Holiday Weekend: Travel Safely

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Holiday Weekend: Travel Safely

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 5/21/12

MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  The heaviest traffic is expected Thursday, Friday, and Monday afternoons and early evenings.  Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible avoid peak traffic volumes between 1pm and 7pm on those days.

Traffic is especially heavy at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and at Exit 11A, I-495, which handles cars headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine.

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers reports it has completed current work and all lanes on the Sagamore Bridge are now open through the Memorial Day weekend.  The Corps says all lanes will remain open through Labor Day, with the exception of one or two work setups during weekdays only later in the summer.

MassDOT will suspend all construction work on major arterial roadways from 12:00PM Noon on Friday, May 25 through the start of normal business on Tuesday, May 29.

Use MassDOT traffic resources available to assist motorists.  Before you travel, check the interactive live Traffic Cameras web page to view current traffic.

Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving.  Call into the 511 service before departing.

A reminder that the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers.  Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.   

To save time, money and gas, motorists who have not yet done so are encouraged to join E-ZPass (FAST LANE) to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths.

Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10 pm Monday night through 5 am Tuesday morning.
The MBTA will operate buses and subways on a Sunday schedule on Memorial Day.

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Election 2012: Jeff Roy Launches Campaign

Over 100 people gathered at the Franklin Elks on Tuesday to help Jeff Roy launch his campaign for the 10th Norfolk District. Chris Feeley, Paul Ravich, and Michael Doherty spoke in turn to introduce Jeff and provide some context for their support of Jeff in this effort.

Jeff talked of his year studying law at DePaul University in Chicago and how the "ticket to getting home was working hard". Each of the introductions also referenced Jeff's hard work in multiple areas.

He told the story of a college visit with one of his daughters and being stopped by a statue on one campus that was engraved "What are you doing for justice?" His work on this campaign will be to help answer that question. A recent speech provides a more complete version of the story and its impact.

Sparked by the loss of a couple of friends to cancer, he turned to the PanMass Challenge as "a way to channel those feelings, that energy, to do something good to fight cancer."

Jeff went on to highlight the three areas of focus for his campaign: jobs and the economy, quality education, and bringing civility back to government. He called for those gathered to "come together, work together to bring about a better life for us in MA."

For more about Jeff Roy and his campaign you can visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/ or his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jeffroyforstaterep


Note: this is not an endorsement of Jeff. As a reporter, I am looking to share accurate information for my fellow voters to create an informed decision for the 10th Norfolk district primary on Sep 6 and election on Nov 8.  As I have offered to candidates in prior Franklin elections, I will offer also to the candidates for the 10th Norfolk, the opportunity to have a full interview published here. As the campaign season progresses, I'll remind the candidates of the offer.

“These are really important presentations”

In an article on the School Committee meeting Tuesday, the Milford Daily News writes:

The Kennedy School presentation, and accompanying Keller-Sullivan Elementary School presentation last night, are part of an ongoing series of presentations the School Committee sees each week, from several school departments and buildings. 

Members also learned that the Kennedy School art program blends math and culture into the students’ art lessons, and that the children made art through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and weaving, as well as drawing. 

“I think one of the things about Kennedy that makes it special is its integration of the arts,” School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said. “Magic happens every day for students.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1982677358/Children-s-artwork-shown-to-school-board#ixzz1vgWmvBzr

Analyzing the Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013

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BUDGET MONITOR: The Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013 Last Wednesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2013. Our Budget Monitor shows how the proposal would affect each major area of state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues. The chart below highlights the different ways that the Governor, the House, and the Senate Ways and Means Committee would fill the state's $1.3 billion budget deficit. In order to balance the budget, the Senate Ways and Means proposal relies largely on cuts and savings. Much of that comes from MassHealth and other health accounts, but there are also meaningful cuts to Child Care and Human Services. For our complete analysis Read our Budget Monitor. MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Franklin Downtown Partnership: 2012 Strawberry Stroll

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

2012 Strawberry Stroll Press Release

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/22/12

Franklin's Strawberry Stroll to be Thursday, June 7

The Franklin Downtown Partnership expects to dish up more than 700 sweet, juicy strawberry shortcakes at this year's Strawberry Stroll on Thursday, June 7. The event will be held downtown from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine. 

