MassBudget: What's the State of Working Massachusetts, this New Year

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. State of Working Massachusetts 2012 2012 has now ended, and workers in Massachusetts are still trying to dig themselves out of the economic hole caused by the "Great Recession." The New Year's update of MassBudget's "State of Working Massachusetts" describes the current economic landscape, along with some of the long-term trends affecting workers and their families. As has been the case for several years now, economic growth remains too slow to restore the losses experienced by workers. In Massachusetts--as across the nation: The latest data show that median income actually fell between 2010 and 2011. The unemployment rate remains significantly higher than it was when the recession began. When we compare Massachusetts with other states, however, we find that workers here continue to fare better than workers elsewhere. Incomes remain higher, poverty rates are lower, and even when the recession was at its most severe, our state economy was outperforming most. Read Our New Year's Snapshot. IN 7 CHARTS: TODAY'S STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Read The Complete STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Note: The State of Working Massachusetts is an ongoing project of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. A full version is released each January, but different parts are updated at different times during the year--depending on when new data becomes available. Through each iteration, much of the structure remains the same, as do our descriptions of measures that have not changed. 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

When are the Christmas Tree pickups for Franklin?

Per the DPW Calendar, Christmas trees will be picked up on your normal trash pick up day during the week of Mon, Jan 7 through Fri, Jan 11.


You can view the calendar online on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01A12FFA-000F8513

What should the #1 goal for Franklin be?

Happy New Year!

As we start the new year, goals and New Year's resolutions are made. Let's collect what you think the #1 goal for Franklin should be.

Annual Report 2012: Housing Authority

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing
Authority held on April 9, 2012.

George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Mark A. Teehan, Assistant Treasurer
John R. Padula, Commissioner

FHA STAFF
Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
Diane Lamoureux, Administrative Assistant
Melva Jackson, Office Clerk
Candice Day, Office Assistant
Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
William Pizzi, Maintenance Laborer
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Groundskeeper
Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A total of 32 water closets (toilets) were replaced with efficient low-flow units at the FHA in June at 45 Winter Street. Funding for this project came through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program. By replacing 32 water closets, Franklin Housing Authority will look forward to a reduced water consumption and therefore a reduced water/sewer use expense.

In 2011, Franklin Housing Authority replaced 67 water closets at Central Park Terrace. We have begun to
calculate our savings and we expect to reduce our water/sewer bill by approximately $10,000 annually.
This money will give FHA a greater ability to maintain our units.

Also, through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program, FHA completed an energy audit that resulted in the replacement of 28 old refrigerators with new energy star units for our family residents Additional improvements, during the 2012 FYI include replacement of three roofs, repairs to catch basins, replacement of electrical panels and upgrade of electrical outlets. All of these projects were primarily funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development with Formula Funding. We work diligently to put to good use any funding for improvements from the department.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low
income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a
four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support. Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority has been awarded $1,250,000 for the development of an additional Chapter 689 housing facility. Chapter 689 housing is reserved for mentally challenged adults and will be overseen by the Department of Mental Retardation. We have secured a suitable site for this development on Plain Street. Further the designer; Winter Street Architects has been approved and has begun the design phase of this development. This development will be seeking design approval from the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Commission.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Commissioner John Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express
their thanks and appreciation to the following:

The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.

Franklin Senior Association Members:

Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
Evelyn Mucciarone, Member at Large

This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.

Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.

Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and
specialized services.

Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.

Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.

Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative James Vallee, U.S. Congressmen James McGovern, and Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.

Governor Patrick for his relentless support of Massachusetts public housing.

Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.

Dean Bank for the donation of a wide screen television, blue ray and several movies to our Senior Community Hall and Senior Association.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life
for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, PHM, Executive Director


from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Just Label It

The start of the New Year usually brings about a new diet or resolution to improve one's health. This video lays out the issues with food labels, or lack there of and what action can be taken to get better labeled food.

One step to better health!




