GoFundMe: Gaspar Family fund raiser

"On Friday May 14, Nick Gaspar, 14 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Yesterday (5/18) he underwent a successful surgery to biopsy the tumor. The family could be waiting 2-4 weeks for a full report on Nick’s diagnosis and treatment plan. This Go-Fund Me was designed to help alleviate some of the financial burden on the family in the months to come. "

Contribute to the cause -> 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-gaspars-recovery

GoFundMe: Gaspar Family fund raiser

Senator Becca Rausch: Navigating the mask guidelines for Families

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) tweeted on Mon, May 17, 2021:

ATTN fellow confused parents! Wondering how to keep our younger, not-yet-#vaccine-eligible children safe? Me too. I've got a team of experts to help give us some answers. Join me, Dr. @bethlinas @DrNataliaLinos + Dr. Lael Yanger. Drop your Qs in the replies!
#MApoli #COVID19  -BR https://t.co/FTSaJU33FX

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1394387015894974466

Senator Becca Rausch: Navigating the mask guidelines for Families

Hockomock League: Hockomock League Fall II Update on Away Spectators

"Effective immediately, the Hockomock League will allow 2 AWAY family members of SENIOR student-athletes to attend all varsity games. This policy will include all league sports offered during the Fall II season: Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Track and Field, and Unified Basketball. 

Going forward, the Athletic Directors will continue to monitor information as it is made available from the EEA, DESE, and our local Boards of Health. Each district has the ability to make this policy more restrictive based on its own facility limitations and/or local Board of Health restrictions. It is our goal to focus on the health and safety of our communities while safely permitting family members the opportunity to watch high school sports in person. "

Shared from the Hockomock League page:

https://hockomockleague.blogspot.com/2021/03/hockomock-league-fall-ii-update-on-away.html

Hockomock League Fall II Update on Away Spectators

Boston Globe: "Workers to get a boost in 2021 as new laws take effect Jan. 1"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"The new year will be an important one for workers’ rights in Massachusetts. Here are three key pieces of legislation that will take effect in 2021. The trio is part of a large labor and wages bill passed in 2018, known as the grand bargain. Advocates say several of the measures will help workers desperately in need of relief during the pandemic. In addition, starting this year workers will be eligible for holiday pay on Juneteenth, after officials recognized it as a state holiday.

1. Paid family and medical leave

Starting next year, all employees in Massachusetts will have access to paid family and medical leave that will allow up to 12 weeks of family leave and up to 20 weeks of medical leave, with the guarantee that they would be restored to their same or equivalent positions, with the same status, pay, and employment benefits."

 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/30/metro/workers-get-boost-2021-new-laws-take-effect-jan-1/

Merry Christmas

I wish you all a merry Christmas. Please be safe and social (at a distance)!

Feel free to explore the archives today, there will be very limited posting of new items in order to spend time with my family.

Note: Please be safe, the Franklin COVID-19 stats have increased over the prior week. We are now at just over 6% positivity and going the wrong direction.
Details in this week's report:  https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-december-24-2020/download

Merry Christmas - 2020

FPS: Family letter Keeping the Learning Alive - Mar 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

 
Dear Families,

We hope that you are doing well as we all navigate this unprecedented time in education and society. We hope that the information below provides some guidance in “Keeping the Learning Alive” at home. This information was also shared with teachers today and our purpose in sharing it with you is to ensure that students and families are on the same page with regard to expectations. 

There is no one right answer as to how to do this but we share a common goal: we all wish the very best for our students while they are not in school. Flexibility is key as things continue to change and shift. We will continue to communicate directly with you and encourage you to reach out via email to your child’s teacher(s) or principal if you have questions or comments. Together, we will get through this!

This letter will be translated into multiple languages and posted to our webpage on March 18, 2020.

Counseling Support
INTERFACE Referral Service
This is a stressful time and support is available to you and your family. If someone in your Franklin family, including your child is in crisis, where they are a threat to themselves or others, you should call 911. As always, if you feel that someone in your Franklin family, including your child would benefit from outpatient mental health services we encourage you to utilize the INTERFACE Referral Service (https://interface.williamjames.edu/community/franklin), which is free to all Franklin residents.

