MassBudget: FY 2017 an unusual budget year?

New Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for this coming year

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing What's in the Fiscal Year 2017  Budget  MassBudget's new Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for the current fiscal year. This year's budget process was unusual. While the conference committee was meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget, it became clear that the original tax revenue estimate for FY 2017 was too optimistic and the estimate was adjusted down by $750 million. Legislators had to improvise a combination of budget cuts and other strategies to address that new gap. While vetoing about a quarter billion dollars in spending from that proposal, the Governor also identified accounts that the administration believed had been underfunded by the Legislature by $172 million. He filed a supplemental budget to fund these accounts. In other ways this year's budget process follows a familiar pattern of budget problems - barely balancing in good times and cutting deeply in recessions. The Budget Monitor shows that since 2001, inflation-adjusted funding for higher education is down 14 percent; local aid is down 41 percent; early education 22 percent. Why? Between 1998 and 2002 the state adopted several income tax cuts that are now costing over $3 billion annually. That revenue reduction paired with a long-term pattern of rising health care costs has reduced our Commonwealth's capacity to make important investments in our people and our economy, and has caused chronic budget problems. This Budget Monitor describes the funding decisions in each major section of the budget and compares proposed funding levels with current and, in some cases, historic funding. It identifies a few bright spots and examines policy changes incorporated in various budget provisions. While vetoes and overrides are noted, the focus is on important budget items and the bigger picture in another difficult year. You can read the new Budget Monitor 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

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/5/16 - THU 8/11/16

FRIDAY 8/5/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Animal World Experience @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Concert @ La Cantina Winery with Michael McArthur (seating is limited)
8pm   James Montgomery band @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend - in Franklin on Saturday

SUNDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend

TUESDAY 8/9/16
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting @ Franklin YMCA, public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 8/10/16
1pm   Ecology of Sound @ Franklin Public Library
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 8/11/16
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:00pm   Feast of St Rocco opens
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

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

In the News: aggregation plan making progress, SAFE Coalition schedules events

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

"The state government will deliberate next week on a plan expected to save money for local power customers. 

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is scheduled to consider the town's municipal aggregation plan at a hearing Monday afternoon. 

In a municipal aggregation arrangement, towns look to save ratepayers money by going out to bid for the supply of power. The intention is to use the number of local customers as leverage to seek a cost that is lower than the default rate charged by the utility company."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-state-to-hear-aggregation-plans-monday

• The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

------   ------  ------

"A local group dedicated to combating substance abuse is looking toward its future. 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition, which formed last year, held a strategic planning meeting this summer to consider ways to sustainably continue its efforts. 

State Rep. Jeff Roy, one of the group's founding members, said the tone of the meeting was optimistic. 

"It went really well - the future's looking bright," he said. "There are lots of good things happening, and we know we're saving lives."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-preps-for-future

”Conserving water now is crucial"

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

"Although rain last weekend and Tuesday provided some short-term relief from a months-long dry spell in Massachusetts, the overall severe drought in the state actually worsened, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Drought Monitor. 

The region in the state considered to be in severe drought expanded to include nearly all of Massachusetts except Cape Cod, a small portion of southeast Massachusetts and most of the Berkshires. This leaves all of eastern and central Massachusetts in severe drought, the third highest drought category issued by the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor is an agency, overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that tracks drought conditions and provides guidance to the public and private sector."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/drought-worsens-in-massachusetts

