"when I’m running it feels like my disability disappears"

Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father-son team that has competed in more than 1,100 marathons and triathlons, on Monday brought their message of determination in the face of overwhelming adversity to Annie Sullivan Middle School. 

"Yes you can," Dick Hoyt told nearly 500 middle-schoolers before he described how Rick, though bound to a wheelchair and unable to speak, has managed to graduate both high school and college and race in 31 Boston Marathons.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140304/NEWS/140309056

In the News: community meal, BAA Marathon, medical marijuana

Articles of interest in today's Milford Daily News

Reverend William MacDonald Murray said Trinity and the other churches in the community have been coordinating to try and provide free meals every day during what is often a difficult week for those in need. 

“There is a need for support at the end of the month, when food stamps are running low and there are less opportunities for a nutritious meal,” Murray said. 

The people who attend the dinners vary from those on food stamps or other types of assistance to those who don’t have access to a kitchen where they live and to those who are simply lonely.

Read the full article here;
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140227/NEWS/140226968/1994/NEWS

The Boston Athletic Association is imposing stricter regulations for Marathon participants and spectators this year. 

No bags will be allowed on buses from Boston to Hopkinton on Race Day, according to the BAA website. Bags will also be banned from certain areas near the starting and finish lines and along the course. 

Runners will be allowed to check their gear at Boston Common on the morning of the race.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140226/NEWS/140227073/1994/NEWS

New England Treatment Access Inc., which received two provisional licenses to dispense in Braintree and Northampton and grow at 5 Forge Parkway in Franklin, produced two letters of support from Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee. It also claimed to have presented its plans to the town’s building commissioner, fire chief, health director, police chief, attorney and engineer. 

When it finishes verifying the applications, the state will issue provisional registration certificates, giving companies the nod to start the local permitting process and set their plans in motion. However, it has made clear that the certificates won’t allow them to actually open their dispensaries.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140226/NEWS/140227576

In the News: Democratic governor candidates, Franklin Ed Foundation, BAA virtual marathon

The five Democrats running for governor met on Wednesday to debate the state's troubled child welfare agency, a proposed $2.2 billion rail line and health care. 

Candidate Don Berwick has become more fully supportive of a single-payer, MassHealth-for-all health care system, while his rival for the office Joe Avellone has become vocal in opposing that tack. 

"The more I've looked at it the more I'm convinced it's the right way to go," Berwick told the News Service after a debate at the Boston Globe. At a forum in Jamaica Plain, Berwick said he would favor the universal health care model supported by some liberal activists if health care costs continue to grow.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140205/NEWS/140207806/1994/NEWS#sthash.6UqW3MDI.dpuf

The Franklin Education Foundation has set a date for this year’s Trivia Bee. 

The foundation, which supports teachers at Franklin Public Schools with annual grants, will hold its popular fundraising event Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at the Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak St. 

Since 1997, the Bee has been the foundation’s largest fundraiser, helping it donate more than $300,000 to the schools.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140206/NEWS/140207869/1994/NEWS#sthash.hYIqgZJe.dpuf

The Boston Athletic Association today announced the launch of a new mobile app that will allow a virtual community of runners to participate in this spring’s Boston Marathon. 

Available for Apple and Android devices, the application lets runners from all over the world pick a distance of their choosing and participate “in the athletic spirit of the event,” a press release from the association said.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140205/NEWS/140208355/1994/NEWS#sthash.Xdf8zsoQ.dpuf

In the News: RMV Milford, K girls, unarmed robbery

Officials oppose RMV possible Milford branch closure

Local officials raised concerns over a state transportation plan to regionalize the Registry of Motor Vehicles and close the Milford branch.

Mendon mother-daughter team made history during tragedy

While their accomplishment was overshadowed by the bombings at the Boston Marathon finish line, Kristine Biagiotti said she and her daughter have since received plenty of recognition for becoming the first mother-daughter team to complete the race.

There is nothing in the news yet about the report in the Franklin Police log for Sunday, Jul 21 where an unarmed robbery was reported at the Big Y at 6:40 PM.

