The Celebration of the Official
Cannabis Holiday Begins Today in Franklin
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, April 16, 2022
NETA’s Countdown to 4/20 begins today!
Friday, December 3, 2021
Botera Ribbon Cutting officially opens for business on Grove St
Last week, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member, Botera, a recreational cannabis dispensary at 1256 W. Central Street, Suite 6, Franklin https://boterama.com/. The Franklin store is the second Botera; joining the first store, which is at 747 Centre Street in Brockton.
Botera offers high-quality cannabis products in a comfortable, welcoming, and customer-focused atmosphere for adults 21+. The budtenders at Botera will help each visitor to enjoy a personalized cannabis experience. Visitors are assigned a personal budtender who has been trained to answer questions, educate them about Botera's unique products, and provide tailored recommendations based on their needs and anticipated results.
![]() |
Left to right: State Representative Shawn Dooley; URCC Board Member Charlie Miller of Business Solutions Advisory Group; State Representative Jeff Roy; Jack Patel; Botera owner Chirag Patel; URCC Board Member Zach Patten of Oak Grove Insurance; David Webster, GM of the Franklin Botera store; URCC Board Member Kate Hyde of Springhill Suites by Marriott in Wrentham; Derek Cameron of URCC member 3805 Productions; Franklin Assistant Town Manager Alecia Alleyne; and URCC President Jack Lank. |
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"
Friday, May 28, 2021
"COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life"
While COVID-19 restrictions are easing, the disease and lasting effects remain to be reckoned with.
Via Nature.com: "Count the cost of disability caused by COVID-19
"The COVID-19 pandemic is well into its second year, but countries are only beginning to grapple with the lasting health crisis. In March, a UK consortium reported that 1 in 5 people who were hospitalized with the disease had a new disability after discharge1. A large US study found similar effects for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized people2. Among adults who were not hospitalized, 1 in 10 have ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after a positive test3. Treatment services for the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are already having to be absorbed into health and care systems urgently. Tackling this requires a much clearer picture of the burden of the disease than currently exists.
Tracking disease cases and deaths has advantages in a health emergency — they are easily collated, and, to some extent, trends can be compared across countries. But continuing the use of such simplified metrics heightens the risks of underestimating the true health impact on a population. It focuses policy and public discourse on the immediate prevention of deaths and on the economic impact of lockdown policies, ignoring the long-term disease-related disabilities that will also affect well-being and productivity."
Question What are the frequency and variety of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection?Findings In this systematic review of 45 studies including 9751 participants with COVID-19, the median proportion of individuals who experienced at least 1 persistent symptom was 73%; symptoms occurring most frequently included shortness of breath or dyspnea, fatigue or exhaustion, and sleep disorders or insomnia. However, the studies were highly heterogeneous and needed longer follow-up and more standardized designs.Meaning This systematic review found that COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life; however, methodological improvements are needed to reliably quantify these risks.
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Boston Globe: "Workers to get a boost in 2021 as new laws take effect Jan. 1"
"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."
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News
"MRN Diagnostics, a Franklin-based company and a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. Last week, Dr. Greg Chiklis and other researchers at MRN Diagnostics received emergency FDA approval for a tool that could be key in combating the coronavirus. The tests can determine whether you've been exposed to the virus and how much immunity you may have.
Thank you to Dr. Chiklis and his team for being part of the solution. We are excited to report this positive news story."
View the news story reported by NBC News Boston here
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/local-chemist-helps-develop-rapid-covid-19-antibody-test/2114162/
![]() |
Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News |
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Legal Protections for Health Care Workers, Facilities, And Organizations Responding to COVID-19
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in health care who continue to treat patients amid this public health pandemic,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland). “This urgently needed legislation will ensure that our healthcare system will be able to expand capacity quickly to treat patients during the surge of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. I would like to acknowledge Senators Michael Rodrigues, Cindy Friedman and James Welch, as well as Speaker DeLeo and our colleagues in the House for expeditiously advancing this critical bill.”
"Our action today will protect our health care workers and health care facilities during this time of crisis as they work to care for an unprecedented number of patients,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “This legislation will give our health care providers a sense of relief as they heroically treat the residents of the Commonwealth. I appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka as well as the work of Chairs Michlewitz and Murphy to bring these issues forward.”
“With the COVID-19 surge now upon us, our health care system is under duress and being tested like it’s never been tested before,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With the passage of this important legislation today, the Senate has acted with urgency to provide peace of mind protections to our front-line health care workers who are going above and beyond to help those in critical need of care during this incredibly difficult time.”
“This necessary legislation will provide much needed liability relief for our health care workers and facilities so they can continue to focus on combating the COVID-19 public health crisis," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston).