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapArchive.aspx  for MA

Two key events in Franklin this month

This is a special edition of our regularly monthly newsletter to make you aware of some upcoming events in the area. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email Two key area events this month I hope you are enjoying your summer. I am sending this quick note to let you know about two events taking place in our area this month. They include a Thriving in College program for teens and their parents on Tuesday, August 9 and August 16. The other is the SAFE Coalition's Inaugural Golf Tournament at Franklin Country Club on Monday, August 22. Both programs are geared at addressing some community needs and to continue our work to make the area a great place to live, work and raise a family. Please pass along this email to any of your friends, family or neighbors and invite them to participate in these two remarkable programs. Thank you for your continued support. Share Tweet Forward Thriving at College Ok – you got in!  You have the dorm room, supplies and some new clothes. You'll be leaving pretty soon to take the next huge step in your life. For many teens, this is a time filled with excitement but also anxiousness and uncertainty, and certain skills need to be developed in order to overcome these fears and succeed that very first weekend and beyond. Join us on Tuesday evenings, August 9th and August 16th, for two powerful workshops which will focus on solutions for some of the hurdles both teens and parents often face at the beginning of the college experience. The Thriving in College: Your First Weekend and Beyond workshop series is sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch and Dean College, with support from State Representative Jeffrey Roy, the Franklin Public Schools, Community Impact, New Hope, Riverside Trauma Center and the S.A.F.E. Coalition.   Where:  Franklin High School Lecture Hall 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA When:  August 9 and 16 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register Now SAFE Golf Tournament A "best ball" golf tournament to benefit the S.A.F.E. Coalition will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Franklin Country Club. The tournament will support the outreach programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. It will also include a barbecue lunch and awards. Registration is now open at safecoalitionma.com, and costs $150 per person and $600 for a foursome. Ongoing S.A.F.E. programs include education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Use Disorders. Our goals are to empower those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. Our Drop-In Centers provide a gateway to professional resources including medical and psychological needs, referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities including Healing Hearts, Learn to Cope and Community of Hope. The Chiefs Roundtable provides a forum for interaction and support of our first responders while SOAR supports treatment for inmates and those involved in the judicial system. Town Councilor Robert Dellorco, a member of the coalition, said the tournament is intended to help keep the group's "drop-in" centers - in which multiple services for addicts are brought under one roof - functioning. "We had a grant but, in the future, we will need to fundraise," he said. In addition to the tournament, the day will feature a barbecue lunch, a silent auction and awards, Dellorco said. And, SAFE is aggressively seeking sponsors for the new event. "We have a lot of sponsors already, but we're looking to get as many sponsorships as we possibly can," he said. Those interested in sponsoring the tournament may contact Dellorco at 774-571-5530. The S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization, and all contributions are tax deductible. SAFE is also hoping as many golfers as possible register for the tournament. Dellorco said the group's target is 144 golfers, and it is looking to get the word out quickly, as the event is coming up soon. You can view the Milford Daily News report on the tournament by clicking here. Copyright © 2016 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 527A Boston, MA 02133

State Rep Jeff Roy · State House Room 527A · Boston, MA 02133 · USA

State Primary Election - Sep 8; last day to register to vote - Aug 19

State Primary Election

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Franklin High School, Oak Street

6:00am – 8:00pm

• Are you a registered voter?

• Do you need an Absentee Ballot?

Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation, Friday August 19th. The Town Clerks Office will be open till 8:00pm on the August 19th

Please contact the Town Clerks Office at (508)520-4900 
tburr@franklin.ma.us Or visit (registertovotema.com)

election booths at Franklin High School where all precincts in Franklin cast their ballots

Most of this information was shared from the Town Clerk's office
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024766FA-000F8513

2nd edition of Easy Walks in MA now available

Marjorie Turner Hollman has let us know that the 2nd edition of Easy Walks is now available. 

"By popular demand, here is the second edition, expanded from the original Easy Walks publication. Now included are maps, trail conditions, as well as photos, directions, and lots more information for over 50 local walking trails in 16 towns in the Upper Charles River and Blackstone River Valley watersheds in Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island. 

You'll find trail locations in Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Grafton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Northbridge, Upton, Uxbridge, Wrentham, all towns in south central Massachusetts, and Woonsocket, RI. 

