MassBudget: 29% of Mass workers would be affected by $15 minimum wage

Local estimates in new fact sheet

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. $15 Minimum Wage Would Affect 29% of MA Workers;  At Least 15% in Every Region    Updated data from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center finds that raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2022 would increase the wages of 29 percent of the Massachusetts workforce. The MassBudget report based on Census data delineates the effect of a $15 minimum wage across 52 regions in the state, revealing that at least 15 percent of workers in every region of Massachusetts would see their wages rise from a minimum wage increase. In some regions more than 40 percent of wage earners would benefit. In addition to the regional data, the report examines demographic data about those whose wages would increase: it finds that 90 percent are adults, 56 percent are women, and 55 percent work full-time. You can read the new MassBudget fact sheet here (LINK). 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

“We wanted to honor our guy”

The Franklin radar finds this from The Chronicle, the Independent News Organization at Duke University:

"Junior Michael Doherty’s death this summer devastated members of his fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, but they’re finding solace in raising money for an endowment fund to honor their dear friend.

Doherty, a student in the Pratt School of Engineering, passed away in May near his home in Franklin, Mass. Shortly afterwards, members of ATO began the Michael Doherty Memorial Endowment Fund to honor his legacy at Duke by creating a permanent, annual scholarship for an undergraduate engineering student. The fund has currently raised almost $110,000, surpassing the original goal of $100,000.

“Mike was the best of us, we all loved him so much,” said senior John Clarke, president of ATO. “We tried to think of what the best way to commemorate him would be and decided it would be to continuously give to students who embody the same characteristics Mike did."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/09/dohertys-fraternity-brothers-find-great-closure-from-fundraising-raise-more-than-100000

Photo by Special to the Chronicle | The Chronicle

In the News: EPA details plan for cleanup; SEC reveals it was hacked in 2016

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

"The cleanup for ground pollution at a Superfund site could take up to 20 years, according to a fully drafted Community Action Plan. 

The draft highlights the planning and progress the Environmental Protection Agency has made regarding the cleanup and Superfund status at 300 Fisher St. 

In 2015, the EPA added the 18-acre property to the Superfund list, which makes the property eligible for state-funded cleanup. The Superfund law provides the EPA with the funds to clean up the sites and gives it authority to force the polluters to lead the efforts or reimburse the government for the work."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170921/franklin-fisher-street-cleanup-could-take-20-years

The Community Involvement Plan (CIP) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/updated-community-involvement-plan-for.html

Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

"The federal agency responsible for ensuring that markets function as they should and for protecting investors was hacked last year and the intruders may have used the nonpublic information they obtained to profit illegally. 

The disclosure arrived two months after a government watchdog said deficiencies in the computer systems of the Securities and Exchange Commission put the system, and the information it contains, at risk. 

In July, the Government Accountability Office issued a critical report about the security measures employed by the SEC, citing a number of deficiencies in “the effectiveness of SEC’s controls for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information systems.” It issued 26 recommendations that it said would make SEC systems more secure. 

According to the SEC, the breach was discovered last year, but the possibility of illicit trading was uncovered only last month. It did not explain why the hack itself was not revealed sooner, or which individuals or companies may have been impacted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20170921/fed-agency-urging-corporate-cybersecurity-upgrades-is-hacked

Lifelong Learning: One-Night Workshops This Fall

Your Autumn Adventure

Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute Lifelong Community Learning presents Your Autumn Adventure One-Night Workshop Opportunities Don't miss these...... A Beginners Guide to Decorative Life Planning Register Now We all have to-do lists, agendas, and calendars. Why not take these busy schedules and make them works of art through crafting, journaling, and memory keeping!  Tuesday, September 26  6:30 to 8:30 pm $35 Stage/Prepare Your Home to Sell Register Now In the real estate world your realtor will tell you that "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression." What is a successful strategy for preparing your home for market? Join us and find out. Wednesday, September 27  6:30 to 8:30 pm  $25 Real Estate Buyer Seminar Register Now So you want to own real estate.  When, why, where, how much can you afford, for how long?  These are just a few questions we'll be diving into and giving you direction as to where to turn for advice and answers.   Wednesday, October 4 6:30 to 8:30 pm  $25 Financial Transitions Due to Retirement,  Death of Spouse, Divorce Register Now   If you are in a transition now or will be entering a life change whether it be retirement, loss of a loved one, divorce, or new career, you will learn simple techniques to keep you from making mistakes that could impact you financially  and emotionally.   Thursday, October 5  7:00 to 8:30 pm $25 Creating a Haven Register Now Nature is all around us, but too often we don't invite it into our homes.  Learn how to incorporate natural elements in your home to create a more soothing and pleasant space.   Tuesday, October 17  6:30 to 8:30 pm  $30 Check out all of our fall classes LCL@franklinps.net    508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

