In the News: electrical aggregation, SAFE outreach, bone marrow drive, pajama and sock drive

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town has contracted with an area company as it continues to explore a move that could bring down residents' power bills. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen announced that the town has reached an agreement with Marlborough firm Colonial Power Group, and will be pursuing municipal electrical aggregation solutions with them. 

"I think they've contracted with two or three other communities in the area," he said. "In all, I believe they have half a million customers in their portfolio."

Colonial Power Group

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160207/franklin-moves-forward-with-aggregation

A task force aimed at combating the current opioid epidemic is looking at several ways to reach out to area addicts, including possible police "ride alongs." 

James Derick, president of the Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition, spoke - before a recent lecture by Harvard Professor Robert Putnam - of several initiatives the group is undertaking. 

One of the coalition's goals, Derick said, is to reach out to addicts in need of help. To that end, it has applied for grants to ride along with area police departments on certain drug calls.

Safe Coalition

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160207/franklin-safe-looks-at-outreach-for-addicts

Residents gathered for a bone marrow donor registration drive Saturday in support of a Franklin resident’s sister who is searching for a bone marrow match. 

Jennifer Felicetti, a New Jersey resident, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after being hospitalized on Christmas Eve. She is currently receiving aggressive treatment, but doctors think a bone marrow transplant is her best option in hopes of beating the disease. 

There are no matching donors in her family so Felicetti is now on a waiting list to find a matching donor somewhere in the world.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160206/bone-marrow-drive-supports-franklin-family

The Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School is conducting a pajama and sock drive through Feb. 12 to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160206/jefferson-elementary-school-holding-pajama-sock-drive

Franklin Student’s Collect Clothes for Foster Children

From February 1 through February 12, the Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School in Franklin is conducting a pajama and sock drive to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.

Representative Jeffrey Roy and Senator Richard Ross will be visiting the Jefferson Elementary School on February 12 at 9 a.m. to present the resourceful Student Government members with citations from both the House of Representatives and Senate congratulating them for their success.

"It is the small but sincere acts, like ensuring a foster child has new warm clothes, that can make all the difference in the world in the life of a young person," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am heartened to see that these kids took it upon themselves to take on this project, and recognize the difference they can make in the world. I am honored to represent such a creative and thoughtful group of young people."

"Our Student Council members worked together to organize this collection to help other children," said Principal Linda Ashley. "As educators we are very proud when our students extend our school's core values of responsibility and investment to help others in our community."

"A warm pair of socks and pajamas are comforts that many take for granted, yet these items are necessities in the cold winter months," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The compassionate, proactive students at Jefferson Elementary School are supporting other young people and setting a terrific example of generosity and caring in our community."

"I am so pleased that students at Jefferson Elementary School have organized such a fantastic initiative. Entering a new foster home can be hard, but a new set of clothes can go a long way to truly change someone's life for the better. These students are an inspiration for our community and I am so proud of the work they put into this," said Senator Ross. (R-Wrentham)

For anyone who may be interested in donating NEW and UNUSED pajamas and socks can feel free to bring these clothing items to the lobby of Jefferson School (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038).

Jefferson Elementary School

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Promotes Suits for Success Program

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reaffirmed the Registry's commitment to supporting the successful Suits for Success program in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy and Father Bill's and MainSpring of Quincy and Brockton. "By just looking in your closet or bureau, you can make a world of difference in someone's life," noted O'Donnell. Business appropriate clothing donations received through the Suits for Success program assist these organizations in providing clothes to men and women who are actively seeking employment. There have been approximately 3,000 pieces of clothing given to the Registry of Deeds in behalf of the program since 2009. Register O'Donnell stated, "Men and women who are attempting to re-enter the workforce need to make a good initial impression, whether it's the first day on the job or in an interview. Having the right clothing can really build up someone's confidence and self-esteem. I hope local residents and the business community will consider making a clothing donation to this worthy endeavor. It is truly needed." Business appropriate attire for men and women will be accepted. Suggested donations include suits, dress shirts and ties for men and dresses, suits, blouses, skirts and pants for women. All clothing should be ready to wear, in-style, clean, pressed and on hangers. To contribute, individuals need to bring their donated clothes to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham between the hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. For more information about the Suits for Success program, or to schedule a drop-off time, please contact Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6104 or by email agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. Register O'Donnell concluded by saying, "There are many wonderful stories about people donating clothing throughout the years: whether it is a person who may have just retired and no longer will be wearing their business apparel, a wife who is looking for just the right place to donate her late husband's suits, or someone doing some "spring cleaning." It really is a win-win situation for everyone." 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

Feet in Motion: Spring Fundraiser

Fundraiser to Support

the Dance Teams of

Feet In Motion!

