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Thursday, June 2, 2016
Introducing.... #shopFranklin - Being Small Business
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
School Committee to host a series of Coffee Hours
All of our community benefits when our public schools are strong. To make sure our schools stay among the very best in the state, the school committee will seek input from all members of the community.
The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will be hosting a series of coffee hours. We would like to hear from the citizens of Franklin as we begin to review the mission and vision of the Franklin Public Schools. With the goal of meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students, we would greatly appreciate your input.
All members of the community are welcome to attend any/all of these sessions. Join us:
Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee:
Contact us with your concerns, questions at the Franklin School Committee
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_About/members
The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will be hosting a series of coffee hours. We would like to hear from the citizens of Franklin as we begin to review the mission and vision of the Franklin Public Schools. With the goal of meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students, we would greatly appreciate your input.
- How are we doing?
- What are our strengths?
- Where would you like to see us put more of our resources?
All members of the community are welcome to attend any/all of these sessions. Join us:
- Thursday, June 9, 7:00 P.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
- Saturday, June 11, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
- Friday, June 24, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Senior Center
Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee:
- Anne Bergen
- Vanessa Bilello
- Denise Schultz
Contact us with your concerns, questions at the Franklin School Committee
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_About/members
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| Front Row: Cindy Douglas, Vice Chair; Dr. Kevin O'Malley, Chairman; Dr. John Jewell Back Row: Vanessa Bilello, Dr. Anne Bergen, MaryJane Scofield, Denise Schultz |
THE BLACK BOX: "The Love Dogs"
THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. With barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano, stinging Fender guitar, and a red-hot horn section of trombone and alto, tenor and baritone saxes, The Love Dogs also showcases a swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business” and a charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around.
Based out of Boston, the septet just celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll, The Love Dogs have played juke joints, festivals and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve released four CDs. Many of the cuts have been blues radio favorites and several of the Dogs’ signature original songs have been used in feature films and on television. The New York Post says, “Even though the music could make Leonardo’s David dance, it’s the songwriting that separates these dogs from the rest of the pack.” Voted “Best New England Band” by Blues Audience magazine, The Love Dogs is part Rat Pack party, part 20th century musical encyclopedia, and part revival meeting.
The band’s lineup, featuring some of the Northeast’s best players, consists of Eddie “Duato” Scheer (lead vocals), Alizon Lissance (keyboards, vocals), Myanna (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Glenn Shambroom (guitar, baritone sax), Randy Bramwell (bass, vocals), Steve Brown (drums, vocals), Mario Perrett (tenor sax, vocals), and Mark Paquin (tenor sax, trombone). THE BLACK BOX show will also feature bassist Mark Poniatowski.
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or at the door. A cash bar is available. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.
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| http://www.thelovedogs.com/ |
Downtown Project Update #31 - Paving to begin on Main St Thursday night
Paving to begin: construction will begin paving the binder course on Main Street (between Emmons St and the bridge) on Thursday night this week.
Crews will be working from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am. This area includes a small section of Emmons St, Dean Ave and Depot St.
If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.
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| Main St at Emmons which is scheduled for paving Thursday night |
In the News: Strawberry Stroll next week, BB damages windows
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160531/franklin-strawberry-stroll-set-for-next-week
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160531/franklin-homes-damaged-in-bb-gun-vandalism
"The downtown area will mark the start of summer with a "Strawberry Stroll" next week.
The stroll - scheduled for Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. - has been an annual Franklin Downtown Partnership event for the past 14 years.
Lisa Piana, the partnership's executive director, said the event was something of a local favorite, with a number of residents attending annually to feast on strawberry shortcakes.
"We go through dozens of cases of whipped cream and over 100 quarts of strawberries each year," she said, adding that the shortcakes will be served in front of Dean Bank. "It's a fun event to start the summer - what better way to do that than with strawberries?"
