"In the midst of the migrant crisis, there is opportunity: thousands of new arrivals eager to find jobs that employers around the state are desperate to fill.And these mutual needs are starting to be met. Migrants living in at-capacity emergency shelters are trickling into the workforce: packaging cooking oil in Ayer; caring for patients with developmental disabilities in Waltham; gearing up to clean hospital rooms in Salem.But getting to that point has required a massive undertaking. After holding clinics to speed up the work authorization process, the state launched a job skills training program that allows migrants living in shelters to start learning — and earning a stipend — while they wait for the US government to issue them work permits, and just announced two new hires dedicated to connecting migrants with jobs. Workers from MassHire Career Centers are going into shelters to connect migrants with English classes and help them find jobs. And employers are opening their doors to shelter residents — donating space for training sessions and even hiring translators to assist new hires.Salem Hospital has offered housekeeping jobs to six Haitian migrants living at a shelter nearby on the campus of Salem State University, and filling them would be a major milestone."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
"Migrants want to work. And employers want to hire them"
Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success" Program Donates to Boston's St. Francis House
The often-taken-for-granted suit or dress clothes hidden away in the back closet and only occasionally seeing the light of day may seem to some like an unfortunate necessity. However, for those looking to regain self-sufficiency, quality clothing can be that extra push they need and help them on the path to success.
"These clothes will be put to good use and appreciated by the thousands who come to St. Francis House each year for a fresh pair of clothes in times of need," said Keri Thomas, St. Francis House Vice President of Programs and Services. "It is so valuable and necessary in getting individuals ready for the next step and help them to become more independent."
St. Francis House's mission is to rebuild lives by providing refuge and pathways to stability for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. They aim to transform lives using a holistic approach to understanding and addressing behavioral health, housing, and employment needs.
Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success" |
Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success" |
Register O'Donnell remarked, "It is my great pleasure to deliver these clothing donations to Boston's St. Francis House on behalf of the residents of Norfolk County. I thank all those who donated to our 'Suits for Success' program, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation to their local nonprofit organization. Organizations like the St. Francis House are truly needed and are a great resource for the community."
St. Francis House has been aiding the community since 1984. They provide a range of services, including clinical care, behavioral health services, and job counseling. They also offer food, clothing, and affordable and low-threshold housing to those in need.
"Donations like this help ensure the physical and emotional safety of our guests and assist in the process of changing the trajectory of their lives and moving beyond homelessness," said Thomas. "It offers choices to people who have had total control of their lives taken away, and this is the final touch that can help individuals land a job and help them on their path to becoming self-sufficient.
Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has distributed more than 11,200 articles of clothing to local charitable organizations.
The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register O'Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish's Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, InnerCity Weightlifting and New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. The mission of "Suits for Success" is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.
"During the past decade, we have learned that programs like 'Suits for Success' work," said O'Donnell. "This program has given many people a valuable resource to help them on the path to success and may ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency. It is rewarding just to help others in our community who may be looking to take that next step in a search for a job or just have a suit to go to a wedding or other event."
If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Monday, January 15, 2024
"if America is to be a great nation (Yes), this must become true" (video)
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. (My Lord, No, no, no, no) [applause] We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."
The full text of the speech can be found here: https://freedomsring.stanford.edu/?view=Speech
TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video)
"We’ve come to expect, during winter in New England, being able to get out and drive around, even in the middle of a snowstorm. Town and city DPW’s are using more and more road salt to keep us safe from ice and snow. But after a storm, that salt hasn’t disappeared. As the snow melts, the salt will be washed away and into our groundwater and soils. High levels of sodium chloride in the environment are dangerous to plants and animals, corrosive on our cars and infrastructure, and increase health risks to humans.In this episode, Franklin, Massachusetts DPW director “Brutus” Cantoreggi describes how he has to manage both keeping the roads safe from ice and providing clean, salt-free drinking water to the residents. Highway Superintendent Carlos Rebelo describes the DPW’s efforts – technological, policy, and communal – to reduce how much salt they put down in the winter."
Video link -> https://vimeo.com/873725151/37d37e904c
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TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video) |
Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory
To complete the survey and submit your inspection findings, please visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/013052aa261942bf8fd7050476189e64
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Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory |
FHS Gymnastics makes progress
FHS Gymnastics makes progress |
So proud of this team! Keep working hard it's all starting to come together!!
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Jan 15, 2024
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Events for Ben Franklin Book Week January 14-21, 2024
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Ben Franklin Book Week |
The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)
FM #1136 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1136 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the forthcoming Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher.
Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, starting as a pop up or mobile museum for now to help build interest and community excitement.
There are opportunities to help volunteer and contribute in other ways as well as financially. The show notes contain links to their web page with their pop up schedule and contact and contribution forms.
Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1136-childrens-museum-franklin-starts-with-popups-01-10-24--------------
Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/
Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin
a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director
b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-05_-_termination_of_and_dedication_into_the_opioid_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf
a. Migrant Housing Update
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
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Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting |
FHS wrestling go 2-1 at Algonquin Quad meet on Saturday
Nifty move by Julia Flynn moving the puck out from behind the net then putting it short side for the 🚨. Panthers trail 3-1 in the second.Dennett to Flynn through the neutral zone. Julia finds top corner far side. Panthers trail 4-2.Julia Flynn picked up a loose puck in the D zone, took it the length of the ice and finished strong
Good day of wrestling in Algonquin, Franklin goes 2-1 with a wins against Westford Academy 57-21 and Algonquin 54-27 and a loss too West Springfield 48-34.Pins from Charlton(1), Nash(2), Caccevelli(3), Sauer(2), Carlucci (2), Griffen(1),Rosenberg (2), Lawler(2), Large (2), Pritoni (2), Francois(1). OW goes to Roman Caccevelli with 3 pinshttps://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1746237040411251177
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FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
Franklin TV: PEG in a Nutshell – 10
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On-demand Streaming Video (SVoD) industry |
Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm.And – as always – thanks for watching.
Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM
All Franklin residents are invited!
The next monthly Veterans' Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us.
Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.
For more information, please contact the Veterans' Services Office: (508) 613-1315.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-council-meeting-january-18-2024-700-pm
The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition
Via Ted Cormier-Leger:
Parents, LGBTQ teens and Allies- here is an exciting new opportunity in Franklin thanks to my friends at the Safe Coalition.
Contact them directly for more information -> info@safecoalition.org
The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition
Mental Health Crisis series continues with discussion on Franklin Police response
"Yesterday (1/09/24) Clinicians Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner joined Dr. Anne Bergen for an interview on Franklin TV.
They discussed the new Franklin Police Co-Response Program, what it’s like working alongside police officers, how they assist us on calls, trends they're seeing in our community, and how they can close the gap on those who need services."