Add extra benefit to your spring cleaning!!

Don’t throw those unwanted items away! Donate them!

FIM Studio thru 4/21/13

Donations also accepted at Hometown Paint parking lot April 28, 10 am to noon.

Items Needed:

(Please pack all items other than bikes or hard toys in well tied plastic bags.)

• Clothing and Shoes – useable and wearable, any season, size, or gender
• Accessories – purses, backpacks, briefcases, belts, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, baby accessories, ties
• Household Items – (made of fabric!) – blankets, sheets, bedspreads, pillows, quilts, comforters, table clothes, draperies, curtains, towels, bath rugs
• Toys – Soft – stuffed animals, rag dolls, beanie babies
• Toys – hard – cars, trucks, airplanes, action figures, dolls, doll houses (hard toys must put in a 24” x 24” x 21” box)
• Bikes – please do not drop bikes at FIM until the pick up date.

Please Do NOT bring:

VCR tapes or CDs, books, porcelain or ceramic items, non-fabric household items, furniture, appliances or electronics.

*Volunteers needed to help with the Pick –Up Day. Contact Nikki.

Dance Boosters is a separate organization from Feet In Motion (FIM) that is focused on raising funds in support of enriching the dance education and experiences for the dancers of FIM.

Big Brother Big Sister - collecting Nov 13

The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation is in need of the public's support through donations of lightly used clothing and small household items. They ask, while you clean out your closets to please consider donating your lightly worn clothing to the Foundation. 

The Foundation will be collecting donations door to door in Franklin on Tuesday November 13th. To schedule a free curbside pickup, please call 1-800-483-5503 or email donate@bbbsfoundation.org. 

Your donations are tax deductible. The Foundation also offers special pickups for electronics recycling and car donations, please contact them for more information or visit www.bbbsfoundation.org. 

Your much appreciated donations help support the children in your community.

Web: www.bbbsfoundation.org            Friend us on Facebook!

 

Donate. Recycle. Change Lives.

In the News - let voters decide, luxury tax

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Apr 17, 2008 @ 12:51 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Taxpayers will have an opportunity to vote for a tax override early this summer, the majority of the Town Council decided last night.

Every seat in the Town Council chambers was filled, and about 20 more people stood at the back of the room at last night's meeting, all in favor of an override.

No one but Councilor Judith Pond Pfeffer spoke against the permanent tax hike, which would be used to prevent about 45 layoffs in schools, program cuts, and possibly boost other town departments' budgets.

School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy, as well as a handful of residents, including Finance Committee members, Town Council Chairman Christopher Feeley, Vice Chairwoman Deborah A. Bartlett, and members Stephen Whalen, Shannon Zollo, Joseph McGann and Thomas S. Doak all spoke in favor of putting an override question on the ballot.

Councilor Robert Vallee, who had gone on record as being opposed to an override, passed at the chance to voice his opinion last night.

Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche, who spoke as a taxpayer and father, urged the council to let the town vote.

"This is more than just a school problem - it's a townwide problem," said Roche.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

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By Julia Spitz/Daily News staff

The MetroWest Daily News

Posted Apr 17, 2008 @ 12:50 AM

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My first thought was to drop a dime to Susan Wornick.

I know my rights. I know the law. Clearly, the sporting goods store was no authority on clothing tax.

But after a teenaged manager took the $1 off my bill, I calmed down enough to see involving Channel 5's consumer guru wasn't the way to go.

Instead, we need to make the state tax code even more confusing.

Conventional wisdom on Beacon Hill has been to balance the budget on the backs of the monkeys on Massachusetts residents' backs.

Got a vice? We'll tax it. Then we'll tax it some more. And when that isn't enough, we'll just push Lottery tickets a little harder.

Look, we don't want you to gamble if you're an addict. No, seriously. See, we put all sorts of disclaimers on Keno broadcasts and around convenience stores that sell scratch tickets. Here's the number for Gamblers Anonymous. Call if you think you have a problem. Just wait until after you buy another Megabucks ticket before you call, OK?

Casinos may be off the table for the moment, at least casinos of the state-run variety, but an extra tax on smokers is all but a done deal.

Dirty, rotten smokers. Make them pay for miscalculations in what it takes to run a state.

There was some talk about upping taxes on wine, but so far that hasn't gotten much traction. It'll likely be revisited when the number of people who buy cigarettes in Massachusetts dwindles to financially unacceptable levels.

Meanwhile, there's a sensible solution no one's talking about.

Read the remainder of the article to see the sensible solution in the Milford Daily News