MassBudget: Labor Day report on the State of Working Massachusetts 2016

Study highlights trends facing workers and their families

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. State of Working Massachusetts: Wage earners saw gains last year, but haven't made up lost ground Hourly compensation for Massachusetts' low-wage workers rose by 7 percent from 2014-2015, buoyed by an increase in the minimum wage. A new report from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, The State of Working Massachusetts, 2016 Edition, highlights wage gains among all income groups, but notes that low- and middle-income wages in Massachusetts and across the nation have barely grown for decades and remain lower than in 2009. While long-term national trends are troubling, the report found some good news locally: Massachusetts has both the nation's highest median wage and the best educated workforce (49 percent have a college degree). Looking across the country, the report finds that states with better-educated workforces consistently have higher-wage economies. Comparing cities and towns within Massachusetts shows the same close relationship between the wages and education levels. The wage growth we see among low-wage workers who are benefiting from the minimum wage increase reminds us of how important public policy can be in improving the economic well-being of working people and their families. The challenge for our Commonwealth is to develop policies that expand opportunity and raise wages for all of our people. The State of Working Massachusetts 2016 Edition also pinpoints several other Massachusetts economic data points, including: Wages in Massachusetts grew by 3 percent last year for the broad middle class; Other states with minimum wage increases also saw higher wage gains for low-income workers; Massachusetts job growth between 2007 and 2016 has been among the strongest in the nation; Child poverty rates in Massachusetts are below the national average and have begun to decline, but 1-in-7 children remain in poverty, a higher level than before the recession. Among adults without disabilities whose incomes were less than 125 percent of the poverty level, the vast majority (71 percent) work at least part-time. The link to the MassBudget report is 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

Schedule to donate blood at the Elks this Thursday, Sep 8

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

The American Red Cross will support 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and those who responded following the events of Sept. 11. Interested individuals can volunteer or donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and help ensure blood is available for patients in need. 

9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, the observance has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009. 

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood; regular donations are needed. Blood and platelet donors of all types are urged to give. 

The following local blood donation opportunities will take place:

• 2-7 p.m. Sept. 8, Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin.

• 1-6 p.m. Sept. 16, Answer is Fitness, 7 Lincoln Road, Foxborough.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160904/red-cross-to-hold-911-day-blood-donation-opportunities

Schedule your appointment to donate blood online
http://www.redcrossblood.org/

Learn more about the blood donation process here

Franklin Girl Scouts Info Session = Sep 6

http://www.gsema.org/en/about-girl-scouts/join.html

"Girl Scouting is for girls in grades K-12. With the guidance of adult volunteers, Girl Scouts earn badges, explore the outdoors, attend fun events and field trips, and participate in the Girl Scout cookie program.

Visit gsema.org/join and click JOIN TODAY. Complete the GIRL REGISTRATION page, click CONTINUE and follow the instructions to search for a Girl Scout troop. Select a troop and complete the membership payment."

• Tuesday, September 6, 7:00 PM
• St. Mary Parish, One Church Square, Franklin

Enjoy the Labor Day holiday

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day and announces a PCC meeting on Sep 8 and a Welcome Breakfast on Sep 9.

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day

• For more about the Parmenter schedule, visit their webpage

http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

• For more about the other schools in Franklin, visit the District page here

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Town office closed Monday, trash delayed one day this week

"Residents- Please remember Trash and Recycling will be delayed a day due to the Labor Day Holiday on Mon Sept 5th."

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/771348632339611648

trash and recycling by the roadside as required

pic.twitter.com/Q48gjYsKT5

— Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) September 1, 2016

Black Knot Disease at Dacey Field

"In August 2016, Conservation Commission staff discovered Black Knot Tree Disease on various Black Cherry trees at Dacey Field. The most impacted areas consist of dense Eastern White Pine stands with Black Cherry trees mixed in. 

