is what makes the Dec. 5th Special Election for Town Council so important for Franklin Citizens.

Cobi Frongillo deserves our support in his candidacy for Town Council.  He is a
homegrown Franklin resident who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to our town.  From his part in the founding of Soccer for Smiles Tournament at age 13, to completion of his graduate studies research project on the sustainable economic development of Downtown Franklin, Cobi has proven his dedication to seeing Franklin and its residents thrive.  Cobi’s professional experience as a research analyst for government and non-profit agencies makes him a valuable asset to local government.

We encourage all Franklin citizens to vote this Saturday for Cobi Frongillo for Town Council.

Paula & Herb Gross
Your Franklin Neighbors 
 
 
If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
 
 
 

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Alan R Earls - The most diverse slate of Town Council candidates?

I have heard it remarked by several people during the course of the current campaign for our lone open Town Council seat, that" it's nice to see some diversity among the candidates." The commentators have not said what they mean, but I think I know. And perhaps they are also referring to the fact that I believe two of us can claim a Latino identity! Of course, others may score us low on diversity, since all four candidates appear to self-identify as men.

Be that as it may, I really would prefer that people think in terms of the truer diversity our candidacies represent, namely diversity of experience, outlook, and ideas. We have a budding expert on government, an IT professional, a PhD researcher and entrepreneur, and a writer to choose from.  And, I suspect that short litany of characteristics doesn't begin to properly credit the diversity in thought that we represent.

Returning to the more conventional view of diversity and identity politics, I would have to say that my own "identity" as Latino is neither comfortable nor meaningful. My grandparents, from whom that identity springs, were grateful to leave "the old country" and never looked back. Not that they didn't carry a heritage with them but they viewed language and ethnicity as incidentals, which love of family and capacity for personal growth trumped entirely.

Their story was one of enthusiasm for a new national identity. They had found their promised land and spent a lifetime embracing it and loving it.  So, even though the experts in Washington call me Latino, I will continue to think of myself as the proud descendant of immigrants who voted for democracy over autocracy, and opportunity and economic freedom over autarky and a corporative dictatorship. They became American, and I am the proud heir of their choice.

--

Alan Earls

Candidate for Town Council
Independent Writer

 

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
 

 

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Paul DeBaggis - Thoughts on the current election

While I love the give and take of Franklin politics, the current special town council election seems headed toward creating a thorny precedent. Can the town uphold its reputation as having a “nice, small-town atmosphere?”  Will an average gal or guy have the money needed to run for office, or to contribute to a candidate?  To me, these questions are as essential to our local character as our views on housing, water supply, or education.

The Cobi Frongillo campaign website advertises, that along with lesser amounts, it encourages donations of $250 and $500 or more. This seems to contradict that candidate’s talking points of service, caring, community, and vision. Communities shifting to big-time politics generally create an era in which party politics rather than individual merit become dominant. I, for one, frown on this.

Where is the caring or the service when a local election becomes a case of “to he or she with the most money goes the victory”? How does the average voter preserve an equal standing with the one who can easily drop a $500 check into a particular campaign coffer?

Next year, at the Franklin regular town election, will multiple candidates seek large, disproportionate campaign contributions? If so, big money campaigns and less recognition of the individual voter will inevitably follow. This election may set that stage. Elections for the privileged—that’s no future Franklin Dream.


Paul DeBaggis
100 Milliken Avenue 
 
 

Monday, November 30, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Dellorco Endorses Chiklis

On Saturday, December 5th, the Town of Franklin will be holding a special election to fill a vacant Town Council seat. I am impressed that we have four special candidates running for this seat.  While all of them have great qualities, there is one candidate, that stands out as a candidate that would be a great and vital addition to the Town Council.  

I would like to endorse Gregory Chiklis Ph.D. for the open Town Council seat.  Greg has been a Franklin resident and business owner for over 20 years.  Greg is an active member of the community, raising his family and participating in many community activities.  He volunteered many years as a coach in the Franklin Youth Baseball League.  Greg took a leadership role at the Franklin Rod and Gun Club, providing activities for for the youth in Franklin.  

