In the News: 2 follow up articles on the Lodi sisters

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

"Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi are believed to be the first pair of sisters to become generals, the military branch’s highest category of rank. The sisters grew up in Franklin - the daughters of Clara and Ruston Lodi. 

One sister had wanted to be a soldier since she was young; the other planned to have a career in the Foreign Service. Both marked a milestone for the U.S. Army this summer: Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi are believed to be the first pair of sisters to become generals, the military branch’s highest category of rank. 

“The fact that both of us would have come from the same family, it almost makes you want to go out and get a lottery ticket,” Barrett told The Washington Post. “Except, this is not a game of chance. It is hard work, it is strong leadership skills, it’s strong technical competency. Then you realize that this is a very tough bar in and of itself for both of us to make it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190908/franklin-natives-are-first-sisters-to-become-army-generals-they-say-it-was-not-game-of-chance-it-is-hard-work

"Carlo Lodi is in the awe of his younger sisters Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi. 

Being nearly 10 years older than both of them, he can still recall the times they spent on their bikes flinging newspapers on to people’s porches accomplishing their paper routes. 

Now, the two sisters are the first in the history of the United States Army to both earn the rank of general - the military branch’s highest rank. 

“They will always be my younger sisters,” Lodi said. “But when I go down and watch promotion ceremonies - whether it be for Paula or for Maria - and hear what people have to say about them, it’s unbelievable.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190908/franklin-natives---lodi-siblings---reflect-on-their-sisters-historic-achievements-in-us-army

"The sisters' achievement is a remarkable milestone for women in the military"

Via Franklin resident Rus Lodi's Facebook post about his sisters:

"Their brother Rus Lodi calls them “leadership junkies.”

If you’re a soldier, you’d better just call them ma’am and salute.

Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and younger sister Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi are each accomplished in their own fields. But together they have become the first two sisters, the Army believes, to attain the general’s rank in the service's 244-year history.

"Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi represent the best America has to offer," said Acting Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. "However, this comes as no surprise to those who have known them and loved them throughout this extraordinary journey. This is a proud moment for their families and for the Army."

Continue reading about the Lodi sisters online
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/09/05/army-first-two-sisters-become-generals/2094498001/

Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and her sister, Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi pose for a family photo after, then Col. Lodi's outgoing Change of Command for the 44th Medical Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C. in July 2018. (Photo: None, army.mil)

Franklin-based "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" support group launching April 10 at the Y

Starting on April 10 the Franklin Y will host a bi-monthly meeting of a support group called Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This program is a collaboration between the Y, the SAFE Coalition, and the state Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. 

There is a population of grandparents who are being awarded custody of their grandchildren as their own children deal with substance abuse disorder issues. Many of them are 60 years old or younger and still working, limiting their time to access resources to guide them through raising kids again, while dealing with the continuing grief of knowing that their children's situation is at the point where the courts have taken away their parental custody.

This group will provide information, resources, and support for grandparents and kinship caregivers. It will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at the Franklin Y, 45 Forge Hill Road, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. 

The group will be facilitated by a SAFE Coalition Board of Director and trained social worker, Meredith Poulten. The Y will provide child care to grandparents who need to bring their grandchildren with them in order to make the meeting.

Please see the flyer for more information. Get a copy of the flyer here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczaVpsQUdhLWNyakVwcy1DZ3NkS2VLaGVPdWxz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin-based "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" support group launching April 10 at the Y

“Every year, this is just something cool to see”

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

"It’s always clear that the bigger the gift during the holiday season, the more fun children will have with the box that contained it. That’s why the Franklin Public Library’s annual “Box City” event in late December has become so popular. 

Children’s Librarian Caleigh Keating hosted the third annual Box City event on Friday afternoon. Children from Franklin and surrounding communities came to create the mini-municipality in the gathering room at the library. 

With dozens of donated boxes, egg cartons and other items, children were able to fill the room with their own box structures and other designs, creating Box City. 

Keating said the event is a success every year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181229/franklin-library-marks-third-annual-box-city-event

Franklin Public Library Box City was held on Friday

“It was like a Franklin community homecoming, a class reunion of sorts”

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

"The change of seasons brings about reflection, introspection and new vision and this was especially felt this fall by the multitude of volunteers who had brought the Feast of St. Rocco to life every August for the past 40 years. 

