MassBudget: What helps low-income parents succeed in the workforce

How can the state help low-income parents succeed in the workforce? Two decades ago Massachusetts and the US adopted reforms aimed at shifting our welfare programs towards supporting work. The goal was to help more low income parents to get and keep jobs that pay enough to support a family. To accomplish this, the state would shift funding away from cash assistance and towards important work supports like child care and job training. Since parents with young children can't leave their kids home alone when they go to work, they need access to affordable early education and care for their kids. Those programs also play a very important role in preparing young children for success in school, and in life. Many low income parents also need access to job training and education programs to develop the skills they need to reach their potential. And those who can't afford a car need access to reliable public transportation to be able to get to work. While Massachusetts increased investments in some of these areas immediately after the welfare reforms of the mid-1990s, there have been deep cuts and chronic underfunding since then. Funding for child care is down 24% since 2001 and funding for the Employment Support Program, which provides job training and related supports for low income parents has been cut 78% since 2001. Our public transportation system has been chronically unable to make the investments needed to ensure reliability, as has become painfully clear in recent weeks. Declines in Support for Low Income Working Parents, provides an overview of what the state has and has not been doing to provide the support low income parents need to succeed in the workforce. Funding for the TANF Program in Massachusetts provides greater detail on the history of funding of funding for these programs. Massachusetts has taken important steps to improve the wages and working conditions of low wage workers by significantly increasing the state minimum wage and by protecting the ability of workers who are too sick to work to be able to take a sick day without being fired. Our Commonwealth could build on that progress by providing low income parents with the job training, child care, and reliable transportation they need to succeed in the workforce. 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

MBTA: Commuter Rail Recovery Schedules

Dear MBTA Commuter Rail Customer, Commuter Rail Recovery Schedules for all lines will continue to be available on our website here.  Additionally, a number of apps are available that use the most up-to-date commuter rail schedules to help you plan your journey, such as: 1. Google Maps: maps.google.com (select train/bus icon for transit directions)  2. The Transit App: transitapp.com (iPhone/Android)  3. T-on-Time: t-on-time.com (all platforms) We appreciate your patience as we work to resume full service. Thank you, MBTA Commuter Rail Sent by the MBTA.

screen grab for T-on-Time app

If any one has used one of these apps, or has a different one they find helpful please let me know. 

Does one of these apps (or any other) provide status updates? Using the official schedule is one thing. Having real-time updates is another. Given the timing issues with some of the T's own updates, I wonder if there is an app where users provide updates. Something like Waze for the commuter rail.

HipHarp at The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Apr 25

HipHarp at The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse!

DATE/TIME:

Saturday, April 25 - 8:00pm-10:00pm

Deborah Hanson-Conant

DESCRIPTION:

"HipHarpist" Deborah Henson-Conant (DHC) is returning to one of the best Coffeehouse in the country, 'Circle of Friends Coffeehouse' at the Universalist Society Meeting House in Franklin, MA.

DHC is a Grammy-Nominated performer, composer and probably the world's most eclectic harp player.  She performs as soloist with symphonies and in her one-women shows and concerts world wide - and has made her home in the Boston area for the past 30 years.  She dragged her 6-foot concert harp into a Cambridge jazz club in the early 80's and started a career that includes a slew of awards, touring as a soloist with the Boston Pops, and as a band member with guitar legend Steve Vai, her own music special on PBS, and shows throughout the US and Europe. 

Along the way, DHC invented the wearable 32-string electric harp she plays, that's now designed for her by the French CAMAC company, and is the top-selling electric harness harp in the world.

What is her show like? Stories, humor, and music from Blues to Flamenco with sounds you never thought could come from a harp.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is known as the "finest church coffeehouse in the country." It's like a visit to a 60's coffeehouse, BUT, with a modern sound system. Intimate. Funky. Fun. Franklin, MA  is equidistant from Boston, Providence and Worcester on 495, about 25 miles southwest of Boston.