It is in this past year that I have seen how committed Greg is to this community.  During the Pandemic, Greg has spent countless hours providing COVID testing to  Franklin Public Employees and anyone else that asked.  He also, just recently, tested several students coming home from College, to ensure the health and safety of the students, their families, and the community.  As a current business owner, he has vast experience with budgets and planning.  He has committed to working hard to bring new businesses to Franklin.  

I am asking you to consider voting for Gregory Chiklis on Saturday, December 5th at Franklin High School,   Greg has the commitment, compassion, and experience to get the job done! 

Thank you!
Robert Dellorco


Submitted by the candidate

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally - Keep Franklin Beautiful

Several community members and I have been raising awareness to seek participation towards establishing an initiative surrounding the goal of keeping Franklin beautiful. Through our collective efforts, we as a community intend to maintain cleanliness throughout the town of Franklin during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. We intend to meet during the first Saturday of each month during these seasons and will work together to clean up public areas of our community. Due to the pandemic, we are currently working with a limited number of volunteers for general safety of our community.

The net impact brought upon by this initiative is heavily reliant on the collective effort of volunteers and the active participation of our residents. If interested in joining us in our mission to keep our community clean, please reach out via email at keepfranklinbeautiful@gmail.com, https://facebook.com/keepfranklinbeautiful, those who are interested will be periodically updated with the list of volunteers, progress and milestones accomplished during the cleaning process and the opportunity to reflect and develop our general shared goals and ideas. Join us and help us keep our community clean!!!


 

Keep Franklin Beautiful
Keep Franklin Beautiful

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

The CPA for Franklin Committee is both grateful and inspired by the vote to adopt the Community Preservation Act. Franklin is one of nine communities to pass the ballot issue, which will bring opportunities for historical preservation, set aside open space, enhance and build recreational areas, and create affordable housing.
 
Several steps will be taken in the coming year to implement Franklin’s CPA. The Town Council will enact a local bylaw and a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will be formed. The state mandates that a designated representative must come from five town boards: the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, the Housing Authority, the Conservation Commission, and the Board of Park Commissioners or other town recreation committee. 
 
In addition, four more members may be appointed from the public, local government, or other municipal boards or committees. The CPC will accept applications for review and recommendation. At least 10% of each year's fund must be set aside for historical preservation, open space/recreation and affordable housing. The remaining 70% can be designated for any eligible category under CPA.
 
We are confident that many in Franklin have the foresight and energy to propose projects that can be submitted to the CPC. Next year will be the beginning of welcome changes to Franklin.
 
Monique B. Doyle
Chair, CPA for Franklin
 

 

Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"
Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Barry Kassler responds to James Gianotti Jr on the Community Preservation Act

I’d like to respond to the letter from James Gianotti, Jr. regarding the Community Preservation Act, or CPA, in Franklin.
 
First, Mr. Gianotti is right when he says that these are difficult times.  What he may not be aware of is that many CPA communities have used their CPA funds to create emergency housing assistance programs for people in their communities who have lost jobs due to the pandemic.  That would not have been possible without the CPA.
 
Mr. Gianotti states that the CPA would cost Franklin residents “thousands of dollars” each.  That’s off by a factor of at least ten.  The average homeowner in Franklin would pay $105 per year, or $26 per quarter.  There is nothing “hidden” here.  It will appear on tax bills on its own line, beginning next year.  Residents who are low-income, or who are moderate-income seniors, can apply for an exemption from the CPA tax.
 
Mr. Gianotti states that those of us who support Question 3 “consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in. …This is probably going to be way off.”  In reality, the estimates of CPA revenue from the state have been conservative, and are realistic.  State CPA funding depends on money collected at the Registry of Deeds, and collections for this year have been consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
 
The CPA is a perfect way for a community to maintain and improve the quality of life for all of its residents.  Franklin is losing out on state funding which only goes to CPA communities.  We already pay into that fund, but get nothing back.  That will change when Franklin adopts the CPA.  Many of our neighboring towns have already done so, including Wrentham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Mendon.  In fact, over half of all Massachusetts cities and towns are now CPA communities.
 