This past Aug. 12 marked the last day of the final Festival of Food so lovingly run by members of St. Mary Parish. To honor the hundreds of volunteers who made the feast a part of their summer, a Mass of thanksgiving and reception of gratitude was held recently to begin the transition from one tradition to the next. 

The Mass and reception brought 40 years of faith, family, community and tradition full circle. Fr. Michael Guarino, the brainchild of the event in 1979, was the principal celebrant of the Mass. 

His homily was built on the theme of the number 40 in the Bible. He pointed out that the Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years; Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days; and the great flood lasted 40 days."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181113/power-of-40-celebrating-people-of-st-rocco-and-looking-ahead

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

Meet Me at the Y on “Welcoming Wednesdays” this September

“Coming into the Y, it’s a very welcoming place,” says Sheryl Floris, Hockomock Area YMCA member. “No matter what’s going on in my life, I know that I can come to the Y, It’s like a safe haven.”

That is what we strive for—to be the place where people find life balance, reach their full potential, are active and find camaraderie, and connect and spend quality time together. Our goal at the Hockomock Area YMCA is to ensure that when people walk through our doors, they feel welcome and supported regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic level.

All families are invited to come to our Y at no charge and enjoy a sense of belonging and the benefits of membership on “Welcoming Wednesdays” during September. On September 5, 12, 19, and 26 we are offering free group exercise classes, nutrition coaching, kids’ activities, swim time, and much more. Our branches are located at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro, 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, and 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin.

Meet Me at the Y on
“Welcoming Wednesdays” this September

Beverley Fonseca shares, “In the beginning I was nervous to join the Y because I had never exercised before. It was good to have someone show me around and show me what to do. At the Y, the atmosphere, the people, you just feel comfortable.”

The Y is for all and we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome. We look to improve the quality of life of our members and families in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. Visit https://www.hockymca.org/welcoming-wednesdays/ for a list of various activities and classes you can participate. Come see how the Y can be your home away from home.

Solange Ventura agreed: “When we have had difficult times, the Y was there for us. It is our support system, our family away from home. They know us by name and we feel comfortable and safe.”

“And if you want a place where there are activities for everyone,” states Daniel Ventura, “it is here.”

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That is why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth and Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K & Family Day

On Sunday, September 23 the Invensys Foxboro Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA will host its 16th annual Foxboro 5K and Family Day at their 67 Mechanic St. location. Registration begins at 8:00 am. The USTAF certified 5K race begins at 10:00 AM. The route is a flat course through Foxboro, which makes it perfect for all fitness levels. There will be both running and walking divisions, awarding the top 3 finishers in each running division. A Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:00 AM for children ages 4 and above, with each youth getting a finisher prize.

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K

The cost to participate is $35 per 5K participant and $15 per Kids Fun Run participant. Everyone who signs up will be given a runner bag and bib and the 5K results will be made available from a professional timing company.

The Foxboro 5K and Family Day is a great way for families to support an active lifestyle while giving back to the community. From 9:00 AM until noon, the YMCA will offer family activities that include favorite camp games, a D.J., bouncies, face painting, refreshments, and more. The event is held in loving memory of Linda Cavossa, Michael Baker, and Jackie Thomas. Funds raised will support the Hockomock YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign to provide anonymous scholarships to families and individuals in our community.

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K & Family Day

Team LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants will also raise funds for the Hockomock Y’s 12-week strength and conditioning program for adult cancer survivors deconditioned and fatigued from cancer and/or treatment.

To register for the 5K and Kids Fun Run and to learn more, visit hockymca.org/foxboro-5k. Registrations received by September 16th include a cooling towel; Fun Run participants will receive a cotton T-shirt if registered by the above date.

About 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.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we 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.

Music, Art & Dance multimedia event on May 6 closes out ArtWeek

Join us for the Art + Music Concert on May 6 with the Worcester Chamber Music Society.