911 CALL REPORTS UNARMED ROBBERY. 617(GILBOY) 613(GOVE) 603(KENNEY) 623(NIX) 602(MARGUERITE) 622(SGT THIBEAULT) RESP. SUSPECT FLED IN POSS BLUE FORD FOCUS TOWARDS WRENTHAM. WRENTHAM AND NORFOLK PD NOTIFIED. MV POSS MATCHING DESCRIPTION AT FRANKLIN COMMONS. 623/603/622/613 OFF AT RESIDENCE. NOT SUSPECT MV.

The full police log for Jul 21 can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/jul2013/jul212013.pdf

All the daily police logs are posted to the Franklin Police website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/newlogs

Jane's Frames - Boston Marathon 2013 medals framed for free

Franklin runners, if you would like to get your 2013 Boston Marathon medal framed, Janes's Frames is running a special for a limited time. Jane's email to me stated:

I’m wondering if you could put in Franklin Matters some information about the fact that I am framing the 2013 Marathon medals for free, until I reach 100 pieces framed, and for a limited time, or until my supplies run out. My vendors have generously donated some of the supplies, with some matboard for free, others at cost and the moulding at cost. 

I have included a picture of how the finished free framing would look. Also, some runners have added their running bib, photos, Official Time, etc. in their frames. I those cases they paid the difference between the cost of what they chose versus the free frame. 

Jane's Frames

Boston Marathon medal 2013

For more about Jane's Frames visit her webpage  http://janesframes.com/
or her Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/janesframes

In the News: moment of silence - 2:50 PM today

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is asking residents to observe a moment of silence Monday at the time the first of two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. 

The one-minute silent tribute to victims is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. and will be followed by the ringing of bells in Boston and elsewhere in Massachusetts. It marks one week since the attacks that killed three people and wounded more than 180 others.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x633481982/Mass-to-observe-moment-of-silence-Monday#ixzz2RBPhlrxp

In the News: coping with trauma

Trauma experts discuss how to cope with bombings

Listen to relaxing music. Go for a walk. Switch the television away from news coverage. Talk with friends and family.

Runners, families feel a relief tinged with sadness

After a week of tossing and turning, Franklin marathoner Jamie Tighe at last slept through the night Friday.

"a symbol of respect and sorrow"

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday ordered that the flags of the United States and commonwealth be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing - three of whom were killed and more than 170 others injured. 

From the Franklin Historical Museum to the Bellingham Fire Station and nearly every post office and school in between, lowered flags waving in the wind this week signify the grief. 

The order from Patrick stands until further notice, and applies to all state and administrative buildings, including town halls. 

President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all public buildings and grounds - from parks to schools yards - to fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday. He encouraged homes and businesses to do the same.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202903/Lowering-of-flags-helps-represent-grieving-communities#ixzz2QtsL75HU

Additional information about the US Flag code, how to care for it, display it, etc. can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

The One Fund Boston

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. 

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.” 

The One Fund - Boston

According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.” 

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our
community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.” 

Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday. 

Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status. One Fund Boston, Inc. will apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Fund cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if approval is received within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of the Fund’s formation, which is April 16, 2013. 

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said. 

To contribute to The One Fund Boston, click on onefundboston.org.

"it's almost like the innocence is gone”

Local runners shared their experiences of the Marathon on Monday with the Milford Daily News:

Kimberly Austin, 39, of Franklin, was on Hereford Street heading toward Boylston Street when she heard the first explosion. 

“As I ran down Boylston, I made it to the 26 mile marker when I heard and saw the second explosion, and there was still the smoke from the first,” Austin wrote in an e-mail. “The police ran in and made all of the runners stop and everyone, including spectators on Boylston, turned around and moved out.” 

Austin is still rattled from Monday, but said that her family and running teammates are all fine. 

“It was a horrific and chaotic scene - the worst experience I have ever witnessed,” she said. 　

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545201983/Local-runners-spectators-recall-moments-after-blasts-at-Boston-Marathon#ixzz2QiGAl5j8