MA Consumer Affairs has a 4 Part Series on "A Consumer Guide to Landline Telephone Service"

The MA Consumer Affairs blog has a four part series on "How Do You Connect? A Consumer Guide to Landline Telephone Service"

From Part 1

"When buying landline telephone service for your home, you should be aware of several issues, including technological changes impacting the communications network, and ask questions to make sure you are getting the type of telephone service that best meets your needs. 

Telephone calls are generally categorized as:

• Local: Calls made within your immediate area as determined by the exchanges (area codes) in the calling plan and the service provider you choose. It is possible that calls in your own municipality may not be considered local. Be sure to ask or request a list of the exchanges that are part of your local calling plan;
• Regional: Calls made outside the “local” calling area; and
• Long Distance: Calls generally made out-of-state.

Always contact your service provider of choice to inquire about their service offerings and available calling plans. You can choose one provider for all your calling needs, or you can select different providers for different types of calls. 

Federal Law allows you to keep your current phone number when you change providers as long as you remain within the local exchange. When switching providers be sure to tell your provider you want to keep your existing phone number."

Continue reading part 1
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-landline-telephone-service-part-1-overview/

Part 2
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-landline-telephone-service-part-2-billing/

Part 3
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-landline-telephone-service-part-3-bundled-services/

Part 4
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-landline-telephone-service-part-4-slamming-and-cramming/

How Do You Connect? A Consumer Guide to Landline Telephone Service: Part 1—Overview (image from MA Consumer Affairs article)

Enjoy a Pop up StoryWalk® on the SNETT Sunday - Sep 24

"Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #2! 

The featured book is: Amelia Bedelia Hits The Trail. It is level 1, beginning reading, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event. 

The StoryWalk® will be located on the same side as the parking area. Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff for this event, just come anytime between 10am and 4pm and have fun reading and exploring. 

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson."

Enjoy a Pop up Story Walk on the SNETT Sunday - Sep 24

When: Sunday at 8 AM - 4 PM

Where: Lake Street Trailhead in Bellingham MA between Cross St and Claires Way


Follow updates on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/361738560905565/

FHS girls soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and golf post wins on Wednesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results from Wednesday, Sep 20.


Girls Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final
– Halle Atkinson scored the first goal for the Panthers at the half hour mark and an own goal with 20 minutes to play sealed the two points for Franklin in an even game played in blustery conditions. Cat Robbins earned another clean sheet with four saves and Grace Pimenta made 10 saves in the loss for the Tigers.


Field Hockey = Taunton, 3 @ Franklin, 6 – Final
– Franklin junior Cassi Ronan paced Franklin with a pair of goals and also added an assist while controlling the midfield as the Panthers doubled up on visiting Taunton. Freshman Victoria Quinn scored twice and junior Annie Walsh had two assists and one goal. Junior Ashley Reutlinger also scored for the Panthers and played “an outstanding game on the wing” according to head coach Lisa Cropper. Cropper also highlighted the defensive work of sophomore Maeve Ledwith and senior Caroline Jackson.


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 vs. Brockton, 1 – Final
– Franklin’s Ellie Wisniewski had a strong performance for the second straight game, helping the Panthers rally from a one-set deficit for a 21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-12 win. Wisniewski had 14 kills, five digs and four aces while Maggie Doyle added 10 kills, three blocks and three aces. Junior Lauren McGrath had another strong performance from the setter spot with 37 assists, three kills and two aces.


Golf = Attleboro, 184 @ Franklin, 175 – Final
– In windy, wet conditions, Franklin senior Bryan Woelfel earned match medalist honors, carding a low round of 41 for the Panthers.


For the results of the remainder of the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-092017/

FHS Panthers

Flu Clinic on October 17 at the Senior Center

For all Franklin residents, age 6 months or older

At the Franklin Senior Center from 9:30 - 11:30 AM on Thursday, Oct 17, 2017


Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/137443

Franklin Senior Center

Senator Spilka: Senior Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14 - Framingham

Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) will host her annual Senior Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 14 at the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School in Framingham. All MetroWest seniors are invited to learn about ways to lead healthy and active lifestyles and enjoy a fun morning out in the community.