The Worcester Chamber Music Society is coming to Franklin for a rare touring concert on May 6!  As the culminating event for Franklin ArtWeek, the Art + Music Family Concert is a fun multi-media event for all ages. Enjoy music of Mozart, Debussy, Haydn, and Ginastera, while artwork inspired by the pieces and created by Franklin's elementary students is projected above the musicians in a presentation timed to the music. Dancers with Festival Ballet Providence will entertain us, and audience members will have an opportunity to create art real-time by drawing on the stage during one of the pieces. Meet the musicians and see the instruments up close after the performance during our Meet & Greet! Thanks to sponsorship by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, Mass Tourism, Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural Council, tickets are available at the greatly reduced price of $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students over 18, and FREE for children 17 and under! To purchase tickets online, click the link below. When: Sunday, May 6, Concert 3:00 - 4:00; Meet and Greet 4:00 - 4:30 Where: Franklin High School Auditorium Buy Tickets Since its initial concert in 2006, the WCMS has  presented sold-out concerts to captivated audiences, receiving consistent critical acclaim, building new young audiences, and training rising musicians through both its Neighborhood Strings and ChamberFest Music Camp programs. ArtWeek, a state-wide arts festival, will be held April 27-May 6. Find an ArtWeek event near you at www.artweekma.org Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5

QUATTRO EROI LODGE LYCEUM

Topic: Growing Up in an Italian-American Family
Speaker: Dr. John Christoforo
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 2:00 PM

Where: Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin, MA

Admission: Free and Open to the Public

Program: The presentation by Dr. Christoforo will be followed by an interactive session at which those in attendance may ask questions while enjoying light refreshments: Italian cookies and cannoli’s.

This event is part of ArtWeek, an incredible regionally and statewide celebration of the arts from April 27-May 6! We offer sincere thanks for a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, which made this event possible, as well as the cosponsorship of FranklinTV, at whose studio the event will take place.

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5

MassBudget: The health effects of Paid Family and Medical Leave

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. April 19, 2018 The health effects of Paid Family and Medical Leave Health is influenced by a variety of factors, such as where people live, access to healthy foods, and affordability of health care. Policies that address a worker's ability to care for family members, like Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), also shape health outcomes. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report, Time to Care:The Health Effects of Paid Family & Medical Leave, finds that PFML can have a range of effects on child health, parental health, and senior health. The report explores the different impacts PFML has on health outcomes, which include: Reducing negative effects that particular aspects of work have on pregnant women, many of which are associated with delivery complications. Benefits to children's and mothers' health through increased rates and duration of breastfeeding when mothers are able to take leave. More time for parents to bond with newborns, recover from childbirth, and take young children to the doctor. Improvement of mothers' mental health when they have access to job-protected, paid leave. More time for workers to care for elder relatives. Read the full report here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Library - "Creature Teachers" and "Minute to Win It"

Two programs are scheduled for the Franklin Library today. Creature Teachers at 10:30 AM and Minute to Win it at 1:00 PM

Franklin Library - "Creature Teachers"

Franklin Library - "Minute to Win It"

This was shared from the Franklin Library posting on the programs for April school vacation week
https://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/04/april-vacation-programs-at-franklin.html

Franklin Library: baby sensory program and drive-in movie

Two family events at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, Mar 10

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/156983

Baby Sensory! - Sat, Mar 10 - 10:30 AM

Join us for a drive-in movie (indoors of course) in our big program room! First we'll decorate our cars (boxes that we have been saving up for this). Then we'll relax and enjoy some popcorn in our spiffy new cars. You're welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or us one of ours.

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/drive-movie

drive-in movie - Sat, Mar 10 - 1:00 PM

FPAC Family Concert Series: New England Percussion Ensemble - Feb 4

The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters.

They will be presenting "LANGUAGE OF THE ANCIENTS" -- 1:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX

Audience members travel a journey through time which conjures the image of early mankind using stones, sticks, rattles and hollow logs to accompany singing and body movement. A leap in time occurs when we use "found" instruments of today – plastic tubes of different lengths, trash bags snapped in the air, newspapers torn in time to foot stomping accompaniment. 

