Saturday, March 10, 2018

MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.
March 8, 2018






Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new resources provide data on how many households in each Massachusetts city or town received earned income tax credit (EITC), a tax credit available to low- and moderate-income working people. The Governor's proposed budget includes an expansion of the state EITC from 23 percent of the federal credit to 30 percent, which would affect the economic security of more than 400,000 households in Massachusetts.

MassBudget's brief includes an interactive map, which shows the share of all tax filers in each city and town who benefited from the state EITC. The data can also be downloaded as a table from the Kids Count Data Center. Both use the most current data available from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

More than 400,000 households claim the Massachusetts state EITC each year. In state Fiscal Year 2019 lower wage workers and their children will receive a total of $214.1 million in credits.
For a detailed description of EITC and how it affects educational, health, and other family outcomes, see this updated fact sheet.


MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children  
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
Constant Contact

Friday, March 9, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings

Friday, March 9, 2018  9:00 AM Update


Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

It has been a busy morning so far and we are writing this message to convey accurate information regarding our systems operations in the early morning hours.

While power was restored broadly to our schools, we have been experiencing some problems with our systems. We have assessed across all buildings and feel we are able to operate normally with a few "workarounds".

Key Fobs
Key fobs are not working for our entry doors but door keys do work.  The buildings remain locked, however people in the building are able to get out.  Secretaries are able to buzz in visitors and check them per security protocols.

Internet
We experienced brief Internet outages early in the morning at some schools but all schools currently have Internet connections.

Heat
The heat was on in most buildings but a computer failure took the heat offline at Keller/Sullivan. The system was reset and heat came back online at 8:10 AM.  The heat at Horace Mann/Oak/ECDC is on but one boiler is not functioning properly. The contractors are currently working on it.

Phones
Our phone lines are experiencing problems across all schools.  Incoming calls are being directed to a "Town Offices" line here at the municipal building.  This line is being monitored and we are relaying the messages to the schools. If you need to reach the school, an alternative is to email the school secretary.

We are having difficulty making outgoing phone calls at ECDC/Oak St./HMMS and Keller/Sullivan.  Our workaround for emergency purposes is to use cell phone calls and/or text messaging. We will also have additional police and administrative presence at these locations for assistance.

Our communications vendor is currently working to repair the phone system.

We will continue to keep you apprised about conditions throughout the day.

Regards,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings
Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/9/18 - THU 3/15/18

FRIDAY 3/9/18
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:45am   Kids Fitness @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Senior Center
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk

SATURDAY 3/10/18
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1pm   Drive-In Movie (Cars) @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box
4:30-6:30pm   Black Brown and Beige: A Spirited Event @ Pour Richard's
7:30pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 3/11/18
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1-4pm   Pennywise @ Pour Richard's
1:15pm   Alan Earles - The Blizzard of ’78 @ Franklin Historical Museum
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

MONDAY 3/12/18
10am   Storytime (all ages, free) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm  Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Registry of Deeds - William O’Donnell @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 3/13/18
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Low Vision Group @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study (weekly until March 21) @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Pallette Wood Burning Class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   School Committee Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting (public welcome) @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 3/14/18
9am   5th Grade Concert @ J F Kennedy Elementary
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10am   Gary Highlander Presidential Series Biographies (Abraham Lincoln) @ Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1:30pm   Preschool Play N’ Learn @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
4:30-6:30pm   Spring Art Show (FPS Students K-12) @ FHS Panther Lobby
6pm   All Franklin Bands MICCA Showcase @ Franklin High School
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Town Council Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting @ 3 Restaurant
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today - laughter yoga @ FUSF

THURSDAY 3/15/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Urban Sketching (no experience necessary) @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Minds in Motion @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   All Franklin Chorus and Orchestra MICCA Concert @ FHS
6-8pm   Family Science Night @ FHS
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: ADHD Essentials @ Franklin Municipal Building
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Tri-County - 2Q Honor Roll

The honor roll for the second quarter from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. 

