Tri-County to offer Spanish program via Bristol Community College

Dear Parent/Guardian; We are very excited to be in the final stages of negotiations with Bristol Community College to offer a Spanish 101 course for Tri‐County students. This college course offering will take place after school this fall. Students will need to meet specific prerequisites and agree to the time commitment. This course will be taught at a college level and pace, and with a passing grade will result in 3 transferable college credits. Course Name: Elementary Spanish 101 Location: Tri‐County RVTHS (Room: TBD) Time Commitment: Approximately 45 class hours (not including take‐home assignments and studying) Duration: September to December (Make‐up dates due to weather TBD) Meeting Time: 2:15pm to 3:50pm two days/week (Tuesdays and Thursdays have been requested) If the number of students interested exceeds the number of seats available, a lottery will be conducted. Students will not be able to take this course and participate in Cooperative Education simultaneously, unless the employer agrees. If interested, please fill out the accompanying forms and return them to me by mail or e‐mail (obrien@tri‐county.us) by August 12th 2016: - Tri‐County Student– Bristol Community College Contract - Underage Permission Form - BCC Registration Form CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE FORMS Please contact me if you have any questions. We will contact you at the end of August to let you know if placement in this course has been granted. Scott O'Brien (508) 528‐5400 x127 obrien@tri‐county.us  Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Visit our website  Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

In the News: dress code modifications, October Stroll planning starts

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The School Committee debated the proposed dress codes at the middle and high schools as part of an overall review of district policies. 

The committee voted on Tuesday night on the handbooks for various schools in preparation for the coming year. 

Remington Middle School Principal Brian Wildeman brought up the dress code change during a presentation on what had changed from last year's handbook. He said the alterations would require skirts be no shorter than eight inches above the knee, while shorts be no shorter than 10 inches above the knee. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said parents had been calling for consistency across the district's schools, noting that some clothing can be provocative and distracting in an educational environment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160809/franklin-school-officials-ponder-dress-codes

Franklin Downtown Partnership

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently planning this year’s October Stroll, which will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 in downtown Franklin. 

Thanks to the two-way traffic changes downtown, organizers will block off Main Street for this year’s Stroll, making room for more participant booths, activities and entertainment. 

October Stroll booths are free to Downtown Partnership business members and cost $75 for nonmembers. Businesses and groups that want to participate should contact scottm@hockymca.org. 

Sponsorships are available for this event. If interested, contact FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160809/franklin-downtown-partnership-planning-october-stroll

Ecology of Sound - Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 1:00pm

A sample of the rhythms, sounds and feelings of the Brazilian rain forest will come to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, Aug 10, 2016. If your kids are getting into the Rio Olympics, this would be right up their alley!

Ecology of Sound - Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 1:00pm

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0247103E-000F8513.4/ecology%20pic.jpg

Response to your email from the Franklin Town Council Chairman, Matt Kelly

Thank you for your email and facebook comments. The Town Council actively monitors all town websites, facebook pages and other media sources to insure that we have utilized every avenue to keep our citizens informed. In 2015 when my fellow councils voted me as Chairman of the Franklin Town Council my fellow councilors and I asked Councilor Glenn Jones to act as communications liaison of the council. Councilor Jones along with Assistant Town Administrator Jamie Hellen have been instrumental in more than tripling the amount of communication that is done with the Franklin residents than in any past councils. With that said, we as a council would be the first to seek more ways to communicate with the residents of our community on a regular basis, as well as encourage all citizens to attend our meetings.

Franklin's water supply is made up of multiple shallow wells around our community that have the consistency to pump more than 6 million gallons of water each day to our citizens. Each drop of water is tested, treated if need be and treated prior to reaching our faucet. In doing so Franklin has always been known to have some of the best water in our state. As we all know, water is also a precious resource that must be monitored and carefully protected. Each year our DPW director along with the Town Administrator applies to the state for permitting and expected usage quantities, this is done to insure we never over use our water supply and continue to have wells for years to come. Often along with the permitting comes a standard that Franklin agrees to adhere to. For example our average daily consumption of water during a year is approximately 2.6 million gallons, however in one Sunday during the month of June 2016 Franklin consumed over 4 million gallons of water! When spike such as this happens our DPW Director will immediately issue a water ban to get usage back inline and keep people from abusing our valuable resource.

