Youth Employment In Massachusetts and Nationwide

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Youth Employment - In Massachusetts and the U.S. Here in Massachusetts, close to 1 in 7 young people is unemployed. Nationwide, 6.5 million "disconnected youth" are out of school and also out of work. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, "Youth and Work: Restoring teen and young adult connections to opportunity," describes the many challenges today's youth face as they look to enter the job market. A separate issue brief from MassBudget, "Youth and Work in Massachusetts," provides more focused information about youth employment in Massachusetts. At the state level, we find that: The unemployment rate among young adults (16-24) has more than doubled since 2000. High School dropout rates have been improving, but significant disparities remain for low-income students, students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency. Funding for higher education--which helps provide a path towards good jobs--has declined 30% since 2001. The national KIDS COUNT report also tracks the growing population of "disconnected youth"--meaning young adults aged 16 to 24 who are out of work and also out of school. Since 2000, the number of disconnected youth has increased by over 30% nationwide; and in Massachusetts, the numbers have grown from 92,000 to 134,000. As the report details, "youth who miss out on an early work experience are more likely to endure later unemployment and less likely to achieve higher levels of career attainment." Read YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS AND THE U.S. Visit our FACEBOOK PAGE to share these reports, along with your thoughts. 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

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Sexual assault investigated at Dean College in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sexual assault investigated at Dean College in Franklin

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 12/3/12

Local authorities are working with Dean College police to investigate a sexual assault on campus that reportedly occurred late Saturday night. The suspect is not affiliated with the school and was staying on campus as a guest, according to Gregory Chalk, a spokesman for Dean College. "Student safety is a top priority for Dean College," Chalk wrote in a statement Monday. "As of right now, we believe this to be an isolated incident with no immediate threat to our Dean community."

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A better cell phone service map

Instead of compiling the data on cell phone coverage in our spreadsheet, another loyal reader points us to sensorly.com/

The various carrier services are mapped out so it helps to see where the coverage is in relationship to where your residence is.

Verizon 4G for 02038, 12/3/12 6:00 PM

This screen shot above depicts the Verizon 4G coverage for 02038.

I'll suspend the spreadsheet we started earlier today and recommend that all who want to participate use this instead. It is so much better!

Go to sensorly.com!

12 Days of Donating: Day 4

On Day 4 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In April, there was a whole lot going on. Construction on the Big Y, Earth Day,and candidates began lining up to  fulfill Rep Jim Vallee's seat. You can find all that happened during the month in the archives here. The major news item I'll take away from the events during April will be the annual Franklin budget discussion.

The process starts in the fall with each department putting together their capital requirements.  As they do this, the department also starts working on their operational budget. The department managers work with Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, and Susan Gagner, Comptroller, to put together the overall budget. The budget document then is reviewed in a series of budget hearings with the Finance Committee followed by usually a two night budget hearing with the Town Council.

I find it disturbing that other than the department managers and a few key Franklin officials, generally the Franklin residents and voters do not participate in these budget hearings. This is where the priorities are set. This is how the decisions are made on what Franklin will do with the money it does have.

So what does the budget process have to do with "12 Days of Donating"? The money and food collected during this period help the Franklin Food Pantry serve our neighbors. When Franklin comes together and takes action, we can accomplish a great deal. This is one example of what makes Franklin a place that matters! When we give of ourselves, with whatever contribution we can make, to the 12 Days of Donating, we will be helping our neighbors.

The snow has already melted, but it will return!

The Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Cell phone service survey

Prompted by a conversation among Franklin residents on Facebook, this survey will attempt to gather some data on the quality of cell phone service here in Franklin, MA. Please fill in the survey and share with your Franklin friends and neighbors. The more responses we get, the better the data will be to tell our story to the cell phone companies.

Updated 12/3/12 6:00 PM

The survey here has been suspended. A loyal reader found a better site to use.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/a-better-cell-phone-service-map.html



Thank you for submitting your info, please share with your Franklin friends and neighbors!

Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2012

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2012 with the following agenda:

"Parents Night Out" - Dec 7

Girl Scout troop 80637, comprised of High School aged girls, is pleased to announce “Parents Night Out”; an opportunity for parents to leave their children with the Girl Scouts on Friday, December 7 2012 from 6pm to 10pm at the Franklin VFW on Pond Street. The children will be entertained with holiday themed activities such as crafts, games and snacks. Many of the troop members are certified babysitters and CPR/first aid trained adult supervision will also be present. Boys and girls who are potty trained through elementary age are welcome. The cost per child is $20. Space is limited. To pre-register, email the ages and names of children, along with the parent contact information to troop80637@gmail.com.

Girl Scout troop 80637 is raising funds to cover expenses incurred for troop activities and for costs associated with girls who are earning their Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9-10) and Ambassadors (grades 11-12) can earn. The award is designed to be completed by an individual girl who completes two Senior or Ambassador journeys or completes one Senior or Ambassador journey and has earned a Girl Scout Silver Award. Once the prerequisites are completed, the Girl Scout will plan and perform an individual take action project relating to an issue that she cares about. The completion of the project will make a lasting difference in the local community, region, or beyond.

Girl Scouts is a value-based organization that helps girls build strong interpersonal skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility. Girl Scouts is an affordable option for families and offers financial assistance. For more information or to sign-up please visit www.hergirlscouts.org or call 888-9-GIRL-SCOUT.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts serves more than 40,000 girls ages 5-17 and 17,000 adult volunteers in 178 communities across Eastern Massachusetts with the mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts provide girls with the opportunity to DISCOVER their world, CONNECT with and build an understanding for others and TAKE ACTION to make the world a better place. Girls are guided by committed and caring adults who make learning fun. Girl Scouting helps each girl achieve her personal leadership pathway to the future. The Girl Scouts organization has a rich history and has been the nation’s leading expert on girls for nearly 100 years.

Reminder: Franklin High School Winter Concert - Silent Auction

The Franklin High School Winter Concert will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 4th at the Thomas D. Mercer auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 214 Oak Street. This highly anticipated event promises to be a warm and festive evening for music students, their families and the community. Concertgoers will enjoy performances by the Franklin High School Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Leighanne Rudsit, as well as the Chorus, Select Chorus and A Cappella groups directed by Michael Sansoni. A selection of classic and contemporary pieces will be performed, and the 2012 music scholarship winners will be recognized.

The Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. will once again be hosting a silent auction and reception at the concert. Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Last year many generous area businesses as well as music students, their families and faculty members donated items and refreshments for the auction which was highly successful, raising over $2,500. Through fundraising efforts such as this throughout the year, the Music Boosters sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, and provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings for music students.

Silent auction bidding will begin at 6:30 when doors open, and resume at intermission when complimentary refreshments will also be served. Donations of auction items and refreshments for this year’s event are still being accepted. Area businesses and individuals who wish to donate please contact Cindy Gleichauf, 508-397-5204 or cindygleichauf@gmail.com. For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.

Franklin Police: Coat and Food Drive

The Franklin Police Safety Division is sponsoring a coat and food drive. They are seeking new or gently used winter coats, gloves, hats as well as non-perishable food items.



Please bring items or a monetary donation to:

Franklin Police Department

911 Panther Way

Franklin, Ma

The drive will be held from December 1st to December 31st

12 Days of Donating: Day 3

On Day 3 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In March, the big talk around Franklin was the vote on the new high school. Many voices of Franklin were heard and generally in a civil discourse around the pros and cons of a new high school. The vote was held on March 27 and with 9971 voters turning out, it rang up with 7988 for and 1982 against.

An architectural rendering view of the new science labs

The full set of posts around the high school building project can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

This collection will continue to be updated as construction on the building makes progress towards the opening in the fall of 2014.

So what does the new high school have to do with 12 Days of Donating? 
I think it shows that Franklin can come together, have a good discussion and take action. These qualities are what makes Franklin a place that matters! When we applies these qualities to the 12 Days of Donating, we will be helping our neighbors.

The Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 5, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 18, 2012

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Stella Jeon

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - Caterina Colson
2013-2014 Election Workers


F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Location and Alteration of Premises - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
2013 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-82: Legal Notices
2. Resolution 12-83: 2013 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
3. Resolution 12-84: Southern New England Trunkline Trail Multi-Community Joint Planning Resolution

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The full set of documents for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/120512.pdf

Power 88 Rock Radio Station in Franklin Providing Dean College Students Practical Experience Behind the Microphone

Power 88 Rock Radio Station in Franklin Providing Dean College

Students Practical Experience Behind the Microphone

Franklin, MA – In the world of Higher Education, it is widely agreed that the more hands-on, out-of-classroom experience a student can gain, the better prepared they are to reach their career goals after college.  Luckily for students in Dean College's communications program, Dean College operates a 175 watt; Arbitron rated radio station serving a twenty mile radius.

Power 88 Radio Station has a state-of-the-art studio broadcasting from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. With some of the most advanced equipment in the industry, along with the equipment and capability to broadcast remotely, students of Dean are very involved in maintaining the quality and success of the professionally run radio station. Very recently, Power 88 achieved a 0.1 arbitron rating, meaning the station had at least 24,000 listeners at a given time.

Students of Dean are presented a unique opportunity as on-air talent, program directors, producers, and interactive media coordinators at Power 88. Their role within the radio station is guided by professionals with many years of radio experience, and students' duties fall in line with their future career goals.

Edward Leeseberg is a junior in the Communications program at Dean College, though being from Franklin, he is no stranger to Power 88.

"In an ideal world, my dream job would be to be starting as on-air talent and hopefully moving up the ladder at a radio station similar to WZLX or WAAF in the Boston radio market," said Leeseberg.

Understanding student needs to achieve their career goals in the ever-changing media world, Communications Arts program Coordinator Tom Shaker and Power 88 General Manager Vic Michaels encourage student involvement, and in some cases, build it into Dean classes and curriculums.

Power 88 carries 175 watts behind it, meaning it can be heard from as far away as twenty miles from Franklin, Massachusetts, as well as around the world via internet streaming.  Click here to stream power 88 on your computer. Click here to visit Power 88 on Facebook.

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About Power 88:

Power 88.3FM is a rock radio station broadcasting from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. The station has 175 watts behind it and has a radius of approx. twenty miles surrounding Franklin. Power 88 is professionally run and student staffed featuring a wide-range rock format. Power 88 is 100% commercial free.

A fish story of a different sort in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

A fish story of a different sort in Franklin

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Julia Spitz/Daily News staff on 12/1/12

"Bo is a famous fish,'' said his owner, Judy Weinberg. "He won the whole circuit'' in 2009, including the Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies' William T. Innes Award for accumulating the most points in member societies' shows.

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12 Days of Donating: Day 2

On Day 2 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In February, while the big news was that the Town Council set the date for the debt exclusion vote for the new Franklin High School, that seemed to overshadow the Library being decertified by the MA Board of Library Governors.  We will spend more time on the new high school in March but for now recall the issue of the Library decertification.




First word came from outside
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/franklin-public-library-decertified.html

The "Municipal Appropriate Requirement" became a new term to understand
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/municipal-appropriation-requirement-mar.html

The MDN gets into the issue
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/urge-restoration-of-funding-to-franklin.html

Digging back into the Budget cycle for FY 2012 didn't reveal much discussion about the cuts that were made
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/in-news-library.html

The Library was recertified early in April. 
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/in-news-library.html

During the decertification period, the Library was open to all but the lending of books were only available to Franklin residents. Franklin residents were also prevented from obtaining materials from the interlibrary loan program. Franklin has applied for a new waiver from the MAR requirements for FY 2013 and we won;t find out until later if that will be approved.