Students who receive term grades of B- or better in all subjects earn honor roll status. 
Students who earn grades of A- or better in all subjects receive high honors.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/153jMCL65pqUqzxLpMUKRHSqte1uygBeQ/view?usp=sharing




Tri-County - 2Q Honor Roll
Tri-County - 2Q Honor Roll
For more about Tri-County visit their webpage   http://www.tri-county.tc/

MA Consumer Affairs: Where to find that product recall

From MA Consumer Affairs:

"Product Recall! 
You’ve probably seen too many articles and news stories to count featuring that phrase. Whether it’s defective airbags, combustible smartphones, or contaminated produce, companies and consumer protection agencies will alert the public if a product is unsafe, hazardous or defective. 
You may be wondering which government agency oversees recalls; is it the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? Or the Department of Agriculture (USDA)? The answer is both. Actually, the answer includes several federal agencies. 
Recalls.gov was created in part by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States Coast Guard, the FDA, the USDA, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These six agencies teamed together to create an all-in-one website for consumers to find information about product recalls."
Continue reading the article online
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/can-you-recall-that-recall/

Can you recall that recall?

FTC continues to crack down on student loan scams



Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
by Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


A lot of us have student loans – and some of us have trouble paying them every month. Some companies claim to resolve that issue by saying they can help you pay them down quicker, cheaper or get them forgiven altogether. Be cautious – some of these companies are running scams.

Here are some tips to avoid student loan repayment scams:
Read more

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

“The time on some of this stuff seems to be now”

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

"As Massachusetts continued to clean up Thursday from its second nor’easter in a week, Gov. Charlie Baker said he plans to file legislation next week addressing climate change. 
Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito surveyed storm damage on the North and South shores last weekend, and Baker said it occurred to him then that “fixing whatever it is that’s there may just translate in something similar happening again at some point.” 
“A lot of these places got hit pretty hard in the Jan. 4 storm as well, and I think we’re going to have to come up with a different kind of strategy around resilience,” Baker said during his monthly appearance on WGBH Radio. 
Storms in January and March combined with high tides to inundate coastal communities with floodwaters, events that have put a spotlight on strategies to prepare for and respond to climate change.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180308/baker-to-file-climate-change-bill-next-week

https://350.org/about/
https://350.org/about/

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Open -- Power Restored - Mar 9

Friday, March 9, 2018

Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

We have received notification that all of the Franklin Public Schools' school buildings and many homes have had power restored. Therefore, school will open on time this morning, Friday, March 9, 2018.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  Schools Open -- Power Restored - Mar 9
Franklin Public Schools:  Schools Open -- Power Restored - Mar 9


Important Message from the Town Collector Regarding Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills

Important Message from the Town Collector Regarding Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills are due March 15, 2018.

If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Online Payments can be made here.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills are due March 15, 2018
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills are due March 15, 2018
You can also navigate to the online bill pay from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments

Franklin Library: baby sensory program and drive-in movie

Two family events at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, Mar 10

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/156983

Baby Sensory! - Sat, Mar 10 - 10:30 AM
Baby Sensory! - Sat, Mar 10 - 10:30 AM

Join us for a drive-in movie (indoors of course) in our big program room! First we'll decorate our cars (boxes that we have been saving up for this). Then we'll relax and enjoy some popcorn in our spiffy new cars. You're welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or us one of ours.
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/drive-movie

drive-in movie - Sat, Mar 10 - 1:00 PM
drive-in movie - Sat, Mar 10 - 1:00 PM

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Information about Schools March 8, 2018 PM

Thursday, March 8, 2018

PM Update

Good evening, Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

Earlier today, ten of our eleven schools were without power as a result of last night's storm. Some power has been restored, but many schools are still without it. We have been communicating closely with National Grid and the DPW, Facilities, Police, and Fire Departments throughout today to remain informed of power restoration activities within Franklin.

We are concerned about the widespread power outages at our schools and within neighborhoods, however restoration efforts are under way and will continue through the evening. Any decision that may be made to close schools tomorrow will be made between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.

Stay warm and safe. More information will be sent in the early morning hours.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Parmenter School after a different snow storm
Parmenter School after a different snow storm

Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018

Hello,

This is the Town of Franklin with an update on current conditions in Town. 

Approximately 50% of Franklin is currently without power. National Grid has crews on site, more are being dispatched today to help in the recovery effort. National Grid is anticipating full restoration within 72-hours.

The Town has opened three locations for warming and device charging: the Hockomock YMCA at Forge Park, which also has showers available, the Franklin Public Library and Franklin Fire Station Headquarters on West Central Street.