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160531/franklin-strawberry-stroll-set-for-next-week
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| Strawberry Stroll June 9, 4:00 to 7:00 PM |
"Several local residents had their homes shot at by a BB gun Saturday morning in a string of vandalism incidents that extended to other towns.
The Franklin Police Department received three reports that day, and the nearby towns of Medway and Holliston also saw similar incidents.
According to the police log, one of the shootings took place at 85 Elm St., where the residence's front door and siding were hit by BBs. Two other incidents - at 799 and 851 Lincoln St. - involved windows shot out by the projectiles."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160531/franklin-homes-damaged-in-bb-gun-vandalism
Playoff seeds for FHS baseball, softball and both tennis teams
- Boys Tennis = D1 South
#4 Franklin (15-3) will host #13 Mansfield (11-8) on Thursday, 6/2 at 4:00.
- Girls Tennis = D1 South
#18 Franklin (8-8) will travel to #15 Oliver Ames (11-9) on Thursday, 6/2 at 4:00.
for all the Hokcomock team seeds and initial games
http://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-tennis-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/
- Softball = Girls = D1 South
#15 Franklin (12-8) will host #18 Somerset-Berkley (11-9) on Thursday, 6/2 at 3:30.
for all the Hokcomock team seeds and initial games
http://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-softball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/
- Baseball = D1 South
#9 Franklin (13-9) will travel to #8 Durfee (12-8) on Thursday, 6/2 at 4:00.
for all the Hokcomock team seeds and initial games
http://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-baseball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Reminder: trash and recylicng delayed by 1 day this week
REMINDER- TRASH AND RECYCLING WILL BE DELAYED BY ONE DAY DUE TO THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY.
(So if you’re regular scheduled pick up is on Monday, pick up will be on Tuesday and so on.)
For more information please visit the Department of Public Works Web page
(So if you’re regular scheduled pick up is on Monday, pick up will be on Tuesday and so on.)
For more information please visit the Department of Public Works Web page
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| trash and recycling delayed 1 day this week due to Memorial Day holiday |
Reporting by Walking around Franklin
Most of the photos were from Monday morning's walk some slipped in from other walks. I'll let you know which ones.
If you have not signed up for the rain garden training on June 4th, there might still be spots open
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/rain-garden-training-and-demonstration.html
I thought I had a better picture of him until I saw this later. It was moving pretty quick.
and from other recent walks
You can follow along with the preparation for Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub
https://www.facebook.com/teddygallagherspub/
The Franklin Federated Church has installed a 'free little library' on its front lawn. This is the second one in Franklin. The first is on Lincoln St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/the-free-little-library-franklin.html
Mac City is still closed reportedly due to rook repairs.. I hope it doesn't take too much longer
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| rain garden at Parmenter Elementary doing what it is supposed to |
If you have not signed up for the rain garden training on June 4th, there might still be spots open
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/rain-garden-training-and-demonstration.html
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| fox running down Wachusett St |
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| Agway was open early on Memorial Day |
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| the Franklin Garden Club has done a great job with the flowers and blossoms around the monuments on the Town Common |
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| WWI dough boy wet and solemn on Monday |
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| sidewalk gaps along Main St are now filled with concrete |
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| the foundation is in and utility work being done for the new building at 150 Emmons St |
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| as the parking meters were removed for the construction on Main St, the flags went into slots on the railing along the bridge |
and from other recent walks
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| an Irish Pub will try its luck in the restaurant location most recently used by Chinese Murch |
https://www.facebook.com/teddygallagherspub/
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| free little library - take a book, share a book |
The Franklin Federated Church has installed a 'free little library' on its front lawn. This is the second one in Franklin. The first is on Lincoln St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/the-free-little-library-franklin.html
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| Mac City closed for roof repairs |
Mac City is still closed reportedly due to rook repairs.. I hope it doesn't take too much longer
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| the FHS principals office is still not complete and operation but is currently being used for to prepare the diplomas for graduation Friday June 3rd |
"cyber art is at its best when it appears almost to be magic"
"The marquee is just an amazing thing. It is an LED sculpture unique in the world in its size, in its shape, in its multiplicity of screens. Every artist who does work on it, when they first see it on the marquee, their eyes widen and their jaws drop. I think it’s the most spectacular public art medium in the entire city. It really runs the gamut of artistic expression you can do in a 30-second piece."You can read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/26/lighting-them/XKT6YvXnNj12lIHfY2MhPK/story.html
The marquee outside the Boston Convention Center is sure to catch your eye. What is that? A rotation of photos, advertisements, and works of art scroll across the expansive surface.