So how does this related to the 12 Days of Donating? Money, it all takes money. From the Franklin budget to our personal budget to feed and fund our family life, money is a key resource. The Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

"a cause to rally around"

The Franklin Food Elves are back for another round of "12 Days of Donating". The Milford Daily News reports on their efforts for the Franklin Food Pantry:

"It’s not the stereotypical family coming in here," Sottile said. "It’s the neighbors; it’s the people who are working. You could have both parents working and still not make enough money to provide." 

Erin Lynch, the food pantry’s developmental director, said Friday the drive brings in the whole town. 

"We love to see the community come together on this," Lynch said. "You can always accomplish more together. This event shows that when you work as a team, you can maximize your resources for the greatest results." 

She added, "When you look at the ways something like this benefits the community, it’s not just the recipients here at the food pantry: It’s any organization that needs help. When you have kids learn they can make a difference, it benefits everybody."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719500551/Franklin-food-elves-back-for-another-year-of-giving#ixzz2DnulQDdm

More about the Food Elves and the Franklin Downtown Partnership
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2012/11/food-drive-kicks-off-thursday.html

Disclosure: I am honored to lead the Board of the Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and thoroughly approve of the efforts of the Franklin Food Elves. Franklin does matter!

You made the Holiday Stroll a great success!

from Lisa Piana Executive Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership:

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Holiday Stroll last night.. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 4th Annual Holiday Stroll in downtown Franklin yesterday. Visitors were treated to hot chocolate, carols, handbells, arts and crafts, wreaths, a visit from Santa, stories from Mrs. Claus, lighted trees, gingerbread cookies, holiday music and much more! The Stroll was made possible by our generous sponsors and the tireless efforts of co-chairs Cindy Kozil and Roberta Trahan and a large number of volunteer elves. Many thanks to our Gold Sponsors Dean Bank and DCU Silver Sponsors D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Local Town Pages Franklin and Middlesex Savings Bank and Bronze Sponsors Franklin Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and Simon's Furniture We also thank the Franklin Police Department who skillfully kept traffic moving and Strollers safe. And to DPW who made the downtown look so good.

Preschool Exploration Open House

Franklin, MA – Dean College Children's Center will host an Exploration Open House on January 14, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents of preschool children ages 2 ½ years old through 5 years old are encouraged to stop by during exploration hours, bring their child to explore the school, and learn about our program.

Innovative and progressive, the school is NAEYC accredited and well known in the community for an excellent preschool experience. Dean Children's Center has an adult to child ratio of 1:5 and has credentialed teachers as well as teachers-in-training. The center has a professional, caring environment where young children learn through hands-on exploration and enjoy enrichment programs in science, puppetry, music and dance.

Applications are now being accepted for preschool enrollment. An NAEYC Accredited program, the Children's Center serves as an inspiring environment for children and a lab school for Early Childhood Education at Dean College. Dean Children's Center uses a developmental approach which reflects education research in child development and peer conflict resolution. "We are a regional resource to parents and educators on peer conflict resolution in young children and our lab school is a demonstration site for best practices in early education of children" states Director Faith Nickolas.

Dean College Children's Center located at 144 School Street in Franklin. For more information, call 508-541-1598. 

Man suffers serious injuries in fall from tree in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Man suffers serious injuries in fall from tree in Franklin

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 11/30/12

A man was flown by medical rescue helicopter Friday morning to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after a fall from a tree, fire officials said.

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12 Days of Donating: Day 1

On Day 1 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In January, the Historical Museum celebrated the birthday of Benjamin Franklin. Vera Meyer returned to glass the glass harmonica which had been one of Ben's inventions.



You can view additional photos from the birthday party here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/historical-museum-photo-essay-jan-29.html


The Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Alan Procknow: Franklin's Industrial Revolution

Alan Procknow, a senior majoring in History at Dean College, presented this study during the Holiday Stroll at the Franklin Historical Museum, Thursday Nov 29, 2012.

Franklin's role in the industrial revolution presentation from Franklin Matters

The Franklin Historical Museum web page can be found here:
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/

or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FHM02038