I urge you to vote to adopt the CPA in Franklin by voting Yes on Question 3.
 
Barry Kassler
Franklin 


If you missed it, the Gianotti letter can be found here

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


Voices of Franklin: James Gianotti Jr - "Just say NO to Question 3"

Who would honestly ask for more taxes in the middle of a pandemic?

Your Franklin's governing body would. It’s much more than just not right its downright shameful to be asking citizens at this time for more money. We all know someone in your family or your friends that are going through what might be the toughest times of their lives and having big challenges with their day-to-day bills. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment in the country and businesses are closing every day. What’s even worse there is no end in sight.

With that I am opposing the CPA for a few reasons. Remember, the CPA can only fund four kinds of things - historic preservation, affordable housing, open space, and parks and recreation projects.  These are all nice to have, but we need to focus on our MUST have list right now – namely schools, police, and fire departments and have compassion for our fellow citizens who don’t know when their next paycheck is coming, Lets also not forget, in addition, to talk about an override vote “soon” to raise town taxes, we are also facing increases to water and sewer costs and a completely new tax (cleverly described as a utility) to fund federally mandated stormwater treatment and mitigation – expected to total something like $50 million dollars over the next several years.

CPA is about “pet projects” not these critical projects that we absolutely must do.

In addition, CPA proponents consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in.  Given the condition of the state’s budget and the state, this is probably going to be way off.

So, if we pass CPA, we will be stuck with an additional burden, one that will hit many people when they can least afford it. Consider the example of a couple where both wage earners have been laid off. Maybe they need to downsize and hope the equity they have achieved in their home over the last few years will help them through. Guess what? That’s when CPA will hit them, to the tune of thousands of dollars!  That’s what’s called a hidden tax. You vote for it because it won’t affect you right away, but when it does, it’s a big hit!

Our town is economically diverse. While there may be some families that can easily afford CPA, for most, it could be devastating. Above all, 2020 is not the year to be gold plating town spending and hitting those who can least afford it.

I ask you all to have some compassion for those currently and those that will be fighting for their American Dream during the pandemic.

Just say NO to Question 3

James Gianotti Jr. 
Franklin


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici -"Have You Noticed, l Have"

"Have You Noticed, l Have"

A recent letter to the editor published in the Milford Daily News accusing Matt Kelly of using misleading campaign tactics,  specifically, "a violation of copyright and campaign integrity," got me thinking about what's happening here in Franklin. It seems to be much of the same.

In Kelly's campaign mailings circulating throughout the district, you would get the impression that Jeffrey Roy. a Democrat. is endorsing Kelly. Representative Roy was asked and his answer was no. However photos of Kelly and Roy are prominently displayed on campaign mailings. This is an obvious attempt to attract Democrats to Kelly's campaign. This is not the person I would want representing me in the State Senate.
 
Franklin


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
 

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici for Senator Becca Rausch

Throughout the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District you will find Becca everywhere, especially here in Franklin. It was great seeing and talking to Senator Rausch at the 2019 Fourth of July celebration on the commons and again at the Harvest Festival, enjoying the people and the rich culture of Franklin. Whether it be in person practicing social distancing or on zoom, it’s nice to have her in our community.

She is one of the hardest working senators on Beacon Hill today. Her record is impressive. She is a leader on issues such as expanding voting access, fighting for reproductive health and justice, child care, education, equal rights and more.