Teaching and Learning
Logistical Items:
1. Report Cards (Pre-K and Elementary)

• a. Report cards will be generated and sent home upon return to school.
• b. Progress reports will also be sent home upon return from school.

2. Grading

• a. Grading is suspended until we return from school. Teachers may provide feedback on anything students choose to share electronically while out of school.
• b. Teachers have been asked to complete any grading for assignments that were turned in on or by Thursday, March 12. If appropriate, feedback will be sent to students and families electronically.
• c. Report card dates, etc. will be reviewed and revised as needed upon return to school

Expectations of Teachers for Keeping the Learning Alive  
Communication:

1. Teachers and principals will be checking their email daily. Responses should come to you in a reasonable period of time, but please understand that they too are dealing with the impacts of the Coronavirus in their own homes.

2. Teachers will be reaching out to students and families to reconnect. We have asked that they establish a predictable, routine check-in process. We believe that it is critical that students and teachers maintain the connections that have been formed. Relationships are the most important aspect of the home/school partnership, especially during times of stress, such as this unusual extended closure of school.

3. You may also hear from school adjustment counselors, special education teachers, specialists, Unified Arts teachers, etc. Again, the goal is to maintain connections with our students. Your help in facilitating this is greatly appreciated.

4. If you have a specific need that we can help with, please email or reach out to your child’s teacher(s) or principal. We are here to help and support both students and families. We care deeply about and miss our students.

Instruction:
1. The goal of “Keeping Learning Alive” is to provide enrichment opportunities and resources to students and families. There is to be no NEW or forward instruction during the time that we are out of school. While we are working to allow for Chromebook borrowing and connecting families to low cost Internet access, not all students have the learning support they need to complete/learn new work. Therefore, the emphasis is on enrichment, practice, and depth.

2. You will shortly begin to see teachers sharing resources with you to “Keep Learning Alive”. These resources may come from the new FPS Learning page (https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home), DESE curated resources (coming soon), or from the teacher/team/grade.

• a. This is not online coursework; it is enrichment and alternative learning opportunities.

3. We are not transferring responsibility for learning or homeschooling to families.

4. These activities are optional for families and student participation is not required. We do encourage it, to the extent possible for your family.

5. We do encourage you to set a regular routine with your children and hope that you will choose to participate in some of the activity suggestions coming your way. A sample schedule for younger children is shared on the family resources section of the FPS Learning page.

6. The materials you receive will not replicate a regular school day.

7. Please connect with your child’s principal if you need Internet access. There are some low-cost options available to you.

Our faculty is eager to connect with students and is/has been actively planning from home to make resources available to children. For us, it was so heartwarming and uplifting to connect with hundreds of our educators across the district during two live virtual calls earlier today. We are all invested in supporting students during this difficult time.

For questions about the FPS Learning Plan, please contact your child’s teacher, principal, or Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Joyce Edwards (edwardsj@franklinps.net).

Student Services
New Referrals/Initial Eligibility:

We, along with other schools in the Commonwealth, will freeze evaluation, referral, and individual education plan distribution timelines for all students in a referral cycle during school closure. This means that as soon as schools open again, the timelines will commence as is required by state and federal regulations.

Annual Reviews/Evaluations in Process:
We, along with other schools in the Commonwealth, will freeze evaluation, annual review, and individual education plan distribution timelines for all students on IEPs and 504s during school closure. This means that as soon as schools open again, the timelines will commence as is required by state and federal regulations. Team Chairs will be working with families to understand the impact of the closure on students and to reschedule meetings.

Home ABA Services:
Home ABA services funded by Franklin Public Schools will be suspended until further notice.

