MassAccess Testifies in Support of Community Access Television

MassAccess Testifies in Support of Community Access Television

MassAccess, the nonprofit trade organization representing community media stations throughout Massachusetts, testified today in support of their legislation, 'An Act to Support Community Access Television,' filed by Senator John Keenan and Representative Ruth Balser. The Bill seeks to allow community media stations access to Electronic Programming Guides and channel signal quality that is comparable to local broadcast stations - now and in the future.

Local cable television channels, often called "PEG channels" to correspond with the mission of public, educational or government access, provide a valuable public service to the community. Passage of the Bill would require cable companies to allow for broadcast of PEG channels in HD format and inclusion of programming in viewers' electronic guides. These two changes would allow for PEG channels to be on par with most other offerings in cable television, and allow for greater access for viewers.

"These stations provide a public service to Massachusetts residents," said William Nay, General Manager, MashpeeTV, and MassAccess President. "The refusal to offer local channels in HD and access to the programming guide discriminates against cable subscribers in Massachusetts and hinders the independent voices in our communities by denying equal access to local stations."

Massachusetts residents account for only 2% of the cable subscribers in the country, but accounts for 16% of all the community media stations in the country. There are over 200 local access cable TV centers in Massachusetts, the highest concentration of media centers in the country. Local Access TV is the last hyper-local outlet for citizens, providing access to municipal meetings and providing transparency in local government. Channels provide local notices and information for citizens and residents. Additionally, individual centers provide educational and media literacy training, while serving as community hubs and centers and a training ground for students who want to pursue careers in TV and film.

"In a world where media production has become global, the community media center has stayed true to its local roots…all while continuing to embrace emerging technology. This is what community media centers do," said Melinda Garfield, Executive Director, Westwood Media Center and MassAccess Vice President. "But, to stay relevant and accessible, stations need the same consideration and treatment as other cable offerings."

The bill was previously heard by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in November 2015, and given a "study order" in April 2016. Language relevant to the Bill was included in both the House and Senate versions of the Economic Development bill last year, but was omitted from the final version put forward.

About MassAccess

Massachusetts Community Media, Inc. (MassAccess) is a non-profit, 501(c)(6), [membership-based], advocacy agency, guided by a volunteer board of community media professionals. Our goal is to ensure the future vitality of Massachusetts based community media centers by developing educational workshops, monitoring legislation, utilizing technology to inform and enhance community media centers, as well as acting as government liaisons to inform supporters across Massachusetts regarding the current political landscape in regards to media.

“It will look the same as it has in the past”

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

"After it appeared earlier this year that the town’s Independence Day celebration might not take place, volunteers have stepped forward to ensure its survival. 

This year’s celebration had been in jeopardy because of a lack of volunteers. The two co-chairmen of the Franklin Fourth of July Coalition - Warren Revell and Michael Kelly - had announced their retirement and there was no one to replace them, despite years of searching. 

Revell said Tuesday that two volunteers - Paul Kortick and Joseph Carmignani - have taken on the responsibility of running the event. He said he was “absolutely” pleased that the celebration would continue. 

“Once these things get lost, they tend to stay lost,” he said. “A lot of people didn’t want to see it go away, but they didn’t want to step up to run it, either.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170530/volunteers-rescue-franklin-july-4th-event

Haunted House on the Town Common 2016

In the News: LED street lights approved

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

"With the Town Council voting in favor a plan to convert local streetlights to LED, the town must now undergo an audit of its current lights. 

The council, at its May 24 meeting, unanimously authorized $650,000 in borrowing for the project, which would replace 1,650 streetlights. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen told the council that a new state government grant - which would cover 30 percent of labor and material costs - as well as a $100,000 incentive from National Grid would shorten the amount of time needed for the project to pay for itself. The total cost to the town is estimated to be about $400,000. 

With these funds, the town’s break-even point would come in four to five years instead of nine to 10 years, Hellen said. Officials noted that LED lights typically last about 15 years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170530/franklin-council-approves-led-streetlights

For all that occurred during the two Town Council meetings last week, check the summary here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/town-council-approves-120m-budget.html

In the News: LED street lights approved

Trout Fishing Derby - June 3

Trout Fishing Derby

Saturday June 3th (7 AM – 2 PM)

MA Free Fishing Weekend!!

No License Required

First Prize $125 or 2 Red Sox Tickets
For Heaviest Trout
Cash Prizes 2nd and 3rd Places

Junior Anglers under 12 yrs old, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies

www.franklinrodandgun.org

Multiple Raffle Prizes!!