The ‘Nature Walk’ section of Dacey has many infected trees. Black Knot is a disease caused by fungal parasite, Trichothecium roseum, and leaves charcoal-like lumps on branches and twigs of trees, especially trees in the Prunus family. 

The disease can bring leaf wilt and also death of leaves, twigs, branches, and even the entire tree. Winter management efforts include pruning and sanitation of trees that have not been heavily impacted. The infected branches and twigs should be burned, buried, or removed from the site eliminate the spread of the disease. 

Fungicides have been used successfully in severely impacted areas. It is recommended that an experienced arborist explore Dacey to determine how severely the disease has spread throughout the forest before management efforts are made. From a quick run through, more than half the Black Cherry trees observed were infected."

black knot disease photo from American Phytopathological Society

References:

http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/ascomycetes/pages/blackknot.aspx

http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/plant_pathology_and_ecology/black_knot_of_ornamental_plum_and_cherry_4-02-08r.pdf

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/black-knot/

• This information was shared from the Town of Franklin page

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024BA541-000F8513

• For more info about the Conservation Commission, visit their page

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Conservation/index

Social Media Roundup: scam alert, drug that kills, rain garden tour, golf fund raiser

Items that I saved from my Facebook feed that seemed share worthy. You likely realize that everyone's Facebook feed is unique to themselves. What you see is not what someone else sees. The continuous Facebook algorithm changes makes it hard for groups to get their message to a broad audience without having to pay to "boost the post". Hence, from time to time, I'll share what I find that makes sense for Franklin to be aware of.

Scam alert from Franklin Police

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2016/08/25/that-is-not-the-irs-calling-you/

Via NPR comes this on the latest in opioid drugs that kill

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/09/02/492108992/an-even-deadlier-opioid-carfentanil-is-hitting-the-streets?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20160902

The Charles River Watershed Association write up of the recent tour of Franklin's rain gardens

http://blog.crwa.org/blog/take-a-tour-of-franklins-best-rain-gardens

FHS boys basketball boosters schedule a golf outing as a fund raiser Oct 8th

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-franklin-boys-basketball-alumni-and-friends-golf-tournament-registration-27345808048

sun rise on the Town Common

In the News: Friends of the Poor Walk, Healing Hands for Arthritis

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

"The Society of St. Vincent dePaul of St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin will sponsor the Friends of the Poor Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 26 at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Church Square, Franklin. 

Walkers will collect pledges, and the money promised to them from family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and turn it in to the parish on the day of the walk. All collected funds stay in Franklin to help those in need, regardless of faith. 

The walk will begin at the intersection of Church Square and Oak Street, right onto Oak to Iroquois, to the end of Iroquois and back to St. Mary’s Church. The route is 3 miles. Walkers may turn back at Lucius Street for a 2-mile walk. 

To register: stmarysfranklin.org. This site gives all necessary information for the local walk. People may also register on the actual day of the walk, beginning at 9 a.m."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160903/society-of-st-vincent-depaul-to-host-friends-of-poor-walk

St Mary's Church, Franklin

"Local Massage Envy locations will host the sixth annual Healing Hands for Arthritis event Sept. 28 to raise donations for the Arthritis Foundation’s efforts to find a cure and enrich the lives of those affected by arthritis. 

On Sept. 28, $10 from each one-hour wellness massage and Murad Healthy Skin facial service will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, 10 percent of in-store purchases on that day are donated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160903/massage-envy-to-hold-healing-hands-for-arthritis

Monday - Labor Day: Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule for Labor Day, 09/05/16.

Affected routes:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

**Please note that there is no Sunday service for the Needham Line.

Last updated: Sep 02 2016 11:04 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

boarding the train in Franklin heading to Boston

DelCarte Open Space Guidebook

The Guide Book for DelCarte Open Space Area has been published. Much of it seems to have been repurposed from the invasive species study conducted last year, this guide book focuses less on the technical aspects of the recreational space and more on how to utilize the space. Trail maps, sample photos of the wild life and fish are included.

