Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts

Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts   The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts today published Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts, prepared in partnership with MassBudget. This report examines progress and obstacles on the path to creating a Commonwealth where all of our people, of every race and background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. We find some significant progress: many more Black students are completing high school, with the dropout rate declining 45 percent over the past seven years, and Black people are more likely to have health care coverage in Massachusetts than in almost any other state. But the progress has been very uneven. There has been little to no income growth for low and middle income Black workers. This is connected to a broader problem of incomes barely growing for low and middle income workers of all races. But the stagnation has been most acute for Black workers. Gaps in wealth are even larger. And the neighborhoods in which many black families live lack the open spaces, markets with healthy food, and good housing that help people to stay healthy. Black and Latino students are disproportionately in our lowest income school districts. Those districts don't have the resources of our highest income districts and we see significant gaps in outcomes. Yet our low-income districts are better funded and more effective than similar districts in other states: low-income Black eighth graders here do better than their counterparts in other states -- ranking first in math and second in English on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In short, while deep challenges remain, we have a foundation for progress that we can build upon. To read the full 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

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

You can also find the report directly here
http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/SOMB.pdf

"we need to win the hustle plays"

"There are a lot of new faces on the Franklin bench this season. The Panthers bring back only one starter from last year’s team, which reached the Div. 1 Central final, and it is expected that there will be an adjustment period for new players in new roles. 

The pieces, new and old, fit perfectly on Friday night in the season opener against Holy Name. 

Utilizing a tenacious full court press, Franklin jumped out to a 26-0 lead and never looked back. The Panthers won the opener 70-41 in a rematch of the last two district semifinals, which the teams split."

Lauren Rudolph (25) scored 15 points to lead the Panthers to a 70-41 win over Holy Name in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/relentless-panthers-roll-to-win-in-season-opener/



In other FHS sports action on Friday, the girls swim team beat Stoughton and the boys team results were not posted.
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121115/

"Package thefts rise during the holiday season"

A timely post to share from the MA Consumer Affairs blog

"With holiday shopping in full swing, millions of consumers are expected to ship gifts to their family and friends. However, sending the packages to the right address does not guarantee that they will be received by the intended recipient. Package thefts rise during the holiday season, and some thieves will even follow delivery trucks to scoop up packages as soon as they are delivered.

To make sure your package is properly received this holiday season:

• Require a signature upon delivery
• Request tracking and delivery confirmation
• Insure your packages
• Specify delivery instructions, such as “leave at back door”
• Arrange to pick up packages at the post office or delivery service location
• Ask a friend or neighbor to look out for your order and accept/pick up your packages
• Ship packages to your workplace if your employer allows it

If you are sending a package, let the recipient know that it is coming and when to expect it to arrive (and not to open it just yet!). Be sure to follow up with them to make sure it was received."

Continue reading the tips from the MA Consumer Affairs blog here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/lost-or-stolen-packages/

image from USPS.com webpage

• The link to file a claim on a Fedex package can be found here

http://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/online-claims/index.html

• The Holiday Help Center for UPS can be found here

https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/help-center.html?WT.svl=PNRO_L1

• Holiday shipping dates from the US Postal Service can be found here

https://www.usps.com/holiday/

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Says Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year Saying that the demand this year appears to be greater than ever, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive will continue to run through December 31, 2015. "Here in Norfolk County," noted Register O'Donnell, "some of our less fortunate neighbors continue to face economic hardship. We know this because we see each month the Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings that take place. Furthermore, at a statewide level, Project Bread noted that 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is food insecure. The Greater Boston Food Bank has distributed more food product the week before Thanksgiving than ever before, including produce. The signs are visibly out there that people need help." Local pantry officials agree food donations, especially as we head into the winter and holiday months, are critical to their operations. "The holiday season is the busiest time of year. For the past 40 years, we have relied on the generosity of our local communities to donate food and help neighbors in need," noted Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services of Quincy. Unfortunately, the issue of hunger does not stop at any border. Rene Feuerman, Director of the Brookline Food Pantry noted, "Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals and families needing assistance. Just this past summer, we added 100 families to our needs list. Currently, we are feeding 850 households here in Brookline." "Non-perishable food items such as rice, canned vegetables and soups, spaghetti, tomato sauce and paste are quite popular. Toiletries and paper products are also greatly appreciated," noted O'Donnell. These and other items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham from Monday, November 23, 2015 through Thursday, December 31, 2015. A donation bin has been set up in the Registry building lobby which is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Those who wish to donate but are unable to travel to the Registry can do so by donating food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. "Dropping off a food donation at the Registry or a local food pantry could make the difference in a family's holiday. Working together, we can make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell. For a list of local food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds for follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