LOCATION:

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse at the Universalist Society Meeting House
262 Chestnut Street
Franklin, MA, 02038
508-528-2541
http://www.circlefolk.org/

COST/TICKETS/REGISTRATION:

$25.
http://www.circlefolk.org/sched.html

MORE INFO:

Website: http://www.circlefolk.org/sched.html
Email:   circlefolk@gmail.com

FHS All Night Party: Bottle/Can Drive - Mar 14th

There will be a Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, March 14th. 

It will be held at the FHS parking lot from 8-1PM and supports the All Night Party.

Last year this was part of the collection:

Bottle/Can Drive for All Night Party

Help them top last year's collection!

For additional information and to help the All Night Party visit their webpage
http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

"Yoga and Tea" - March 6 - 5:30 - 7:00pm

From Heather:

Tranquil Souls YOGA

Tranquil Souls Yoga hosts and participates in many benefit classes and charity drives throughout the year. Our largest event of the year is Yoga Reaches Out held at the Dana Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium. 

I am particularly passionate about this year's event because a portion of the proceeds are going to Ben Speaks an organization which helps prevent Teen Suicide and Bullying. As yoga teacher, mother and someone who works closely with teens this is close to my heart.

Tranquil Souls Yoga has formed a team and will be joining 1200 other yogis on Sunday, April 26 to support two great causes, Boston Children's Hospital and Ben Speaks. We would love your support. 

We are selling handmade eye pillows at the studio and we are also hosting a "Yoga and Tea" donation-based class on March 6 from 5:30-7p. 

Both with 100% of the proceeds going to Yoga Reaches Out! All checks are tax-deductible and welcome in any denominations.



Here is the link to our team page

http://yogathon.yogareachesout.org/site/TR/Yogathon/General?pg=team&fr_id=1050&team_id=1270

 -

Tranquil Souls YOGA

15 East Central Street, Franklin MA 

508.553.9642

www.TranquilSoulsYOGA.com

"LIKE" us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/TranquilSoulsYoga

#shopFranklin

Lifelong Learning: Getting Paid To Talk Seminar

This workshop "Getting Paid To Talk" is taking place next Wednesday, March 11 from 6:60 to 9:00pm at Franklin High School. It is one of our one-night spring offerings.

Community entrance at Franklin High School

About The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin 

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for adults in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin. 

~ Our commitment extends to working professionals, senior citizens, persons with special needs and those in transition. 

For more information, please contact The Center for Adult Education office at 508-613-1480 or email adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Sciene Friday - Meterology - Mar 6th

Science Friday at the Franklin Public Library is scheduled for Mar 6th at 3:30 PM. Ms Gina will explore the science of meterology. Space is limited and registration is required.

This is good for students K to 4th grade.

Register at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eakqq4p6cc82ab09&llr=npijo9cab

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/02/science-friday_26.html

Happy 237th Birthday Franklin!

Franklin celebrated it's 237 birthday on Sunday with a gathering for Franklin residents who share the March 2nd birthday.

Of the 88 residents, 8 particpated. The largest turnout that the Hisotrical Museum has seen for this birthday event.

Franklin Historical Museum

birthday cake

birithday celebration

Stop by the Historical Museum when it is open on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday's from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

FHS drop two tough playoff games

#1 - From Hockomock Sports we share the write up on the FHS boys basketball game against St John's:

Franklin came out flying in the first half, but it was the polar opposite for the Panthers in the fourth quarter. 

Franklin’s offense went cold down the stretch and St. John’s walked away with a 61-56 win in the D2 Central Semifinals. 

The Panthers led by as much as six with just over five minutes to play, but the Pioneers closed the contest on a 13-2 run as Franklin couldn’t get anything to go offensively.

.....

Franklin finishes the season 18-6 with its only losses coming to teams that are either in sectional finals or semifinals.

Franklin's Marcus Giese goes up for two against St. John's in the second half. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the article by Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/fourth-quarter-lead-slips-away-from-franklin-in-loss



#2 - Also from Hockomock Sports we share the write up on the FHS hockey loss in the first game against Malden Catholic

The Panthers proved that they belonged in the Super 8 with a dramatic overtime win against Xaverian that set up a best-of-three series with the four-time defending champion Malden Catholic. 

On Tuesday night at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Franklin took the lead against the Lancers and had the chances to pull an upset, but eventually succumbed 2-1. 