The FDP's famous strawberry shortcakes will be served up by Dean Bank's branch staff in front of the bank on Main Street. Dean College volunteers expect to cut more than 160 quarts of red, ripe strawberries for the stroll. Garelick Farms will provide 4 cases of whipped cream to top off the mouth-watering dessert. 

"We sold out of our shortcakes last year thanks to all the families who came downtown to enjoy the afternoon and explore our shops and restaurants," says Nicole Fortier, event chairperson. "The whole idea of the Stroll is to enhance cohesiveness. We want to bring people and merchants together and get them engaged in the downtown." 

Sponsorship Row in the Berry Insurance parking lot will feature the event's backers. Platinum sponsor for this event is Dean Bank and silver sponsors are Dean College and Garelick Farms. Bronze sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates, CVS Pharmacy, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) and Keefe Insurance. Music will be provided by Music Odyssey Productions, and the Franklin Art Center will showcase self portraits by budding artists from the Franklin Children's School. 

Participating businesses throughout downtown plan sweet and spring-themed specials for the afternoon. Singer and guitarist Kevin Wolfe will be performing outside Pisini Shoes on Main Street. On East Central Street the band Yookeroo will perform at The Cake Bar. At Jane's Frames owner Jane Curran will show visitors how to create lively and fun home displays with children's framed art while local musician and music teacher Jamie Barrett entertains young and old and all those in between. 

The Historical Museum invites the public to its wedding gown display and refreshments on the porch, and A Cut Above will offer visitors lemonade and cookies along with giveaways. Vallee's Jewelers plans to buy back gold items at their shop on Main Street. Many other downtown businesses also are offering store specials and discounts. 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this popular event. For more information contact Event Chair Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com.  More information is also available on the Partnership's website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.com.  As a non-profit organization, the Downtown Partnership depends on sponsors to run events like this, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Partnership's mission is to stimulate economic development downtown in order to create a positive impact throughout the area, and to be a pro-active organization that brings residents, business owners and community leaders together, encourages cooperation and builds leadership for the purpose of revitalizing downtown Franklin. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

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In the News: tick season, film directors, scam warnings

State warns of tick season

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Hockomock Film Sprint invites budding directors

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

BBB issues Memorial Day scam warnings

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Summer Camp, Summer Programs & Community Campaign

Online Registration   |   Our Facebook Page   |  Our Website JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP! Enhanced Formula for a Super Summer at your Y! Click here to view our camps and download registration forms. * NEW Flexible Scheduling Options      * Enhanced Age-Appropriate Curriculum * Increased Communication to Parents * Healthy Lunch Options * NEW Adventure Teen Camps  click here for more info * NEW Horizons Integration Camp click here for more info * And many more exciting opportunities!  Click on your branch for more info on camp:  North Attleboro   Foxboro    Franklin Camp Directors, for questions: Lexi Allen (Franklin Branch), lexia@hockymca.org | 774.235.2752 / Ashli Phllips (Foxboro Branch), ashlip@hockymca.org | 508.772.1353 / Neal Beaupre (North Attleboro Branch), nealb@hockymca.org | 508.643.5219 / Emily Harrop (Mansfield Arts & Education Center), emilyh@hockymca.org | 508.699.8846 VIEW SUMMER PROGRAMS NOW Registration begins Tuesday, 5/29   Click here to view classes and plan your summer activities. We look forward to seeing you in classes this summer! Summer 1 Session Dates: June 25-July 29 Summer 2 Session Dates: Juliy 30-August 26 OUR CAUSE IS OUR COMMUNITY Reach Out for Youth & Families Phonathon  Next week, dedicated volunteers and staff will be calling, asking for your support of our Y's annual campaign, the Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign. The phonathon will take place at Dean College.  When you see Dean College on caller ID, it is your Hockomock Area YMCA calling. We look forward to talking with you! To-date, we are 70% to our goal of $650,000. Your gift is appreciated and will make the difference! We are able to work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors, just like Michael:

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