listing of Food Pantry's in Norfolk County

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/11/15 - THU 12/17/15

FRIDAY 12/11/15
Dec 1- Dec 12   Food Elves: 12 Days of Donating -  annual fundraiser for Franklin Food Pantry. For locations for donations click HERE.
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Winter Lighthouse at the Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 12/12/15
9am-3pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center
2pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
5:30pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
7:30pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves

SUNDAY 12/13/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)
2pm   FPAC presents: The Nutcracker at the Franklin High School
1 pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
2 pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
3pm   Holiday Sing Along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 12/14/15
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)

WEDNESDAY 12/16/15
5:30-8pm   Santa at the Learning Express in Franklin

THURSDAY 12/17/15
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones - call Franklin Senior Center to register
6:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar: acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
7pm   Franklin Forte Adult Chorus: FREE Winter Music Concert at Franklin Senior Center

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

This weekend in the Blackstone Valley

Holiday stroll, shopping, lighting, and of course...Santa!

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eNewsletter: December 10, 2015 Holiday fun happening all around Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley. In the community... Main Street Holiday Stroll Saturday, December 12th 1 pm - 8 pm  Between Market & Monument Squares Main Street Woonsocket, RI This winter-themed event will bring neighbors and business owners together to celebrate the holidays while renewing interest in Woonsocket's historic downtown Main Street area. Aside from shopping along the brightly decorated storefronts, attendees can enjoy carolers, street and musical performers, children's activities, arts & crafts, free Christmas movie screenings, a visit from Santa Claus, and much more! MORE INFO Foundry Artists Holiday Show Continues this weekend... December 11th (12 PM - 8 PM) and 12th and 13th (10 AM - 6 PM) The Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange Street Pawtucket, RI For thirty years, this popular New England holiday tradition has offered the opportunity to both view and purchase work by 60+ top regional artists. With a juried selection of artists, caliber of work is high. Categories of fine art and crafts range from art glass to wood, and include painting, sculpture, metal, fiber, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, photography, millinery, artisan beauty products, handmade books, and furniture. MORE INFO Santa at Stillwater Saturday, December 12th 1 PM - 3 PM Stillwater Mill Complex 100 Tinkham Lane Burrillville, RI  Head up to Burrillville for their annual "Santa at Stillwater" celebration. Santa arrives by Harrisville Fire Truck for you to tell your Christmas wishes. He'll even have a small gift for those on his "good" list.  Warm up with hot chocolate and donuts, and enjoy holiday music provided by the Burrillville Middle School Chorus. Plus, get your face painted in the Library Café & decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in the library's community room. DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! and bring Christmas to the Burrillville Animal Shelter by donating pet food, treats, & pet products in the drop box at the event. After that... Stop over at Mapleville Farm's 1st Annual Holiday Lighting starting at 4 PM. This quaint family-run farm will have caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, and a festive lighting at 4:45!  CLICK HERE for more info. __________________ MORE INFO An Old-Fashioned Christmas - Open House December 12th (4 PM - 7 PM) and 13th (2 PM - 6 PM) Hearthside House 677 Great Road Lincoln, RI  With a chorus of traditional carols being sung by costumed carolers, visitors are welcomed into the cozy warmth of Hearthside. Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the house to enjoy the treasured elegance of Christmas by the amber glow of candlelight and the twinkling lights of the ornate trees.  Enjoy the sounds of the season and capture memories with a picture taken with our Victorian-style Santa Claus.      MORE INFO Upcoming Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Events... THE POLAR EXPRESStm Train Ride Weekends from Nov 20th - Dec 20th Historic Woonsocket Depot 1 Depot Square Woonsocket, RI  Celebrating our 16th year, this holiday experience has become a classic for families far and wide. Join us for a 90-minute train ride complete with storytelling, holiday songs, games, delicious hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, and a special gift for all the kids from Santa. Put on your pajamas...grab your camera...and get ready to make some memories on this "magical trip".  PURCHASE TICKETS Rent the "Center by the Blackstone"  for your next event this holiday season Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street Pawtucket, RI  The "Center by the Blackstone" meeting & event facility is a great alternative to banquet halls, traditional meeting rooms, and conference centers. This unique and trendy multifunctional facility provides a spacious interior that includes a gallery space and intimate 90-seat theater. It boasts a beautiful interior design with ample parking and close proximity to Slater Mill on the banks of the Blackstone River. Located just 5 minutes from I-95, the "Center by the Blackstone" is the perfect location to host your holiday party or upcoming public event.  MORE INFO Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 401-724-2200 | TourBlackstone.com STAY CONNECTED:

Forward this email Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street | Pawtucket | RI | 02860

FHS winter sports, wrestling won; Lauren Rudolph is a 'Player to Watch'

From Hockomock Sports, we share the schedule for Friday's competition, the results of Thursday's wrestling match, as well as the "Players to Watch" outlook for Girls Basketball.


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Friday's competition

Girls Basketball

Franklin vs. Holy Name, 6:30

FHS Panthers

Swimming

Franklin @ Stoughton, 4:00

For the complete schedule around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121115/

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Thursday's Results

Wrestling

Franklin, 60 @ Stoughton, 24 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-121015/

Girls Basketball - Players to Watch

Lauren Rudolph, Franklin – Franklin is flying under the radar at the start of the season after losing a number of pieces from last year’s squad but one player who could make a big leap this winter is Rudolph. The senior wing has plenty of range, which works well in Franklin’s drive-and-kick attack and she has also developed the ability to take the ball to the basket as well. She suffered an injury during soccer last year that forced her to miss the beginning of the season, but this time around she is ready to jump in and become one of the primary scorers for the Panthers. There is talk that Franklin lacks some of the star power of recent seasons, but Rudolph has shown the potential over the last two years that she may be ready for a breakout.

Continue reading about all the players to watch for girls basketball here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/

in the News: Franklin Police "wait and see"; children's school registration

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Dean College

According to Team Ops’ website, no prior experience is necessary for applicants, and all training is provided prior to a first scheduled assignment. 

On Wednesday, Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said the department will “wait and see” how the situation plays out. 

“We’re certainly in discussion with the campus,” he said, adding that the department hasn’t had the chance to go over specifics on what Team Ops is responsible for and what police will have to pick up.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219029/1994/NEWS

Registration for the Franklin Children’s School will take place beginning Jan. 22, 2016 and run through Feb. 7. 

The preschool will use a lottery system to fill all program openings. A priority will be given to all currently-enrolled FCS students, siblings and alumni. All applicants will be notified either by phone or email of their placement or waitlist status by Feb. 12.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219420/1994/NEWS

Library Book sale and Holiday sing along

Monthly Library Book Sale - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the Bag sale - Sunday, 9:00 AM to Noon

Library book and bag sale 12/12-12/13

And then Sunday, a Holiday sing along with Jamie Barrett at 3:00 PM

Holiday sign along - Jamie Barrett

These items were shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/12/franklin-public-library-book-bag-sale.html

and here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/12/holiday-sing-along-with-jamie-barrett.html

Parmenter Holiday Shop

The Holiday Shop happens at Parmenter School today from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Holiday Shop

For more info about the Parmenter School check out their page on the web
http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

“On Monday, we found out everyone was terminated”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Dean College has announced its plan to eliminate its campus police force and hire a private security company, causing the campus police union to file a complaint against the school. 

The newly-formed Dean College Campus Police Association has filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and is alleging that after informing the school president last week of its intention to unionize, officers were let go. 

The would-be union’s attorney, Scott Dunlap, said federal law requires a union to notify an employer of the officers' intent to organize before a petition is filed with the NLRB, and he did so to Dean College President Dr. Paula Rooney at 5:30 p.m. Friday via email, he said. 

“On Monday, we found out everyone was terminated,” he said."

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151209/NEWS/151206324/1994/NEWS?template=printart

BFCCPS student fund raising for Walk4Wells

Walk4Wells is a program run by Plan USA that raises money and awareness for people in third world communities that do not have local clean drinking water. Women and children in this situation have to walk an average of 3 miles a day just to get water, even if it isn't the cleanest it can be. 

Walk4Wells uses the money to install wells in the communities in need. Wells access water that is naturally filtered in underground water chambers. Franklin is community that also depends on well water like many other communities around the world. 

Right now, they are working in Burkina Faso, an African country that suffers greatly from this issue. People like us can raise money for them by hosting walkathons for their communities.

-Francisco Coakley