Trash and Recycling collection was NOT delayed today and is on schedule for Friday to be picked up on a regular schedule.

Please check the town website at www.franklinma.gov for the most up to date information.

Thank you,

Town of Franklin


Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018
Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018


MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - - March 14

MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - 2018

Each year, the Franklin Public School performance ensembles participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association music festival. 
 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”

The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public. This concert will include Bands, Choruses, and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.

The event will begin at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 14, at the Franklin High School auditorium. The schedule will be as follows:

(times are approximate) 
5:30 PM - All Choruses 
6:35 PM - All Bands
8:20 PM - All Orchestras


A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments and pizza will be sold.

MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - - March 14
MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - - March 14

Little Shop of Horrors at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro - Mar 16/17

The Theatre Institute presents:

Little Shop of Horrors
Friday, March 16 @ 7:00 PM 
Saturday, March 17 @ 3:00 PM  and 7:00 PM 
at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro

"Here is the link to the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/976490015851098


The Theatre Institute is an intensive pre-professional theatrical training program for high school aged students, operated by the Hockomock Area YMCA:
https://www.facebook.com/theatreinstitute
https://www.hockymca.org/mansfield/programs/theatre-programs/


The Little Shop of Horrors cast is almost all Franklin High School students! This is going to be a great show - these kids are seasoned performers, some of the seniors will be moving on to college as performing arts/musical theatre majors."

 Little Shop of Horrors at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro - Mar 16/17
 Little Shop of Horrors at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro - Mar 16/17

Tri-County Announces Class of 2018 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School administration and staff are pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2018. Jeffrey Blenkhorn, of Medway, has been named Valedictorian, and Carolyn Kiely, of North Attleboro, has been named Salutatorian.

Jeffrey, a student in Tri-County’s Engineering Technology Program, has achieved a 4.49 GPA by mastering rigorous academic classes that include Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Statistics and Honors History. Jeffrey is committed to expanding his knowledge in the engineering field and gaining professional experience through cooperative education while working at Paradis Metal Works in North Attleboro where he produces mechanical drawings using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

During his four years at Tri-County, Jeffrey participated in NASA’s HUNCH Program, SkillsUSA and the National Honor Society. The Engineering Technology student has acquired several certifications including Certified SolidWorks Associate, MACWIC Level 1 and Level 2 Manufacturing, AutoCAD Certified User, Revit Certified User and 10 Hour OSHA Card.

A Medway resident, Jeffrey is involved in Boy Scouts of America where he is pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. Jeffrey also works part-time for Roche Bros as a cashier and volunteers at the Medway Food Pantry.

After graduation, Jeffrey aspires to become a mechanical engineer. He is currently deciding between Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) or the University of Massachusetts Lowell to attend in the Fall.
Superintendent Stephen Dockray met with Class of 2018 Valedictorian Jeffrey Blenkhorn (left) and Class of 2017 Salutatorian Carolyn Kiely (right)
Superintendent Stephen Dockray (center) met with Class of 2018 Valedictorian
Jeffrey Blenkhorn (left) and Class of 2017 Salutatorian Carolyn Kiely (right)

Tri-County’s Salutatorian, Carolyn Kiely, maintains a 4.44 GPA having an arduous academic schedule that includes Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Statistics and World History Honors. Carolyn still finds the time to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities including SkillsUSA and the Math Team. She is also president of the National Honor Society, president of the Gender and Sexualities Alliance, a Student Representative on the Tri-County Advisory Board, and represents the Cosmetology program at several school events throughout the year.

Carolyn devotes herself to community service by volunteering her time at the Stony Brook Audubon Sanctuary where she sells tickets, assists patrons and prepares trails for the winter season. She also loves music and is engaged in singing, guitar and drum lessons.

Carolyn is still contemplating which university she will attend after graduation, but plans on pursuing a degree in psychology.

Both Jeff and Carolyn have received Tri-County Perfect Attendance Awards, having had perfect attendance during all of their high school years.

“Over the past four years Jeffrey and Carolyn have excelled in both their academic classes as well as their vocational programs and are truly deserving as Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively for the Class of 2018,” said Superintendent Dockray. “We congratulate them and look forward to hearing great things from these two exceptional students in the future.”

As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Jeffrey and Carolyn will help to lead the graduation procession and are scheduled to address their classmates at the Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 3, 2018.