“We came in here, no one gave us a chance coming in, and we laid it on the line and we almost made it happen,” said senior goalie Ryan Shea who put in another impressive performance with 39 saves. 

Shea added, “We’re definitely here and we’re ready to play every game. They’re a great team but we can definitely play with them.”

.....

Franklin and Malden Catholic will face-off again on Wednesday night at the Tsongas Center at 8 p.m.

Ryan Shea made 39 saves, but it was not enough, as Franklin fell to Malden Catholic 2-1 in the opener of their best-of-three Super 8 series. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the article by Managing Editor Josh Perry here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-upset-bid-comes-up-short-in-super-8-opener

"instead we were a group, a community"

Seeing they face the same struggles, a growing group of small business owners are sharing marketing efforts to help each other increase sales. 

At least 20 businesses brainstormed ideas during the first meeting of a small business co-op Feb. 18 at the Cake Bar. Bakery owner Tracie Turinese, who has spearheaded the effort along with co-owner Angie McMillan, said small businesses in Franklin struggle to compete with larger chains in the area. 

“We have to think of reasons to incentivize coming to our businesses over the chains,” Turinese said last week. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership, a consortium of businesses including the Cake Bar, has provided a way for its members to create buzz through popular seasonal events.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150302/NEWS/150309674#sthash.eMMzsjsA.dpuf

#shopFranklin - supporting small business

This is a recap of the meeting already posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/shopfranklin-has-folks-taking-action.html


For more about the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their webpage here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Reminder: Fiscal Responsibility: A Taxpayer’s Perspective - March 5th

The Franklin Republican Town Committee is proud to sponsor the following event:

What: Fiscal Responsibility: A Taxpayer’s Perspective
Who: Mass Fiscal Alliance, Paul Craney, Executive Director (speaker)
Where: Alumni Restaraunt (391 East Central St, Franklin, MA)
When: Thursday, March 5th, 2015; 7-10pm

Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting better government and right-of-center fiscal and economic policy solutions. 

They have an office near the Statehouse in Boston and their website is www.MassFiscal.org and they launched a first of its kind, online and real-time, state legislative scorecard which may be found at www.MassFiscalScorecard.org

screen grab of MassFiscal webpage

MBTA: Extra Franklin Line service - Forge Park - 6:35 AM

Extra service on Franklin Line departing Forge Park @ 6:35AM Last updated: Mar 02 2015 04:15 AM Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin/Dean Station in the snow

Franklin Public Schools: Weather Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Hello, 

Just when you thought it was safe, here I am emailing you again on yet another Sunday afternoon about my least favorite topic --snow... The most recent forecasts are calling for snow beginning about 3:00 PM today and continuing until 3:00 or 4:00 AM tomorrow.  

As always, I will continue to watch the weather advisories and will be collaborating with the Franklin Police, DPW and Facilities tonight and early tomorrow morning regarding the conditions of roads and schools.  It does not look like there will be much accumulation and with any luck the timing will be in our favor.  

My hope is that at worst, we will be looking at a delay.  However, please note that we will not be making a decision until tomorrow morning, so stay tuned! 

Your continued patience and support this winter are greatly appreciated! 

Respectfully, 

Sally WinslowAssistant Superintendent of Schools

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 

Parmenter Elementary School in the snow this Saturday

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Mar 4, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- January 7, 2015, February 11, 2015, April 2, 2014, April 16, 2014, May 7, 2014


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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Cultural Council

Madison Weber
Teresa M. Burr

F. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Acapulcos – Change of Officers/Directors and Change of Manager

G. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

H. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

I. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

J. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

K. OLD BUSINESS

L. NEW BUSINESS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

O. ADJOURN

Municipal Building - hidden behind the snow piles at the Big Y parking lot

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/030415.pdf

FHS has two big playoff games today

Two big games today. The FHS boys basketball take to the court against St John's this afternoon. The FHS boys hockey team take to the ice this evening against Malden Catholic. A win advance the team in the playoffs. Go Panthers!

