Saturday, June 20, 2015

What's happening with the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House?

The South Franklin Meeting House has been sitting unused since the Historical Museum left it in 2007. What to do with the building has been an on-again, off-again conversation and Franklin has just published a report by an architect outlining some of the more practical options.

Did you know
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House 
Constructed in 1861, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House (SFCMH) also known as Union Evangelical Meeting House originally functioned as a Congregationalist church. The building is designed in the Greek revival style with 4 Doric columns along the north façade. The building is rectangular in footprint and is approximately 2 stories tall with an attic and bell tower. 
Located within what is currently designated as the greater South Franklin Area, the church was originally intended to provide the Congregationalists of South Franklin a place to commune when inclement weather or the harvest season made worshiping at the main Congregationalist church in the center of Franklin difficult. When religious services were not in session, the building also served as a debate hall for the South Franklin area. 
In 1972, the Federated Church deeded the building to the Town of Franklin. The building housed the Franklin Historical Museum from 1975 until 2007 when the museum relocated. 
The typical exterior wall construction is wood framed with painted clapboard siding and corner  boards on the exterior and painted lath and plaster on the interior.
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House


You can read the full report here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02135427-000F8513

You can also find the same copy here (while the Town of Franklin website has been known to change their links from time to time - this link won't change)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOVNSRWRGTEdlVHc/view?usp=sharing


Franklin Community Leaders Recognized At Hockomock Area YMCA Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Hockomock Area YMCA was held on May 13, 2015. The organization gave special recognition to several members of the Franklin community, including teen leader Tara Lambert and the Franklin Food Pantry.

Tara Lambert, a Franklin resident, was honored as the Bernon Family Branch Youth of the Year at the Hockomock Area YMCA. A near constant presence in the life of the Bernon Family Branch, Tara has served as a member of the Leaders Club, a Member Services volunteer, a swimming instructor, a lifeguard, and a camp counselor. While presenting her with the Youth of the Year Award, Tara’s advisor Nate Packert shared how Tara “has displayed amazing leadership qualities, and she goes to the Y every day with her best foot forward.” A natural people person with a bright smile, Tara has shared how one of her most important goals is simply to make people happy.

Tara Lambert receives Youth of the Year Award alongside her family
Tara Lambert receives Youth of the Year Award alongside her family

Recalling her experience with the Y, Tara remarks, “I like how my Y story began. I remember the Counselor-in-Training fee was due at the end of the week which was a lot all at once. My parents called the camp director and he said ‘We will make it work for your family.’” From the director’s perspective, this was certainly a sound investment, since Tara went on to become one of the Y’s most impactful youth leaders.

Tara looks back fondly on her time at the Y. Upon receiving the award, her closing thoughts were, “The way I see it, life is like a series of books…while my YMCA book is far from over, this is a pretty amazing way to end this chapter.” Tara’s next chapter will be at Westfield State University, where she will be studying nursing. The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to name Tara a Youth of the Year recipient, and while we wish her nothing but the best of luck with her next chapter, we sincerely hope to see her YMCA book be filled with many more pages of impact and opportunity.

In addition to Tara’s Youth of the Year Award, the Franklin Food Pantry was honored with the Bernon Family Branch’s Red Triangle Award. The Franklin Food Pantry is committed to providing immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions. It does so by empowering the community through resources, education, and collaboration, efforts that go far beyond bringing food to people. Upon presenting the Food Pantry with the award, Bill Chouinard, the Chairman of the Bernon Family Branch’s Board of Managers and himself a Franklin resident, remarked how the people at the pantry “continue to be where children and families need them the most, working to meet the basic human needs, while preserving the dignity of those that they serve.”

Photo L-R: Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley; Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Erin Lynch; Bernon Family Branch Board of Manager Chair Bill Chouinard, and Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley
Photo L-R: Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley; Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Erin Lynch; Bernon Family Branch Board of Manager Chair Bill Chouinard, and Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley

In addition to serving 600 families through traditional food pantry operations, the Franklin Food Pantry partners with the Hockomock YMCA and Stop & Shop to create the Healthy Futures Shelf. This service provides the Pantry’s clients access to nutritious choices, and helps to prevent chronic health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Erin Lynch, the Executive Director of the Food Pantry, spoke about this partnership with the Hockomock Y in her acceptance speech. She said, “I couldn’t ask for a better partner than the Hockomock Area YMCA. They’ve shared resources, time, talent, and treasure with us over the past year, and I truly appreciate it.” The Hockomock Area YMCA, along with the entire Franklin community, truly appreciates the Food Pantry’s innovative work in forging strong community health. The Hockomock Y was proud to present the Franklin Food Pantry with the Red Triangle Award, and we look forward to a continued, prosperous partnership in the years to come.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