“This is a major step in ensuring that we have the workforce necessary to address the healthcare needs of our residents during the current pandemic,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D- Arlington), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This bill maximizes protections for a wide variety of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, who are sometimes being asked to work in very unique settings like field hospitals and other locations. I want to thank the Senate President and Chair Rodrigues for recognizing the urgency of this issue and for moving this bill forward quickly.”
“Health care professionals from a variety of disciplines, and from different stages of their careers are risking their lives to join the fight against this pandemic,” said Senator James T. Welch (D- West Springfield). “As a Commonwealth, we owe it to these dedicated amazing medical personnel to relieve them of this burden. We have to show them that we value their courage and that we trust that they are giving the best possible care available for all patients.”
“During this time, we must do all that we can to protect front line workers,” said Representative James Murphy (D – Weymouth), Chair of the Financial Services Committee. “This legislation will go a long way to ensure that our health care professionals who are thrust into this worldwide pandemic are afforded vital legal protections enabling them to do their job in an extremely trying health care environment. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of them and I know together we will get through this.”
“The stress and strain imposed on health care professionals right now is unlike anything that they have endured; by taking legislative action we lessen some of that burden," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). "These healers are heroes and they deserve the legal protection to make good decisions based on their best medical judgement in this
uncharted territory.”
“Our health care professionals are on the front lines caring for COVID-19 patients while operating under extraordinarily difficult and strenuous conditions,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “Protecting these essential workers from the threat of lawsuits and civil liability will help make their jobs a little easier, while sending a strong message to the health care community that we fully support their continuing efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.”
Under the legislation, health care professionals, facilities and volunteer organizations assisting in the state’s efforts to respond and treat COVID-19 would be protected from suit and civil liability for alleged damages related to the virus. Health care facilities and professionals would still be subject to consumer complaints brought by the Attorney General and protections would not extend to acts of negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm or acts of discrimination. These protections would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, and remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency.
The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, has been signed by the Governor.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Tri-County RVTHS Uses 3D Printers to Make PPE Face Shields
![]() |
3D printing is not magic |
“3D printing is not magic. But, as I looked into it more and got connected with some folks who were finalizing a design that was perfect for 3D printing and approved by care providers, I decided to jump in,” said Kristen Magas, a Tri-County Engineer Technology Instructor. She also shared the design Tri-County is utilizing for those who are interested.
![]() |
face shields made at the school |
The machines need frequent tending to get a large number of parts printed. “Harry [Takesian, Director of Facilities] and his team have been putting fresh trays in the machines when one print finishes and then starting up the next print,” Magas explained. Each print takes between one to three hours depending on the machine.
“We all look for ways to feel helpful and useful in this time of helplessness. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to help in some small way, and I am so grateful to the administration and to Harry and his team for making this work,” Magas said.
Monday, March 30, 2020
COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program
"The Baker-Polito Administration announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get the protective equipment they need to stay and push for more trained volunteers to join the response.For additional info
“Massachusetts has already received generous donations from countless organizations, and by launching this portal we’ll make it easier to streamline these offers and quickly distribute supplies to those in need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We also need more volunteers to help support our response to this unprecedented public health emergency, and urge people to sign up to lend a hand. Our administration will continue making every effort to secure supplies from all possible resources to support our front line workers during these tough times.”
The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program creates an easy portal allowing companies and organizations to sell or donate protective equipment that is in short supply given the global demands for such items."
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-launches-online-portal-for-personal-protective-equipment
Visit the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation web page
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurement-and-donation-program
Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1244287599881191429
![]() |
COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program |
Friday, March 27, 2020
Tri-County RVTHS Donates Medical Supplies to Facilities in Need of PPE
Several Tri-County graduates who are now working in the medical field have been coordinating with Health Careers instructor Suzanne Dodakian to get these medical supplies, which are in high-demand in the midst of this global pandemic, where they are needed.
“There is no doubt that our doctors, nurses and caretakers are needed now more than ever,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are grateful to be able to help them do their jobs and do them safely. Thank you to every medical staff member who is selflessly working to take care of their communities and those who in need of treatment.”
With support from Facilities Director, Harry Takesian, Vocational Coordinator, Cathie Rebelo, and LPN teachers, Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno we were able to collect, box, and deliver these supplies. From all of us at Tri-County: Stay home, stay healthy, and stay safe.
![]() |
From left to right: Cathie Rebelo, Stephen Dockray, Harry Takesian |
![]() |
From left to right: Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno |
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Tri-County RVTHS Open House for Grade 7-8 students Nov 5
During the Open House, Tri-County’s new state-of-the-art Medical Assisting facility, which opened to students in September, will be open to the public for the first time.
