MassBudget: Massachusetts leads all states in health coverage

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Today's Census data shows healthcare coverage improved in U.S. and Massachusetts last year Massachusetts continues to lead all states Massachusetts is the national leader in providing health insurance coverage to its residents, thanks to health reform measures adopted a decade ago. Data released today by the U.S. Census Department and summarized in a new MassBudget report show the state's health insurance coverage rate in 2015 was 97 percent, up about half a point from 2014. The gap between Massachusetts' "nearly-universal" health care coverage and fully "universal" health care coverage gets smaller every year. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that last year only 2.8 percent of Massachusetts residents, 189,000 people, still do not have coverage. Nationally, the rate of uninsured was 9.4 percent, over three times higher. Today's data shows that there are 15 million fewer people without health insurance than when key provisions of the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2013. That is a remarkable policy accomplishment, and it started right here in Massachusetts. Our state led the way by creating near-universal coverage - and is a model for the nation.  Read more about today's new Census results in MassBudget's factsheet, including information showing how states that have expanded Medicaid are making some of the biggest health coverage gains. 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: substance abuse coalition planning, Temple to show movie, FHS improvement plan

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

"The Support for Addicts and Families through Empowerment (SAFE) coalition is engaging in strategic planning as the anti-substance-abuse group enters its second year. 

President James Derick said the coalition has been holding planning sessions over the past several months, looking to set goals for the coming six months, year and three years. 

"We've learned a lot," he said. "The first thing is that the community really needs help, and I think we've had some real success in that area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/franklin-safe-coalition-looks-to-future

"Temple Etz Chaim will invite the community to join for S’lichot at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the temple building, 900 Washington St., Franklin. 

The group will view the Oscar-nominated film “Footnote,” the story of a father and son, both Talmudic scholars. One is beloved and respected; the other is unpopular and ignored. Attendees will see what happens when one receives the honor the other has so desperately sought. 

Participants can watch the movie and join the discussion. For information: 508-528-5337."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/temple-etz-chaim-to-show-footnote

"High school officials discussed steps to improve - including a focus on social and emotional learning and the building's culture - at a School Committee meeting this week. 

The presentation, given by new Principal Paul Peri and Deputy Principal William Klements, was part of an overall discussion on school and district improvement plans at the Tuesday night session. The two said the school's plan had several areas in which to grow - social and emotional learning; building climate and culture; and communication were discussed. 

According to Klements, the school would be addressing social and emotional well-being through several avenues. He said personnel were collaborating with the district's School Wellness Advisory Council to look at mental health, physical activity and nutrition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/franklin-high-school-presents-improvement-plan

FHS Deputy Principal William Klements and Principal Paul Peri present to the School Committee

Franklin VFW announces Patriot's Pen - essay contest for grades 6 to 8

"This is our first year trying the Patriots Pen (grades 6-8). We've done the Voice of Democracy for several years. Our post winners are honored at our annual dinner in March, Rep. Roy is usually in attendance and sits with the winners and their family. They are presented with a small cash prize, a certificate signed by the Speaker of the Mass House, and a certificate from the Post. 

Post winners advance to the district competition (Franklin Post 3402 is a part of Norfolk District 5, which covers Norfolk county VFW Posts). District winners advance to the state level competition. And the state winner goes to nationals in D.C.

Patriot's Pen

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $54,500, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.

VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest

THE 2016-17 THEME IS: THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN

Students can ask a teacher or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Then students can contact a local participating VFW Post and establish a contact person who is a member of that Post or its Auxiliary.

Essays must be no less than 300 words and cannot exceed 400 words. They should be submitted to the Post, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form no later than the November 1 deadline.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points. You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.
• Theme development is worth 35 points. Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when and why. Relate the theme to your own experiences.
• Clarity of ideas is worth 35 points. Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.

Additional information can be found here http://www.vfw.org/PatriotsPen/


The entry form and brochure can be found here
http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFWorg/MY_VFW/PatriotsPenEntryFormandBrochure.pdf

In the News: Superintendent search firm chosen

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

"The School Committee has moved forward with its superintendent search, selecting the ECRA Group to conduct the process. 

The committee at its meeting Tuesday night heard from the Massachusetts Associations of School Committees, the last of three groups it had considered, then made its decision. It had previously interviewed the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) and ECRA - part of the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates - at its Aug. 23 meeting. 

James Hardy of the MASC noted that his group was a non-profit organization intended to provide committees with resources and advocacy. Hardy told the committee that a lot of the work in a superintendent search comes in the front end; a district must decide what skills it wants in a candidate before it can start seeking applicants. 

"That's why we spend so much time and effort at the very beginning of the process," he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160913/franklin-committee-selects-superintendent-search-firm

James Hardy from MASC presenting to the School Committee on Wednesday

The Franklin Matters notes reported in real time on the meeting for this topic can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/real-time-reporting-superintendent_13.html

FHS girls soccer tops Milford, cross country teams split vs Oliver Ames

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Tuesday

Girls Soccer

Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final

 – Miranda Smith scored a pair of goals for the Panthers and Nadia Havens recorded a goal and an assist. Halle Atkinson also had a goal for Franklin, while Ellie Teixeira, Abigail Gipson, and Emily Mastaj had assists. Ashleigh Starks played well in midfield for the Hawks, according to head coach Jay Mastaj.

