Friday, November 14, 2014

In the News: "covered by the town’s insurance"

The Milford Daily News reports on the sprinkler outage at the Keller Sullivan complex.
“The town has been working closely with ServiceMaster, which has had about 30 staff in the building. All personnel have had CORI checks so we are not concerned about student safety,” Sabolinski said. “The town has engaged an environmental agency to check air quality and testing has been ongoing.” 
The school hosted an information night for parents on Thursday to address questions about the sprinkler break. 
Annie Sullivan students will need to make up the three days of school they missed at the end of the academic year. The state requires students to be in school for 180 days, and Monday, though truncated, counted as one day. Tuesday was the Veterans Day holiday.
You can read the full article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141117849/1994/NEWS

Cabaret at The BLACK BOX


BLACK BOX Cabaret
The Inaugural Evening of BLACK BOX Cabaret spotlights the vocal stylings of talented FPAC performers, with accompaniment by the ACME rhythm section! 
Entertainment kicks off at 8 p.m. on November 14, featuring performances by FPAC Players Nick Paone, Hallie Wetzell, Alan Mercer, Ken Barney and Catherine Weiss in an intimate night-club atmosphere. 
A cash bar is available and BLACK BOX meals from Artistry Kitchen may be pre-ordered. 

BLACK BOX Caberat
BLACK BOX Caberat
Tickets can be purchased online here

Thursday, November 13, 2014

FHS "Letters of Intent" and All Stars

Hockomock Sports has a bunch of good info to share today,starting with the "letter of intent" signing by four FHS athletes.
On Wednesday afternoon, local high school seniors began signing their National Letters of Intent to play sports in college. Several Hockomock athletes were among those that made it official where they would be taking the field and the court next year. 
At Franklin High, Maddie Bressler (field hockey), Lexi Martin (basketball), Emily Jeffries (lacrosse), and Sabrina LoMonaco (softball) each signed their respective letters and at Milford softball player Allie Piergustavo made her choice official as well.

Hockomock Sports photo (left to right)  LoMonaco, Bressler, Jeffreies, and Martin
Hockomock Sports photo (left to right)  LoMonaco, Bressler, Jeffreies, and Martin

Continue reading the full article at Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-and-milford-players-sign-letters-of-intent



Golf

Evan Vaughn represents Franklin on the Golf All Stars. For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-golf-all-stars
FHS Panthers



Field Hockey

Emily Jeffries, Maddie Bressler, Taylor Reutlinger, and Samantha Jones were named to the Field Hockey All Stars.  Kenzie Pleshaw received honorable mention.

For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-field-hockey-all-stars


Girls Soccer

Taylor Cogliano was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Hockomock League Soccer as voted on by the coaches. She was joined on the All Star team by Victoria Stowell, Nicole Ellin, Alexis Stowell,  and Bailey Knous. Jane Scafati received honorable mention.

For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-girls-soccer-all-stars




Franklin Performing Arts Company To Present Trio Of Holiday Productions


The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will stage three productions this holiday season, featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker and the original FPAC musicals Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and ’Tis the Season!

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC’s production is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.
FPAC Nutcracker
FPAC’s annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, guest stars from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers.

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 

Newly restaged for THE BLACK BOX, Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely and timeless message. Performances of Humbug! are on December 12 at 7:30 p.m., December 13 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and December 14 at 2 p.m. Humbug! will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

’Tis the Season!, an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare and fun. The upbeat, jazzy extravaganza features members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel and Motown to rock, pop and Broadway. FPAC presents ’Tis the Season! on Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to FPAC holiday performances and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

"Franklin High School’s senior class must patiently wait"

In addition to where to hold the All-Night Party, Pantherbook is reporting that the decision on where to hold the graduation itself is not yet finalized.
Where will Franklin High School’s 2015 Senior Graduation be held? Although this is still a mystery, Lucas Giguere, the school’s Assistant Principal for Student Services, released possible locations that are in the mix for the event. 
Giguere announced that the school’s administration plans to host graduation in the gymnasium, where the gym floor, bleachers, and overhead track would be put to use. When asked if the gymnasium would be able to hold all students and their families, Giguere replied, “Space is definitely a concern.” 
If the gymnasium cannot fit the amount of people attending graduation, the alternative is to have non-direct family watch graduation filmed on a jumbo screen in the school’s auditorium. Giguere was asked if people will oppose this idea, and said, “It’s not live, but we have to stick to the state guidelines for fire and emergency codes.” 
See more at: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/11/11/graduation-investigation/#sthash.oknMjA6E.dpuf

the gymnasium at the new Franklin High School
the gymnasium at the new Franklin High School

Reminder: Franklin Art Association --- "Art Exhibit: Enhanced"