Co-sponsored by Senator Spilka, MetroWest Medical Center and the MetroWest Health Foundation, the Senior Fair offers a variety of workshops and presentations about senior health programs, benefits and wellness activities. Representatives from local health care and elder services organizations will share information on services and opportunities in MetroWest. 

The Senior Fair includes a continental breakfast, hot lunch and health screenings for attendees.

WHAT: Senator Karen Spilka's annual Senior Health & Wellness Fair, co-sponsored by MetroWest Medical Center and the MetroWest Health Foundation

WHEN: Saturday, October 14, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Joseph P. Keefe Technical School
750 Winter Street
Framingham, MA

Seniors in the MetroWest area are encouraged to contact Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District Director, at (617) 722-1640 or Puja.Mehta@masenate.gov for more information and to RSVP.

Joseph P. Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter Street

“Ultimately, I think it’s sort of a tough sell”

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

"A grassroots campaign organizing in communities southwest of Boston hopes to draw attention to what its founder calls a “third-rail” issue: the level of influence House Speaker Robert DeLeo holds over his chamber. 

The group, called Massachusetts Voters for Legislative Reform and launched by Franklin resident Maxwell Morrongiello, plans to hold an organizing meeting at the Milford Library on Oct. 7. 

A release announcing the meeting said DeLeo has a “simply undemocratic” level of power, with House leadership in “almost absolute control” over “which bills pass and which bills die.” 

“I think the most challenging question you can ask a state representative is, Do you think the speaker of the House has too much power,” Morrongiello said in an interview. “They can never really give you a straight answer. I get the sense they sort of think he does.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170920/franklin-activist-questions-deleos-influence

Post with the original press announcement
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/franklin-resident-starts-political.html

Franklin Resident Starts Political Group to Challenge Speaker's Power

Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

An updated Community Involvement Plan (CIP) from the EPA on the BJAT, LLC. property, 300 Fisher St.


"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this Community Involvement Plan (CIP) based predominantly upon input gathered through interviews with Town of Franklin (Franklin) officials and residents, along with other stakeholders interested in the BJAT, LLC. Superfund1 Site (Site). EPA’s goals for community involvement at the Site are:

• To provide the public with accurate, timely, accessible, and understandable information about the project as it moves forward;
• To provide opportunities for the public to become actively involved, especially when decisions about the cleanup are being made;
• To enlist the support and involvement of local officials and community leaders; and
• To encourage, respect and fully consider community input as the project moves forward.

EPA will achieve these goals through various means, including published documents, meetings, presentations, and community conversations. These activities will be based on the community’s needs, as informed by those with whom EPA met while preparing this plan, as well as all legal requirements.

The CIP is a living document and, as necessary and appropriate, it will be updated with community input. If you are interested in suggesting changes to this plan or have questions about it, please contact:

Kimberly White, P.E.
Remedial Project Manager
(617) 918-1752
white.kimberly@epa.gov

ZaNetta Purnell, MPH
Community Involvement Coordinator
(617) 918-1306
Purnell.zanetta@epa.gov

Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

In the News: Kennedy talks health care; new director at Voices Against Violence

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

"Calling the Republican-backed health care bill a piece of “zombie” legislation that will not die, U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III told the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at Dean College Wednesday that this legislation if passed would have a devastating effect on Massachusetts. 

He said that some of the mandatory protections put into place by the Affordable Care Act will be made optional instead. He estimates that there will be a 20-percent spike in premiums that first year, and that 30 to 32 million people will lose healthcare coverage altogether. 

“Pre-existing condition coverage, they might cover you, they might not,” he said of the repeal vote in the Senate slated to take place in 10 days. “The cost of getting covered for pregnancy could go up about roughly $20,000. Substance use disorder similarly would have about a $20,000 increase.” 

Kennedy, D-4th, mentioned that the new bill will essentially leech from states such as Massachusetts, New York, and California, whom have been investing in statewide healthcare for a number of years, and re-distribute those funds to states that haven’t been saving as much or at all."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170920/kennedy-talks-healthcare-at-dean-college

"After a few months on the job, Patricia Hohl finds every day both rewarding and challenging. 

