Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update - Meeting June 30th

The first meeting of the coalition is Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at FHS. View this email in your browser Meeting reminder Here is a quick reminder about the Franklin Community Coalition meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th at 7 pm in the Franklin High School Auditorium. We are expecting a large group at the meeting, and we have arranged for a number of speakers to address topics surrounding opioid abuse and ways that the coalition can help curb this epidemic. The goal is to jumpstart a community conversation and establish a coalition that will meet on a regular basis and provide consistent programming in this area. In addition, many of you have already completed the survey included with last week's email. Thank you. Please click here or on the image to the right to view the document which includes the names and information on the people who have already responded. You can also download a copy that you can print out if you choose. I trust that you will find it valuable to know about some of the folks who will be with you on Tuesday. If you haven't already submitted your information, and are still interested in adding it, simply click here to complete a short survey. We will then incorporate your info into the final list. In the meantime, last week Governor Charlie Baker released the findings of his Opioid Working Group, a comprehensive report detailing 65 actionable steps to curb the deadly opioid epidemic. You can view the report by clicking here. The findings by the 18-member Working Group include short and long term action items to be implemented between now and the next three years, some requiring legislative action and funding and some will be achieved through partnerships with private industry and federal leaders. The announcement comes just days after the launch of a statewide public service campaign to alert parents about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse by their kids. You can link to the campaign by clicking here. Finally, below I have again included some links to two timely videos on the subject. One is a short film called If Only which was produced by James Wahlberg and filmed in Tewksbury. It tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. One of the boys gets help to beat the addiction, while the other dies of an overdose. The other film is an 87-minute documentary titled The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts. It's the work of a recent Andover High School graduate who is trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. I thought the films would be of interest in preparation for our first community conversation on Tuesday. I look forward to seeing you then. If Only, a film produced by James Wahlberg, tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. Click the image above to view the movie. The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts is the work of a recent Andover High School graduate trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. Click on the image above to watch the movie. Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community. Our mailing address is: Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov State House - Room 527A Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

Rep Jeff Roy: What's happening in the district - June 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. Facebook Twitter Website Email Newspapers to publish legal notices on the web The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a history-making bill that will require newspapers to publish legal notices on the Web. The bill, H 1566, "An Act Concerning Electronic Publication of Certain Legal Notices," was one that I sponsored with help from the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association.  For centuries, public notices only appeared in print. But as we well know readership of print papers has taken a sharp decline. At the same time, overall readership of newspapers has been on the rise because of the Internet and online access. It's time that public notices take part in this increased readership. During the debate, I had the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech on the House floor.You can view the video by clicking here or on the image above, and photos by clicking here. The House voted 153-0 in favor of the legislation. The bill now goes to the Senate. As always, I thank you for he opportunity to serve and I urge you to contact me with any questions about the bill or any other matter.

View this email in your browser

Franklin School For The Performing Arts Slates Summer Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold summer Open Houses for prospective students and families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 30 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class during the summer session, which runs through August 21.

Celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary season, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes for all ages and levels, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. 

FSPA

Programs are provided in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction. FSPA is also the home of the Little Music School, an innovative program teaching children as young as 18 months to play the piano. 

An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, Glee Club, performing troupes, dance companies, a classical ballet variations ensemble, and instrumental ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

Summer programming features week-long performing arts camps, 3-day workshops, two 3- and 4-week ballet intensives, and an 8-week session of dance, voice and instrumental private lessons and classes. An all-new FSPA Summer Theater program provides opportunities for hands-on immersion in a cabaret show, concert musical (Schoolhouse Rock!), behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play or musical theater production (High School Musical). Registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. 

For more information, including fall class schedule and summer session brochure with full program descriptions and dates, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Recap: School Committee meeting June 23

Among the items for discussion at the School Committee meeting were two policies. One a set of documents covering the "Community Use of School Facilities". The other covering "Domestic Violence Leave." Both policies were moved to a second reading (meeting in July).