From April 2015, two views of the marquee:
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| fun facts touting the ladybug as the state insect (Yay, Franklin!) |
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| honeybees working in the hive |
Monday, May 30, 2016
Parade Canceled - Noon Ceremony to be held as planned
Due to today's rain the 2016 Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled.
The 12:00 noon ceremony on the common will continue as planned.
Memorial Day is a day to honor our Veteran's, especially the Veterans that have left us over the past year. As a community we continue to have the important task of ringing the watch and sounding the taps for our deceased Veterans.
We ask that you join us at 12noon on the Franklin Town Common in honoring our Veterans that have gave us the freedoms that we have today.
Matt Kelly
Parader Coordinator
Franklin Rotary Club
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| WWI Doughboy on the Town Common |
FHS outdoor track girls and boys results from MIAA EMass D1 meet
GIRLS TEAM RESULTS
1. Andover – 75.50
7. Mansfield – 33
12. Franklin – 28
19. Taunton – 15
100M
1. Brianna Duncan, Cambridge – 12.32
3. Jessica Kroushl, Franklin – 12.61
1 Mile
1. Margie Cullen, Needham – 4:55.73
4. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 5:10.56
2 Mile
1. Margie Cullen, Needham – 10:28.55
15. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 11:48.13
4×100 Relay
1. Framingham – 49.88
19. Franklin (Aubree Ronan, Sabrina Roche, Daniella Pierre, Jessica Kroushl) – 53.16
4×400 Relay
1. Acton-Boxborough – 3:59.13
10. Franklin (Ashley Jacques, Daniella Pierre, Brianna Cummings, Meghan Doherty) – 4:11.07
4×800 Relay
1. Lincoln-Sudbury – 9:25.23
2. Franklin (Brittany Robinson, Meghan Doherty, Katherine Hartnett, Nicole Clermont) – 9:30.55
Shot Put
1. Roxy Wint, Newton North – 37-04.00
10. Sarah Goodermuth, Franklin – 31-04.00
Discus
1. Rebecca Andersen, Lexington – 106-03
8. Allison Rizoli, Franklin – 92-07
17. Brianna Young, Franklin – 76-06
Javelin
1. Nicole Jorgenson, Quincy – 129-05
23. Erika Stone, Franklin – 82-01
Long Jump
1. Brianna Duncan, Cambridge – 20-00.00
6. Jessica Kroushl, Franklin – 16-10.50
Triple Jump
1. Brianna Duncan, Cambridge – 39-02.00
13. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 33-09.00
Pentathlon
1. Michaela Sliney, Haverhill – 2806
6. Beth Neal, Franklin – 2355
7. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 2277
BOYS TEAM RESULTS
1. Newton North – 78
8. Mansfield – 31
20. Taunton – 17
24. Attleboro – 9
1 Mile
1. Zachary Manickas-Hill – Lexington – 4:19.32
35. Jimmy Robbins, Franklin – 4:45.73
2 Mile
1. Marcelo Rocha, Peabody – 9:10.23
23. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 10:15.19
400M Hurdles
1. Fabian Tineo, Lawrence – 56.67
10. William Jacobs, Franklin – 59.65
4×100 Relay
1. Newton South – 42.62
17. Franklin (Chris Chieng, Farley Asmath, Nathaniel Dale, Jake Wolowacki) – 46.05
4×400 Relay
1. Billerica – 3:22.69
19. Franklin (Paul Kroushl, Brian Sun, Matt Hanifan, Alec Hurd) – 3:33.68
4×800 Relay
1. Lexington – 7:56.51
17. Franklin (Jimmy Robbins, Jeff Wu, Ryan Spelman, Robert Moreau) – 8:32.42
Long Jump
1. Anthony DeNitto, Newton South – 24-05.25
17. Chris Chieng, Franklin – 20-09.00
For all the Hockomock League results
http://hockomocksports.com/miaa-emass-d1-outdoor-track-hockomock-results/
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| FHS Panthers |
Memorial Day Events
Parmenter School will hold their Memorial Day ceremonies on Tuesday, May 31. The ice cream social is scheduled for June 1.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160529/franklin-jefferson-elementary-students-observe-memorial-day
- Milford Daily News covers the Memorial Day event at Jefferson Elementary
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160529/franklin-jefferson-elementary-students-observe-memorial-day
Boston Common flag garden - 2016