Many locations are dog-friendly--learn which places welcome you and your dog before you go! All trails are grandparent, parent, and kid friendly. Learn about distances of trails, highlights along the way, directions to each trail head and more"

Easy Walks in Massachusetts 2nd edition

In 2014, we shared three 'easy walks' in Franklin that were included in the first edition:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-snett.html


The Amazon link can be found here
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470180569&sr=1-1&keywords=easy+walks+in+massachusetts+2nd+edition

Encore Music Academy - fall registration now open

We are Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and we are located at 3 Bent Street right here in Franklin.

FALL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR PRIVATE LESSONS AND CLASSES!!!

Register now to secure your preferred lesson time with your instructor of choice! 

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and our instructors fill up very quickly, so please don't delay.

We work very hard to ensure that siblings are conveniently scheduled at the same time or back-to-back, and we make every effort to accommodate the needs of our families.

image from Encore Music Academy

And don't forget about our brand-new GlobeToddlers (TM) program for children ages 1-5!!

To register for any class, private lessons, or program, please call (508) 533-7700 in Franklin, or (508) 376-2776 to reach our Millis facility. We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead, filled with lots of music, and lots of fun, too!

Website: www.encoremusicacademy.net 
Email: info@encoremusicacademy.net

Random Smile Project's fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament

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

"Fans of the yellow, plastic bat rejoice - the Random Smile Project's fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament will take place later this month. 

This year's event - set for Aug. 20 at Fletcher Field - is held in honor of local resident James Cashin. 

"Random Smiles provides a bridge of support for people in the community who are going through a difficult time," said Colleen Swenson, a volunteer with the charity. "Jim Cashin is recovering right now from a liver transplant that he received in June... he's a longtime Franklin resident."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160803/franklin-charity-hosting-wiffle-ball-tournament

Random Smile Project's fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament

For addiitional info and to register, visit this page  http://www.randomsmile.org/wiffle/

In the News: charter review possible, Sons of Italy celebrate

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

"The Town Council is considering another attempt at a town charter review.
The council at its prior meeting charged town staff with gathering the information, a process that Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said is under way. 

"We're trying to collect the reports and recommendations, which include those made by the 2010 and 1995 commissions," he said. "(They) usually put together reports that included suggestions made - which ones they felt made sense and which ones they didn't."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160803/franklin-personnel-examining-past-charter-review-efforts

"The Quattro Eroi Lodge No. 1414 Order Sons of Italy in America, of Franklin, will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Sept. 24 at the Coachman’s Lodge, 273 Wrentham Road, Bellingham. 

There will be a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. with a full-course dinner to follow. Dancing will take place until 11 p.m. 

Music will be provided by Power Play of Hudson. Dinner will include roasted chicken, baked stuffed filet of sole with lobster Newburg sauce, and roast beef served family style."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160803/quattro-eroi-lodge-to-celebrate-90th-anniversary

How does Franklin consider itself?

The downtown traffic flow has been redesigned. Before we go and create another charter commission to review how we operate as a government, let's spend some time designing our flag. 

Yes, Franklin does not have a flag, or if we do, I have not seen it. We have a seal, which is prominently used where we could use the principles of design from a flag.

What are the design principles of a flag?

I am glad you asked, there are five:

1. Keep It Simple (The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory)
2. Use Meaningful Symbolism (The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes)
3. Use 2 to 3 Basic Colors (Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set)
4. No Lettering or Seals (Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal)
5. Be Distinctive or Be Related (Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections)

And from the TED Talk below:

"As we move more and more into cities, the city flag will become not just a symbol of that city as a place, but also it could become a symbol of how that city considers design itself, especially today, as the populace is becoming more design-aware. And I think design awareness is at an all-time high. A well-designed flag could be seen as an indicator of how a city considers all of its design systems: its public transit, its parks, its signage. It might seem frivolous, but it's not. 

16:08 - TK: Often when city leaders say, "We have more important things to do than worry about a city flag," my response is, "If you had a great city flag, you would have a banner for people to rally under to face those more important things."

