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