As summer months and hot days arrive its important that we continue our water ban so that people will again not abuse the system by filling pools, water lawns endlessly, etc. At no time during my 10 years as an elected official have I ever been part of a meeting that Franklin officials or staff were concerned about running out of water. As a side note for many years we also owned the permitting rights to a well in Millis in case of such emergency, we have also never used another communities water for as long as I can recall.

Franklin has approximately / estimated 2,500 lots left to build on before we hit what the planning department would consider us as built-out status. Franklin's water plan and infrastructure has been built to assume these now lots as the come online. As a town, Franklin has also been very lucky to have many of these developers build parks, concession stands, sidewalks, and even donate hundreds of acres back to the town so that it can not be built on in the future.

Growth in any community is tough and the Town Council and Planning Board have continued to toughen the permitting process and standards that are required to build in Franklin. One example is our requirement that all subdivisions have concrete sidewalks and straight granite curbing, this adds hundreds or thousands of dollars to a builders cost and we have seen multiple developers leave Franklin because the cost to build didn't warrant the price of the land or sale of the home.

However, the developments that were mentioned on the Facebook post are most commonly known as 40B developments. The developments are not planned, promoted or approved by the town of Franklin. The developers for these sites can skip the town and go right to the state for approval. Once approved the town can try and stop the development, however due to the state regulations and after these court battles we end up costing our tax payers tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and the developer is allowed to build anyways. As a side not, if we do say no the state will pull funding from the town leaving us without valuable money for our schools, police and fire. The only way out of this is to achieve 10% or more 40B units in the town of Franklin. As a community we have hit this number before, however the calculations reset at each census. To put is bluntly is is a losing battle for Franklin and many other communities across the commonwealth.

As a council we agree that built in thousand of new homes in our community is not an answer, nor is it what we want. The Franklin Town Council has taken a stance to look at smart growth which will not only promote new homes in areas that can absorb them into our schools suffering from smaller class sizes, but also growth within our industrial and commercial areas that will allow our residents to work and live in the community that they love. As the economy improves as residents we will see more development in our community, I urge you and other members of our community to keep in mind that this is less of a Town Council and Planning Board who are anxious to build on our available lots, however more a result of our growing economy and a community that people are flocking to because of its geographical location, family friendly atmosphere and economic opportunities.

Please feel free to reach out at anytime and as always your welcome attend any of our meetings. I want to personally thank you for emailing me with your concerns as well.

Matt Kelly
Chairman
Franklin Town Council

The full Facebook thread can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1747750368828315/

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 14

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off their 2016/2017 season on Wednesday, September 14th. We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run September through May but hold many other casual events to stay connected throughout the year. 

The club is an opportunity for residents of all ages and situations - not just those new to town - to socialize and learn about our community. Our September meeting is a social gathering so it's a great opportunity to come and make new friends or catch up with old ones. 

For more information visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a non-profit social and
charitable organization for residents of Franklin

In the News: farms feeling drought, Post 75 Junior League

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"On Hoffmann Farm in Franklin, even the weeds look thirsty. 

The farm, about 20 acres, completely lost its usual crop of zucchini, summer squash and cucumbers this summer while scrambling to keep the tomatoes and corn alive. 

"They pretty much burnt up and died," owner Nick Hoffmann said. 

The crops that survived are only producing about half the usual yield. What does grow lacks quality."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160808/farmers-feeling-brunt-of-severe-drought

photo from a ride around Franklin in 2014

"What a ride it was for the Franklin Post 75 Junior American Legion team this season. 

Post 75 dominated in its first two games of the Northeast Regional, earning a berth in the championship game against Methuen Sunday, the same team it lost to in the state title game last month. 

Despite losing 8-0 Sunday, a look back at Franklin's season reveals some noteworthy accomplishments. 

In the 20-game regular season, Post 75 went 16-4 and became the District 6 West Division regular season champions. From there, Franklin went 4-2 in the district playoffs, 4-2 in the state playoffs, and then 2-1 during regional play. Three of Franklin’s postseason losses were to Methuen."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20160808/franklin-junior-legion-squad-had-season-to-remember

Reminder: Workshops for first-time college students

REMINDER: Almost time for first-time college students to head off to college. Why not attend two workshops being offered free to the public Tuesday, August 9 and Tuesday August 16? 

Counselors, college administrators, current students will provide some useful tips regarding how to deal with some common issues that almost all students face as they begin college:
roommate issues, fitting in, managing time, dealing with the party culture, homesickness, etc.

Parents also need to learn the best ways to support their children on the journey. 

• When do you intervene? 
• How do you deal with your own anxiety?

