School Committee Recap: June 25, 2019

The Franklin, MA School Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 was one of the shortest in recent times (at least of this School Committee term) commencing at 7:00 and completing before 7:40 PM. While short on time, there was a long listing of info shared.

The Superintendent's Report included this item on the summer project work to be done at the schools.

"Summer Projects
Summer is a big time for projects to occur, which can not be accommodated during the schoolyear. This year, we anticipate the following projects will be worked on:

1. First set of security improvements at selected schools (HMMS/Oak/ECDC; DT andParmenter)
2. Parmenter canopy structural repairs
3. HMMS/Oak/ECDC courtyard drainage repairs
4. Keller-Sullivan Gas fired rooftop units

Ongoing maintenance and upkeep of both indoor and outdoor spaces."

The full Superintendent's Report can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_june_25_2019.pdf

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere provided the final reports on the activity during the year for both the Substance Abuse Task Force and the School Wellness Advisory Committee. The one page summaries for both can be found here:

• Substance Abuse

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/satf_update_2019.pdf

• School Wellness

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/swac_update_2019.pdf

Revised school calendar for 2019-2020 school year
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/19-20_school_calendar_-final.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting:
Live reporting: Information Matters through to Cl...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-information-matters_25.html

Live reporting: School Committee - Discussion/Acti...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-school-committee.html

Live reporting: School Committee - June 25, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-school-committee-june-25.html

raised garden beds at Davis Thayer

 

July 2019 Franklin Public Library Newsletter

July 2019 Franklin Public Library Newsletter

Minuteman Library Crawl 2019
Thursday August 1, 2019
10am – 5pm (except where noted)
A "crawl," or tour, is a fun way to visit multiple Libraries in your area. Travel from Library to Library; meet the friendly staff and learn more about what the libraries around have to offer!
We have many different Libraries on the crawl. The challenge is to visit as many as you can and take a picture of yourself with a designated item in each library – it's a 21st century scavenger hunt! Post your pics and tag the libraries #mlncrawl2019 – we love our social media :)

Each library will have handouts and giveaways – show your pictures to a librarian (or if you don't have a camera, just tell a librarian you're on the crawl, we're pretty trusting J) and receive a PRIZE!

All are welcome to participate – children, families, adults, everyone! Start where you want, end where you want – it's a self-guided crawl! For more information, please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/minuteman-library-crawl-2019 .

Time to Get Out and Explore!
Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore! The Library has a wide array of passes to local museums, zoos, and local attractions! With your library card, you can have access to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, New England Aquarium (now available year round!), Mystic Seaport, Plimoth Plantation and more!  Visit  http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curapp=passes to reserve a pass for your next adventure!

Perfect Travel Companions
When you are vacationing this summer, the Library's apps make it easy to bring the Library with you! Download the Libby app to read ebooks and listen to audiobooks at the beach! Hoopla is an app that gives instant access to ebooks and audiobooks, as well as streaming music, movies and television shows. Try Kanopy to enjoy classic and foreign films, documentaries, and more! Explore even more apps and databases on our website. All you need is your library card!

July Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day. The Library's summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours will resume in September.

Programs for Children and Teens
Mondays

Move Along. 10:30 a.m.  For ages 0 – 5 years
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, instruments, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration is required.

Toddler Playgroup. 11:00 a.m.
Take a break and enjoy some playtime at this informal morning playgroup. The library will provide toys, music, and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another. No registration is required.

Picnic Storytime. 1:00 p.m.
Join us on Monday afternoons for a special picnic storytime in our lovely outdoor space near the Children's Room! You bring a picnic lunch and blankets, we'll supply the stories and fun! In the event of rain, we'll have our picnic storytime inside!

Tuesdays
Cool Cruisers: a Playgroup for crawlers and early walkers! 9:30 a.m.
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Wednesdays
Crafternoon! 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Starting June 26th, drop in every Wednesday between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. to enjoy a craft. Each week will feature a different craft!

Thursdays
Baby Tummy Time! 9:30 a.m. (For pre-walkers ages 0-18 months)
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

StoryXplorers. 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 and up.
Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.

Thursday Movie Night! 5:00 p.m.
Join us in your jammies for popcorn and a movie!

Special Programs
Baby Sensory! Saturday, July 6th, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)

Animal Affair! Monday, July 1st, 10:00 a.m.
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library! Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals! Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals. Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits!

Slime Science! Tuesday, July 2nd, 1:00 p.m.
Something gooey and gross! Something sparkly that shines! What slime will you make? More importantly why does slime work at all?! Find out during our Summer Science Series Slime Science session!

Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt! Tuesday, July 2nd - Saturday, July 6th
Find the letters hidden throughout the Children's and Teen Room to spell the mystery word!

Family Chess and More! Wednesdays, July 3rd, 17th, and 31st, 10:30 a.m.
Step away from the screens and in from the heat. With a wide array of games, from Chess and Checkers to Candy Land and Beat the Parents, it's sure to be fun for everyone!

Family Yoga! Fridays, July 5th, 19th, and 26th, 9:30 a.m.
Put on some comfy clothes, grab the whole family and your yoga mats and join us in the program room for our Family Yoga Adventure! We'll follow along with a fabulous story, doing different moves to keep the story going!

Super Science Experiment-za! Friday, July 5th, 1:00 p.m.
Alright Jr. Scientists it's time for SCIENCE! Experiment stations are ready to go! Record your observations as we get analytical!

Jungle Jim Manning! Monday, July 8th, 1:00 p.m.
Jungle Jim's Space-themed balloon magic show features rocket propulsion science, celebrates the moon landing, Star Wars Jedi Training, and a 6-foot galaxy explosion!

A Royal Reception! Wednesday, July 10th, 10:30 a.m.
Join us in welcoming Princess Beauty and Sleeping Beauty as they tell their stories, sing their songs and meet each child for a hug and a photo opportunity! Princess attire is welcome!

Happy Feet! Friday, July 12th, 10:30 a.m.
Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!

Farmer's Market Fun! Fridays, July 12th and 26th, 1:00 p.m.
Join the Franklin Public Library in a special collaboration with the Franklin Farmer's market! Enjoy special themed events each week, from storytimes, to scavenger hunts, to craft events and beyond!

Dragons Love Tacos Party! Saturday, July 13th, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a reading of the popular children's book Dragons Love Tacos and the sequel, Dragons Love Tacos 2! Then we'll celebrate with crafts, activities, and of course, tacos!

Light Science! Tuesday, July 16th, 1:00 p.m.
Ever wonder how shadows and color work? Find out by making tools to manipulate light and record your observations.

Frisbee Fun with Todd Brodeur! Friday, July 19th, 1:00 p.m.
Two-time Freestyle Frisbee Champion, Todd Brodeur, educates, entertains and motivates his audience with captivating Frisbee shows and interactive playshops. He promotes staying active throughout your life by playing disc sports. He focuses on healthy lifestyles, creativity, flexibility and balance, all aimed at improving self-esteem and confidence! Bring the whole family for this interactive Frisbee demonstration and tutorial!

Mobile Mini Golf! Saturday, July 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages! Children under the age of 10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets! Tuesday, July 23rd, 12:30 p.m.
Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Mr. Vinny specializes in storytelling with unique puppets! Get ready for lot of jokes, audience participation, and a few fun surprises!

Davis Bates Show! Wednesday, July 24th, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning of songs and stories with Davis Bates! Hear how stars came to be in the sky, how foam came to be in the ocean, and be prepared to sing, move, and clap your hands!

BYO(Baby)! Saturday, July 27th, 10:30 a.m.
Calling all Dads! Bring you kiddo along for a fun, casual Saturday morning of playing, exploring, and meeting other dads!

Harry Potter Party! Wednesday, July 31st, 1:00 p.m.
Come celebrate our favorite wizard's birthday at the library! Dress up as your favorite character, get sorted into a Hogwarts House, and enjoy games, crafts, wizarding snacks, and a costume parade!

Teen Programs
So, You Want to be a Dungeon Master? Monday, July 1st, 4:00 p.m.
Attention! All those interested in learning the ins and outs of being a DM for Dungeons and Dragons join us for a collaborative workshop at the library!

Code It! Tuesdays, July 2nd and 16th, 4:00 p.m.
An introductory hour of coding and creativity! To sign up contact mgousie@minlib.net.

Stranger Things Celebration! Wednesday, July 3rd, 6:00 p.m.
Journey with us to the Upside Down as we gear up for the premiere of Season 3!

Writer's Block! Mondays, July 8th and 22nd, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for short story prompts, tips & techniques, monthly chances for publication, and a place to share your passion!

Page-Screen Showdown: To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Tuesday, July 9th, 1:00 p.m.
Help decide once and for all if the book or the movie was better! Join us for screenings of YA book adaptations, complete with themed snacks, crafts, and trivia!

Teen Advisory Board! Wednesday, July 10th, 6:30 p.m.
Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

Teen Board Game Café! Thursdays, July 11th, 18th, and 25th, 3:30 p.m.
Play a new game or an old-time favorite! Bring your own games or play one of ours! Light refreshments will be served.