If you got to the Boston Common this weekend, you might have seen the flag garden.
Video I captured on Thursday during my lunch break:
Follow the link for a time lapse video of putting the flags in the garden
http://www.massmilitaryheroes.org/our-work/community-building-events/public-program-events/memorial-day-flag-garden-planting/
Note: I am employed by John Hancock, one of the prime sponsors of the flag garden
"Each of the 37,000 flags we plant at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will represent every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War."
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| plaque noting the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and acknowledging John Hancock as a sponsor |
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| a view of the flag garden |
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| another view of the flag garden |
Video I captured on Thursday during my lunch break:
Follow the link for a time lapse video of putting the flags in the garden
http://www.massmilitaryheroes.org/our-work/community-building-events/public-program-events/memorial-day-flag-garden-planting/
Note: I am employed by John Hancock, one of the prime sponsors of the flag garden
"By controlling the draw, a team controls the pace of the game"
"Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe also uses a rotation for draws.
Freshman Annie Walsh, senior Kenzie Pleshaw and sophomore Grace MacCallum have all taken a large number of draws for the Panthers, who went undefeated in the Hockomock and won the Kelley-Rex title.
On May 3, the Panthers were decidedly outdrawn by Lincoln-Sudbury, but a draw control by Walsh in the final minute helped to secure a 10-9 victory.
“Being able to win a draw late in a game is huge, whether you have to win it and score or to kill the clock,” said Igoe, a two-time All-American at Framingham High and four-time all-ACC honoree at Boston College."
- Continue reading the full article in the Boston Globe West on Sunday (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/05/26/drawing-upon-success-needham-high-girls-point-circle/9VTit04WEhsWJwPHShmR7I/story.html
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| Franklin won the Kelley-Rex Division with senior midfielder Emily Spath one of the key returning players. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
"It's given me a better experience and challenged me more than a school orchestra would have"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160529/students-take-their-musical-talents-to-next-step-with-claflin-hill
"The young musicians get the chance to play with the professional Claflin Hill musicians in the Grand Ballroom at Milford Town Hall and other venues, LaChapelle added.
Cellist Domenic Narducci, 18, of Franklin, said it's been a good experience for him.
"It's really helped me in terms of being a musician. I think I learned more about playing in a large group,” said the Franklin High senior. “In high school we have a group, but it's not large. (At Claflin Hill) we have a full orchestra.”
To join the any of the Claflin Hill youth musical groups, students must take private lessons to help take their musical skills to the next level."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160529/students-take-their-musical-talents-to-next-step-with-claflin-hill
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| Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra |
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Promotes Protection Against Real Estate Fraud
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Sunday, May 29, 2016
Town Council passes FY 2017 budget
The second budget hearing for the FY 2017 fiscal year took place on Thursday, May 26. The perfunctory reading of the budget line items, department, total salary, total expenses was interrupted three times with a request to put an item "on hold".