Parents and students will be invited to two separate breakout sessions.

Franklin High School Lecture Hall - from 6:00 to 7:30.

Sponsored by the Franklin YMCA in collaboration with Dean College, Franklin Public Schools, Community Impact of Milford, New Hope, and Riverside Counseling.

Community entrance to Franklin High School

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– July 13, 2016

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
– Swearing in of Police Officers

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

• Board of Registrars

- Jeannette Gianotti
- Christine Manns
- Helen Reebenacker

• Election Workers

- Listing not available (broken link)

• Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate

- Ian Luke


F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

1. Police Chief Update
2. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment: 16-762: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31 Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-762 – Roll Call Vote – 2/3 Vote – (6))
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-764R: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31, Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-764R - Roll Call Vote 2/3 Vote (6))
4. Bylaw Amendment 16-765: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article III, Traffic Signs, Signals, Markings and Zones, §170-10 Authority of Highway Foreman and §170-12 Interference Prohibited, Violations and Penalties. – 2nd Reading ( Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-765 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of Full Council (5))
5. Bylaw Amendment 16-766: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, at Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations and §170—17 “Resident Only” Parking – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-766 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))
6. Bylaw Amendment 16-767: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic at Article V, Parking Meter Zones, §170-19 Establishment and §170-20 Additional Regulations; Violations and Penalties – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-767 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN

along the white blaze trail in Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St)

• The documents released with this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage (PDF)
  Note: both the PDF link and the embedded doc below contains links to the specific documents support each agenda item. In my use of the doc, the links work except for the election workers (which is a duplicate of the Board of Registrars appointments).
  

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/August%2010,%202016%20Agenda.pdf

• or here

Absentee ballots are now available

Absentee Ballot Information: 

Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Wednesday, September 7, 2016. 

(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or 

(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or 

(3) religious belief.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call The Town Clerk’s office at (508)520-4900 or email tburr@franklin.ma.us

election booths at FHS will be ready for the State Primary on Thursday, Sep 8, 2016

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CE0-000F8513


Additional info on the State Primary, Thursday, Sep 8, 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/state-primary-election-sep-8-last-day.html

"the fight against phosphorus is ongoing"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Water bodies such as the Charles and ponds in MetroWest and the Milford area may have problems with proliferation of a variety of plants, including Eurasian water milfoil, algae, phragmites and white water lilies, said Alexandra Ash, the association's director of communications and events. 

Ash said Franklin has taken many steps to create green infrastructure such as rain gardens that help stormwater filter into the ground rather than run off into the river. 

Ash said officials try to treat stormwater naturally, mimicking what nature does.
Franklin DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi said the town, among other steps, tries to reduce the amount of roads and sidewalks that are impervious to water by decreasing road widths and eliminating sidewalks where they are not needed. 

Franklin pulls its drinking water from the ground, so it is important to direct as much water into the ground as possible, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160807/region-dirty-water-getting-cleaner

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

The article also mentions the Rain Garden Tour being held on Aug 17th with registration required by Aug 10th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/rain-garden-tour-register-by-aug-10.html

Norfolk County Shows Unexpected Real Estate Results for July

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Shows Unexpected Real Estate Results for July Running counter to recent reports of robust real estate activity in Massachusetts and Greater Boston in particular, Norfolk County showed reduced levels of real estate sales and mortgage financing for the month of July. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "Last month the total number of deeds recorded, both residential and commercial, decreased 13% across Norfolk County from the previous July. The average sales price for these properties was $668,688, an 11% reduction." In addition, the total volume of real estate sales, again both residential and commercial, fell 24% year over year. The Register went on to say, "at first glance, the numbers are surprising, especially when considering the warm weather for the month and the continuing low interest rates. We are hearing from real estate professionals that the reduced volume is a result of low inventory and buyers being concerned about overpaying on properties." Lending figures also came in well below last year's numbers. "During July, a total of 2,798 mortgages were recorded, a 5% reduction from July 2015. Total mortgage financing took a hit of 13% from the same time period," noted O'Donnell. One shining spot for July was the reduced level of foreclosure activity. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were filed last month compared to 22 in July 2015. Also, the total number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, closed at 43, a nice reduction from the 65 recordings for the same time period of last year. "While one foreclosure recording is one too many, I am encouraged by the reduced numbers. I am hoping that this is the start of a positive trend," stated the Register. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. In regards to an important consumer protection tool available to property owners, Homestead recordings also experienced a 10% dip for the month of July. The importance of filing a Homestead, O'Donnell noted, "is to provide limited protection against the forced sale of your primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "July's sluggishness was not what we were expecting. Clearly the evidence seems to indicate low real estate inventory has dampened the market. Potential buyers are concerned that they may be overpaying for property. On the other hand, sellers appear to be reluctant to put their property up for sale afraid that they will not be able to find something for themselves once their home is sold. Hopefully, an increase in real estate inventory can eliminate these concerns." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or instagram.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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Tuesday, Aug 9, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 19, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. K-12 Handbooks
b. District Improvement Plan
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTZDO2KcvjQINE3OZ8PzPV8aFom16NTZzTNv-5-YdfI/edit?usp=sharing