"Most privacy policies cover mobile devices"

MA.Gov doing good work for consumers!
Reading privacy policies can be time consuming, but if you know what you are looking for you can reduce the amount of time you spend trying to find the information that matters to you. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation conducted a survey of the privacy policies of ten online retailers to help consumers understand and efficiently navigate privacy policies. The surveyed retailers were Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, PayPal, Apple, Walmart, Etsy, Home Depot, Target, and Best Buy.
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation


Continue reading their article here to find the summary of the privacy policy surveys  http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/privacy-policy-survey/


Friday, June 19, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/19/15 - THU 6/25/15

FRI 6/19   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
FRI 6/19   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 6/19   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 6/20   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
SAT 6/20   11am-3pm   Franklin Solar Challenge Open House - 476 Maple St
SAT 6/20   2-5pm   4th Annual BBQ Fundraiser - Troop 99 - Franklin Rod and Gun Club
SAT 6/20   7:30pm   Electric Youth Bon Voyage Concert at The Black Box

SUN 6/21   9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library

WED 6/24   6:30pm   Cupcakes and Cards Decorating Class at The Cake Bar. Registration required.

NOW - 6/30   The Ladybug Trek Small Business Scavenger Hunt

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

The Franklin Education Foundation Announces 2015-2016 Grant Awardees


The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 9 grants totaling approximately $19,500 for the 2015-2016 school year to teachers who represent all educational levels in the Franklin public school (FPS) system. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients. 
Franklin Education Foundation
Franklin Education Foundation
The committee also awarded the inaugural FEF Pinnacle Award to Mr. Nick Goldman of Oak Street Elementary School for his proposal to introduce heart rate monitors into the elementary physical education/health curriculum. The Pinnacle Award is given to the highest scoring application and provides up to $5000 for the project budget. 
“Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs when selecting applications for funding. All of the selected proposals were meritorious. Mr. Golman’s proposal was selected for the Pinnacle Award because it sought to integrate heart rate monitors into the elementary physical education/health curriculum, and also to provide the anonymous heart rate data to fifth grade math teachers to use in their classes. This has never been attempted in Franklin Public Schools and impressed the committee as the being most innovative application.” stated Kit Brady, FEF President and Chair of the Grant Review Committee.
This year’s other recipients are: 
Franklin High School
  • Dawn-Marie Fernandes, Jennifer Spencer, Judy O’Neill, “FHS Goes Global” passport program
  • Dr. Carolyn Fortuna, Dan Hudder, Sam Rosen, Storyteller for 12th grade children's literature class
  • Jane Hogan, “Language as art” cultural installation; and Brenna Johnson, Community outreach through the arts afterschool club
At the middle school level, recipients are: 
Remington Middle School 
  • Tulani Husband-Verbeek, Book club with author visits by Skype; and Karen Lindblom, Motivational game creation workshop for teachers

At the elementary school level, recipients are: 
Oak Street School 
  • Tracie O'Brien, Home book bag program for grades 1-2
Parmenter School
  • Jean Wolf, Summer book clubs for students and read aloud book bags for parents

Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded over $325,000 in grants to FPS. Yearly fundraisers such as next November’s Harlem Wizards basketball game, the annual Trivia Bee, as well as an annual fund campaign, provide much appreciated support from businesses, families and organizations for the FEF grants. 
To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.

FHS Softball and Baseball Hockomock League All Stars

Both the FHS softball and baseball teams have two players named to the All Star team and one honorable mention according to voting by the coaches released by Hockomock Sports.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Softball

Sabrina LoMonaco
Briana Flaherty

Honorable Mention
Maddie Connelly

Baseball

Nick Santucci
Anthony Chaiton

Honorable Mention
Zane Byrne



The full listing of the Hockomock League All Stars can be found here for softball

