"a symbol of respect and sorrow"

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday ordered that the flags of the United States and commonwealth be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing - three of whom were killed and more than 170 others injured. 

From the Franklin Historical Museum to the Bellingham Fire Station and nearly every post office and school in between, lowered flags waving in the wind this week signify the grief. 

The order from Patrick stands until further notice, and applies to all state and administrative buildings, including town halls. 

President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all public buildings and grounds - from parks to schools yards - to fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday. He encouraged homes and businesses to do the same.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202903/Lowering-of-flags-helps-represent-grieving-communities#ixzz2QtsL75HU

Additional information about the US Flag code, how to care for it, display it, etc. can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

Franklin 5K - May 4

On Saturday, May 4th, make a difference not only in yourself, but in the community, at The Franklin 5K (formerly called Run for Bob). All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. What began as a way to honor the life and spirit of Bob Biagiotti, a member of the Hockomock Area YMCA who passed away unexpectedly, has evolved into an event celebrating children of all abilities – through this amazing 5K race.

Hockomock YMCA

Since she started the event 9 years ago, Kris Biagiotti has afforded local children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in programs and activities that would not have been offered otherwise. In a fashion similar to Dick and Rick Hoyt, who were honored at the 2012 Hockomock Area YMCA Legends Ball, Kris has participated in road races pushing her daughter Kayla in a stroller modified for her disabilities. Kayla enjoys it, and Kris can give back to local charities whose events they attend, including The Franklin 5K.

Since 2005, this 5K event has raised $75,000 for the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out for Youth and Families financial assistance program and the YMCA’s Integration Initiative. This Initiative at the Y began in 2004 to allow children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in social and recreational programs and activities. “Since its inception, the integration program has become a fabric of the Y culture,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed, no matter their ability or financial circumstance, in all of our programs and activities.”

Over 500 families have been positively impacted. In 2012, the Y hired its first full time Association Director of Integration. As summer approaches, more children than ever will enroll in New Horizons, the Y’s fully inclusive camp setting offered in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro.

Kris and Kayla, “The K Girls”, have a story which parallels Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father son team known for their enduring spirit, teamwork and commitment to individuals with special needs and disabilities. At a Hockomock Area YMCA event this past July at the TPC Boston, Dick Hoyt spoke to the youth of the Initiative. “Through efforts such as the Integration Initiative, disabled children will be afforded access to participate in athletic programs and activities.” Continued Hoyt, “The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves.”

When you come out on Saturday, May 4 at 10am, you will help to improve social skills, build self-esteem, increase physical activity and independence, and enhance mutual respect among people of all abilities.

Location for the event is Marsh & McLellan Companies, 431 Washington Street, in Franklin. The event will include kids’ activities, touch-a-truck, refreshments, silent auction, raffle, music, and more. Day of registration begins at 9am.

Register today by visiting www.hockymca.org. Those who register prior to April 27 will be given a free dry-fit shirt. The cost is $25 through April 26 and will increase to $30 afterwards.

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal.

The event is presented by Iron Mountain. To find out more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families program, Integration Initiative, or THE FRANKLIN 5K RUN • WALK • ROLL, contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or michaelb@hockymca.org.

Franklin Public Schools: Updates

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello By now we are all trying to make sense of the irrational tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon. This tragedy has touched our community as our many of our teachers,parents, neighbors and students were participants in this annual event. I know we will keep the victims in our thoughts and in our hearts. During these times channeling our actions into good can help us to remember that most of the people we meet are good and caring. We want to welcome a new community group that serves to help any member of our community who may need assistance. The Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a community of volunteers from Franklin dedicated to helping an making a difference. They are ready with a meal, a ride or to help with household errands. If you know anyone who needs a helping hand please reach our to the Franklin Neighbor Brigade.  Here is the link for more information http://www.neighborbrigade2.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/General-Flyer.pdf Tour of Franklin HS / April 24 The School Committee and administration will be hosting a tour of Franklin HS on Wednesday April 24 at 6:00 pm. Meet in the lobby. Please join us. Regards and enjoy the rest of the week, Maureen Sabolinski This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Hockomock Sports profiles Elizabeth Alie

HockomockSports has a profile on Franklin's Elizabeth Alie

Why do you play lacrosse?I play lacrosse because it’s a fun sport and I love the team aspect of it. Our team is really close and I have so much fun playing on the field with all my friends. Lacrosse is a growing sport, so the competition gets better every year.  

Why is the 2013 season going to be a good year for Franklin High School?
We have a strong team this year with a lot of juniors and seniors who have played together for a couple years now. We also have a new coach who plays for the US lacrosse team and was the captain of the BC team. She has taught us so much in just a few weeks, and her experience with the game of lacrosse is really helping us. She is a great role model for us and we can see ourselves improving every day.

Read the remainder of Elizabeth's spotlight article here

Reminder: Mosquito Control

Good Morning.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with important information regarding mosquito control.  The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District is conducting spraying by helicopter.  You may see blue/yellow/silver helicopters flying very low.  In light of Monday's tragic events in Boston, we know that your sense of security may be heightened.  Rest assured there is no cause for concern.  Thank you for listening; goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

To get your own alert you can subscribe here

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news

"Four stop signs aren't going to keep us quiet"

The Milford Daily News reports on the four way stop signs coming to the intersection near BJ's.

MassDOT expects to complete the signs and pavement markings by the middle of May. Its engineers have requested that the town put up message boards along West Central Street a couple of weeks in advance to inform drivers of the change. 

"We asked them to investigate the feasibility of a roundabout, which will take them at least six months," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 

In the meantime, Nutting said, town officials will monitor the number of accidents at the intersection to judge the effectiveness of the four-way stop. 

"I think it’s going to be a great interim step," he said, adding that there are still questions about whether a roundabout would work at the relatively small intersection.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202495/Four-way-stop-outlined-for-troublesome-Franklin-intersection#ixzz2Qo5ULJPW


Related post
The Town council meeting on Apr 3rd had the intersection issue raised during the Citizens Comment and then a discussion at the end of the meeting under New Business
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/town-council-040313.html

The One Fund Boston

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. 

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.” 

The One Fund - Boston

According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.” 

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our
community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.” 

Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday. 

Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status. One Fund Boston, Inc. will apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Fund cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if approval is received within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of the Fund’s formation, which is April 16, 2013. 

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said. 

To contribute to The One Fund Boston, click on onefundboston.org.