Home/Hospital Tutoring:
Home and Hospital Tutoring occurs outside of the school buildings, and as such, families can decide whether or not they will allow tutoring staff into their homes. As a practice, Franklin Public Schools does not provide tutoring when school is not in session. For students currently receiving home or hospital tutoring, please understand that our ability to send contracted service providers into homes is contingent upon student’s and staff’s perceived health and wellness in accordance with state and CDC guidelines.

OOD/Residential Placements:
For students in Out-of-District day or residential placements, Franklin Public Schools will follow the attendance recommendations of the individual school or facility. If the Out-of-District day school is in session, we will continue to transport your child.

365 Day Residential Placements:
For students in 365-day residential placements, Franklin Public Schools will follow the attendance recommendations of the individual school or facility.

For Questions about Student Services, please contact your child’s special education liaison, service provider, principal, or the Director of Student Services, Ms. Paula Marano (maranop@franklinps.net).

English Language Development
Teachers from the English as a Second Language Department will be reaching out to families with information and supportive materials later this week.

Once again, we cannot stress enough that our goal for this time out of school is to maintain the positive relationships we have with students. We are here to help and welcome your comments and suggestions. This situation is new for all of us and your collaboration is encouraged and welcomed. Please take care of yourself and your family.

Respectfully,

Franklin Public Schools


Download a copy of this letter here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1xpSYgda_MR1RT0TQ6t7fMq33LBbD2a/view?usp=sharing

As noted above, this letter will be translated into multiple languages and posted to the Town of Franklin page on March 18, 2020
 

FPS: Family letter Keeping the Learning Alive - Mar 17, 2020

MassBudget: Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity

Read our latest report

Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward for the Children and Families of Massachusetts While effective public policy removes obstacles along the road to opportunity, good jobs play a central role in paving that road. Economic policies, since the 1970s, have allowed wages to stagnate for most workers. Important work support programs, and other essential benefits that allow children and families to thrive, are also at risk. In the updated Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity report, we highlight data that documents how opportunity is not equitable across the Commonwealth.   http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/Obstacles%20on%20the%20Road%20to%20Opportunity%201.2.2020.pdf This report includes data about Massachusetts and local communities, such as: In Springfield, nearly 71 percent of children are from families making less than $52,000 a year; Statewide, 23 percent of renters pay half of their incomes or more on rent each month; About 90,000 children live in high-poverty neighborhoods, in which 30% or more of the residents have incomes below $25,750; Approximately 1.1 million people benefited from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), including about 580,000 children; and, Incomes for most have been flat. However, even when adjusted for inflation, incomes for the top 1 percent have more than quadrupled, from about $430,000 between 1978-1980 to over $1.8 million in 2013-2015. MassBudget thanks the Mass. Association for Community Action (MASSCAP  https://www.masscap.org/) for their support of this research on poverty, and their work in calling on national, state and local stakeholders to act to eliminate opportunity gaps for families and children across the country.  Interested in learning more of the key takeaways and data about your community? Read the data-packed full Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity report here http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/Obstacles%20on%20the%20Road%20to%20Opportunity%201.2.2020.pdf 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 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Sent by nwagman@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

In the News: Paychecks get smaller; wind power growth threatened

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

"Paychecks are about to get a little smaller in Massachusetts.

Employer and employee contributions to the state Department of Family and Medical Leave Employment Security Trust Fund begin coming out of paychecks on Tuesday. That’s the funding source for the new paid family and medical leave benefit signed into law last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190930/payroll-deduction-for-mass-paid-leave-starts-oct-1

"The winds are blowing fair for America’s wind power industry, making it one of the fastest-growing U.S. energy sources.

Land-based turbines are rising by the thousands across America, from the remote Texas plains to farm towns of Iowa. And the U.S. wind boom now is expanding offshore, with big corporations planning $70 billion in investment for the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farms.

“We have been blessed to have it,” says Polly McMahon, a 13th-generation resident of Block Island, where a pioneering offshore wind farm replaced the island’s dirty and erratic diesel-fired power plant in 2016. “I hope other people are blessed too.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190930/presidents-windmill-hatred-is-worry-for-booming-industry

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