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-softball-all-stars


and for baseball

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-baseball-all-stars

In the News: Fire Dept keeps 4, Police still looking for suspect


The fire department will not have to cut the four firefighters it hired in 2013 with money awarded from the Federal Emergency Management Agency despite the grant expiring this year. 
Franklin Fire Dept
Franklin Fire Dept
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said officials only needed to find enough extra money to pay for three out of the four positions in next fiscal year’s budget. 
Also, with the department no longer understaffed, it did not pay out as much overtime and instead used the savings for salaries, Nutting said.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150619/NEWS/150615893/1994/NEWS

For additional insights into the FY 2016 budget check out the budget hearing reporting for the Finance Committee and Town Council meetings here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html




The police are still looking for the gunman who robbed a woman on June 4 in the driveway of her Forest Street home. 
Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian Wednesday would not say if detectives have identified the suspect, described only as a white male in his 20s who is approximately six feet tall. 
Also, Semerjian did not reveal if police have circulated any images or drawings of the suspect since the robbery two weeks ago.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150619/NEWS/150615892/1994/NEWS

Franklin Solar Challenge open house - June 20

via Brett Feldman:
The Solar Challenge is hosting an open house on Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
The event will be held at the Patel residence, 476 Maple St., Franklin. Come see a rooftop solar array in action and ask questions of the installer and the homeowner. 
There will be free brunch food as well. For more information, call 508-808-4556 or email franklinsolar@solarflair.com.
Franklin Solar Challenge
Franklin Solar Challenge

Related posts

Original posting of Open House schedule

Solar installers are busy
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/local-solar-installers-say-they-have.html


Free Public Forum - Synthetic Turf - Is It Safe for Our Kids?

Tuesday, June 23 - 7:00 PM



Note: Twitter updated with a change in forum panelists (6/19/15 pm)



Where:
Concord-Carlisle High School Auditorium
500 Walden St, Concord, MA


Thursday, June 18, 2015

Partnership Encourages Residents to Shop Local During Construction

The Franklin Downtown Partnership wants to remind everyone to shop locally during the downtown Franklin roadway and streetscape improvement project.
The Partnership is working with the Town of Franklin to communicate construction updates in an effort to help residents get around downtown more easily. The FDP is also collaborating with local groups like the Small Shop Co-Op, the #ShopFranklin - Supporting Small Business Facebook group, and WMRC First Class Radio to help encourage residents to shop locally.

"If you have a favorite business or restaurant, please make that extra effort to visit them frequently. Traffic issues, like the harsh winter, can affect a business's bottom line. It's important that we all be patient with the process and help these businesses thrive," says Partnership President Nicole Fortier.

The $7.25 million, state-funded improvement project began in mid April. When finished, residents will see two-way traffic, improvements designed to slow traffic and increase pedestrian safety, and aesthetic improvements like plantings, greenspace and new lighting.

The FDP will help communicate the Town of Franklin's construction updates about parking, alternate routes and road closures on its website, franklindowntownpartnership.org, and on its Twitter feed and Facebook page.
"The Partnership is also collaborating with local groups to help encourage people to shop locally. There are several great promotions and 'shop local' efforts happening in Franklin this spring, and we will help get the word out about them. Businesses are working very hard to earn and keep your business," says Lisa Piana, the Downtown Partnership's executive director.

One example of that collaboration is the Small Shop Co-Op, created by The Cake Bar co-owners Tracie Turinese and Angie McMillan. The co-op has launched the Lady Bug Trek scavenger hunt. Using a smartphone app, shoppers will visit participating local businesses and compete to win prizes.  


Ladybug Trek
Ladybug Trek
"We are all working toward making this construction process go as smoothly as possible for our businesses and residents. The Streetscape project is a key component to the revitalization of downtown Franklin, which the Downtown Partnership has been working toward since 2001. Ultimately a strong downtown is good for the whole community," adds Piana.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working together to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. The FDP runs the annual Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival and Holiday Stroll, and is involved in economic development, beautification, streetscape and greenspace design, and networking initiatives.

The FDP currently has over 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents. For more information, go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, or contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Representative Roy Announces Community Coalition to Combat Opioid Abuse

In light of the recent opioid epidemic that has been plaguing Massachusetts Representative Roy of Franklin will be hosting a Community Coalition on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High School Auditorium. This meeting will be open to the public with the goal of establishing a direction for the coalition to take, to hear from experts, and to hear from coalition members in other towns on their progress. 
Representative Roy has been working with a group since February to develop a Community Coalition to combat this epidemic. "While I was pleased to be a part of the discussion, it was unsettling to see the damage that is wreaking havoc on people and their families," said Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) "We need to do more to help those who struggle daily with the disease of addiction and I think a coalition is the first step." 