FHS Panthers

Boys BasketballD1 Central#2 Franklin vs. #3 St. John’s Shrewsbury (@ WPI), 1:00

HockeySuper 8#7 Franklin vs. #2 Malden Catholic (@ Tsongas Arena), 6:00

This was shared from Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-030115

MBTA: Starting Monday - Franklin Line schedule remains 'modified'

The Franklin Line will continue to operate a modified weekday schedule, Monday, March 2, 2015, through Friday, March 6, 2015.  Specific schedule details available at www.mbta.com/winter. Last updated: Feb 28 2015 07:05 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/winter/severe_weather/ Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin/Dean Station from the bridge over Main St

For the Franklin Line, the modified schedule can be found here
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Special_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/franklin_snow.pdf

Franklin Art Association - Meeting Mar 4, 2015

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday, March 4th, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. 

The program will feature a demonstration presented by New England plein air land and seascape artist Ted Charron.

Meeting are free and opened to the public.

For more information, please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org

or Facebook www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

Franklin Senior Center

THE BLACK BOX: You're Invited: Foodie Heaven - Mar 6th

Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary! Culinary Cabaret! at The Black Box Friday, March 6th  7-11PM This can't-miss event offers specialties from 12 great restaurants and markets, paired with wines, beers, and spirits from some of our favorite people. Just a glimpse:  Davio's Prime Beef Shortrib with Butternut Squash Puree and Crispy Leeks and Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee Tommasso's Duck Risotto served from a Parmigiano Wheel, with Vin Cotto and Chives and San Rocco Amarone Tavolino's Pan-Seared Scallops with Crushed Cashews and Local Seaweed Salad, paired with the 'Open Sesame' Cocktail by Privateer Rum. Restaurant 3's Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup, served with Carol Shelton's 'Wild Thing' Zinfandel. Twelve's Penne Bolognese with Regaleali Rosso. A sushi bar courtesy of Genji Sushi. Cheese as only Whole Foods can do cheese. And much, much more! Are you hungry yet? Thirsty, maybe? Add a single-cask, single malt Scotch tasting by Scotch Master Charlie Tower. More Privateer Rum. Coole Swan Irish Cream. Goose Island Beer. Your $75 ticket includes all food and drink, plus performances by a wonderful 8-piece jazz band and Franklin's own Electric Youth. This promises to be a delicious and entertaining evening; all proceeds benefit Franklin Performing Arts Company, the Black Box Theatre, and Electric Youth's 2015 European Tour. For tickets, click HERE, or call 508-528-3370. We'll be there. Will you? Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.) [Insert social links here - select the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]

Forward email Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Open House March 19 at Sunrise Montessori School

Montessori Open House

Thursday, March 19 from 4 to 6pm

31 Hayward St., Franklin

Free event. The public is welcome to learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten programs.

Sunrise Montessori School

Website: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

Contact: Karen Roeber, Director at 508-541-8010

Senator Spilka Kicks off Commonwealth Conversations MetroWest Tour and Public Forum

Senators continue statewide tour to hear firsthand from MetroWest residents

NEWTON – On Monday, March 2^nd, Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) will tour businesses, universities and local organizations to listen to the concerns of MetroWest residents. The Senator will be joined by Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst), Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) and other senators from across the state.

Commonwealth Conversations is a series of statewide tours created by Senate President Stan Rosenberg to give Senators an opportunity to listen to residents, businesses and interest groups and make sure everyone's voice is heard in every corner of the Commonwealth. The tour is intended to highlight ideas and actions that will strengthen Massachusetts and make government even more accessible to constituents.

WHO:                   Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Senators Karen Spilka, Mike Barrett, Jamie Eldridge, Richard Ross, Cynthia Creem, Eileen Donoghue and other state senators

WHAT:                 Commonwealth Conversations Tour MetroWest Town Hall Public Forum

WHEN:                 Monday, March 2, 2015

                                7:00 - 8:30 pm

Newton North High School Cafeteria

457 Walnut Street

Newton, MA 02460

WHY:                    Senators will listen to public feedback and community concerns and issues in the MetroWest region.

The Commonwealth Conversation tour dates run from February 4^th through March 11th. All members of the public and the press are encouraged to participate. Read more about this effort on the website https://malegislature.gov/cc and follow on Twitter at @Ma_Senate.