In the News: house fire on Warwick Rd; immigration plays role in economy

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

"Three people escaped and one dog was rescued from a two-alarm fire that ravaged a home on Warwick Road shortly before midnight Saturday. 

Firefighters found heavy fire coming from the garage of a split-level home at 13 Warwick Road after they were called at 11:52 p.m., according to a press release. 

The occupants — one adult and two children — left on their own. The adult was taken to Milford Regional Medical Center to be evaluated, according to the fire department. No other injuries were reported."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180204/firefighters-rescue-dog-from-franklin-house-fire

"When he talks about the role immigration plays in the Massachusetts economy, Jeffrey Thielman points to the other side of the world. 

Look at Japan, he says. 

The population of the Pacific island nation is growing old at a tremendous rate - an issue that gave way to an employee shortage in the workforce. In December, the job-to-applicant ratio hit 1:59, essentially indicating there are two jobs available for every person who applies for one, according to a recent Reuters report. 

Thielman, the president and CEO of the International Institute of New England in Boston, said Japan is looking to immigration to solve its workforce woes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180204/how-immigrants-shape-local-economy

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tom Rush - March 17

Just Announced! Tom Rush will be back in Franklin on March 17th

View this email in your browser TOM RUSH March 17th 8PM $45 In case you missed the footnote in our last email we are very happy to announce that Tom Rush will be back in Franklin on March 17th.  Each of his previous shows has sold out so please get your tickets early. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this show is $45.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Feb 10       Chelsea Berry Mar 3         An Evening with Patty Larkin Mar 17       An Evening with Tom Rush Apr 7         Gretchen Peters with Carolann Solebello Apr 28       Pat Donohue

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Franklin Democrat Caucus - Feb 12 - Note Change in Location

Registered Democrats in Franklin will hold a caucus on February 12, 2018 at Hawthorne Suites, Upper Union Street. Registration starts at 6 PM, and the caucus itself starts at 7 PM to elect delegates and alternates to the 2018 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

This year’s state convention will be held June 1-2 at the DCU Center in Worcester, where thousands of Democrats from across the state will come together to endorse Democratic candidates for statewide office, including Constitutional Officers and gubernatorial candidates.

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Franklin. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 18 by September 18, 2018 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. 

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CAUCUS.

Franklin can elect 14 delegates and 4 alternates to the Convention.

Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.

Those interested in getting involved with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee can contact the committee at web@franklindemocrats.com.

http://www.franklindemocrats.com/
https://www.facebook.com/franklindemocrats
on Twitter @FranklinDems

Franklin To Elect Delegates To Democratic State Convention - Feb 12

FHS wrestling takes Div 1 State Dual Meet Title

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Saturday, Feb 3, 2018


Boys Hockey = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 13 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Ursuline, 0 – Final

Wrestling = Div. 1 State Dual Meet (Franklin)
– After a bye to start the day, Franklin won three straight dual meets to claim the D1 State Dual Meet championship. The Panthers beat Lawrence (54-9) in the quarterfinals, took down St. John’s Prep (59-11) in the semifinals, and won the title with an impressive 53-13 win over Chelmsford – ranked fourth in the state – in the finals to earn the title.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 134.75 @ Attleboro, 130.1 – Final
– Franklin junior Mia Lizotte had her best performance of the season, earning a season-high score of 36.8 to take first place in the All Around. Panthers senior Liz Traphagen was second in All Around, notching a 34.75. Franklin results: Vault – Lizotte (9.35), Traphagen (8.55), Lexi Lupien (8.4), Rachel Cyr (8.3), Audrey DiMella (8.2), Katelyn Guidi (8.0), Sophie Redwine (7.9), Chloe Barac (7.8). Bars – Lizotte (8.7), Sadie Rondeau (8.2), Traphagen (8.1), Rylee Dooney (5.8), Guidi (5.7), Redwine (5.0), Molly Stanton (4.5). Beam – Lizotte (9.45), Traphagen (8.9), Rondeau (8.7), Cyr (7.9), Stanton (7.65), Sarah Bernstein (7.4), Sophia Perro (7.1). Floor – Lizotte (9.3), Traphagen (9.2), Rondeau (8.4), DiMella (7.5), Guidi (7.4), Barac (7.4), Caity Sault (6.1).