The 'on hold' items were then discussed in some more detail in a brief conversation between the councilor with the question and the appropriate department head. In the case on Thursday, Police Chief Semarjian and Police Chief McCarragher were questioned about their submittals for the budget.
After the brief discussion, the Council approved with budget by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones abstained from voting as Franklin has a portion of the Tri-County budget as part of the overall town budget and Jones is currently employed there as a teacher. You may recall that he had left the council after he got hired into this position to avoid the 'conflict of interest' as it had not been disclosed while he was running. He left, campaigned again in 2015 and was re-elected.
My notes captured live during the meeting:
The budget document can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html
The video of the meeting can be found here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=363
The 'on hold' items were then discussed in some more detail in a brief conversation between the councilor with the question and the appropriate department head. In the case on Thursday, Police Chief Semarjian and Police Chief McCarragher were questioned about their submittals for the budget.
After the brief discussion, the Council approved with budget by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones abstained from voting as Franklin has a portion of the Tri-County budget as part of the overall town budget and Jones is currently employed there as a teacher. You may recall that he had left the council after he got hired into this position to avoid the 'conflict of interest' as it had not been disclosed while he was running. He left, campaigned again in 2015 and was re-elected.
My notes captured live during the meeting:
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| concrete sidewalks were filled in where they had been either skipped or left aside earlier in the process |
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html
The video of the meeting can be found here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=363
Town Council - Actions Taken - May 25
I missed the Town Council meeting on Wednesday due to a family commitment. The actions taken during the meeting were recorded by the Deputy Town Administrator as shown in the following document
The actions taken by the Town Council:
The full agenda and associated documents for this meeting
When the video of the meeting is available for replay by Franklin TV, the link will be shared here
The video of the meeting can be viewed here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=361
The actions taken by the Town Council:
The full agenda and associated documents for this meeting
The video of the meeting can be viewed here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=361
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| brick pavers ready to be installed on the sidewalks downtown |
From hydroponics to "Crazy Reading Ladies" all in one School Committee meeting
The School Committee meeting on Tuesday May 24 heard presentations from Parmenter and Horace Mann, reviewed three policy changes and received some updates from the Superintendent. The highlights and details follow.
My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here
- Parmenter School provided an update on their hydroponic gardens and how that is being used to foster education and collaboration.
- Horace Mann provided an update on the student efforts to help make transition to middle school better as well as the "All In" reading program. The reading program achieved major notoriety this year when the author heard of their efforts via Twitter, arranged to visit, and the brought along one of the surviving Coast Guard men who were part of real life "The Finest Hours."
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| Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro with one of the "Crazy Reading Ladies" |
- The School Committee started the review of three policy changes and moved them to a second reading. Most of the material change is bringing the language current with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Dianne Plouffe was announced as the new District Music Director replacing Nancy Schoen who is retiring after this year.
My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here
- Live reporting: Discussion items to Closing
- Live reporting: Horace Mann update
- Live reporting: School Committee - May 24, 2016
From the archives:
- The post recounting the visit of Casey Sherman and Mel Guthro
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/it-touched-me-not-because-you-loved.html
FHS baseball, softball drop non-league games on Saturday
Baseball
- Franklin, 2 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 5 – Final
– Franklin scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game but LS responded with three runs in the top of the fifth to get the win. Ryan Hodgkins went 2-3 with a triple and a run scored, Josh Macchi was 1-3 with an RBI and a run scored, Mike Skaza went 2-3, Jason Ulrickson was 1-2 with an RBI and Alex Bissanti had a pair of hits for the Panthers.