You can read it and download it from here



or here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdXV2UkM5NkFxc2M


Or from the Town of Franklin webpage here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024BA540-000F8513

on the northern pond at DelCarte

• The full study can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/ecological-and-management-study-of.html

Another affordable house is available for Franklin residents

Another affordable house is available for Franklin residents. The application details can be found here:  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/5%20Marks%20Way/





http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024B202A-000F8513

5 Marks Way, Franklin, MA

MassBudget: Effects of a $15 minimum wage across Massachusetts and regionally

New study shows benefits by region, city

The Effects of a $15 Minimum Wage on Working People and Families in Massachusetts Phasing in an increase of the minimum wage to $15 by 2021 would boost the incomes of 29 percent of the Massachusetts workforce. MassBudget's new report analyzes the effect of such an increase across 52 regions in the state, finding that at least 15 percent of workers in every region of Massachusetts would see their wages rise, and in some regions more than 40 percent of wage earners would benefit. In addition to lower-income households, an increase of the hourly minimum wage to $15 would benefit many middle-income families. In some families one adult may make $30,000 a year or more while another works at a minimum wage job making $20,000.  That family isn't in poverty, but when anyone in that household gets a raise, it helps the family to pay for basic necessities and provide a better life for their children.  The report finds that statewide, a $15 minimum would increase the incomes of 22 percent of working parents - and 31 percent of all children in the state would benefit.    The statewide minimum wage is currently scheduled to rise to $11 per hour in 2017, meaning a full-time worker at the minimum wage will earn $22,880 next year. MassBudget's projections for the effects of a $15 minimum wage assume the current hourly minimum wage being increased by $1 per year until 2021.    The link to the MassBudget report is 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

In the News: diabetes training at YMCA, FPAC auditions scheduled, Dean welcomes largest class

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

"Hockomock Area YMCA will hold a diabetes prevention class at 12:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Oct. 3, and 6 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Oct. 5 at Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. 

With millions of Americans at risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, the Hockomock Area YMCA and Sturdy Memorial Hospital urge residents of their communities to learn their risk and take action to prevent the disease. Currently, diabetes affects nearly 29 million people; another 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it. 

To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program: 508-772-1310; phl@hockymca.org.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160902/hockomock-area-ymca-to-hold-diabetes-prevention-class

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for several fall and holiday productions featured as part of the company’s 26th season. FPAC will present “Fiddler on the Roof,” Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker,” the musical “Humbug!” and an original American panto with a twist on a fairy tale classic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160902/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-hold-auditions

"Dean College will welcome in its largest enrollment in the past 25 years — and, possibly, its history — when it resumes classes Tuesday. 

The college will likely enroll 1,150 to 1,200 students in this, its 151st year.
College spokesman Gregg Chalk said the college is excited to see so many students, the bulk of whom will be moving in on Monday. 

"We do have some students who arrived early, like our football and soccer teams and student government," he said. "Probably 30 percent of the students are on campus, with the remaining 70 percent moving in on Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160902/enrollment-at-dean-college-in-franklin-nears-record-high

The Dean 5K held earlier in 2016

Facing Addiction Across America (Final part in the YouTube series)

"We add insult to injury when we lay on the shame on top of the struggle... Shame is really deadly. The silence that accompanies shame is the thing that we need to break." 

"Watch the final part of our Facing Addiction Across America docuseries with Ryan Hampton and Garrett Hade. Here, the duo completes their road trip from Los Angeles to Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention. They reflect on the people they’ve met and stories they’ve heard along their trip.

People in recovery are everywhere. We are your brothers, your fathers, your mothers and sons, your sisters and daughters. We are your CEOs, we are your employees, your neighbors and your delegates to National Politics Conventions. While this road trip may be over, the journey is just beginning.

