Franklin Commuter: new features on mbtatrains.com

mbtatrains.com now has alerts to give you more information about what's happening on the commuter rail! More details here.  Happy riding! You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website https://mbtatrains.com.

This has been my prime app to keep up with the issues on the wonderful Franklin Line. The only issue with the app (thus far) is that when things get real bad (as in the last couple of days), the app is good in showing the trains stack up. Unfortunately, once the trains run too late, the MBTA stops sending an update. So the app is stuck with no data on a late train and all of a sudden the line clears when it is not really clear. The app folks are aware of this....

image from 2/2/16 with 4 trains stacked up at Ruggles

Franklin School for The Performing Arts Presents GREASE

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) presents an all-student production of the hit musical GREASE this Saturday, February 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Performances will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin.

The powerhouse Broadway musical, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, became a Hollywood movie classic starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. With iconic characters, '50s pop culture, and electrifying rock 'n roll style, the original high school musical includes high energy dance numbers and the hit songs “We Go Together,” “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “Born to Hand Jive.”

Performances are Saturday, February 6, at THE BLACK BOX 

The production features FSPA students in all levels of musical theater as the memorable teens of Rydell High, including greaser Danny, girl-next-door Sandy, the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. FSPA’s production of GREASE is directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell.

Featured cast members include Brian Barrett (Eugene) of Foxborough; Jason Barney (Roger), Julia Buccella (Patty Simcox, evening), Brooke Collins (Rizzo, afternoon), Kendra Dombroski (Sandy, evening), Aaron Frongillo (Danny), Collin Hancock (Vince Fontaine), Jocelyn Jones (Miss Lynch), Catherine LeClair (Frenchy, afternoon), Akira Ontsuka (Kenickie), Deanna Rivera (Jan, evening), Katharine Waples (Marty, afternoon), Caitlin Woodcock (Jan, afternoon), and Melissa Wyner (Cha-Cha, afternoon) of Franklin; Caroline Merten (Cha-Cha, evening) and Joey Soares (Sonny) of Hopedale; Sam Evans (Johnny Casino) and Colie Vancura (Sandy, afternoon) of Medfield; Maddy Williams (Frenchy, evening) of Medway; Katie Gray (Marty, evening) of Milford; Nicholas Steiner (T-Bird) of Millis; Mairead Nee (Patty Simcox, afternoon) and Griffin Wilkins (Doody) of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott (Rizzo, evening) of Wrentham.

GREASE is one of several FSPA all-student productions that will be staged at THE BLACK BOX from February through May. Others include the plays Metamorphosis and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves; the ballets Class Concert, Graduation Ball and Western Revelries; and a program of Opera Scenes and Arias.

Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For more information, call (508) 528-8668. To purchase tickets, visit www.FSPAonline.com. GREASE is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

FHS wrestling and girls hockey teams post wins on Tuesday

Wrestling

• King Philip, 21 @ Franklin, 49 – Final

FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey

• Franklin, 5 @ Ursuline, 1 – Final

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-020216/

Dr Putnam shares on the social class issues

These are my notes from the talk Dr Putnam presented on Tuesday as part of the SAFE Coalition meeting at Horace Mann Middle School.

Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the notes

Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH

chart showing the lack of diversity by income in residences

chart showing parental investments in their children

chart showing relationship of family dinners and extracurricular activities to income levesl 

chart showing community involvement ans social trust by income levels

family income matters more to get to college than the individuals ability

"There is reason for optimism"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Historically, Americans have not been very worried about income disparity," he said. "There's not a lot of resentment in America toward Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, on the assumption that we're all getting on the ladder at the same point." 

The problem, he said, is that class segregation has grown as well, meaning well-off and poor Americans are interacting less and less over the years. 

"Now, increasingly, Americans are concentrated in rich neighborhoods or in poor neighborhoods - fewer and fewer live in mixed or moderate income areas," Putnam said. "It even shows up in things like intermarriage rates; we tend not to marry people who we've not met."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160202/franklin-harvard-professor-speaks-at-horace-mann-school

Dr Anne Bergen talked with Dr Robert Putnam after his presentation

Health Management Programs Offered at the Hockomock Area YMCA

Right now, our country faces an epidemic of obesity and related chronic disease. In communities across the country, the Y is a leading voice on healthy living. The Y brings families together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families receive the support and resources they need to achieve greater health and well-being.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is at the forefront of preventing chronic disease through the non-profit organization’s health management initiative known as Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Programs showing measurable results in the fifteen communities it serves. Programs like the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and Enhance Fitness help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals diagnosed with or are at risk of a chronic disease.