Girls Swimming = Hockomock League Championships (@ Milford)
Girls took 3rd Place
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-swimming-championships-2018-results/


Boys Swimming = Hockomock League Championships (@ Milford)
The detailed results of the meet where the boys took 1st
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-swimming-championships-2018-results/


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-03-18/

FHS Panthers

Hard hat was given to Matt Holmes for his outstanding effort tonight and great passing. Coaches error.

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) February 4, 2018

Proud to be a panther! 💙 https://t.co/ALslr7vha4

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) February 4, 2018

Franklin 13 Attleboro 1. Hard hat to Magazu. G’s from Falvey (2), Holmes, Trask, Spillane (2), Tasker, Kyle Hedvig, Demerchant (2), Lizzotte, Miller and Sweeney. @FHSSports @HockomockSports @In_The_Slot @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @BGlobeSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) February 4, 2018

With a 53-13 win over Chelmsford the boys are D1 Dual Meet State Chmpions!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mikey Racca, Bruce Johnson, Jack Coughlin, and Riley Downing get the pins pic.twitter.com/tLayCbS8Gm

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) February 3, 2018

FSPA Presents "Shrek The Musical" - All Student Teen Production - Feb 10-11

Shrek the Musical is a stage musical adaptation of the 2001 Academy Award-winning, smash hit animated movie. Based on the children's book by William Steig about a green ogre who saves a princess, the musical comedy spoofs fairy tale characters and themes and playfully pokes fun of pop culture. With sight gags, slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humor, Shrek offers nonstop family entertainment.

FSPA Presents "Shrek The Musical"
Feb 10-11

The production showcases a supporting cast of characters that includes fairytale favorites Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Three Little Pigs, Big Bad Wolf, Fairy Godmother, Humpty Dumpty, Ugly Duckling and many more. With book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, Shrek creatively explores such universal themes as friendship and acceptance in a way that connects with audiences of all ages.

Saturday, February 10, 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 10, 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 11, 2:00 PM

For tickets and additional information
https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1091

MassBudget: Progress on EITC and mental health funding, not higher ed

Analyzing the Governor's FY 2019 budget proposal

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. February 2, 2018 Progress on EITC and mental health funding, not higher education The Governor's Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget proposal level funds much of state government, includes some targeted initiatives - including an expanded earned income tax credit (EITC) and new services for people struggling with and recovering from mental illness - and proposes small reductions in funding, after accounting for inflation, for higher education and other areas.  Read more about the Governor's FY 2019 proposal in our newly published Budget Monitor. The budget proposes an increase in the state EITC from 23 percent to 30 percent of the federal amount. The EITC is a refundable tax credit that increases the incomes of lower-income working families. Research has found that in addition to helping families make ends meet, the EITC can have long-term positive effects on children: improving their performance in school and leading to higher lifetime earnings. The increase to 30 percent of the federal amount would increase the EITC for families by up to $460 a year. To improve mental health services, the budget proposal allocates $84 million towards creating a new model of service delivery for adults. This model aims to provide more coordinated, standardized, and consistent treatment that would be better aligned with health care systems. It would seek to provide more comprehensive care, particularly for people with co-occurring substance use disorders. The budget funds the state's colleges and universities at levels that don't keep pace with inflation. Since FY 2001, state funding for higher education has declined substantially, leading to rising tuition and fees for students and higher debt levels for graduates. The proposed funding levels in the Governor's budget won't make up for lost ground and will likely lead to continued tuition and fee increases. Compared to recent budgets, this proposal reduces reliance on temporary revenue sources and temporary savings, but doesn't end those practices. It counts on $260 million from an employer assessment to help fund MassHealth that is scheduled to end after this year (enacted in response to an historic trend of MassHealth paying for the health care costs of increasing numbers of private sector employees). The budget also relies on $65 million from one-time state tax payments by multi-national corporations as a result of the federal tax changes (these payments would otherwise likely have been made in future years). Read the full Budget Monitor here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

MassBudget: Progress on EITC and mental health funding, not higher ed

Andrew Scott Holmes To Star In FPAC’s "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is pleased to announce initial casting for the upcoming production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Scott Holmes will play the title role of Joseph, with Ali Funkhouser as The Narrator.

After almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer, Holmes returns home to take the stage with FPAC. After attending Baldwin Wallace University to obtain a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre, Andrew has been traveling the world working in regional theatre and cruise ships alike. From Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond, Andrew has played leading roles and has understudied Broadway stars. He is a member of Actor’s Equity Association and will appear at THE BLACK BOX under a special appearance agreement. 

Andrew Scott Holmes

FPAC and Joseph director Raye Lynn Mercer notes, “Our first guest contract at THE BLACK BOX brings to our stage Andrew Scott Holmes as Joseph, and opens the door for us to feature FPAC alumni who are now working professionally.” Returning to his Franklin School for the Performing Arts and FPAC roots, Holmes will share the stage with friends, his theatre family, and talented stars of tomorrow.

Ali Funkhouser

Funkhouser is returning to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy, and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, she will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre this spring from Oklahoma City University, where she appeared in productions of Hairspray, Company, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Curtains, and Shakespeare’s Pericles.

Both local stars are alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), veteran actors with FPAC, and former members of Electric Youth. Holmes has appeared in FPAC productions of Footloose (Ren), Into the Woods (Jack), The Nutcracker (Nutcracker Prince/Russian), ’Tis the Season! (Featured Vocalist), West Side Story, and more. Funkhouser’s FPAC credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), The Sound of Music (Liesl), Humbug! (Freddie), Annie (Star-to-Be), and several solo cabarets.

Under the direction of Raye Lynn Mercer, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged for six performances on March 10 and 11 and March 16-18 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in Franklin. The box office is open and tickets are available by visiting THEBLACKBOXonline.com. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Franklin Receives MIIA’s “Community Excellence” Award

In recognition of its commitment to community-wide risk management through both individual departments and community leadership, the Town of Franklin has earned the "Community Excellence" award from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town's property and casualty insurance provider. MIIA presented the award to Franklin during the association's annual meeting in Boston on January 20th.

"Congratulations to the Town of Franklin for demonstrating an enthusiastic enterprise-wide commitment to risk management and safety," said Stephen Batchelder, director of Claims Operations for MIIA.

The town's Public Works and Facility Maintenance departments have proactively engaged in, and focused on, OSHA-related training and implementation of risk management best practices. Their collaborative efforts include comprehensive quarterly safety meetings in which they review and investigate all incidents, routine site and building inspections, and continue use of MIIA Rewards training.

"This award is team effort and a testament to the hard work our town departments," said Jamie Hellen, deputy Town Administrator for the Town of Franklin. "Our staff at the DPW, Facilities, Custodians, Police, Fire, Library and Schools do a great job providing training opportunities for our employees to reduce work place injuries and accidents and provide a safe working environment for the community. It is also important to note their efforts have helped save the taxpayers almost $60,000 on our insurance premium for next year. These are the little things our staff do on a day-to-day basis that makes our organization function effectively. The town appreciates MIIA's support and recognition of the hard work our town departments put in."

Factors considered to earn the community excellence award are solid implementation of risk management fundamentals such as on-going and effective safety committees, focused training, and a commitment to strong infrastructure and maintenance protocols throughout the entire community. In addition, awarded communities actively seek out new and creative ways to drive safety and mitigate risk.

About MIIA
The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) is the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a member-based organization, MIIA's only focus is to provide excellent service and quality risk management solutions to Massachusetts' municipalities and related public entities. Municipal insurance its only business, MIIA insures nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.

FHS boys swim team takes 1st Hockomock League Championship

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Feb 2, 2018


Boys Swimming = Hockomock League Championships (@ Milford)

FHS Boys swim team takes Hockomock Championship in a true team way,
only 1 individual 1st place finish but lots of depth

2018 #Hockomock Boys Swimming Championships team results:

1. Franklin - 343 (pictured)
2. Oliver Ames - 296
3. King Philip - 259.5
4. Milford - 234
5. North Attleboro - 194

2018 #Hockomock Boys Swimming Championships team results:

1. Franklin - 343 (pictured)
2. Oliver Ames - 296
3. King Philip - 259.5
4. Milford - 234
5. North Attleboro - 194 pic.twitter.com/0quNwnvOuz