“As a school that aligns its curricula to future workforce needs, Tri-County is fully committed to preparing students for the careers that will be available over the next decade. We’ve expanded our healthcare offerings as we work collaboratively with our industry partners to tackle workforce shortages, particularly a shortage of nurses,” explained Tri-County Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray, “We strongly encourage middle school families to visit Tri-County to not only determine if our high school is the right fit for their child, but also to explore and consider the careers that will be available to their child upon graduation from high school and college.”
![]() |
Tri-County’s new state-of-the-art Medical Assisting facility |
In addition to the new Medical Assisting facility, Tri-County unveiled a new Engineering wing in the spring that includes new advanced manufacturing and robotics equipment.
“Our goal is to ensure our vocational shops emulate the workplace,” said Principal Michael Procaccini. “In Carpentry, that often means working with clients on construction projects. In Early Education, that means running a child care center and building a curriculum geared toward young children. Our students develop the soft skills and employability skills that are critical to career success. Many choose to continue their studies in college with the strong foundation they built here at Tri-County.”
In addition to touring the school’s 16 Career Programs, families will have the opportunity to learn about Tri-County’s rigorous academic courses that include Advanced Placement offerings and a for-credit college-level Spanish Program operated in partnership with Bristol Community College.
Student-athletes will be available to discuss the high school’s sports teams which compete in the Mayflower Athletic Conference. Student ambassadors and current Tri-Count parents will be on site to discuss extracurricular programs, cooperative education and school culture.
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School serves students in Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Seekonk, Walpole, Wrentham.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Tri-County Students Get Pinned
Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students received the following certifications/training:
Sophomore year: American Heart Association's First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association's Dementia Care training.
Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.
Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.
The pinning ceremony honored twenty-six seniors in the Medical Careers vocational program. The students awarded their pins are:
- Caroline Aspinwall of Walpole
- Corinne Blasetti of North Attleboro
- Christina Brousseau of North Attleboro
- Emily Brousseau of North Attleboro
- Adianna Celeste of North Attleboro
- Mackenzie Crawford of Attleboro
- Andrea DeLeon of Walpole
- Ava DiCenso of North Attleboro
- Grace Dunnebier of Franklin
- Nathan Glidden of North Attleboro
- Lia Hall of North Attleboro
- Kaitlyn Jones of Plainville
- Sarah Killoy of Franklin
- Hannah Lanthier of North Attleboro
- Maia Lavigne of North Attleboro
- Carolyn MacPherson of North Attleboro
- Emma Mangiacotti of Norfolk
- Avery McMorran of North Attleboro
- Gabriella Mills of North Attleboro
- Olivia Muise of North Attleboro
- Delaney Myers of North Attleboro
- Jillian Plante of North Attleboro
- Justina-Ann Sauro of Franklin
- Katie Udell of Medway
- Nicole Veader of Seekonk
- Shannon Zogalis of North Attleboro
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
The pinning ceremony honored twenty-six seniors in the Medical Careers vocational program |
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
In the News: Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise; Fall construction alert - Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical
Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise
"Trash and recycling fees are going up due to international struggles with plastic disposal.
Town councilors approved a rate hike of $32 on March 20, raising the average annual cost for curbside trash and recycle pickup to $240. The council also voted to raise the price of stickers in 2020 from $25 to $35 for the transfer station on Beaver Street.
Franklin recycles about 3,600 tons of waste a year. The cost will rise to $55 a ton in 2020, $20 more a ton than the town currently pays. The town sold around 240 stickers last year, but is considering either eliminating the option or increasing the 10-day fee to $25.
In the last year, China has been sent massive amounts of plastic waste for recycling purposes. According to NPR, about 106 million metric tons, or roughly 45 percent of the world’s plastic ready for recycling, was exported to China. Inundated with the waste, the country decided at the start of last year to decline any more shipments."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190326/franklin-trash-recycling-fees-increasing
Note: The first of two votes to approve the rate increase was held on March 20. The second vote is scheduled for a future Town Council meeting before becoming effective July 1. While the fee is increasing, we are still below where the fee was in 2005.
![]() |
Due to global market issues for recycling, proposal to increase curbside fee |
Construction alert: Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center
"The planned facelift for one of Milford’s most heavily traveled roads remains on track to begin this fall.
The half-mile stretch of Rte. 16 from just past the Milford police headquarters to the Hopedale town border will receive a long-awaited upgrade. The project will focus on the intersection of Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center. The intersection is a regular spot for traffic backups and will be widened to make way for dedicated turning lanes, which should ease the turning radius for large trucks and tractor-trailers.