Disney Trivia! Saturday, July 13th, 3:00 p.m.
You're never too old for a little Disney Magic! Put your knowledge to the test. In the end, only one will wear the ears!

Mobile Mini Golf! Saturday, July 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages! Children under the age of 10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Page-Screen Showdown: Dumplin'. Tuesday, July 30th, 1:00 p.m.
Help decide once and for all if the book or the movie was better! Join us for screenings of YA book adaptations, complete with themed snacks, crafts, and trivia!

Summer Writing Contest Deadline! Wednesday, July 31st
The Teen Advisory Board is sponsoring a writing contest! Submit your own original writing and vote on a winner! Submissions can be in any format: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc. Min. page length: 1 page; Max. page length: 10 pages. Winners will be announced at our Summer Wrap-Up Party on August 21st. Submit your entry to ckeating@minlib.net with the subject line "Teen Summer Writing".

Adults
Foreign Film Series, Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16 & 30, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of world cinema right in Franklin! Refreshments will be served.
July 2, Bicycle Thieves, 1948, Italy. Hailed around the world as one of the greatest movies ever made, the Academy Award-winning BICYCLE THIEVES, directed by Vittorio De Sica, defined an era in cinema. In poverty-stricken postwar Rome, a man is on his first day of a new job that offers hope of salvation for his desperate family when his bicycle, which he needs for work, is stolen.

July 9, Rashoman, 1950, Japan. This riveting psychological thriller that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Four people give different accounts of a man's murder and the rape of his wife, which director Akira Kurosawa presents with striking imagery and an ingenious use of flashbacks. This eloquent masterwork and international sensation revolutionized film language and introduced Japanese cinema to the Western world.

July 16, The 400 Blows, 1959, France. Re-creates the trials of director Francois Truffaut's own childhood, unsentimentally portraying aloof parents, oppressive teachers, and petty crime. The film marked Truffaut's passage from leading critic to trailblazing auteur of the French New Wave.

July 30, A Man Called Ove, 2015, Sweden. Ove, an ill tempered, isolated retiree who spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife's grave, has finally given up on life just as an unlikely friendship develops with his boisterous new neighbors. Based on the bestselling novel.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, July 30, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is The Flight Attendant, by Chris Bohjalian. A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served.

Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting, 
First Monday of the Month, July 1, 7:00 p.m.
Curious about how you can help the Library? Join our group of Friends who are dedicated to making the Franklin Public library an even better place!

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, July 19, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, July 20, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library Book Sale

In the News: MA FY 2020 budget late; FHS Hagen didn't miss day of school

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

"State lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker will head into another new fiscal year on Monday without an annual budget in place.

While most states around the country have wrapped up annual budget deliberations, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate here have been unable to bridge disagreements over pieces of their nearly $43 billion spending bills.

The bills take different approaches to school aid, prescription drug price controls, a tuition and fee freeze at the University of Massachusetts and aid to the struggling nursing home industry, among other issues.

Negotiators are deliberating privately and have not disclosed what’s holding up an on-time agreement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190630/state-budget-talks-spill-into-new-fiscal-year

https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate

"Six years ago, when the Daily News interviewed Lauren Hagen after she completed 13 years of public schooling without being absent for a single day, she appeared to issue a challenge to her younger brother Michael, then a sixth-grader.

“Even though a lot of people think it’s crazy, he should really push for it, because it’s such a great accomplishment and a great way to end your public school career,” Lauren said at the time.

Michael not only accepted his sister’s challenge, he fulfilled it.

From kindergarten through his senior year, also at Franklin High, Michael Hagen never missed a day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190629/franklins-michael-hagen-never-missed-day-of-school

Town Council approves $692K of free cash for projects

Another source for timely news about Franklin is MyFM 103. Given the total of the $692 was approved, it included the $24K for study and analysis the old South Meeting House. We'll need to wait for the Actions Taken document to be published to confirm.

"The Franklin Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to transfer $692,000 in freecash Wednesday evening, left over money from the town's snow and ice account that will be used for several projects. Most of the free cash $448,000 will be used for roads and infrastructure it’s estimated Franklin has a $40 million backlog of road work. Two appropriations of $100,000 is earmarked for improving public safety radio communications and for the wage settlement account, to pay for some unanticipated contractual obligations."