There are issues that are especially important to me. The first is transparency and government accountability. I want to know how legislators are voting, whether it’s a voice vote on the chamber floor or who’s voting on what issues in committee, Senator Rausch wants change. The other issue is climate. Our planet is on fire and hurricanes are causing havoc to our coastlines. The Senator is in the battle to save our planet, cosponsoring a number of climate legislative acts and signing the no fossil fuel money pledge.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican you have to appreciate Senator Rausch’s competency and commitment to her constituents. The proof of that was evident in Her debate performance on October 6. It became clear to me that there is no reason to go back to the same mediocre politics of the past. We don’t need any more so-called moderate Republicans that seem to be okay with President Trump, no matter what he says or does, not here in Franklin or anywhere in the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District. I’m voting for Becca.

Raymond D Milici

Franklin


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


Monday, October 12, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Maria Lucier for Senator Becca Rausch

I’ve been thinking about Becca Rausch, the incumbent state senator from the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, which includes the part of Franklin where I live.

I’m a registered Democrat, so I was inclined to vote for Rausch because she’s the Democrat in the race.  But I realized that I was being a little unfair to Becca Rausch, so I thought about the times I’ve met her.

I met her at Franklin’s Harvest Festival and at the Strawberry Festival with her kids.

I met her at the Black Lives Matter demonstration on the Franklin Common.

I met her at three different sessions of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, some in person, virtual.

I met her at the Democrats’ holiday party.

I met her at Franklin High when she spoke about higher education.

I watched her when she defended her legislation on vaccinations.

I realized that this state senator of mine has been a very hard-working office holder.  She really puts in the time.

I have a friend who complains that she can never get her own senator to answer her letters.  Becca Rausch, on the other hand, never fails to reply.  That means something.

I read Rausch’s on-line bio.  She seems focused mostly on issues that matter to me—elder affairs;  problems of children, families, and people with disabilities; issues in social justice, equality before the law, election reform.

And no one can fail to see a great deal of competent work, done in the public interest, in the long series of COVID bulletins that Rausch has published.

Clearly, this is a hard-working, accessible, and capable woman.  

So I’m glad I thought about her.  Turns out, I have better reasons to vote for her than I realized.


Maria Lucier, Franklin 



If you have something to submit for Voices of Franklin, follow the guidelines published here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Six Combine Voices for Markey

Voting in the Massachusetts Primary Election closes at 8:00 p.m. on September 1.  A few Franklin residents explain why they support Ed Markey as U.S. Senator in this primary.

These respondents are impressed by Sen. Markey’s record as a legislator.  Karen Landers notes  that he has long been known for his leadership and productivity.  He entered national politics in 1974.  In the succeeding 46 years he has been re-elected more than 20 times, first to the House (1974-2013) and subsequently to the Senate (2013 to present).  Clearly the Democrats in Massachusetts have recognized him as an effective congressman.  

These Franklin voters also admire Markey’s character.  They see in him a strong and visionary leader, and author of the Green New Deal, which may be the most important legislation before the Congress in our time.  Yet they also like his unpretentious, blue-collar origins and his personal modesty.  Karen Landers and Mara Downie found themselves standing beside Markey in the crowd at the Youth Climate Strike in Boston last year.  They noticed that he came to support the young strikers, not to grab the limelight.  

Markey’s causes resonate with these voters.  As Sue Cass puts it, Markey “has been indefatigable, participating on diverse committees and authoring or sponsoring hundreds of bills on diverse subjects, always focusing on improving American circumstances.”  More particularly, these voters applaud the senator’s support of racial justice, net neutrality, gun control, health care for all, women’s rights, the COVID-19 Relief Bill, and especially the Green New Deal with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.  This bill addresses the twin crises of climate change and economic inequality.

There are also strategic reasons to support Markey.  Jayson Joyce admires him because, in drafting the COVID-19 Relief Bill with Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, Markey brought both wings of the Democratic party to the table.  Likewise, the senator commands inter-generational support from both ends of the age spectrum, from young Gen Z voters to aging Baby Boomers.  According to Joyce, Markey is a visionary leader who constantly challenges the status quo.  Or as Chorr-yi Chin puts it, Markey legislates with compassion for all, including future generations.  Colin Cass thinks it’s naive to trust what politicians say.  He judges them by what they actually do.  He believes that Markey “is committed to action on the most pressing issues of our time.”