The Community Use of School Facilities can be read here




Domestic Violence Leave can be read here




The presentation documents for Horace Mann Middle School and High School Guidance updates were posted to those sections after the meeting and can be found below.

Maureen Barker was recognized for her many years of keeping the minutes for the School Committee.

School Committee Chair Paula Mullen, Maureen Barker, School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski

• Live reporting: Closing
• Live reporting: Action Items
• Live Reporting: Policy updates
• Live reporting: Jefferson / FHS Guidance Presentat...
• Live reporting: School Committee - June 23, 2015

Recap: School Committee meeting - June 9

At the School Committee meeting on June 9, recognition was given to those teachers and school personnel retiring.

Three current vice principals at Franklin High School are also leaving to take other positions advancing their careers outside the district.

Mr Lucas Giguere is leaving to begin his new role as the Principal of Bellingham High School. (You can also view a video interview on Pantherbook here)

Nicole Haberman is going to be the Academic Assistant Principal at Westwood High School

Christopher Schmidt is going to be the Athletic Director at Nipmuc Regional High School.

• Live reporting: Action Items to Closing
• Live reporting: Team Horace Mann Middle School
• Live reporting: ECDC update
• Live reporting: School Committee - June 9, 2015

Franklin Community Gardens: Pollinator Event postponed due to the weather

Hello Gardeners,

The work day and pollinator events have been postponed due to the inclement weather. We'll update you all as soon as we have confirmed a new time with the speaker for the pollinator event.

bee on flower

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/pollinator-talk-in-king-st-community.html

Electric Youth To Perform Free Summer Concerts

Following a two-and-a-half week summer concert tour of England and France, Electric Youth (EY) will perform two free outdoor concerts on Thursday, July 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Norfolk Town Hill and on Wednesday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The Franklin concert will be presented as part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The culinary, fine and performing arts celebration will take place at various downtown Franklin locations from July 29 to August 2.

Electric Youth’s 12th European tour features three shows at Disneyland Paris and several concerts along the coast of Normandy. Performances in England include a July 4th show for U.S. troops stationed at Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell Air Force Bases and concerts at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre and in Arundel and Hastings. Electric Youth first debuted in England and France in 2013 and this season’s itinerary marks a return to those countries after last summer’s tour of Austria and Italy. 

The 13 singer-dancers of Electric Youth 2015 are pictured in this portrait photo

Backed by the eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Adele, Aretha Franklin, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, Frank Sinatra, Styx and more. 

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 15-17, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). Electric Youth 2015 includes Adriane D’Amato of Foxboro; Madison Asgeirsson, Kendra Dombroski, Jocelyn Jones, Shaina McGillis, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans of Medfield; Maddy Williams of Medway; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; and Jenna McDermott, of Wrentham.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison. EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on tenor saxophone, Ben Whiting on baritone saxophone, John Wilkins on guitar, and Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Hallie Wetzell is Electric Youth’s Vocal Director. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp. 

Electric Youth has released six professional CDs and performed internationally at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord is available at amazon.com and iTunes.

For more information about Electric Youth or the EY summer concerts, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

In the News: "subject to a number of challenges such as cost, space and need for volunteers"

Milford Daily News has an article on the challenges that the local 4th of July holiday celebrations are facing. In part Franklin is mentioned:

Franklin, like Natick, has seen location concerns lead to at least a temporary halt of its fireworks display. 

Warren Revell, an organizer of the Franklin celebration, said the construction of the town's new high school had taken up the space once used to shoot off the fireworks. 

Revell, though, did not rule out the display's return, should a suitable location be found. “We'll see what happens,” he said. “This is our third year without fireworks... it's a year-to-year thing.” 

This year's celebration is facing another limitation; road construction has led to the cancellation of the traditional parade. The town will instead hold a battle of the bands, a children's parade and a laser light show this Independence Day weekend.