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) February 3, 2018

Is this real life??? #hockomockchampions #lastonefastone pic.twitter.com/uFyavsSzAO

— Coach Balliro (@coachB_fhs) February 3, 2018

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Hockomock-Boys-Swim-Championships-02-02-18/

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 36 @ Franklin, 70 – Final
– Franklin was in control from the beginning with sophomore Chris Edgehill scoring a team-high 24 points in the win.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 54 @ Oliver Ames, 61 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap

"Oliver Ames and Franklin had a lot on the line in Friday night’s game at the William F. Nixon Gym. The teams were tied for second place in the Kelley-Rex division and trying to stay within two games of league-leading Mansfield (which has to play both the Panthers and Tigers again this year), while OA was also trying to clinch its spot in the state tournament. 

Behind 29 points from senior forward Kayla Raymond and defensive adjustments strong contributions off the bench in the second half, OA rallied from three points down at the break for a 61-54 come from behind victory and a split of the season series with the Panthers. 

In the first half, everything offensively for the Tigers ran through Raymond. The Stonehill-commit scored 12 of OA’s 14 points in the first quarter, twice scoring on three-point plays taking the ball to the basket. She added another four in the second in the second, while Caroline Flynn knocked down a three and Abby Reardon added four."

Continue reading the game recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/raymond-oliver-ames-girls-basketball-beat-franklin-to-book-playoff-spot/

For a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-2-2-18/

For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-02-02-18/

Franklin Public Library: Marc Berger - RIDE - Feb 10

Marc Berger is scheduled to perform at the Franklin Public Library, Saturday, Feb 10 at 2:00 PM.

"Marc’s life has been about pursuing twin passions: creating and recording his American roots songs, and exploring remote areas of the desert and mountain West. After signing his first publishing contract while in law school, he fronted rock bands and performed regularly in New York City clubs like CBGB, Wetlands, and The Knitting Factory. All through this period, he’d find ways to get into the West, picking up details from fellow wilderness junkies about off the beaten path locales and filing them away for future reference. 

On one of these trips, he became intrigued by the cover of THE BIG IT, a book of short stories by A.B. Guthrie he found on a revolving paperback rack in a Navajo reservation trading post. It got him thinking about using his travels to create a set of songs in the cultural tradition of writers like Guthrie and visual artists like John Ford and Frederick Remington. Marc and Co-Producer Mike Ricciardi now present RIDE, ten cinematic recordings reflecting his romantic connection to the American West and exploring the value of its myths to contemporary culture. 

Marc’s performed at Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival and The Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. His song THE LAST ONE was a staple of Richie Havens’ concerts for years and has been quoted in the NY Times and featured on The CBS Evening News."

For more about Marc, visit his web page  http://marcbergermusic.com/

Franklin Public Library: Marc Berger - RIDE - Feb 10

Senator Ross: State House Update - January 2018

Note: this newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full contents follow this link

Monthly update from your State Senator for the constituents of Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District.

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2018 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, It is already February which means it is Black History month and Valentines day. The first month of the year has been a busy one and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to continue improving our great Commonwealth. Tax season is coming up and I will be in the district holding seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. I have had the pleasure of meeting various constituents from our district at these seminars and at my office hours. I appreciate hearing from you on the things that matter to our district and our Commonwealth. It is an honor to serve as your State Senator. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely,   Attleboro February 12th 2018 9:30am – 10:30am Attleboro Council on Aging 25 S Main Street North Attleboro February 12th, 2018 11:00am – 12:00pm North Attleboro COA 204 Elm Street Wrentham 9:30am – 10:30am February 20th, 2018 Wrentham COA 400 Taunton Street Franklin 11:00am – 12:00pm February 20th, 2018 Franklin COA 10 Daniel McCahill Street Wayland March 12th, 2018 10:30am – 11:30am Wayland COA 41 Cochituate Road Wellesley March 12th, 2018 12:00pm – 1:00pm Wellesley COA 500 Washington Street Needham March 19th, 2018 10:30am – 11:30am Needham Community Center 570 Hillside Drive Natick March 19th, 2018 12:00pm – 1:00pm