Finally, there is the uniqueness of this moment.  As Joyce says, during this pandemic when many people have lost their jobs and their health insurance; when economic depression threatens and many are facing evictions, foreclosures, and heavy debts, the moment calls for strong leadership and moral authority.  Or as Chin puts it, “The demands of today require somebody who understands the hardships we face.”   

Ed Markey has spent his life as a prolific, principled, and successful legislator.  This man has earned his place as our senator, and the voters of Massachusetts should keep him in office.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy, State Rep Brian Murray "We are with Joe Kennedy"

We are with Joe Kennedy in his campaign for the United States Senate because he cares, he shows up and he leads.
 
We first saw Joe in 2010, talking about the need for civility in government. That speech captured our moral imagination and we sure hoped that he would run for office.
 
In 2012, he was in our communities talking with us and our friends about what he would do in Congress.
 
While a member of Congress, he has been a champion on  such very important issues as health care, manufacturing, substance use disorder, energy, the environment and civil rights,
 
We have witnessed firsthand his dedication, thoughtfulness and energy. His ability to work across the aisle with those who may have different beliefs is impressive, as is his ability to clearly see complex issues and get to the heart of the matter. And he does it all with a strong sense of empathy, a trait possessed by truly great leaders.
 
His service to our District is unparalleled. His commitment to constituent services for the folks throughout our communities has been exceptional.  His belief that everyone counts and should be counted is his high watermark.
 
At this moment in the history of our nation, we need his commitment, compassion and leadership on the floor of the United States Senate now more than ever.
 
Joe has been with all of  us, he is one of us and he has the vision to lead us.
 
That is why we hope you will join us in voting for Joe Kennedy for the U.S. Senate on September 1st. It is a vote not only for a better Commonwealth, but for a better country as well.
 


Jeffrey N. Roy
State Representative – Franklin & Medway

Brian W. Murray
State Representative – Milford, Medway Hopedale, & Mendon

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici - "Kennedy Supporter! Not Anymore"

In 2012, at a house party here in Franklin Massachusetts, I met a young man who wanted to get into politics and run as a US Representative in the 4th congressional district. I listened to him and I was quite impressed with what he was saying. He seemed to be compassionate, concerned and wanted to do good for the people in the state and country. His name happened to be Joe Kennedy. I've been a strong supporter of Representative Kennedy and was happy and proud to have helped in his campaign. 

That has changed for me since his decision to run for the Senate in the Democratic primary, challenging Senator Edward Markey. Even in politics, there should be a moral code of what's right and what's wrong. Running against Senator Markey is just plain wrong. The Senator is a well respected public servant who has been fighting for racial, economic and environmental justice. He is a proven effective leader. There is no good reason why Representative Kennedy should run against Senator Markey.

His decision to challenge Senator Markey has given me a totally different perspective of who Kennedy is. I thought I was supporting a different kind of politician. An idealistic young man who could rise in the Democratic Party with patience and persistence without hurting anyone. I guess I was just being naïve. It turns out he is one of those typical politicians, ready to step on and step over anyone that gets in the way. 

At a time when Democrats should be focused on winning the White House, the Kennedy campaign has managed to divide the Democrats, spending precious time and resources on an unnecessary primary election. But that doesn't seem to matter. After all, he's a Kennedy, a man of wealth and privilege, who thinks the senate seat belongs to the Kennedy family, not a guy from a working class family in Malden. I decided to vote for the working class guy. I hope my fellow Democrats will do the same.

Raymond D Milici,
75 Grey Wolf Dr,
Franklin MA 02038

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on voting in the Primary Election

 Voting in primary elections is very important, yet voter turnout in primaries is usually low.  (Embarrassingly so:  in 2016 the Franklin primary turnout was only 4.1 % of the eligible voters.)  But even conscientious voters probably think, “The real show is the general election.  I’ll vote then.  I know who I like.  What’s the difference?”