Continue reading the full article on line here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150627/NEWS/150626842/1994/NEWS

2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

Note: This is one of the many great events happening in Franklin that is put together by an private/volunteer organization and not the Town. You can contribute to the cause here
http://july4thfranklinma.com/donations.asp

You can volunteer for the cause here  http://july4thfranklinma.com/volunteers.asp

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Outreaches to Women's Council of REALTORS Continuing ongoing efforts to educate members of the public and the real estate profession, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently conducted an informational seminar for the Women's Council of REALTORS, Greater Boston Chapter at the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services office in Norwood. Register O'Donnell, accompanied by his outreach team, provided a synopsis of Registry services, followed by an interactive overview of its on-line computer system. "Providing information on our services and having key stakeholders become more comfortable using our on-line computer system is a win-win situation for both the Registry and real estate professionals. Realtors count on accurate and easily accessible land record information in order to provide better service to their customers. This free flow of information helps both entities achieve their goals," noted Register O'Donnell. In addition to showing how to navigate the agency's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org, including its on-line research component, O'Donnell also spent time discussing several of the Registry's most popular services. These include the Consumer Notification System, a new program offered by the Registry that alerts residents when a land document has been recorded against their name. Deed scam warnings, where homeowners are being solicited to pay an exorbitant fee for their deed, when a copy of it can be easily obtained at the Registry for a few dollars. And the benefits of the Homestead Act, which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a property owner's principal residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "I very much appreciate the efforts of Julie Palmaccio, president of the Women's Council of REALTORS, Greater Boston Chapter, Sheila Horne-Talarico, president-elect and Jeanne Sanfilippo, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Norwood for hosting the seminar on our behalf. We were glad to be of service to this fine organization." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Photo: from left to right: Women’s Council of REALTORS, Greater Boston Chapter President Julie Palmaccio, President-Elect Sheila Horne-Talarico, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Rainy Day Alternative - Peter Pan

Via Mike Wheeler:

Last performance of Peter Pan Sunday at 2pm tomorrow (Sunday) at Steps Off Broadway in Bellingham Ma.  

Tickets available at the door.  

Captain Hook is played by Kristopher Kyer from L.A. He appeared in Saving Mr. Banks starring Tom Hanks and is amazing as hook!  

Playing Pan is local Cara Dipeitro who could be on Broadway now! 

www.stepsoffbroadway.com for more info! Going to rain so a great way to spend the afternoon.

Snow Sister's Soiree - Franklin Library - 6/27 - 10:30 AM

The Snow Sister's Soiree takes place today at 10:30 AM at the Franklin Public Library.

Join the Snow Sister's for singing, a story,  a game, autographs, and photos. Feel free to arrive in costume!

Snow Sister's Soiree - Franklin Library - 6/27 - 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/06/snow-sisters-coming-on-saturday-june.html

This is sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Library.

Summer Concert Series At THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s new theater, music, and event venue, presents two evenings of great jazz to kick off the first annual Summer Concert Series. 

Beginning on Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX features The Mark Poniatowski Situation, led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, with Robert Gallegos on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Joe Mulholland on piano and Jared Sims on saxophone. 

The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010. An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski’s extensive experience includes performances with the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Performances throughout the US and Europe include the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series continues on Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band. The critically acclaimed 16-piece juggernaut, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Kenny Hadley Band

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Cash bar available. Doors open at 7:30. For additional event information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

The Ladybug Trek ends June 30th!

It’s not too late to play and win!

Stop by any of the 15 participating stores today and earn entries toward the grand prize by solving the clues! 

Simply go to: ladybug.citytrek.com to play. The contest ends June 30th.

screen grab of Ladybug Trek locations in Franklin

Ladybug Trek - visit some or all of the 15, and get a free entry into the grand prize drawing

For example, when you visit Franklin Liquors you'll find that they have

In-Store Special Raffle Prize You Can Enter To Win!

Solve the clue to enter to win a Bud Summer Package.

Franklin Liquors 'Bud Summer Prize Package"

"Opioid addiction is a health care issue that knows no boundaries"

You may have heard that Governor Baker announced several initiatives to address the opioid addiction problem facing the Comonwealth of MA.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear here. Opioid addiction is a health care issue that knows no boundaries across age, race, class, or demographics,” Baker said. “From the Berkshires to Boston to Cape Cod, too many people have heart-wrenching stories of loved ones and friends that battled with addiction and in some cases lost their lives.” 