3. Discussion Only Items
a. none

4. Action Items:
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks for Davis Thayer as detailed:
1. DT PCC - $1,101.00 Supplemental Supplies
2. Target - $100.00 In-House Enrichment
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $825.00 from SEPAC for districtwide supplemental supplies.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $327.00 from All American Publishing for Supplemental Supplies for FHS.
d. I recommend adoption of the ECDC Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
e. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer Student /Parent Handbook as presented.
f. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Keller Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the JF Kennedy Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
j. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
k. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
l. I recommend adoption of the Remington MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
m.I recommend adoption of the Annie Sullivan MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
n. I recommend adoption of the Franklin High Student / Parent Handbook as presented.

5. Information Matters:
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Community Engagement
School Committee Liaison Reports
a. SAFE Coalition

6. New Business:
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session (Roll Call Vote)
Personnel Update

the key to learning

Another LIttle Free Library in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy joined the Franklin Housing Authority to celebrate the opening of the "Little Free Library" recently.

"Joined my friends at the Franklin Housing Authority for the grand opening of Little Free Library number 41,689. It was a great effort to bring books and reading to the community, with some creative assistance from the students in the Bi-County Collaborative. 

The mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. 

There are nearly 40,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world, bringing curbside literacy home and sharing millions of books annually. The library is open to all Franklin residents, so please drop by and share some knowledge."

This at least the 3rd one in Franklin. The first one shared here is located on Lincoln St.

Little Free library - Lincoln St

The 2nd is found at the Franklin Federated Church.

Franklin Federated "little free library"

And now #3

new little free library on East Park St

To find additional Little Free Libraries visit their webpage
http://littlefreelibrary.org/

• Lincoln St post

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/the-free-little-library-franklin.html

• Franklin Federated Church

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/reporting-by-walking-around-franklin.html

Rain Garden Tour, register by Aug 10

Did you know that the Town of Franklin is committed to including rain gardens in each of their public projects? Join us for a rain garden tour on Wednesday, August 17th to see some of these rain gardens first hand.

If you've ever wondered what was special about the gardens at Parmenter Elementary School or the Franklin Department of Public Works, now's your chance to find out.

Participants will meet at the Department of Public Works and travel together by van to each rain garden site. The tour will return to the Department of Public Works at approximately 6pm.

The tour is free and open to all Franklin residents and employees of the Town of Franklin. Please register by August 10, 2016. Space is limited.

http://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/rain-garden-tour.html

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

Find the Facebook event here
https://www.facebook.com/events/280094492369237/

In the News: gypsy moths, elderly mental health

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"August trees are looking more like November trees in some areas after gypsy moth caterpillars devoured leaves more aggressively than they had since the 1980s. 

A recent aerial survey completed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) revealed that damaged caused to trees by gypsy moth caterpillers feeding in 2016 was more than nine times greater than the damage in 2015. 

Each year, the DCR Forest Health Program conducts an aerial survey to measure the extent of damage caused to forests by different agents. 

The 2016 survey, conducted the second week of July, revealed 362,254 acres of damage from gypsy moths, crypt gall wasps and conifer discoloration.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/state-gypsy-moth-damage-nine-times-greater-than-in-2015

MA DCR aerial survey - tree damage from gypsy moths 2016

"Working out of an unassuming building on Maple Street in Bellingham, Gail Bourassa has started a difficult job: getting mental health care to senior citizens, a group that has traditionally been reticent to seek help. 

Bourassa, a counselor, is the new regional program manager for a project - running across Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone, Medway, Milford and Mendon - that looks to reach seniors where they live. 

"Young people often self-refer (to these services) when they need it," she said. "For elders, it's more difficult - they rarely self-refer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/aging-population-creates-challenges-for-mental-health-care