Continue reading the article online
https://myfm1013.com/news/franklin-town-council-approves-resolution-transfer-of-692000

Capital Budget Subcommittee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-june-26.html

funds for a study of the old South Meeting House on Washington St were approved as part of the free cash allocation

Town of Franklin: July 4th and 5th Holiday Operation Schedule

July 4th and 5th Holiday Town Operation Schedule

Town of Franklin: July 4th and 5th Holiday Operation Schedule

Get your copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aLvyAVa6iRiWR8FjiZ5SU_nyeW6XZfPN/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Food Pantry: New Executive Director Announced

After a regional search, we are excited to announce the hiring of Lynn Calling as Franklin Food Pantry's new Executive Director, effective June 24, 2019. Lynn has almost 20 years of experience working in non-profit organizations, higher education, and community-based organizations, which includes the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC), Green Schools Alliance and the MIT Alumni Association. 

Lynn specializes in volunteer management, fundraising, community outreach, and program management and development. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies, from The University of Connecticut. Lynn also serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Governors of the East Bridgewater Branch of the Old Colony YMCA.

According to Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors Chair Tina Powderly, "Lynn's leadership in nonprofit management and fund development will serve the Franklin Food Pantry and our clients well. We are in a period of growth with several key strategic initiatives to implement in the near term. Lynn is uniquely qualified to lead us through these important developments and is a highly mission-driven individual who cares deeply for her constituents as well as her staff. We are privileged to have her as the next Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry."

Visit the Food Pantry online to donate or volunteer
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
 

Franklin Food Pantry: New Executive Director Announced

July Veterans Coffee Social - July 3

Veterans Coffee Social

Wednesday ▪ July 3 ▪ 10:00 AM

Franklin Senior Center Café

Come And Chat With Other Vets
Coffee And Pastry Will Be Provided 

All Vets Are Invited!
For More Information, Contact The Veteran Services Office At: (508) 613-1315


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQlRaV1ZDejFtcTdsd0VpTG9sLW1felF1QjFV/view?usp=sharing

HMEA receives two grants

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

"Horace Mann Education Associates recently announced that it has been awarded a $25,000 Learn to Earn Initiative grant from the Baker-Polito administration to design a career training program for unemployed or underemployed young adults with disabilities in the southern Worcester County region of Massachusetts.

HMEA will serve as the lead agency on the pilot initiative in partnership with the Central Massachusetts Employment Collaborative, Work Without Limits of UMass Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division, and the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board. Employer partners include Sodexo USA, Cumberland Farms and the Worcester Public Schools.

LTE is a comprehensive approach to providing individuals who are receiving assistance from public benefit programs with the supports, skills, and credentials they need to gain and retain employment in occupations for which employers have persistent demand."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190628/stronghorace-mann-receives-learn-to-earn-initiative-grantstrong

We support over 4000 people with #autism & developmental #disabilities across 110 #Massachusetts communities.

"Horace Mann Educational Associates was awarded a one-year grant for $35,000 from Tufts Health Plan Foundation as part of its smart data efforts for better health care.

This is one of 15 new community investments totaling nearly $1.9 million that reflect the Foundation’s commitment to advancing policies and practices that support healthy aging, including addressing gaps in food access, housing, transportation and community safety.

HMEA is the lead convener of 30 organizations supporting older people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The grant will support HMEA’s work to build health care Quality Measures into an electronic information system, create benchmarks across pilot agencies and convene a learning community to improve collaboration among human service organizations and health care providers. This electronic system is a key asset needed to help these organizations collaborate with health care providers serving older people with disabilities."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190628/stronghorace-mann-receives-grant-from-tufts-healthstrong

For more about HMEA and the good work they do, visit https://www.hmea.org/

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jun 28 to THU - Jul 4

Friday, June 28

9:30am

 SUMMER Family Yoga (outside if permitting)

10:00am

 Knitting Group

12:00pm

 Farmers Market

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Farmer's Market Fun!

Saturday, June 29

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

1:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Spiderman Homecoming Movie Screening (Community Room) (BREE)

Sunday, June 30

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, July 1

10:00am

 SUMMER PERFORMER: Animal Affair!

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Picnic Storytime (MITZI)

7:00pm

 Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting

Tuesday, July 2

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Slime Science!

4:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Code It!

6:30pm

 Foreign Film Series

7:00pm

 Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group

Wednesday, July 3

6:00pm

 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

10:00am

 Veterans Coffee Social

10:30am

 SUMMER Family Chess and More!

3:00pm

 Peter Willis at Orleans Artist Cottages

4:00pm

 SUMMER Crafternoon!

6:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Stranger Things Celebration

7:00pm

 Franklin Art Assoc - Monthly Meeting

Thursday, July 4

 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

 Library Closed

 Independence Day

3:00pm

 Peter Willis at Orleans Artist Cottages

5:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jun 21 to THU - Jun 28

Community Leaders Recognized At Hockomock Area YMCA Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Hockomock Area YMCA was held on May 15 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. After the business meeting, several members of the community received awards in recognition of their service and commitment to the Y and their communities. Award winners included Donna Spigarolo, SAFE Coalition, Blair Deeney, Madison Jankowski, Tanner Cross, Sam Melo, Jay Barrows, and CVS Health.

CVS Health received this year’s Chair’s Award. This award recognizes outstanding leadership, dedication, and passion working with the Hockomock Area YMCA and to enrich the quality of life in the community. The company, based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has had a major impact on the communities in its area. 
 

CVS Health

Faith Weiner, senior director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, spoke on behalf of CVS Health and said, “Through the Y’s support we have been meeting with leaders across the region and delivering programs that really drive impact across the state. We believe in helping people on their path to better health. We believe in building healthier communities. We can’t think of anyone we would rather partner with than the Hockomock Area YMCA.”

SAFE Coalition Inc. was the recipient of the Franklin Branch Red Triangle Award. SAFE Coalition Inc. is an organization based in Franklin that focuses on supporting families and individuals in their community that have been effected by the opioid crisis and other substance abuse related disorders. 
 

SAFE Coalition

Upon accepting the award, SAFE Coalition President, Jennifer Levine, commented on their partnership with the YMCA and said, “The YMCA gave us a space for all of these programs to exist when the majority of folks in the community had a really challenging time saying, ‘Yes we support the opioid crisis.’ I cannot stress enough how supportive and how many opportunities the partnership with the YMCA has created for those in our communities to be in recovery, to sustain recovery, to learn about recovery, and to gain the skills and opportunities to be successful members of our community.”

Tanner Cross

Tanner Cross was the recipient of the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin Youth of the Year Award. Tanner, a Bellingham resident, is a staff member in the gymnastics department. Tanner shared, “The best thing about the YMCA is that everyone is welcome. Diversity helps us all to understand one another; it enriches our community.”

Jay Barrows, a Massachusetts State Representative and Mansfield resident, was the recipient of the Character Counts Award. This award recognizes an individual with outstanding efforts in the community while instilling the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 

Board of Director Greg Spier presented the award to Jay and said, “He is our state representative but really so much more. He is a man of compassion, a man of principle, a man of values, a man dedicated to the community, and a man dedicated to this Hockomock Area YMCA.” Jay Barrows says, “I marvel at the Y’s initiatives. They go hand in hand with building community. As a state representative, you represent everyone in the community, and so does the Y. There is no litmus test at the Y. The subtle way we care is remarkable – no boasting, just helping.”

Lillian Kimball

Lillian Kimball, a resident of Mendon, was this year’s recipient of the Dean College YMCA Scholarship Award. This full tuition scholarship is given to one high school senior who will be attending Dean College in the fall. 

Lillian commented on her award saying, “My involvement in the YMCA Leaders group throughout high school has made a significant impact on my life and character. It has helped me prepare for my next chapter at Dean College. I am sure Dean is the right place for me and I am very eager to make the YMCA, Dean College, and my family proud of how I will represent them and myself at Dean.”

About 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.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we 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.

In the News: Demonstration returns Saturday; Supreme Court rules on Census question

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

"As campaign activity ahead of the 2020 presidential election begins to build, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee is ramping up efforts to express dissatisfaction with the current administration and to make a plea for change.

The committee is mounting a demonstration on Saturday “against the behavior of the Trump administration” from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Franklin on the sidewalk in front of the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central St.

It will be the group’s second protest held this month. The first was held June 15 and drew participants from Franklin and many neighboring towns, organizers said.

“We are part of a great effort across the country with several activist organizations, including moveon.org and indivisible.org,” said Sue Cass, a member of the Democratic Town Committee."

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demonstration on Saturday, June 15 (courtesy photo)

"The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling halting the inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census was cheered Thursday by state officials and advocates who said such a question could jeopardize an accurate count in Massachusetts.

In a 5-4 opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Commerce from asking Census respondents about their citizenship status, finding “a significant mismatch between” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ decision to add the question “and the rationale he provided.”

The court sent the matter back to the Commerce Department, seeking a new explanation.

Secretary of State William Galvin, who oversees the Census count in Massachusetts, and Attorney General Maura Healey, one of 18 attorneys general who sued the Commerce Department over the question, both urged the department to accept the court’s decision and prepare for a Census that does not ask about citizenship status."

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Learn more about the 2020 Census
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census.html

learn more about the 2020 Census