The Franklin Art Association is pleased to present "Art Exhibit: Enhanced" at the Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA on Saturday, November 15th, 12:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, November 16th, 12:00-3:00 pm 
Original Fine Art, small works, scholarship raffle, refreshments
Free and opened to the public
 
For more information visit our web site at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc 
We are sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council
Franklin Art Association
Franklin Art Association

In the News: 12 Days of Donating, Cameron Liberatore


The Downtown Partnership next month launches its holiday food drive with the Franklin Food Elves, a youth volunteer group, and will try to top last year’s total of 6,000 pounds. 
The “12 Days of Donating” campaign sees the student-run group, with its more than 70 members, collecting food donations from Dec. 1 to 12. 
Residents are encouraged to drop off their non-perishable food donations into one of the many red bins given to downtown businesses. The pantry has a special need for cereal, peanut butter, shampoo, and white tuna.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141118440/1994/NEWS


A 24-year-old Franklin man who was following his dream of making it big in the music world is in critical condition after he crashed his car last week in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a hospital spokesperson. 
Cameron Liberatore, a singer and guitarist and 2008 graduate of Franklin High School, is currently in a coma and on life support at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, said Gary Cioffi, owner of Maximum Sound Studio, where Liberatore often recorded material. 
To help pay for medical and traveling expenses for his family, as they fly back and forth from Franklin to Nashville, a gofundme.com page has been set up by his closest friends, including Cioffi.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141118438/1994/NEWS

The fund raising page is here   http://www.gofundme.com/cameronliberatore

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

FHS girls soccer advances to D1 South Finals

Hockomock Sports writes about the FHS girls soccer win on Tuesday:
Franklin goalkeeper Dani Lonati did not face a single shot on goal in the Panthers’ 4-0 win over Bridgewater-Raynham in the Division 1 South quarterfinals. The semifinal was a different story, though, as her stellar play, combined with a stellar goal, elevated Franklin over Needham, 1-0, and into the finals on Tuesday night. 
Needham had the first quality chance of the night in just the 4th minute as Isabel Cole looked to have the top right corner picked, but Lonati got a hand on it to turn it away. That would be Needham's only shot on goal of the half, and Franklin's first would not come until about a half hour later, but they made it count. 
The Panthers earned a free kick in the 35th minute when Needham was called for a handball from just outside the penalty area. Victoria Stowell took the kick for Franklin, and she beat Rockets keeper Emily Bowers clean to the right side.
Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry
Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry

Continue reading the article on Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/stowell-and-lonati-lift-franklin-back-to-d1-south-finals


Franklin's next game will be against Whitman-Hanson on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Braintree High School

ASMS - KELLER status update

Keller and Sullivan parents should have received notifications on Monday and since the initial incident about their school status.

For those who may not be aware, I have the following summary including an email exchange from Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski to share.
As you have heard there was a sprinkler malfunction at 7:40 AM Monday at Annie Sullivan Middle School (ASMS). Students were sent to Oak St/Horace Mann and dismissed from there. 
  • Keller is set to open Wednesday. 
  • ASMS will be closed for the rest of the week. 
The sprinkler malfunction started on the 3rd floor and the water traveled down to affect all three floors. All the building systems are confirmed operational and running but the damage to some walls and floors require more drying out time. 
Monday counted as a school day so that one does not need to be made up. The rest of the week (3 days) will need to be made up. The School Dept will seek input from DESE but "they are unrelenting." 

Keller - Sullivan Schools
Keller - Sullivan Schools

Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run


Hi Steve:

It's that time of year again!  The Turkey Trot 5K race - to support the Franklin Food Pantry -  is this Thanksgiving morning.  Register on-line or on-site the morning of the race, do the 5K and be home before 10.  It is a great community building event - and all for a great cause.

The pantry said that this race is their biggest fundraiser each year. Let's keep this tradition going. Last year, the race raised $6,721.00 and 2,582 pounds of food for the food pantry with 430 registered race participants.

The Interfaith Council of Franklin is happy to be one of the sponsors - and is looking forward to a great day at the races :)

Please share the race flyer with your readers.  http://www.feedtheneed.org/races/112714/FRFLIER14.pdf

Thanks!
Michael
----------
Michael Lobo
Interfaith Council of Franklin



Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run
Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run

Register online here   http://www.feedtheneed.org/


Note: the registration is online, payment is via goods or cash at the LDS Church either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning before the race.

MassBudget: From Poverty to Opportunity



  MASSBudget     Kids Count




From Poverty to Opportunity:
The Challenge of Building a Great Society
Fifty years ago economic growth in America was leading to rising wages across the income spectrum and progress towards broadly shared prosperity. In that context the nation launched a series of Great Society initiatives to expand opportunity to those who were still being left behind - and to improve the lives of all Americans.

