In the News: MA has first case of measles this year; Nursing homes closure threatens health care

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

MA has first case of measles this year

"John F. Enders is likely turning in his grave. 

Massachusetts in April reported this year’s first case of the measles, for which Enders created a vaccination more than 50 years ago. The deadly virus is making a comeback across the United States. 

“There is heightened concern,” said Dr. Lawrence Madoff, director of the Epidemiology and Immunization Division at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “The United States is seeing hundreds of cases this year – way above normal levels.” 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March said 387 measles cases were reported in 15 states, already exceeding the total from 2018. Massachusetts joined the list on April 1 when state officials reported the first case of 2019, and warned residents of potential exposure in multiple locations, including Braintree, Framingham, Hyannis, Plymouth and Waltham."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190403/heightened-concern-about-measles-in-massachusetts

# of measles cases reported by year (CDC)

Nursing homes closure threatens health care

"Almost three dozen nursing homes across Massachusetts are at risk of closing this year, threatening the ability of senior citizens to access needed care, an industry group warned. 

In recent months, 20 facilities have shuttered, and another 35 could do so by the end of the year if lawmakers do not act to close a $360 million annual funding gap, according to the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. 

MassHealth allocated an additional $25 million last fall to stabilize nursing homes, but the MSCA called for additional investment ahead of a Joint Committee on Elder Affairs hearing scheduled for Monday. 

“It is crucial that we continue this important progress and address the growing nursing facility workforce and funding crisis, which impacts all nursing facilities — not-for-profit, for profit and family owned,” MSCA President Tara Gregorio said in a statement. “However, significantly more is needed in order to prevent many regions of the state from losing core facilities.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190404/industry-says-35-nursing-homes-at-risk-of-closure-in-massachusetts

FTC Alerts: Ads for diamond jewelry should be crystal clear

Ads for diamond jewelry should be crystal clear by Bridget Small Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If friends know you're shopping for diamond jewelry, they may say, "Remember the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity and carat."  Here are three more important letters for jewelry shoppers: F-T-C. The FTC enforces laws against false advertising and created the Jewelry Guides, which show jewelry businesses how to avoid making deceptive claims.  FTC staff recently looked through diamond jewelry ads on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other sites to find out what shoppers are seeing. Read more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/04/ads-diamond-jewelry-should-be-crystal-clear?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Seniors - Sign up now for ArtWeek floral arrangement with Garden Club!

As part of the Town of Franklin’s ArtWeek activities, the Franklin Garden Club will partner with the Franklin Senior Center to sponsor a free, fun, hands-on floral arrangement workshop at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, May 3 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Each participant will create an arrangement to take home. 

No special skills are required and everyone will be able to do it. Franklin Garden Club members will provide simple design instructions and assistance. All containers and many different types of fresh flowers will be provided, along with refreshments. It is open to all seniors from Franklin and other communities. Advanced sign-up is required.

Participants must register by Friday, April 19. They may do so by either calling 508-520-4945 or in person at the Franklin Senior Center between 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. The Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin.

Franklin Garden Club Co-Presidents Susan Childers and Janet Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club looks forward to offering this ArtWeek activity. Seniors can have fun while creating a beautiful fresh floral arrangement to take home and enjoy for many days.”

Seniors - Sign up now for ArtWeek floral arrangement with Garden Club!

Hear what you are missing? - Apr 10 - 1:00 PM

The Franklin Senior Center is starting a new program to support individuals experiencing hearing loss. We will have a kick-off event next week.

The program will be available every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in a dedicated room here at the Senior Center to provide:

• Information, research, and referrals to hearing support services and agencies
• Information on the latest hearing assistive technology and equipment
• Information on hearing aids components and research on their effectiveness
• Behavior, communication and/or coping tips-n-tools for clients and family members
• Monthly support group meeting with guest speakers from a variety of hearing organizations

Please feel free to share this info with your clients/friends, and please join us at our Kick-off event: Wednesday, April 10, at 1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center


Print or download your copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NfuqmAIh2DUBMnFLzTlPpjNIBuWC_dPZ/view?usp=sharing

Hear what you are missing? - Apr 10 - 1:00 PM

Edgehill, Samuels recognized for HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

Jalen Samuels – Franklin – Forward

Jalen Samuels
(HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Jalen Samuels had his best season in his final year for the Panthers. Samuels was a force on both ends of the court, earning HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was second on the team with 12.5 points per game while leading the Panthers with 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He also had 3.0 assists and averaged a charge taken a game. “Jalen is the most well-rounded player I have ever coached,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “All throughout his time as a Franklin Panther he has filled the stat sheet in every possible way.




Chris Edgehill – Franklin – Guard

Chris Edgehill
(HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior Chris Edgehill had a memorable third season on varsity for the Panthers. He led the Panthers in scoring again this season( 16.5 ppg) while hauling in five boards and dishing out four assists per game. He scored his 1,000th point this season in a win over North Andover in February. “His ability to handle pressure and score in so many different ways really helped our team throughout the season,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “Scoring 1,000 points in your junior year is a really special accomplishment that shows how he has had sustained success here at Franklin.”

Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year

Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year
"Franklin senior Jalen Samuels has been named the HockmockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year for the 2018-2019 season, the eighth year the award has been given out. Samuels was also named the HockomockSports.com First Team. It’s the second straight season a Panther has won the award.

Samuels was a force on the defensive end for the Panthers, who finished the season as the best defensive team in terms of points against (48.9 points per game) and the lone team to average under 50 points against this season. Samuels was a big reason for that because of his versatility and ability to guard every position.

“Jalen is a next level defender who has always been ready to take on the challenge of opposing team’s best players regardless of their position,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “He has guarded and shut down explosive wing players, dominant big men and all players in between. He led our team in blocks, charges, steals, and rebounds and is always willing to put his body on the line to dive for a loose ball to get a stop. He allows his teammates to be extremely aggressive with their pressure on the ball, knowing that Jalen will be there on the back line to clean up the mess if they get beat off the dribble.

Continue reading the write up at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2018-2019/

For all the boys basketball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2018-2019/

FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams top Attleboro

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Apr 3, 2019


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 24 – Final
– The Panthers raced out to a big lead at halftime and never looked back. Franklin had 13 players register a point in the win, led by junior Kelsey MacCallum (five goals, two assists) and freshman Jackie O’Neil (two goals, four assists). Freshman Kenzie Baker scored four goals while freshman Jill Fenerty had a strong game in the midfield with six draw controls. Kyra Lyons, Sydney DiLiddo, and Rylee Fontes each scored for the Bombardiers.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-03-19/

FHS Panthers

FHS' Shea among HockomockSports.com's "Softball: Ten Players to Watch for 2019"

HockomockSports.com has published their "Softball: Ten Players to Watch for 2019" which features one player from FHS.


ALLY SHEA, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
"Franklin senior Ally Shea has been a consistent presence in the Panthers lineup since jumping in midway through her freshman season. The lefty batted .344 last season, which was down slightly from an even more prolific sophomore campaign, and finished with 22 hits. Shea has the power to find the gaps and rack up extra bases and defies expectations by being a hitter that likes to take the ball the other way. She loves to hit it through the hole between second and short and use the gap in left-center. 

The key for the Panthers will be getting more players on base ahead of her to get her up in more run-producing situations and with a strong core returning Franklin will see an opportunity for a return to the playoffs this spring. Shea is also a versatile player who can play catcher, first base and a little outfield when called upon, which makes her a mainstay in the Franklin lineup and allows flexibility for changes as the game goes along."

Read the full listing of softball players to watch 
https://hockomocksports.com/softball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2019/

FHS Panthers