FPAC Family Concert Series: New England Percussion Ensemble - Feb 4

Our exploration of this truly ancient language travels from the familiar to the unfamiliar with imagination, inventiveness and creativity – new sights, new sounds; some loud and spirit shaking, some soft and haunting. 

(With performance piece titles such as “Take Out the Garbage” and "The Elephants Are Coming" how can you lose???) Student hands-on ensemble concludes.

Sponsored by:   

The Franklin Performing Arts Company Family Concert Series is free and open to the public.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Franklin Cultural Council - Mass Cultural Council

FPAC’s Free Family Concert Series presents the New England Percussion Ensemble

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual free Family Concert Series continues this season with the New England Percussion Ensemble on Sunday, February 4 at 1 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. Offered free to the public, the special concerts feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining way.

The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters. Featuring professional percussionist/educators, the ensemble has presented programs for more than 20 years, blending elements of information, performance, and hands-on participation. 

Their “Language of the Ancients” program is a journey through time, explored with imagination, inventiveness, and creativity, to discover the many melodic, rhythmic, and tonal possibilities of percussion. An audience hands-on ensemble concludes the program.

FPAC’s 2018 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

New England Percussion Ensemble

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Band - July 19

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the Town Common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

July 19 - Sharon Band

• DJ Rich Green - Children's Program

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the Town Common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Children's Programs 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Band - July 19

YMCA - Summer Sizzler - July 20

Thursday, July 20, the Hockomock YMCA will host our annual Summer Sizzler event for families from 6-8pm. $15 per family (up to 5) or $5 per person (children under 5 are free). 

We will have catered food, camp games, face painting, live music, swimming the splash park and much more! This event is open to the community. 

Pre-registration not required but encouraged.

YMCA - Summer Sizzler - July 20 (YMCA website photo)

You can be the judge - Volunteers needed

The Science Department at Remington Middle School officially invites you to the annual Family STEAM night Tuesday, April 11th from 5 – 8pm. 

We are seeking volunteers to be judges for the 8th grade science projects. You do not need to be an expert in science, as a rubric with guiding questions is provided. Duties would include judging 2-4 projects per session. Snacks are provided.

The night is divided into 4 sessions, with a 5 minute break between sessions:

• 5:00 – 5:45
• 5:45 – 6:30
• 6:30 – 7:15
• 7:15 – 8:00

Any time you can commit would be helpful and extremely appreciated. Please email Jay Edmonds (Science Department) directly if interested. You can reach him at edmondsj@franklin.k12.ma.us

annual Family STEAM night Tuesday, April 11

Franklin Library: Family STEAM Challenge - Thurs, Feb 23, 10:30 AM

Family STEAM Challenge, Thursday, February 23, 10:30 a.m.

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/02/family-steam-challenge-thursday.html

Most families' incomes not increasing along with growth

New national report and MassBudget study

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Most Families' Incomes Are Not Increasing Along with Economic Growth New National Report and MassBudget Study Examine MA Income Data  A new national study and a MassBudget analysis show the benefits of economic growth in Massachusetts are not reaching most families. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) today released Income Inequality in the U.S. by State, Metropolitan Area, and County, which finds that while incomes are increasing rapidly for the highest-income one percent of the Massachusetts population (32.5 percent from 2009 to 2013), the average income of the other 99 percent has barely budged (up only 1.6 percent over those years). Meanwhile, MassBudget's new fact sheet, The Effects of Skewed Growth on Household Incomes provides greater detail and shows how much higher Massachusetts incomes would be if incomes continued to grow together over the past several decades as they did before the 1980s.   MassBudget's new analysis reveals that: Had incomes at all levels grown after 1979 in line with overall income growth as they basically had in the preceding three decades, then annual median income in Massachusetts would have reached $85,200 in 2013 instead of $63,100. The share of income received by the bottom 99 percent has declined since 1979 when it stood at 90.3 percent of total income, compared to 77.0 percent in 2013. The top 1 percent pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than the bottom 99 percent in Massachusetts. If the highest income earners contributed the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the bottom 99 percent, this would generate over $2 billion per year in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth. You can read Mass Budget's new analysis (here). You can read the Economic Policy Institute study (here). #     #     # The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of chart in report on MA Top Incomes