“You cannot get through that intersection if someone is taking a left turn,” said Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli. “It’s too small.”
New modern traffic signals with preemptive control for emergency vehicles approaching the intersection are part of the project."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190325/milford-rte-16140-intersection-project-includes-new-signals-bike-lanes
Friday, May 4, 2018
19 Medical Careers Students Celebrated with Pinning Ceremony
Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students received the following certifications/training:
- Sophomore year: American Heart Association's First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association's Dementia Care training.
- Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.
- Esmirna Amaya of North Attleboro
- Ashley Barratt of North Attleboro
- Alyssa Bartick of Plainville
- Krista Beaulieu of Wrentham
- Alivia Carney of North Attleboro
- Katrina Chapman of North Attleboro
- Rosa DeMartinis of Medway
- Rianna Deveau of Medway
- Margaret Dolitka of Franklin
- Hannah Goudreau of North Attleboro
- Hannah Graveline of North Attleboro
- Kassidy Lane of Franklin
- Isabella Leonardi of Plainville
- Ryan Malewicz of Mills
- Amanda Merigo of North Attleboro
- Kaylee O'Reilly of North Attleboro
- Alberto Renovato-Sanchez of Franklin
- Olivia Ryan of North Attleboro
- Britni Thibodeau of Franklin
19 Medical Careers Students Celebrated with Pinning Ceremony
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
MassBudget: The health effects of Paid Family and Medical Leave
|
|
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Tri-County Medical Careers Students Celebrate Pinning Ceremony
Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students have received the following certifications/training:
Sophomore year: American Heart Association’s First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association’s Dementia Care training.
Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.
Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.
The pinning ceremony honored nineteen seniors in the Medical Careers program.
The students awarded their pins are:
- Anna Bercot of Walpole
- Katelyn Billington of North Attleborough
- Jenna Booth of North Attleborough
- Sabrina Botelho of Seekonk
- Devin Driscoll of Millis
- Hollyann Edwards of Norfolk
- Jamie Ferland of Wrentham
- Abigail Fisher of North Attleborough
- Delaney Forbes of Franklin
- Gabrielle Gagne of Seekonk
- Alyssa Gauthier of Walpole
- Brandon Isom of North Attleborough
- Tori Kehlhem of Franklin
- Britney Lizotte of North Attleborough
- Kathleen Loonie of North Attleborough
- Kelsey Morin of Franklin
- Emily Small of Wrentham
- Megan Walker-Nelson of North Attleborough
- Jacqueline Wallace of North Attleborough
![]() |
Tri-County RVTHS recently celebrated our Medical Careers seniors with a Pinning Ceremony |
About Tri-County RVTHS
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham. For more information go to www.tri-county.us.Friday, March 24, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
"some in the Legislature want to see the law curtailed"
"Voters on Election Day chose to legalize recreational marijuana by a seven-point majority. But now the ultimate fate of the vote is in the Legislature's hands.
Given some of the bills filed by the deadline last Friday, it could change dramatically.
Over the next two years, legislators will have the option of signing into law more than 30 bills related to legal pot. The proposals range wildly, from repealing the law entirely to expunging every offense related to the drug.
Fifteen bills filed by state Sen. Jason Lewis dominated the news cycle on the Friday filing deadline. But the breadth of proposals introduced for this next legislative session suggest that the law voters ratified and the one we end up following could be very different."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170125/medical-marijuana-changes-could-be-coming
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
"Providing convenient access to quality healthcare"
"MedPost Urgent Care continues to broaden access to urgent care services -- it opened its first clinic in Massachusetts on July 1, 2016. Located next to Starbucks at 648 Old West Central Street in Suite C, this center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Locations in Wayland and Northborough are also available for same-day service.
At MedPost, patients can be treated for both injuries and illnesses. The MedPost clinicians can treat a wide range of conditions from allergy complications to minor broken bones and burns. Additionally, centers offer annual checkups for preventative care, as well as vaccinations and in-house lab testing and diagnostics. If your child needs a school or sports physical, MedPost offers these services for $25 every day.
Core service offerings include urgent care, wellness, seasonal care and occupational health. Beyond MedPost's core service offerings, patients of the new Franklin urgent care center will also have the option to access the broader physician resources of MetroWest Medical Center or St. Vincent's Hospital if required."
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3025186#ixzz4GCjYlTN6
![]() |
MedPost Urgent Care is located in Franklin next to Starbucks |
https://medpost.com/urgent-care-clinics/franklin-ma
Saturday, May 28, 2016
MassBudget: Two New Fact Sheets on Paid Family Medical Leave
![]() | ![]() |
|
|