Over that decade poverty in America declined substantially, from 22% of the population to 14%. But, beginning in the 1970s, our economy changed and wages stopped growing with the economy. The gap between the very wealthy and everyone else began to grow, and poverty has increased.

MassBudget's new report From Poverty to Opportunity: The Challenge of Building a Great Society traces how the economic and policy changes since the launch of the Great Society have affected the lives of people at all income levels in Massachusetts. This report is being released in conjunction with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action's (MASSCAP) convening: Joining Together: Ending Poverty Now

While we see real success from a number of programs, including SNAP (Food Stamps) and the Earned Income Tax Credit that are lifting hundreds of thousands of people above the poverty threshold, far too many children remain poor or near poor. In the years since wages for low and middle income workers stopped growing with the economy poverty and child poverty have increased in Massachusetts.

Poverty puts children at risk for poor health outcomes, higher risk for dropping out of school, and a greater likelihood of a lifetime of poverty. And when children don't have the opportunity to reach their full potential we undermine the long term strength of our economy.

To read the report, please click HERE.




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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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

United Regional Chamber of Commerce - eNews - Nov 11, 2014



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
eNews
Nov. 11, 2014
   United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dear Stephen,
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce strives to keep our members informed. As a member, you receive our weekly electronic newsletter, eNews, and occasional eNews alerts of upcoming events. If you do not wish to receive future editions of this electronic newsletter, please email Lisa or call her at 508-222-0801.
In This Issue...
Sales Summit Nov. 12
Volunteers Needed for Committee
Meet Our Chamber Volunteers
Are you a Gourmet Guy?
Be a Santa to a Senior
Members in the News
School Seeks Professional Mentors

Veterans Day 2014
Veteran's Day
In observation of Veterans Day,
The United Regional Chamber
of Commerce office is closed today. 

Sales Summit Nov. 12

Tomorrow's Best Practice Sales Summit will explore "Inbound Lead Generation" which is clients calling/finding you. Dave Miles, owner of Miles Internet Marketing, will facilitate this in-depth discussion, highlighting how potential customers use theinternet to make purchase decisions. We'll identify what it takes to be in the right place at the right time when these consumers are doing their buying homework.

Join the Sales Summit on Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. 

Volunteers Needed for Programs and Events Committee
Are you interested in getting more involved with the Chamber? Do you have a passion for putting on great events? If so, WE WANT YOU! Recently the Board of Directors formed a programs and events committee and we are looking for a few good women and men. Our role will be to help improve existing events, create new events and serve as a resource and sounding board for people putting on Business after Hours and other events.

If this sounds like something that you are interested in getting involved in we would love to have you. For additional information please contact Ken Abrahams.

Meet Our Chamber Volunteers

In an effort to introduce you to the many volunteers that help make our Chamber run, we introduced this new Meet Our Chamber Volunteers feature in our eNews. This week, we introduce you to John Sullivan of Wheaton College.



How long have you been a chamber member? Since 2006, 8 years.

What is your current role on the board?
Currently, vice chair, former secretary

Why did you choose to get involved?
It's in keeping with the College's philosophy of supporting our local communities, their local businesses and residents. It's another facet of town-gown relations that support the best of the town, the college and its industry. Last, it's a philanthropic way that the college can give back to those communities that have supported us.

What are one or two things that chamber members need to know or that you would like them to know about you?
I strive to make a difference every day in what I do and for whom I serve. Whether it's the members of our great college community, or in the exemplary towns that surround us, I hope that my time and effort has a positive impact!

Is there one Chamber event or series of events that you are particularly fond of?
The Spotlight on Education Breakfast and Teacher of the Year Award. It showcases all the best in our community and promotes the bright future of our young adults and educators. Great event where students, parents, school administrators and businesses celebrate local accomplishments with pride.

Are you a Gourmet Guy?
New Hope Gourmet Guys
Are you a great chef?! Do you have a specialty your wife or family loves? Sign up as a chef for New Hope's Annual Gourmet Guys! New Hope, Inc. will host its 25th annual "Gourmet Guys" Chefs community event on Nov. 21 at the Attleboro Lodge of Elks, 887 South Main St., Attleboro, at 7 p.m. Approximately 65 amateur and professional chefs prepare their specialties. Tickets are on sale for $30 for adults and $20 for seniors and children under 12. To register as a chef or purchase tickets to attend, email New Hope's Development Office.   

Be A Santa to a Senior

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Home Instead Senior Care in Attleboro to provide holiday gifts to senior citizens in need. Visit the Attleboro office at the Chamber and select a tag. Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag and return the tag and gift(s) to the Chamber office by Dec. 11. Home Instead Senior Care and community volunteers will wrap and deliver the gifts.