Community entrance at Franklin High School
Community entrance at Franklin High School
The Massachusetts Legislature has taken a number of legislative and budgetary steps to get in front of the problem and it has been supportive of efforts to establish community coalitions to confront opioid abuse. Franklin is not alone in discussing and facing the opioid problem—Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey and his colleagues have been spearheading coalitions to fight the epidemic and they have recently included Franklin. 
On June 3, in preparation for the first coalition meeting, Rep. Roy and his team met with D.A. Michael Morrissey and his coalition leaders in Canton for a briefing and discussion on the ways they can combat the opioid epidemic in our community. "Franklin is doing the right things in dealing with the effects of drugs in our region, and particularly the Commonwealth's deadly opiate epidemic," District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said, "we see prevention coalitions successfully changing attitudes about substance use in other towns. Enforcement and supply interdiction remain important. But groups like this one are key to addressing the demand for drugs in our communities. I applaud the elected officials, police, educators and other community members who are making this happen. I'm glad to support it and offer the help and assistance of my office." 
Franklin Town Councilor Robert Dellorco added his vote of confidence to the coalition by saying, "When I found out about the overwhelming response to the coalition meeting, it reinforced the pride that I have in the Franklin community, and the confidence that together we can make a difference." 
Finally, Rep. Roy and the coalition urge the people of Franklin to watch Dr. Anne Bergen's show, "It Takes a Village," on the Franklin community channel Saturday June 20th at 8:30pm. Rep. Roy and other coalition members appeared on the show to discuss the epidemic and it serves as good background on the issue going into the first coalition meeting. 
For more information on the Franklin Community Coalition please do not hesitate to reach out to Representative Roy or his office at 617-722-2020.

Troop 99 - 4th Annual BBQ - Sat - Jun 20

From Jim Schultz:

Troop 99 will be hosting it's 4th Annual BBQ Fundraiser this Saturday, June 20th at 2:00pm at the Franklin Rod and Gun Club. 
Tickets are $15 per person at the door. Menu will include Burgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Chicken, Ribs, Homemade Baked Beans (cooked right onsite in dutch ovens!), cornbread, a variety of salads, and desert! 
If you're not doing anything on Saturday, or looking for a quick bite to eat, consider heading over to the Franklin Rod and Gun Club at 2:00pm (Florence St. in Franklin)
Even if you come and just take a plate to go, we'd appreciate the support! http://www.troop99franklin.org
Troop 99 - 4th Annual BBQ
Troop 99 - 4th Annual BBQ

MBTA commuter alert: Starting July 6: Commuter Rail parking policy change



Effective July 6th, the 'honor box' payment system will no longer exist at MBTA parking lots. For more information please visit www.mbta.com/parking.

Effective Monday, July 6th, PayByPhone customers can make payment over the phone at 1-866-234-7275, or using the PayByPhone app. Customers are encouraged to sign up for PayByPhone at www.paybyphone.com.

For customers who choose not to sign up for PayByPhone, the MBTA will mail a monthly invoice to the address listed on the vehicle owner's registration. Customers choosing the invoice method of payment will pay 50 cents more than PayByPhone customers. If invoices remain unpaid for more than thirty days, subsequent reminder invoices and notices of non-payment will be accompanied by a fine. Similar to All Electronic Tolling used on the Tobin Bridge, this payment system is licensed plate based and eliminates the need to pay for MBTA parking using cash.

Last updated: Jun 17 2015 05:03 PM

Franklin Dean Station
Franklin Dean Station


Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/
Sent by the MBTA.

FHS Hockomock League tennis All Stars

Both the FHS girls and boys tennis teams have several players named to the All Star teams according to voting by the coaches released by Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Girls Tennis


Hannah Sweeney
Anna Humphreys
Katelynn Marr
Katelyn Davenport

Honorable Mention
Lauren Markland

Boys Tennis


Kyle Pandiscio
Rahul Herur

Honorable Mention
James Johnston


The full listing of Hockomock All Stars for tennis can be found here for girls
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-girls-tennis-all-stars


for boys
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-boys-tennis-all-stars