Breakfast Available
Free Pizza for Lunch


Franklin Rod and Gun Club
53 Florence Street, on Uncas Pond, Franklin, MA


Tickets Adults $10.00, Children under 12 yrs. $5.00
(Rain Date Sunday 6/4)
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www.franklinrodandgun.org

Memorial Day parade photos

Photos of the Memorial Day parade can be found on 02038.com
http://02038.com/2017/05/memorial-day-in-franklin-ma-2/

Franklin High School Band

FHS track and field results from D1 State meet

The FHS boys and girls track results from the D1 State meet held on Saturday via Hockomock  Sports .com


BOYS TEAM RESULTS

1. Lowell – 79.5
8. Mansfield – 34.5
10. Taunton – 30
31. Franklin – 2
31. Attleboro – 2


1 Mile
1. Thomas Lingard, Lexington – 4:18.99
15. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 4:29.35

4×100 Relay
1. Lowell – 43.42
7. Franklin – 44.54

4×400 Relay
1. Somerville – 3:23.55
12. Franklin – 3:34.95

4×800 Relay
1. Lowell – 7:58.46
18. Franklin – 8:37.18

Long Jump
1. Michael Mecha, BC High – 22-02.50
15. Chris Chieng, Franklin – 19-09.50


GIRLS TEAM RESULTS

1. Andover – 84.5
8. Franklin – 36
14. Mansfield – 22
15. Taunton – 20
27. Attleboro – 5

200M
1. India Johnson, Lexington – 25.25
6. Jessica Kroushl, Franklin – 26.42

800M
1. Clare Martin, Newton South – 2:14.88
2. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 2:16.23
3. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 2:16.61

2 Mile
1. Katherine Collins, Newton South – 11:14.71
9. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 12:02.34

4×100 Relay
1. Westford Academy – 49.21
9. Franklin – 51.32

4×400 Relay
1. Andover – 4:01.36
4. Franklin – 4:05.41

4×800 Relay
1. Franklin – 9:35.82
6. Mansfield – 9:52.41

Shot Put
1. Vanessa Attaya, Billerica – 37-05.75
6. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 33-00.25
14. Sara Goodermuth, Franklin – 30-08.00

Discus
1. Danielle Wabrek, Bridgewater-Raynham – 113-07.00
14. Allison Rizoli, Franklin – 89-06.00

Javelin
1. Ally Bennett, Andover – 118-02.00
13. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 92-07.00

Triple Jump
1. Kassie Brink, Andover – 36-08.75
15. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 33-01.00

https://hockomocksports.com/miaa-emass-d1-outdoor-track-hockomock-results-2017/

FHS Panthers

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces Open Registration For Summer Weight Loss Program

The Hockomock Area YMCA is excited to announce that their summer session of Weigh to Change is now open for registration. This 10-week wellness, weigh-inch loss program piloted last year. Since its inception, staff have witnessed many success stories. Over the course three 10-week sessions in each of our branches—North Attleboro, Foxboro, and Franklin, 149 members have lost a total of 1,409 pounds and 1,633 inches.

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be motivated throughout the session with personal training, nutrition guidance, group workouts, and friendly challenge competitions.

The summer program begins June 19 and will run through September 2. For more information and to register visit any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk or online at https://www.hockymca.org/why-join-weigh-to-change. Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

• Weekly individual 30-minute personal training session
• Individual nutrition counseling with nutritionist
• Minimum of three weekly group training sessions offered solely for the spring WTC group.
• Weekly nutrition and physical challenges
• Two Nutrition workshops
• Before and after Styku 3-D body scans
• Entry into a summer local road race
• Grocery store education tours

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $599 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value). Anyone interested in more information about this program is encouraged to attend one of the following Information sessions at the following Hockomock Area YMCA locations:

• Bernon Family Franklin Branch (45 Forge Hill Rd): Sat, 6/10 at 10:15am or Wed, 6/14 at 6:00pm.
• Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street): Sat, 6/3 at 9:00am or Thurs, 6/15 at 6:00pm.
• North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street): Sat, 6/3 at 8:00am or Tues, 6/6 at 6:00pm.

Alternatively, contact one of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Health & Wellness Directors at the following locations: Foxboro: Leigh Fontes at leighf@hockymca.org or 508-772- 1330; Franklin: Maureen Wilcox at maureenw@hockymca.org or 774-235- 2732; or North Attleboro branch: Josie Dutil at josied@hockymca.org or 508-643- 5299.

Healthy lifestyles are achieved through the nurturing of mind, body and spirit, well-being and fitness. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, healthy lifestyles are more than just working out. In addition to fitness facilities, the Hockomock Y provides educational programs to promote good health and support physical, intellectual and spiritual strength.

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces Open Registration For Summer Weight Loss Program

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 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.