One difference is that who you can vote for in the general election is not settled until the primary has occurred.  If the people you like have primary challengers, of course, they must defeat the challengers to get on the general ballot.  So they will need your help in both elections, not just the general.

And even if the ones you really like have no primary challengers, you may still be wise to vote in the primary.  Remember, your favorites will not be alone on the general ballot.  Many offices must be filled.  Say you are a straight-ticket, one-party voter.  You do not want to find yourself obliged to vote for people you dislike just because, on a thin plurality,  they squeaked by the primary that you skipped.

And since primary turnouts are low, a few votes can make an outsized difference.  Impact per voter is greatly magnified.  And naturally, the bigger the field, the more crucial every primary vote is.  There are nine contestants in the Fourth Congressional District, for example, for the one place for a Democratic candidate on the general ballot.  If voter support were divided equally among the nine and turnout were at 2016 levels, then each candidate would have about 97 supporters in Franklin.  In such a race, every primary vote really counts, and could decide who goes to Washington.

The primary is September 1.  You can vote in person, vote early, or apply by August 26 to vote by mail.


Colin Cass

146 Longhill Road

Franklin, MA 02038


If you have interest in "Voices of Franklin" please read the guidelines here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


Monday, July 27, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Pandemic Poetry by Faith Flaherty

Here is a couple of acrostic, pandemic poetry. An acrostic poem is a poem where certain letters in each line spell out a word.

Faith

Contrary to fear, let’s relish our family time.
Ours to do what we always wanted:
Rest, read, do whatever enters our mind,
Only walk wherever our feet led.
No one to impress, no one to care.
Alone. We can go most anywhere!

***********************************************************

Can I throw kisses
Over fences and through doors,
Very heartfelt messages?
Isolated and alone, catch them,
Destined to outlast a virus.


"Voices of Franklin" is open to all residents and reader of Franklin Matters. Details can be found  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Friday, June 26, 2020

Pantherbook: FHS "Student Finds Her Voice in Black Lives Matter Movement"

From Pantherbook we share the following:
"Many Franklin residents gathered at the Common on June 2nd, to peacefully show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and stand against police brutality.
At the protest, people knelt for nine minutes to honor George Floyd, a Black man who recently died at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
After the nine minutes of silence, several speakers came up to talk about Black Lives Matter. Two of these were FHS students Ndoumbe Ndoye and Kianna Thomas."
Continue reading the article online at Pantherbook:
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2020/06/25/franklin-student-for-blm/#photo

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1276178113437761536?s=09

Kianna Thomas Speaks at the Common. Credit: Kianna Thomas
Kianna Thomas Speaks at the Common. Credit: Kianna Thomas

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Voices of Franklin: Ashley Papadopoulos - running Boston for a cause

Christina Tocci and I have been running together for over 5 years. We have both run one other marathon, but this will be our first time running Boston.

Christina writes...
"I have lived in Franklin for 7 years but my husband Mark was born and raised here. We are so happy to be raising our children in the same wonderful community he was brought up in. My daughter, Izzie (7) attends Oak Street Elementary and my son Nicholas (4) is in preschool at Franklin Children's School."

I have lived in Franklin for 13 years. I have worked in FPS since 2006 and am currently a first grade teacher at Davis Thayer. This town has been such a wonderful place to raise my family - Theo (9) and Alex (5) attend the Keller school.
Voices of Franklin: Ashley Papadopoulos - running Boston for a cause
Voices of Franklin: Ashley Papadopoulos - running Boston for a cause

We were able to secure bibs through Dell/EMC (my husband works here) to run for the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, MA - located about a mile from the marathon start line. They have been open for almost 20 years and providing emotional and physical support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

http://www.hopkintonrespite.com

Ashley Papadopoulos, Christina Tocci
Ashley Papadopoulos, Christina Tocci

Our long training runs are usually done early on Saturday mornings, we normally meet around 5 AM and have been running all over Franklin, but hope to practice on the course soon too.