Additional info can be found on the Just Label It website  http://justlabelit.org/

One of many ways to eat healthy is to go with "Clean Eating"
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

Do you have a diet or process you follow to eat healthy? Please share

Franklin Library: new year, new program schedule

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Regularly Scheduled Programs

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 12/31/12

FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

A New Year means NEWprograms at the Franklin Public Library! Our rollout of a new schedule and programs for children and teens begins on Monday, January 7^th, 2013.

Regularly Scheduled Programs

Mondays at 10:30 AM

Wee Read

This thirty minute storytime is for independent 3, 4, & 5-year-olds who are invited to attend "on their own." It features stories, songs, fingerplays, and other interactive activities to encourage reading and promote literacy. No registration is required.

Mondays at 3:30 PM

Krafty Mondays

For ages 6, 7 & 8, come to the library and see what original masterpieces you can make. A short story and different craft will be offered each week during this thirty minute program. Try crafting your own photo frames, doing creative doodling, making puzzles, and much more! No registration is required.

Krafty Mondays - January programs

"Get Framed!" 

Monday, January 7^th, 2013

You'll be the center of attention in the picture frame you create.

"We Make a Beautiful Garden"

Monday, January 14^th, 2013

Children, like flowers, grow in your beautiful mosaic.

"Get Carded!"

Monday, January 28^th, 2013

Make your own personalized note cards.

Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Mother Goose on the Loose

Each thirty minute session uses nursery rhymes, songs, puppets, and more to promote the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is designed for children up to two-years-old along with their caregiver. No registration is required.

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

Terrific Twos

Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities for children who are two-years-old with their caregivers.  No registration is required.

Teen Advisory Board Begins Wednesday February 6^th, 2013 at 6:30PM in the Library

Calling all teens: this is your chance to tell us what to do! Please join us on the first Wednesday of every month 6:30PM. Come help us plan teen programs, choose library materials, and promote the library. We will provide the light refreshments. Membership on this board will look great on job and college applications. Open to all students in grades 6-12.

Thursdays at 10:30 AM

Story and Craft

Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 4 and 5 who are able to attend "on their own." This program lasts around 45 minutes. No registration is required.

Thursdays at 3:30 P M

Fun Club

This program is designed for tweens ages 8 to 12 years old and will feature different games, contests, and crafts each week. Come join us for some fun! No registration is required.

Fun Club - January Programs

Hobbit Party

Thursday, January 10^th, 2013

Have you seen the movie or read the book? Anyone can join in our celebration of The Hobbit. There will be trivia, games, and surprises at our first Fun Club event. No registration is required.

Game Night

Thursday, January 17^th, 2013

Just drop in to play a variety of board games and socialize in a relaxed setting. Registration is not required.

Get Creative

Thursday, January 24^th, 2013

Make your own scrapbooks or journals and decorate them with your creativity. No registration is required.

Minute to Win It

Thursday, January 31^st, 2013

Can you move a cookie from your forehead into your mouth using only the muscles in your face? Can you roll a ping-pong ball down a measuring tape and into a cup? Come try these and other challenges during Minute to Win It and win fun prizes!  Registration is not required.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Annual Report 2012: Health Department

Mission Statement
The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, the Franklin Health Department enforces a multitude of public health laws and regulations, and administers a comprehensive inspection program.

Inspections
The following list identifies the primary components of the department’s inspection program, and the total number of inspections and re-inspections conducted for each component.

* Food Service/Retail Food Inspection .......... 345

* Title V Septic System Plan Review and Installation/Repair,
Total Applications ......................................... 30
17 New, 13 Repairs, 12 Minor Repairs and

Approximately 125 Field Inspections Conducted.

* Chapter II Housing Code Inspection/
Re-inspections .............................................. 25

* Public Health Nuisance/Odor/Noise/Animal
Complaint Investigation................................. 55

* Semi-Public Pool/Spa Testing/Inspection
and Public Beach Testing ............................. 30

* Inspection and Licensing of Children’s
Recreational Camps ..................................... 10

* Tanning Salon Inspection ............................... 3

* Manicure/Pedicure Establishment .................. 6

Communicable Disease
As mandated by the State Department of Public Health, local health departments must report, investigate and track all communicable disease occurrences in their jurisdictions. The Franklin Health Department has had a long-term contract with the Milford Area Visiting Nurses to investigate and follow up reportable communicable diseases that occur in the community.