How can you help? Visit our Rally.org page and donate to support the implementation of Facing Addiction’s Action Agenda for real solutions to the addiction crisis in the US. https://rally.org/addictionxamerica"

I'll continue to post a pair of episodes until the series completes. If you want to feel free to find the next in the series by clicking through to YouTube.

You can help support the SAFE Coalition which works to provide support for those of our neighbors who need it.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/2/16 - THU 9/8/16

FRIDAY 9/2/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common

TUESDAY9/6/16
7-9pm   Franklin Garden Club Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center - prospective members welcome

WEDNESDAY 9/7/16
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today - Laughter Yoga @ FUSF

THURSDAY 9/8/16
6am-8pm   State Primary Election @ Franklin High School
4-5pm   Lego Club @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street
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

Temple Etz Chaim - High Holy Days Schedule 5777

High Holy Days Schedule 5777

Rosh Hashanah

• Sunday, October 2, 2016

7:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service @ FFC

• Monday, October 3, 2016

Rosh Hashanah
9:00 a.m. Children’s Service @ FFC
10:15 a.m. Morning Service @ FFC
4:00 p.m. Tashlich @ Choate Park, Medway

• Tuesday, October 4, 2016

10:00 a.m. 2nd day Rosh Hashanah Service @ TEC

Yom Kippur

• Tuesday, October 11, 2016

7:30 p.m. Kol Nidre @ FFC

• Wednesday, October 12, 2016

9:00 a.m. Children’s Service @ FFC
10:15 a.m. Morning Service @ FFC
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Study Session
2:45 p.m. Musical Interlude @ FFC
3:00 p.m. Afternoon Service, Yizkor Service, and Ne’ilah (Concluding Service) @ FFC approx. 6:30 p.m. Havdalah and Break Fast @FFC

Temple Etz Chaim

Services are held at the Franklin Federated Church (FFC), 171 Main St., except for 2nd day Rosh Hashanah service, which is at Temple Etz Chaim (TEC), 900 Washington St. High Holy Day tickets are mailed to all adult Temple members in good standing, and will be required for all services.

If you are not a member of Temple Etz Chaim, but are interested in attending High Holy Day services with us, please contact the temple office for information regarding obtaining tickets: 508-528-3738. Complimentary tickets will be available for students, members of the military and members of other Reform congregations. Check with the temple office for details.

In the News: Senior Center renovations, camera club moves to Franklin

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

"Work on a Franklin Senior Center renovation has progressed in recent months, with local officials hoping to wrap the project in the fall. 

Senior Center Director Karen Alves said the effort - aimed at finishing the building's second floor - had been moving along well. Work had, she said, closed off one wing of the building at one point, leading to several programs being moved off-site, but that's eased of late. 

"We've gotten a couple of rooms back on the first floor," she said. "Our computer room is now open, as is our multipurpose room, but they've closed down part of our other multipurpose room." 

Alves said the end of the project may be as soon as late October but, given the fluidity of the work, no firm date had been set. All the same, the center will be celebrating once it is done."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160831/franklin-senior-center-work-moves-forward

Senior Center with the parking lot expansion being worked on as well

"The Stony Brook Camera Club is kicking off another year of weekly meetings on Thursday, Sept. 1. The club recently moved from Wrentham to a larger facility in Franklin and is accepting new members. 

The club is in its 47th year and is one of the oldest and largest clubs in New England, drawing members from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

The goal of the club is to promote enjoyment and proficiency in all aspects of photography through education, by mutual exchange of knowledge and experience, and by promoting a broad appreciation of the natural environment. Camera knowledge and ability ranges from beginner to professional, so no one should feel intimidated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160831/stony-brook-camera-club-kicking-off-new-season

Bottle and Can Drive - Sep 10

The Franklin High School boys hockey team is having their annual Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, September 10th from 8:30am to 2:00pm at the high school parking lot.

If you would like to help out, please save your recyclable bottles and cans for the boys hockey program.

FHS Boys Hockey