Boston Marathon has always been a topic we have discussed as we trained for our first marathons or half marathons - we have taken our families to watch the Boston Marathon together. It is pretty awesome that all this "talk" and "dreaming" about running Boston is actually happening! We are feeling so thankful for the opportunity to run this race and raise money for the Respite Center. The donations Michael's Miracle Team raise help the youngest children at the center. Ages birth to 3 years.

I have met my fundraising goal already, but Christina is still working on hers. 

Here is her link:
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/michael-lisnow-respite-center-boston-2019/christinatocci

If you can help, your support is appreciated!
Ashley Papadopoulos

Monday, October 29, 2018

Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici - Yes on Question 1

In 2010 I retired after 50 years of service at Yale New Haven Hospital, a large nonprofit community hospital in Connecticut. All though I was not directly involved with patient care, I had many friends and acquaintances that were nurses and nurses aids. As hospital employees we all had similar problems on the job. We often heard about costs and budget concerns from hospital administrators. That usually meant austerity measures, that lead to more work with less people.

In the meantime, I witnessed large salary increases for hospital administrators and executive staff. By the time I retired, the hospital administrator was earning close to $1 million a year. According to the Boston Business Journal, Massachusetts hospital executives received double digit raises last year. In 2016 some hospital administrators salaries were well over $1 million to well over $3 million a year. And according to NBC Business News, some of the largest nonprofit hospitals have earned a collective 21 billion in investments on wall street last year.

So who is telling you to vote no on question one, those same hospital executives and business interests here in the state of Massachusetts. Hospital employees have been complaining about short staffing and overloaded work assignments for years, nobody was listening. Now they are facing required staffing levels and they don't like it. If you listen to hospital executives, it's the most diabolical thing that could happen to healthcare.

Suddenly patient care is a priority and they are claiming more nurses well mean less care for patients, figure that one out. Let's cut through the falsehoods, for the business interests in Massachusetts, it's not about patient care, it's about control and the bottom line. Hospitals just don't want to spend that nonprofit money to employ more nurses. They need to stop telling us they can't afford it. This is a classic fight between corporate interests and what's best for the public and hospital employees. So which side are you on. I'm sticking with the nurses and voting yes on question one.


Raymond D Milici
75 Grey Wolf Dr
Franklin MA 02038


Guidelines for Voices of Franklin:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html



Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"

Today (Wednesday) was a proud day at work! 

I work at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin MA. The students at our three middle schools and high school were able to show support for families whose lives were affected by school shootings and we able to voice their opinion through a walkout. This was organized by the students at the schools. We have a wonderful program here called A World of Difference and those students helped to organize this. This was all student led with guidance from staff and administration. They presented their ideas to administration and staff and worked with them as well as local law enforcement to make it work and to be safe. We all wanted to give all students a voice, to let them own this and let them know we are listening.

It was very powerful. It gave many of us chills as we watched them handle this with such maturity and grace. You should be proud! I know I am and remembering all of those who cannot do this, who don't have a voice anymore.

The peer leaders also came up with a solution for those students who did not want to participate which was wonderful because they too have that right. It was so wonderful and powerful because it shows that they took time to think of others and respect them.

This is a time to show our children that we support them, show them love, compassion and understanding. Again, so proud.

Remember, we come to work and students come to school with the possibility that something tragic could happen at our school. This has become our new reality. It is sad.

Le't show respect to all. Let's come together to come up with solutions, let's talk face-to-face and let these students how we can help them make changes. Let's get this generation to vote and become an ever greater voice! 

If you saw what happened today, you would know they CAN do it and WILL do it. They conducted themselves in a mature, brave, thoughtful and very reflective manner. Today was about being positive and hopeful, nothing else.

It made me hopeful and with tears in my eyes.

Love to all

Beth Simon


Note: Beth had shared this to a Facebook group and gladly granted permission to share more broadly here.

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"
Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"