Senator Karen Spilka named Citizen Laureate by Framingham State University

Senator Spilka and Dr. Timothy Flanagan at Framingham State University

On Sunday morning, May 19th Senator Karen Spilka was presented with the Citizen Laureate Award at the Framingham State University graduate commencement ceremony.  The award, given annually to an individual who has consistently supported the University, was awarded to Spilka in recognition of her advocacy on behalf of the MetroWest region.  President Flanagan praised Spilka for her leadership in advancing public transportation and strengthening public higher education in the Commonwealth.

Accepting the award, she remarked on the importance of the University in her career. "In my many years as a MetroWest resident and legislator, I have had a long and extremely rewarding relationship with Framingham State University – we are truly partners in advancing higher education," Spilka said. "FSU is a prime example of what makes my work as a public servant worthwhile: the opportunity to invest resources, creativity and new ideas into an institution that prepares the next generation for the challenges you will face in the 21st century."

Later in the day Spilka addressed the thousands of students, faculty, families and friends gathered for Framingham State's 174th undergraduate commencement ceremony to offer the formal Greetings Commonwealth of Massachusetts and introduce U. S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, the commencement speaker.

Spilka said of Warren: "Elizabeth Warren's hope is our hope – America's hope – that we remain the land of unequaled opportunity, - that each of you will able to use your unique talents in the service of our country and our economy without being crippled by student debt and an increasingly unfair playing field - and that we will build a better tomorrow for ourselves and our children" 

Senator Spilka represents the Second Middlesex and Norfolk district, comprised of the towns of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick.  Through hard work, a keen ability to navigate complex issues, and a demonstrated commitment to advocating for her constituents, Spilka has risen to a leadership position in the Massachusetts legislature.  She currently serves as Majority Whip in the Senate and as chair of the Tech Hub and Biotech Caucuses.  She previously served as Senate chair of the Job Creation Commission, the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. 

About Framingham State University
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 as the nation's first public university for the education of teachers. Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering small, personalized classes on a beautiful New England campus. Today, the University enrolls more than 6,400 students with 53 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. As a public university, Framingham State prides itself on quality academic programs, affordability, and commitment to access for all qualified students.

HMEA - 12th Annual Independence Day Run/Walk/Stroll

Yes, this annual event happened this past weekend. Almost 300 runners registered for the 5K race at 9:00 AM on Sunday. Hundreds of walkers lined up to do the walk at 11:00 AM.

In between, there were lots of fun, food, kids, all under some glorious sunshine made special for the day

HMEA's Mike Moloney, Rep Jeff Roy

The Cardi Brothers from RI

The Cardi brothers

Gene Levanchy

Gene Levanchy and the 'moment of silence'

National Anthem

the National Anthem

John receiving his Yoga Certificate

John received his certificate as a yoga instructor

269 runners finished the 5K race with the overall results listed here
http://www.racewire.com/live_results.php?id=2915

Franklin LIbrary: Be a Tree: Dog Bite Prevention

Be a Tree: Dog Bite Prevention

Be a Tree

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Red Triangle Award - Renée Quarterman, M.D.

Dr. Renée Quarterman, a true champion of the Y’s mission was honored at the annual Hockomock Area YMCA’s annual meeting and awards night on Wednesday, May 15 at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham. 

Renée Quarterman, M.D. received the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch’s Red Triangle Award. This award is presented annually to individuals or organizations for their steadfast dedication and partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA to meet the changing needs of our community. Since coming to the region as part of The Breast Center at Milford Regional Medical Center in 2009, Dr. Quarterman has improved the health of our community. She recognizes the importance of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program – a free twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or cancer — and she often makes it part of her patient's recovery.

Hockomock Area YMCA Ed Hurley, Renée Quarterman, M.D., and Hockomock Area YMCA member and award presenter Virginia Brennan

Dr. Quarterman was acknowledged for being more than a breast health expert, more than a surgeon, and more than a community wellness provider. She is a positive, progressive, caring professional about whom presenter Virginia Brennan, Franklin resident and longtime member of the Y, had this to say, “As a patient of Dr. Quarterman, I have experienced firsthand her compassionate care. As a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA graduate and volunteer, I have met so many women that have been touched by her." Virginia continued, "She understands how a community comes together to support and encourage those with health challenges." 