Unintentional opioid overdoses claimed an estimated 1,008 lives in Massachusetts in 2014, an increase over the prior year and more than three times the number of lives lost to automobile accidents. 

The report calls for the creation of nearly 200 new treatment beds by July 2016, state funding for school prevention programs to be designed at the local level, a partnership with a chain pharmacy to pilot a drug take-back program, and amendments to the civil commitment statute to include substance abuse disorders.

Continue reading the article in the Commonwealth Magazine here
http://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/baker-unveils-plan-on-opioid-addiction/

STOP Addiction in its tracks

Additional information can be found on the Health and Human Services webpage
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/

opioid deaths vs. motor vehicle deaths 200-2013

Claflin Hill Symphony presents 20th anniversary season of Family Night at the Bandstand

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce the opening of the 20^th Anniversary Season of concerts at the Milford Musicians Pavilion in Milford Town Park at the corner of Congress and Walnut Streets.

Set to open on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, The Claflin Hill WMRC Family Night at the Bandstand 2015 series will present eight weeks of stellar outdoor concerts performed by some of the best and biggest professional music ensembles in New England.

Concerts take place every Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Any concert that is postponed due to inclement weather is automatically rescheduled for Thursday of the same week.  A full schedule of the series is attached.

Cited by The Boston Globe several years ago as "The Cadillac of Summer Concert Series" -- the line up of performers on this summer's series includes all of the perennial favorites of the Family Night audiences –Jerry Seeco and his "Milford Jazz Machine" – a 20 piece powerhouse jazz band; "HELP!", the Beatles tribute band; "The Fantasy Big Band"; "Grupo Fantasia";  "Brass Attack" –  an eight piece horn band that features music of "Chicago" and "Blood, Sweat 'n Tears", and a first time performance this season by "Anger Management" which performs Classic Rock cover tunes.   

The Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds – the resident ensemble of Family Night at the Bandstand – will present two performances, one in July and the Series Finale on August 18.

The Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds will also be presenting a series of "outreach" "On the Road" concerts this summer, visiting neighboring communities and performing in Grafton, Whitinsville, Blackstone and Medway.  A full schedule of CHSO summer events will be posted on the website.

Claflin Hill's WMRC Family Night at the Bandstand 2015 is made possible with Claflin Hill Business Partnership sponsorships from a number of prominent local businesses – each of whom sponsor an evening of the series. 

Under the overall media sponsorship of WMRC Radio, who provides unlimited free promotion and advertising for the concert series through the summer, returning sponsors this season also include The Milford Federal Savings & Loan Association – (the first and cornerstone sponsor of Family Night in 1996), Unibank, Nitto Denko Avecia Biotechnology, Medway Oil Company, Al Cass Fast Oil, Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, The Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, and Waters Corporation.

"It's hard to believe that we're about to launch the 20^th year of summer concerts," said Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director of Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.  "Starting a summer concert series in 1996 together with the Milford Park Department, we had the goal of rejuvenating a struggling professional ensemble – The Milford Concert Band – insure it's survival and growth, and to build a new audience for outdoor concerts in the "Norman Rockwellian" setting of our Town Park with it's bandstand.  That has since evolved into the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra and its many concert presentations and educational outreach programs, and a summer tradition that has already seen an entire generation of children grow up with their memories of summer evenings under the stars experiencing great concerts."

Claflin Hill Orchestra

Nelly's Sandwich Shop on Central Street in Milford will be in the park every week providing affordable and traditional park concert dinner offerings.

For more information about Family Night at the Bandstand, or Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, visit the Claflin Hill website at www.claflinhill.org  The full schedule can be accessed on line, and up to the minute weather/concert status will be posted on the website as well.  Weather status will also be posted on the CHSO voice mail message at 508-478-5924. 