In the News: town clerk salary change, Snappy Dogs can stay



The budget for next fiscal year, which starts July 1, includes two salaries for the town clerk: Pellegri’s and her successor’s. The new salary takes effect following the Nov. 4 election. 
“We figure the new person will need to get some experience before getting a raise,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting explained during the Town Council meeting last week. 
At least two people have already shown interest in running for town clerk. Assistant town clerk Teresa Burr is considering pulling nomination papers. And Diane Padula-O'Neill in late March said she would pursue the seat.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150617/NEWS/150616388/1994/NEWS



Snappy Dogs can stay in its spot behind the former Colella's Supermarket as CVS pharmacy moves in, according to the owners of the popular hot dog trailer. 
Snappy Dogs' owners Lisa Volpe Hachey and Teresa Boyce said they reached out to Larry Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Health, with a hand-written letter. On Monday, CVS officials gave permission for the trailer to stay, Boyce said. 
"We're in," Boyce said. "We are very, very happy and relieved."
Continue reading the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150616/NEWS/150616889

Snappy Dogs  has visited Franklin participating in fund raising events at Pour Richard's

Snappy Dogs Trailier
Snappy Dogs trailer (Pour Richard's Facebook photo)


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Conference Of Boston Teaching Hospitals And University Of Massachusetts Medical Center Announce New Web Portal To Promote Collaboration Between Industry And The World's Leading Research Hospitals


MA Life Sciences Center
MA Life Sciences Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) joined the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals (COBTH) and the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center at the 2015 BIO International Convention today to announce the launch of the Massachusetts Clinical Innovation Gateway. The new web portal will allow life sciences companies from around the world to seek opportunities to partner with Massachusetts academic medical centers (AMCs) on research and clinical initiatives.

"Lives are saved when people work together," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.  "We see it over and over again in all kinds of situations; the life sciences are no exception.  This tool will help bring together the best minds, greatest ideas, and strongest collaborations that have the potential to bring about life-changing breakthroughs—exactly the kinds of innovation and ingenuity for which Boston and the Commonwealth are known."

The MLSC and COBTH have developed a form and process to triage partnership requests from interested life sciences companies. Companies seeking to explore partnership opportunities with Massachusetts AMC's can complete the online form, which will be sent to representatives from each of the AMCs for review and consideration.

Participating AMCs include:


Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston Medical Center
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Cambridge Health Alliance
Carney Hospital
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center
Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Massachusetts General Hospital
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Tufts Medical Center
UMass Memorial Medical Center
VA Boston Healthcare



"This new tool will enable medical breakthroughs by offering companies in Massachusetts and throughout the world the opportunity to collaborate on product development and clinical studies with Massachusetts' world-renowned research hospitals," said Pamela Norton, MLSC Vice President for Industry Relations and Programs. "We are excited about the collaborations that will result, the improvements in patient care that will follow, and the role that this new system will play in attracting even more global companies to the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem."

"In an intensely competitive global environment, development of the Massachusetts Innovation Gateway is an important step in making sure we do all we can  to attract companies wishing to partner with our academic medical centers," said John Fernandez, Chair of COBTH and President and CEO of Mass Eye and Ear.

"This tool will give the medical world insight and access to the incredible work conducted by experts in their fields at our Massachusetts academic medical centers,' said Patrick Muldoon, FACHE, president of UMass Memorial Medical Center. "We have a unique and rich history in the life sciences and with this new portal we invite the world to come and collaborate with us."

"Increasingly, industry is seeking to partner with academic and hospital researchers who have firsthand perspectives on patient needs and clinical innovations. Nowhere is this more coveted than in Massachusetts, where our world-class institutions are tackling global healthcare challenges every day," said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio, the life sciences trade association representing 650+ life sciences companies, academic institutions, service providers and patient organizations. "We look forward to realizing the full potential of the portal to streamline and catalyze these collaborations."   

"The Massachusetts Clinical Innovation Gateway is a terrific display of Massachusetts institutions collaborating towards the common goal of streamlining the ability of companies to partner with Massachusetts academic medical centers," said Senator Michael Rodriques (D-Westport).

"This is a great new tool for companies to get access to some of the best academic medical institutions in the world," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).  "In turn, the developments and enhancements that will result will be a great boost for patient care, will lead to greater innovation, and ultimately save lives."

Through the MLSC, Massachusetts is investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state's life sciences ecosystem. Through nearly $600 million in public investment, which has leveraged more than $1.7 billion in third-party investment, Massachusetts has emerged as the global leader in life sciences, and as a magnet for companies large and small from all over the world.