Members in the News...
Sturdy color
Sturdy Memorial Hospital was honored with an "A" grade in The Leapfrog Group's Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries, and infections.
Doodad   
Lori Sousa has been appointed the new vice-president of development at New Hope. Previously she served in the Peace Corps stationed in Ukraine and as director of sales and marketing for the American Institute of Architects.

School Seeks Professional Mentors
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School has an exciting new opportunity to become involved with its students. The school is recruiting professionals to become mentors to sophomore students in 18 technical areas. The program is designed to help with career exploration. The program will be begin January and end in June. We ask that mentors and mentees meet 6-8 times. Meetings can include tour of your employment, tours of local businesses, local colleges and trade schools. Some tours will be arranged by the school, while other tours will be schedule through the mentor. If you have any questions, call Kerrie Carrelas at 508-823-5151x130.  

Looking for a Job? Check Our Job Board!

Have you checked out the Job Board on the Chamber's website? There are lots of new listings. If your company has an open position that you'd like to advertise, post it on The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's website job board! It's free for Chamber members to post a position - one of the many member benefits! Email Lisa to have your job posted on the Chamber website or visit the Chamber website to see what positions are available.

Monthly Groups
*Extreme Networking Group I meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. at Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill, 60 Man Mar Dr., Plainville. Contact: Ed McDonough, 508-308-8224.

*Extreme Networking Group III is exclusively business-to-business and meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. This group meets at Commonwealth Financial Group, 4 Broad Street in Plainville. Contact: Janet Letourneau, 508-699-4415.

*Best-Practice Sales Summit is held the second Wednesday of every month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Contact: Ben Couto, 617-530-0997.

*Executive Express-o is held the first Friday of every month from 8 a.m. sharp to 8:55 a.m. at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Contact: Charlie Miller.


Thank you for taking time to read this issue of eNewsThis is your Chamber and we value your comments. My door is always open to Chamber members. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns about the Chamber you might have. One of our most highly effective means of communicating with our members is eNews. To ensure you continue to receive eNews, please add jack@unitedregionalchamber.org to your address book.


If you would prefer to not receive this weekly electronic newsletter, please email lisa@unitedregionalchamber.org or call the Chamber at 508-222-0801. The Chamber eNews subscriber list is not sold or distributed.

Sincerely,

Jack Lank
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Quick Links
 

Parkinson's Support Group
CVNA logo
On Nov. 12, the Parkinson's Disease Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Community VNA, 10 Emory St., Attleboro, this group is designed for caregivers and their loved ones. It is free and open to the public.

The Estate at Franklin Grand Opening
The Estate at Franklin, 656 King St., Franklin, is hosting a grand opening presentation on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. Tour the new senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. Enjoy refreshments and live entertainment. RSVP to Jackie at 508-520-1150.

MS Open House
Sturdy color
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital is hosting a free Open House on Nov. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This informational session will give community a chance to meet the MS Center team, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, and more. To register, call 508-236-8020

Memory Screening
Pond Home
As part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Pond Home will offer free, confidential memory screenings on Nov. 18. Screenings will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pond Home, 289 East St. (Route 140) in Wrentham. A healthcare professional will administer the memory screenings and provide educational materials about memory concerns, brain health and caregiving. The face-to-face screenings consist of a series of questions and tasks, and take 5 to 10 minutes to administer. Walk-ins are welcome, email Terri Avery.

Community Programs
Dyer-Lake is hosting two upcoming community service programs. "Protect Yourself from Schemes, Fraud and Abuse" will be held Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Dyer-Lake, 161 Commonwealth Ave., North Attleboro. Learn about this program here.

During the month of November, Dyer-Lake is offering to check the batteries in smoke alarms for seniors (65+) living independently. They will replace the batteries free of charge and if the smoke alarm is not operational, they will replace it free of charge. Find more information here.

Auditor Training
MassMEP
MassMEP ISO Internal Auditor Training will be held in Worcester on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. This course is designed to increase your understanding of auditing techniques and will take you step by step through the stages of an internal audit. Get more information and register here.

Proctor Mansion Events
Proctor Mansion
Proctor Mansion Inn is hosting two holiday events:
Dec. 6, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Holiday Victorian Tea, $38.50 (excluding tax & gratuity) featuring Victorian carolers
Dec. 12, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.), Holiday Concert featuring Dear Prudence, $18 in advance ($22 at the door).

Planning Workshop
The Arc of Bristol County
The Arc of Bristol County is hosting Life Long Planning for Your Relative with Special Needs on Jan. 10, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venus de Milo Restaurant. This workshop will address the unique needs that families have in planning for the financial and legal future of their relative with a developmental disability. $25 per person includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Register here.


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The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703