***

The Claflin Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/26/15 - THU 7/2/15

FRI 6/26   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
FRI 6/26   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SUN 6/28   11am   Pollinator Talk with Ed Szymanski at Franklin Community Gardens (King Street)
SUN 6/28   3:30pm   iStories at Franklin Public Library

TUE 6/30  7pm   First Meeting of Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse at Franklin High School Auditorium

For 4th of July Celebrations in Franklin click HERE.

WED 7/1   6-10pm   4th of July in Franklin: Booths and Rides Open
WED 7/1   7-9pm   4th of July in Franklin: Phantom Band with Tyler Zajac

THU 7/2   6-10pm   4th of July in Franklin: Booths and Rides Open
THU 7/2   7-9pm   4th of July in Franklin: ZOD Band (local youths with Matt Zajac)
   
The Ladybug Trek Small Business Scavenger Hunt is on until 6/30/15. #shopFranklin

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

"I Bet My Life" was a good bet!

With the song "I Bet My Life" fresh in mind, the Town Council  got to business and quickly approved by an 8-1 vote the fire fighters arbitration award funding measure. The vote was by roll call and the one "No" vote was cast courageously by Judith Pond Pfeffer. She did approve of the fire fighters getting the award but wanted to do more for the other unions.

After the vote, the fire fighters and their supporters filed out shaking the hands of the councilors thanking them for their support.

The song had been fresh in mind as the FSPA's "Electric Youth" had come for their annual performance before heading to tour Europe. They left on Thursday to make several performances in multiple locations in France and England.

The FSPA "Electric Youth" introduced themselves before performing "I Bet My LIfe"

The set of notes reported live from the meeting on Wednesday can be found here:

• Live reporting: Legislation through to closing
• Live reporting: Town Council - June 24, 2015

Photo of supporters in the Municipal Building parking lot before the meeting

Franklin Food Pantry Recognized for Making an Impact on Community

The Franklin Food Pantry is getting noticed for its efforts to move beyond immediate hunger relief by addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting better nutritional health. The Pantry has received two recognition awards from area organizations: the Red Triangle Award from the Hockomock Area YMCA, and the Community Impact Award from the United Way of Tri-County. 

Both organizations recently applauded the Franklin non-profit for going above and beyond in serving the Franklin community, and for its strong impact on the lives of the nearly 600 families it serves. 

The Red Triangle Award recognizes the Pantry for its “steadfast dedication and partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA to meet the changing needs of our community.” Through a partnership with the Hockomock Y, the Pantry created a Healthy Futures Shelf that offers clients access to nutritious food. 

Nutrition information is posted with food products so that clients can make informed choices to fit their special dietary needs, such as low fat, high protein or gluten-free. In addition, the Pantry works with the YMCA to offer Cooking Matters classes that educate families how to manage their food budgets and prepare healthy meals. 

“Working with the Hockomock Area YMCA and Stop & Shop, we began to take preventative measures to help combat high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity,” said Erin Lynch, Franklin Food Pantry executive director. “As part of the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative, we help our clients make healthier food choices and offer them access to more nutritious food, such as fresh produce and high protein items like chicken.” 

The Community Impact Award is given to United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) Community Partners that have changed the lives of the people they serve. The award states that the Franklin Food Pantry, with resources from the UWTC, changed lives by “effectively and innovatively delivering a program that addresses root causes within the areas of Education, Health, Financial Stability or Basic Human Needs.” 

Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, is shown here with the award

Lynch said that thanks to the generous support from organizations such as the United Way of Tri-County and the Hockomock Area YMCA, the Pantry was able to offer programs to empower community members to become more self-sufficient through resources and education. 

Examples include Cooking Matters which teaches families how to shop smarter and cook delicious, affordable meals; and a Healthy Futures Market that offers fresh produce weekly from June to October. The high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables can be a barrier to wholesome nutrition for many families. 

“The money we receive through grants, as well as individual and corporate donations, allows us to go beyond just getting food to people,” said Lynch. “We are able to offer the kind of support and education that can impact our clients for a lifetime.”