Softball
- Franklin, 0 vs. Abington, 3 – Final
http://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-052816/
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| FHS Panthers |
Library Closed - Sunday/Monday for Memorial Day weekend
The Franklin Public Library has relocated to 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations on the building are conducted. It operates from Kenwood Circle for its normal hours. However, this Sunday and Monday it is closed for the Memorial Day weekend.
For additional information about the Franklin Library, visit them on the Internet at http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index
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| The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday for the Memorial Day weekend |
For additional information about the Franklin Library, visit them on the Internet at http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index
HMEA celebrates an incredABLE 5K Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun
HMEA celebrates an incredABLE 5K Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun that raised much-needed funds to help those with autism and developmental disabilities live up to their potential and reach for independence
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| Michael Moloney, CEO of HMEA, and Massachusetts Representative Jeff Roy, were all smiles at the finish line of HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun at EMC2 in Franklin, MA, on May 22 |
HMEA looks to its incredABLE future and finding an innovative way to deliver the services, supports and therapies families in Central Massachusetts desperately need.
The rain didn't stop hundreds of families and runners from celebrating the ABLE in all of us during HMEA's incredABLE Day on Sunday, May 22 at EMC2 in Franklin, Mass.
HMEA's incredABLE annual signature family event and fundraiser raise much-need funds so those with autism and other developmental disabilities have the services and supports they need to reach for independence!
"We want to focus on what people with autism and other developmental disabilities can accomplish and teach us," says Mike Moloney, chief executive officer of HMEA. "Let's build on the strengths that we all have."
Moloney points to HMEA's array of services and supports that span an entire life. "Our whole-life services and supports begin in infancy and continue through adolescence and into adulthood," he says. "We not only help the person with autism or developmental disabilities, but we also support his or her family, too."
HMEA looks to pioneer policies that will improve
health and human services in Massachusetts
Moloney sees HMEA not only as a health and human services agency but a family service agency, too.
HMEA's array of services aims to help families as soon as the need arises. "When we help an individual, we help a family. And when we help a family, we help to strengthen the community," he says.
The need is growing.
Autism currently affects one out of every 68 children and one out of every 42 boys in the United States Today, more than 1.5 million people have the condition in the United States — and most are under the age of 22. Central Massachusetts, like the rest of the country, lacks robust services and supports to help these families. When they age out of our school systems, families are left with uncertainty, sleepless nights, and, in some cases, having to give up their job to care for their child.
Before HMEA and other health and human services agencies can help these families, they must overcome some challenges — funding, advocacy and awareness. But according to Moloney, the biggest challenge agencies like HMEA faces is recruiting and retaining the dedicated people who can deliver the services and supports.
"Direct care workers make an average of $13 an hour, grouping them in a new economic class considered working poor," Moloney says. "Add the burden of student loan debt with low wages and it's a recipe for failure. Without a dedicated direct care workforce, we will fail the most vulnerable people throughout Massachusetts."
To face this challenge, Moloney is working with Massachusetts Representative Jeff Roy on House Bill 124 that allocates $750,000 to help alleviate human services workers' student loan debt.
Under the leadership of Senator Jennifer Flanagan, House Bill 124 has received a favorable response and has been assigned to the committee on Health Care Financing and is awaiting a hearing.
"Representative Jeff Roy, along with others on Beacon Hill, see the need and are working hard to alleviate the burden our direct care works face," Moloney says. "He believes in HMEA's mission and understands the important work our staff does every day."
About HMEA
HMEA, Inc. is a family and human services agency that offers hope, help and a bright future to those diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities throughout Central Massachusetts.
Founded in 1961, HMEA's mission is to help children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities reach their potential and become productive members of their communities. HMEA supports the family and advocates for greater acceptance.
HMEA's Children's Services, Adult Services, Family Supports, Residential Services and Employment Programs provide a continuum of care for people with disabilities from infancy through their adult lives. HMEA currently supports over 4,000 people and families in 110 Massachusetts communities. HMEA is headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts. For more information, visit hmea.org.
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