For more information about the Massachusetts Clinical Innovation Gateway, visit http://cobth.org/massclinicalinnovationgateway.html.


About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an investment agency that supports life sciences innovation, research, development and commercialization. The MLSC is charged with implementing a 10-year, $1-billion, state-funded investment initiative. These investments create jobs and support advances that improve health and well-being. The MLSC offers the nation's most comprehensive set of incentives and collaborative programs targeted to the life sciences ecosystem. These programs propel the growth that has made Massachusetts the global leader in life sciences. The MLSC creates new models for collaboration and partners with organizations, both public and private, around the world to promote innovation in the life sciences.  For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.

About the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals

The Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals (COBTH) is the coalition of 14 Boston area hospitals, all of which are teaching institutions.  COBTH exists to maximize the Boston teaching hospitals' visibility on the issues that are fundamental to their unique missions of medical education and research. COBTH educates opinion leaders at all levels about the contributions of its members to the area's health and economy. In coalition with business organizations, COBTH advocates for policies favorable to academic medicine and the economy of the Commonwealth.

About the UMass Memorial Medical Center

Patients and families trust UMass Memorial Medical Center as the region's leading academic medical center, committed to improving the health of our communities in Central Massachusetts. With our partner, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, we are committed to excellence in primary and specialty care, community service, teaching and research. The Medical Center offers advanced technology and support services for patients and families, providing the region with specialists renowned for their expertise in caring for adults and children.

National French Awards at BFCCPS


BFCCPS is thrilled to present the results of this year's  French National Contest. Le Grand Concours is an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Students at BFCCPS competed against French students from all 50 states and abroad.

We are very proud of our Grades 6, 7 & 8 students for their hard work and preparation for this examination.  This years results are the highest on record and we were pleased to present awards and medals during this year's French Award Assembly on Wednesday June 3, 2015. 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - BFCCPS
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - BFCCPS

We were joined by Ms. Marie-Claude Francoeur, the Delegate of Quebec in Boston as well as Edie Richardson, a BFCCPS alumni class of 2007. Since her time at BFCCPS, she studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland and graduated from Smith College just two weeks ago. Edie will be spending next year in Rouen, Normandy, France teaching English and would like to study International Law.

Grade 6:
8 students were in the 70th percentile and received an Honor Award
1 student was in the 90th percentile and received a Silver Medal.
5 students were in the 95th percentile and received a Gold Medal.

Grade 7:
10 students were in the 70th percentile and received an Honor Award
9 students were in the 80th percentile and received a Bronze Medal.
11 students were in the 90th percentile and received a Silver Medal.
2 students were in the 95th percentile and received a Gold Medal.

Grade 8:
9 students were in the 70th percentile and received an Honor Award
10 students were in the 80th percentile and received a Bronze Medal.
10 students were in the 80th percentile and received a Silver Medal.
8 students were in the 95th percentile and received a Gold Medal
1 student received a Platinum Plaque/Medal for obtaining a perfect score.

You can find photos from the event here:  http://bfccps.org/french-awards-2015/

MassBudget: New Federal Revenue Affects State Spending Trends




MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.


New Federal Revenue Affects State Spending Trends

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act affects the state's fiscal condition in a number of ways. Most significantly, the law provides substantial new federal revenue to the state. It actually provides more in federal revenue than the net state costs of implementing provisions of that law. This is good for the state's overall fiscal health, but complicates any analysis of state budget trends.

As has frequently been noted, the overall state budget was growing by more than 6% between 2014 and 2015, before budget cuts in February. That appears to be - and in most circumstances would be - an unsustainable rate of growth. New Federal Revenue Affects State Spending Trends finds, however, that overall state own source spending grew only 4%--about the same rate as our overall economy. The difference between this 4% figure and the commonly cited figures over 6% was new federal money that flowed through our state budget to provide health care coverage for people covered by the Affordable Care Act. This was a one-time increase to a new level of federal reimbursement (which will largely be sustained), that does not affect future growth rate trends and did not reflect state own source spending this year.

While overall spending for MassHealth and health reform grew 8.6% from 2014 to 2015, net state spending for those programs grew 2.3%. Health care cost growth certainly remains a long term challenge, but the one-time increase in federal revenue that fueled this year's spending increase should not be seen as constituting a trend. And the administration's commitment to a thorough redetermination process should help to hold down cost growth next year.

To read the full factsheet, 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.

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