The following list depicts the reportable illness activity for fiscal year 2011-2012 in number of official cases:
Malaria ................................................................ 1
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ................... 1
Calicvirus/Norovirus ........................................... 2
Babesiosis .......................................................... 0
Campylobacter ................................................... 5
Hepatitis A .......................................................... 1
Hepatitis B .......................................................... 0
Hepatitis C ........................................................ 12
Lyme Disease, Confirmed ................................. 4
Meningitis ........................................................... 0
Streptococcus, Group A/B ................................. 2
E. Coli ................................................................ 0
Ehrlichiosis ......................................................... 0
Giardiasis ........................................................... 2
Salmonella Enteritis ......................................... 11
Bacterial Infection, Avium, Vibrio ....................... 0
Encephalitis ........................................................ 0
Cryptosporidiosis ............................................... 1
Legionellosis ...................................................... 2
Pulmonary TB .................................................... 0
Chicken Pox ....................................................... 6
Pertussis ............................................................ 4
Influenza A ......................................................... 0
Influenza B ......................................................... 0
Dog Bites ......................................................... 12
Cat Bites ............................................................ 4
Shigellosis .......................................................... 0
TB related .......................................................... 0
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ............................... 3
Yersinia .............................................................. 1
Dengue Fever .................................................... 0

Flu Clinics
In fiscal year 2011-2012, the Milford VNA held three seasonal flu clinics immunizing 117 residents. In addition, the VNA provided TB screening/ testing and case follow-up for a number of residents.

Licenses and Permits
The following is a comprehensive list of all permits/licenses issued by the Franklin Health Department during fiscal year 2011-2012. Most licensed/permitted activities require at least annual inspections as part of the permitting process.

Beaver Permits .................................................. 5
Burial Permits ................................................... 54
Bakery ................................................................ 4
Bottling ............................................................... 1
Catering ............................................................. 1
Cleaners/Laundromats ...................................... 1
Recreational Camps .......................................... 9
Demolition ........................................................ 10
Septic Installers ................................................ 47
Disposal of Offal ............................................... 33
Food Establishment ....................................... 105
Funeral Directors ............................................... 3
Infectious Waste ................................................ 1
Keeping of Animals .......................................... 15
Frozen Desserts/Ice Cream ............................... 7
Milk and Cream ................................................ 39
Milk and Cream Vehicles ................................... 5
Mobile Food ....................................................... 4
137
Pasteurization .................................................... 1
Private Wells (potable) ...................................... 3
Irrigation Wells ................................................... 2
Recycling ............................................................ 1
Retail Food ....................................................... 33
Stables ............................................................. 19
Manicure Establishment ................................... 16
Tanning Establishment ....................................... 4
Temporary Food ............................................... 15
Trench Permits ................................................. 23
Semi-Public Pools/Spas ................................... 27

Staff
The current Health Department staff is as follows:
David E. McKearney, R.S. Public Health Director
Virginia M. McNeil, Health Agent.

The Franklin Health Department wishes to thank all department heads and staff for their efforts in supporting and assisting the Health Department throughout the year.

Board of Health
The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the Health Department. The board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws, and review all site plans for compliance with local and state public health regulations. The board presides over administrative hearings in all matters concerning Health Department licensed and permitted activities. Board members are available for consultation on issues relative to the public health as well.

Bruce Hunchard, Board of Health Chairman
Donald Ranieri, Jr. Vice Chairman
Philip Brunelli, Board Clerk.

Hours of Operation
The Franklin Health Department office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and Friday from 8:00 to 1:00pm. Health Department personnel are available to meet with customers from 8-9:15AM and again from 3:15-4PM each day, or by appointment as
necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department


from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/