Where did the flag idea come from? 
A relisten of this TED talk:

"Roman Mars is obsessed with flags — and after you watch this talk, you might be, too. These ubiquitous symbols of civic pride are often designed, well, pretty terribly. But they don't have to be. In this surprising and hilarious talk about vexillology — the study of flags — Mars reveals the five basic principles of flag design and shows why he believes they can be applied to just about anything."

Who is Roman Mars?  http://www.ted.com/speakers/roman_mars

more on flag design

For more on flag design
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/vexillology-revisited-fixing-worst-civic-flag-designs-america/

Concert on the Common: Leeds Band

6:00 pm – 6::30pm
Children's Program

• Rob Peter's - Bubble Man

6:30pm – 8:30pm

• The Leeds Band 

"The Leeds are a band that plays songs that evoke wonderful memories of the 60s, 70s, and 80s"

The Leeds Band

For the full schedule of Concerts on the Common
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/Concerts%20on%20the%20Common.pdf

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

Since 2010, The Hockomock Area YMCA has been facilitating the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and they are pleased to announce new classes for Fall 2016.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction and are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

New Classes Announced for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at the Hockomock Y in September:

hockymca.org

• Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00am-12:30pm beginning on September 20th

• Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Monday and Wednesday at 10:30am-12:00pm beginning September 12th

• North Attleboro Branch

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00pm-7:30pm beginning September 13th

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For more information, visit, http://www.hockymca.org/foxboro/livestrong-at-the-ymca/

In 2010, the Hockomock Area YMCA was one of the first ten YMCAs in the country to launch this life changing initiative, partnering with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. On average, 120 participants graduate from the program annually at the Hockomock Area YMCA. A recent survey at the Hockomock Area YMCA found that ninety-nine percent of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants said that the atmosphere of the Y supports them in their pursuit of health and well-being.

Part of the Hockomock Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. The Hockomock Area YMCA is enrolling now for upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA sessions at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro.

A survivor is defined from the point of cancer diagnosis through the balance of his/her life. Are you a cancer survivor or know someone who is? Please contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll.to talk with your local Hockomock Area YMCA branch to get involved.

About the 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.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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

Franklin Library: Animal World Experience - Aug 5

Summer time we have lots of opportunity to be fit and healthy. How do animals do it? Find out Friday, Aug 5 at 1:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library.

Remember the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle for the next year while renovations on the Main St building are underway.

Animal World Experience - Aug 5

For additional information, check out the Library page n the official Town of Franklin website   http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index

In the News: parking bylaw vote next week, new law changes legal notice publication process

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

"A new set of parking rules will be up for final debate next week, and may be fully in place by the fall. 

The town has undertaken a revision of its parking bylaws as a project that reworks the downtown traffic flow enters its final stages. The Town Council is set to vote on the set of proposals at its meeting next week. 

The new regulations would remove parking meter language from the bylaws, and establish parking zones in which two-hour limits would be in place for certain parts of the day. The changes are intended to increase convenience for visitors to the area while discouraging commuters from tying up spaces all day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-parking-bylaw-vote-ahead

"A new bill - filed by State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and signed into law last week - is set to change the way legal notices are published in the state. 

The new law has the notice not only appear in newspapers, but on the papers' websites and a new statewide website, maintained by the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association (MNPA)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-new-bill-to-change-handling-of-public-notices

The press release from Representative Roy's office was published last week
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/new-law-requires-posting-of-legal.html

screen grab of a quick search for "Franklin" open meetings

"Providing convenient access to quality healthcare"

From the Franklin radar:

"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

For more about MedPost Franklin visit their webpage -->> 
https://medpost.com/urgent-care-clinics/franklin-ma

#shopFranklin - supporting small business: Elizabeth's Bagels

"#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth's Bagels in Franklin,MA. Elizabeth's Bagels preserved the age old art of perfectly kettle boiled bagels. This delicacy is then augmented with a great selection of in house blended cream cheese options, seasonal offerings, loose leaf teas and an assortment of coffee creations."

Elizabeth's Bagels

You can check the menu and find additional info on the webpage
http://www.elizabethsbagels.com/