Hockomock YMCA

The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. This 1-year program, consisting of 24 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. This classroom based program can be offered outside of YMCA walls in a community setting and is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator.

Did you know 86 million Americans (that’s 1 out of 3 people) are living with pre-diabetes but only 11% are aware since? The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based program designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. This 1-year program, consisting of 26 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. This classroom based program is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator and includes a YMCA membership. The Diabetes Prevention Program will be free of charge to any individual who is referred by a Sturdy Memorial Hospital-affiliated Practitioner through a grant provided by Sturdy.

Learn more by taking a simple 7 question lifestyle questionnaire at hockymca.org or stop by one of three informational sessions in the next month. A director from our Health Innovation team and the Program Coordinator will be available to discuss the program and answer any questions. Diabetes Prevention Program informational sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday, February 3rd at 5:30pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro
• Thursday, February 4rd at 10:15am at the North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro
• Thursday, February 11th at 12:15pm at the Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin

For more information about the Diabetes Prevention Program please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-772-1310.


The Hockmock Area YMCA is also encouraging community members to stop by to try a free Enhance Fitness Class. Enhance Fitness is an evidence-based program designed to safely increase participants' fitness levels through aerobic and strength training exercises while building a sense of community and social connectedness among class members. Enhance Fitness has been proven to increase participants' strength, balance, flexibility, mood, general activity level, and independence when they attend on a regular basis. This program meets three times a week and is beneficial for older adults, but has been deemed particularly safe and effective for adults living with arthritis. Class is free to YMCA members and $100 for non-members for a 16-week session. Enrollment is ongoing and you can join at any time. For more information, call Vickey Marini at 508-772-1310 or email vickeym@hockymca.org.

Through March, stop by and try a class for free! Session enrollment is ongoing and classes currently meet:

• Monday, Wednesday Friday at 11:00am at the Bernon Family Branch, Franklin (45 Forge Hill Rd)
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 12:15pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch (64 Mechanic Street)


The Hockomock Area YMCA has the following additional supportive programs for individuals and for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or donnah@hockymca.org.

• MS Wellness for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis
Tuesdays, 10:00am at the North Attleboro Branch beginning in March

• Post Cardiac Rehab for individuals who have completed a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Groups beginning in all branches through March

• Exercise is Medicine for individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes

Thursdays, 7:00am at the North Attleboro Branch in February
Thursdays, 1pm at the Bernon Family Branch, Franklin beginning in February


• PAC for youth with a high Body Mass Index (BMI)

Tuesdays,6:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch in February Programs at our Invensys Foxboro Branch and Bernon Family Branch, Franklin in March

• LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program for Cancer Survivors
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch in February
New programs will begin based on interest

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

Senator Ross: January 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, It has only been one month, but 2016 is off to an exciting start. This newsletter is packed with Beacon Hill updates on Governor Baker's State of the Commonwealth, the FY17 budget, pertinent legislation, as well as my recent trip to Colorado. I am also once again hosting Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Seminars all across my district. The full schedule can be found below. As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas--please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, CHARLIE BAKER'S STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH ADDRESS It is hard to believe that Governor Charlie Baker has been in office for a year already. Over the past twelve months, he has brought many difficult and important issues to the forefront of our legislative agenda and has placed party polarization on the backburner in order to produce real, meaningful change.   I had the honor of witnessing Governor Baker's first State of the Commonwealth address. In his first year alone Governor Baker has tackled the MBTA and our beleaguered transportation system, the opioid epidemic, challenges at DCF, all while entering office with a $765 million budget shortfall. His hands-on approach to solving problems and fiscal discipline are what make him such an admirable leader of the Commonwealth. In his address, he highlighted the need to prioritize lifting the cap on charter schools, continuing to combat the opioid epidemic, expanding the use of hydropower, while continuing to invest in our cities and towns. There is much more we need to accomplish in 2016, but I'm looking forward to continuing to work with this administration and my colleagues in the House and Senate to better serve the people of the Commonwealth. You can read Governor Baker's full remarks here.

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