Boys Cross Country

Oliver Ames, 25 @ Franklin, 30 – Final 

– Oliver Ames secured three of the top five spots to edge out the Panthers. OA’s Brent Schwartz won in 17:31 while Zane Reservitz finished fourth in 18:03 and Colin Herschlag was fifth at 18:05. Franklin’s Everett Henderson finished in second at 17:44 and Mike Hagen was third at 17:49.

Girls Cross Country

Oliver Ames, 32 @ Franklin, 23 

– Final – Franklin grabbed the top three finishes in the meet, securing the win over Oliver Ames. Nicole Clermont won the race in 19:58 with Kate Hartnett finishing second in 21:22 and Ella Gutkowski rounding out the top three in 21:51. Liz Peckham, Anna Loewald, Caroline McCarthy, and Jordan Rainville finished in the fourth through seventh places for OA.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091316/ 

FHS Panthers

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter provides a detailed report on the girls soccer game versus Milford

"Franklin girls soccer kicked off their home opener today at 3:30 against Milford. By 3:31, the Panthers were already up 1-0. 

Junior forward Miranda Smith stole the ball from a Milford defender and then netted a goal just seven seconds into the game. Franklin went on to score three more goals in a 4-0 win over the Scarlet Hawks. 

After the goal, the teams battled back and forth., Franklin threatened again in the 11th minute, but Milford goalkeeper Olivia Marshall made a save on Smith to keep the score at 1-0. Franklin maintained a slight possession advantage for the rest of the half but Milford continued to battle to keep the game close."

Read the full article here
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-starts-fast-finishes-strong-against-milford/

Blood Drive! - Saturday Sep 17

The American Red Cross Needs Our Help!

Team Fitness Blood Drive Saturday, September 17, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: CrossFit Studio 100 Franklin Village Drive             Help support The American Red Cross! Let's achieve our goal of collecting 35+ units of lifesaving blood! PLEASE MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! CLICK HERE Or visit www.redcrossblood.org  and enter sponsor code: TeamFitness Donors with the following blood types are invited to donate by our double red cell technology (2RBC):  O- , O+, A- , B-. There are height and weight requirements. To find out more click here . The Red Cross has launched a new tool called RapidPass, which allows you to complete your pre-reading and health history questions online from the comfort of your home or office. Reduce the time you spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes with RapidPass.  It's simple! 1.       Visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass 2.       Read the information 3.       Answer the questions 4.       Print the pass or email it to yourself Please note you must complete this on a computer; it will not work on a smart phone or tablet. You can only do this the day of the blood drive. Tips to boost your iron level:  Click Here Donor Eligibility Guidelines: Click Here or call 1-866-236-3276 Donation Tips:  Click Here The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the Zika virus. We ask that you not to donate if any Zika Virus exposures apply to you. Click Here We are asking you to return to donate blood 4 weeks after your last risk exposure. Please bring picture identification and remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin 100 Franklin Village Drive Franklin, MA 02038 508-541-8330

Team Fitness Franklin, 100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by tricia@teamfitnessfranklin.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Downtown Partnership: September 15: Agenda, Guest Speaker, Registration Deadline, SBA Seminar

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com General Meeting Agenda  Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda Thursday, September 15, 2016 Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am Campanella Board Room I.        Open Meeting                                                                  8:30 II.       Adoption of Agenda                                                         8:32 III.      Streetscape Update: Jamie Hellen/Jeff Nutting               8:35 IV. Harvest Stroll: Scott Martin 8:50 V. Gala Update: Jane Curran 9:00 VI. FDP Update: Lisa Piana 9:05 VII. Guest Speaker: Rod Crochiere 9:10   Owner of Social Media Management VIII. New Business 9:25 IX. Adjourn 9:30 This meeting will feature guest speaker Rod Crochiere, owner of Social Media Management. A new Franklin resident and Partnership member, Rod will present important information about posting to social media and its many benefits, as well as being safe about what you post. Learn about the different types of social media accounts, how to access them, how they can be used, and how to set up new groups. Rod has 17 years of experience in IT, with more than 10 years working for internet service providers, and he holds current network security certifications with Barracuda Firewall. Harvest Stroll Registration Deadline Thursday, 9/15 The deadline to register to participate in next month's Harvest Stroll is Thursday, September 15. Please download the Harvest Stroll Registration Form, complete and mail it with your check to the address on the form. Booths are free to FDP members, and $75 for non members. A late fee of $25 will be added to registrations received before September 25. Questions? Email Event Co-Chair Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org. Also on Thursday, September 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Town of Franklin, the SEED Corporation and the Small Business Administration offer loans to help you start or expand your business. Please RSVP to ensure your spot. Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org Connect with us:

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today