As the new director of Voices Against Violence, a Framingham-based nonprofit that serves victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, she listens to tough stories each day. Then she and her staff figure out how to help and protect their clients. 

“It sounds like a cliché, but it truly means a lot to me to make a difference in my own community. It’s just something I believe in as a human being,” said Hohl, who took over as director in June. She replaced Mary Gianakis, who led the agency for two decades. 

The goal of the agency is to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse, and help survivors forge a new life. All services are free and confidential."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170920/voices-against-violence-welcomes-new-director

Voices Against Violence, a Framingham-based nonprofit that serves victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence

Clothing Drive Fundraiser for the FHS Music Dept

Help send the FHS Music Dept. to Washington, DC to compete at the Festivals of Music Performance with a Cash for Clothes Drive.

Acceptable Items Include:
• Clothing, Shoes
• Accessories (handbags, scarves, belts, ties)
• Blankets, sheets, comforters
• Potholders, dish towels
• Tablecloths, cloth napkins
• Towels, Curtains or Chair covers
NO Electronics or appliances please


Drop Off:
Home Football Games: from 6 to 7 pm
• September 22nd
• October 6th
• October 13th

Saturday Morning from 9 to 11 am
• September 23rd and 30th
• October 7th and 14th

Thank you for your support!

Clothing Drive Fundraiser for the FHS Music Dept

Franklin Garden Club: Perennial Plant Sale - Friday, Sep 29

The Franklin Garden Club will hold a perennial sale on Friday, September 29 at the Franklin Farmers Market, which takes place at the Town Common. The sale will include a variety of divided perennials from the gardens of members, as well as the Town Common. Plants will be sold for $3.00 and $5.00, a significant savings over the retail cost of perennial plants. Also available for sale will be some dried flowers and decorative moss balls.

“Fall is an excellent time to plant perennials,” noted Deb DeGrazia, Club Treasurer and one of the sale organizers. “The weather is cooler and plants have several weeks to acclimate in the garden before the winter.“

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Club’s community activities, which include an annual scholarship and the distribution of pine tree seedlings to all Franklin first graders to celebrate Arbor Day and promote environmental awareness.

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

two rows of vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market in July

Tri-County Medical Careers Students Raise $1,125 by Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Medical Careers students raised $1,125.00, on behalf of the residents at Compass Memory Support at Cornerstone in Milford, in the Walk to End Alzheimer's®. The students initiated this act of kindness and compassion on their own accord.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Members of the Medical Careers Program Class of 2020 participated in the Walk which was held this past Saturday, September 16, 2017, in Foxborough, MA. Students receive their clinical experience through working with residents at Compass Memory Support in Hopkinton. Through working with the residents, Medical Careers students decided this would be a great opportunity to help to give back to the community.

“We are so proud of our Medical Careers students who took the initiative to not only be a part of the Alzheimer’s walk, but to get donations as well, said Jean George, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County. “When the opportunity arose for the students to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, there was no hesitation in their decision to slip on their sneakers, get active, and walk for the cause.”

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Pictured from Left to right are: Halle Gavel of Franklin; Jessica Catalano of Millis; Kiara Dempsey of North Attleboro; Julia Hutchinson of North Attleboro; Hayley Hanifan of Norfolk; Alyssa Power of Franklin; and Jillian Young of Franklin.

FHS post wins vs. Taunton in soccer, cross country and volleyball on Tuesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS fall sport results on Tuesday, Sep 19.


Boys Soccer = Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
– One senior and three juniors each recorded a goal for Franklin in the Panthers’ win at home. Senior Liam Kapples along with juniors Nitin Chaudhury, Nasir Brahimi and Sam Molloy each found the back of the net once for FHS.

Girls Soccer = Franklin @ Taunton – Postponed to 9/20 at 4:00.

Volleyball = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Franklin’s Ellie Wisniewski had a strong well-rounded game, leading the Panthers to a sweep at home. Wisniewski had seven kills, five aces and two digs while Meaghan Maguire added eight kills and Lauren McGrath finished with 24 assists, three digs, three aces and two kills.

Golf = Foxboro @ Franklin – Postponed to 10/18 at 3:00.

Boys Cross Country = Taunton, 50 @ Franklin, 15 – Final

Girls Cross Country - Taunton, 32 @ Franklin, 22 – Final

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091917/

FHS Panthers