Dr. Quarterman expressed fond childhood memories, growing up at a YMCA camp in Delaware where her family was offered support for which she is thankful. She says she joined the Hockomock Area YMCA quickly upon arriving from Oregon and finds it to be a very nurturing environment, with exercise, a huge part of the experience. “As a breast cancer provider, I believe in all of those things for my patients. I want them to be nurtured and supported," says Dr. Quarterman. And, after glancing at Virginia, she says, "I see so many of my patients, who are healthier and stronger, and I know their lives are better because they joined the Y." 

Dr. Quarterman passionately speaks about the collaborative work being done by the YMCA and its partners to address chronic disease, “The Hockomock Area YMCA's LIVESTRONG and MS Programs, as well as its Diabetes Program about to be launched — these are new ventures. But, I think they will be just as longstanding as the YMCA traditions of helpings a kid feel like a kid, taking the burden off a working mom, and helping members become engaged because it's the right thing to do."

She closed by saying thank you for the award, which was quickly and enthusiastically followed by "More importantly, thank you to the Y — for everything you do!" 

At the meeting, Renée Quarterman, M.D. was also elected to the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA for a three-year term.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow.For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org.

May is Older Americans Month: Unleashing the Power of Age

From Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services, we read

This year, the theme of Older American’s Month – President Carter changed the name in 1980 – is Unleashing the Power of Age, which seems eminently appropriate given the numbers and longevity of today’s senior population.  More seniors are still working or looking for jobs, engaged in athletic activities, volunteering in their communities, retooling skills, following artistic pursuits, aging in place, and caring for family members.  With the advent of antibiotics, healthy lifestyles, greater access to health care and community supports, seniors remain in their homes, a visible part of the social spectrum. 

Yet, one barrier remains inhibiting seniors from fully experiencing their power.  That barrier is ageism – the ingrained belief that seniors are less capable, less “with it,” less resilient than their younger peers.  Regrettably, many seniors believe that about themselves.  Ageism undermines the reality of senior accomplishments and abilities.  We fail to acknowledge that if someone has lived a long productive life, he or she probably has been doing something right and experience worth sharing. 

Unleash the Power of Age

Ageism fails to acknowledge that seniors are quite adaptable, having lived through multiple technological and social changes in their lifetimes. Many feel perfectly at home with computers, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and whatever other new media you can think of.  They were born into a century of unleashed technological power and they adapted to it.  Our misplaced assumptions about older people prevents us and them from realizing their full potential.   

Consider this: aging begins the day we are born. At every age, we unleash the power of age.

You can read the full article here

http://hhs.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/05/may-is-older-americans-month-unleashing-the-power-of-age.html?utm_source=feedly

In the News: motorcycle accident, rail trail

Motorcycle accident closes 495

All three travel lanes on Interstate-495 south near Exit 26 are closed after a motorcycle accident, according to the Massachusetts State Police.

Work progresses on last piece of rail trail in Milford

Work on the final one-mile section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail, to connect the existing five miles of trail in town, is progressing and should be completed within the next 18 months.

"Freedom of time and opportunity"

From the Dean College Library blog, Kent Manning writes:

Learning is something that should be an extension of you, not just something that happens in the classroom. So post-graduation, choose the subjects that you are interested in. Find the resources that are engaging and dynamic. Fit the learning into your lifestyle. And never let a detail like not being in a formal classroom limit your opportunities to be a student of life and to engage your mind.

I wholeheartedly agree. The day you stop learning is the day you'll fall behind. Competition is fierce and the knowledge economy places a premium on being able to think. For a more detail explanation of my own efforts on life long learning, read this  http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/

Click through to the full article to check out the resources suggested. I do like the TED Talks series and regularly readers here have seen a few shared from time to time. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis site is one I'll have to explore.  http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/a-life-of-learning/?utm_source=feedly

Both the Franklin School District and the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech offer life long learning opportunities.  For Franklin visit http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/  and for Tri-County visit http://www.tri-county.tc/?q=node/8


And while on the topic of learning, let me add a reminder for those currently looking for work, the Job Search Jam Sessions will be held on June 14. The day features sessions to learn and share information on the job search. For additional information, including registration, visit the webpage here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html