Thursday, May 10, 2018

MassBudget: Wages, incomes, and overcoming obstacles to economic opportunity



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

May 9, 2018
Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity:
Finding a Way Forward



Effective programs that help families make ends meet - like the Earned Income Tax Credit, SNAP, school lunches, and Social Security - cut the number of Massachusetts residents living in poverty by almost half. Such programs also cut the number of children living in poverty by more than half, according to a relatively new measure developed by the Census Bureau.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report, Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward, finds that while effective public programs can help remove obstacles along the road to opportunity, good jobs play a central role in paving that road. While incomes of high-income households have grown considerably over the past several decades, this has not been the case for low and moderate-wage workers.
The report notes that national economic policies have allowed wages to stagnate and that important work support programs are at risk of being cut by the federal government. In some Massachusetts communities, more than one in four children lives below the official federal poverty line. Such conditions and a lack of resources create obstacles to opportunity for children.

MassBudget: Wages, incomes, and overcoming obstacles to economic opportunity

The report will be released today at a forum hosted by the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP). It contains a variety of usable data, including detailed data about municipalities across the Commonwealth. Read the report 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
Constant Contact

Volunteers Wanted for May 19 Downtown Beautification Day

Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 a.m. at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St.

Contact Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to sign up to volunteer.

“Thank you to Melanie Hamblen of Franklin Agway for generously volunteering her time and truck on Beautification Day,” Mason said. “I’d also like to thank Barry Madden of Franklin Ford for his donation of a pickup truck.”

Anyone who would like to lend a hand can grab their garden gloves and meet Mason at 8 a.m. in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 a.m., or earlier if there are more volunteers.

“Our flower theme is red, white and blue, and all the plants are drought resistant,” said Mason. “The patriotic displays will provide a warm welcome to residents and visitors of downtown Franklin.”

The Town is planning to incorporate additional plantings on the center island later this spring to add even more visual appeal.

Beautification Day is the result of a full year of planning, growing, maintaining and improving the summer and winter displays. Local businesses generously support the ongoing project without getting their hands dirty unless they want to.

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate and Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty are the Gold sponsors this year. Atria Franklin, Auerr, Zajac and Associates, Middlesex Savings Bank, Nerds to Go, Oteri Funeral Home, Inc., Roche and Roche PC., Tom Fricker Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., and Vet Med Pet Supplies, are Silver sponsors. Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp.,  Flynn|Wirkus|Young, John Fenton, CFP., Glen Meadow Apartments, and Teen Revolution are Bronze sponsors.

To inquire about sponsorship or learn more about the event, please contact the FDP office
at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of 240 businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin.  The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Volunteers Wanted for May 19 Downtown Beautification Day
Volunteers Wanted for May 19 Downtown Beautification Day
(Franklin Downtown Partnership photo)

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Urgent: TOWN VOICEMAIL IS DOWN!

ALL TOWN VOICEMAIL IS DOWN!

We are currently able to receive phone calls however if we can not get to the phone right away you will not be directed to voicemail.

If you need to reach us and can not get through please send us an email.  To obtain an email address please visit the following Department you need and click on an employees name here:  http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/local-phone-directory

As always if this is an Emergency dial 911.
We have Technicians trying to fix the issue.  Estimated recovery is unknown at this point.

We will continue to update this page with any information we receive and are very sorry for any inconvenience.
This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA.

Community Coffee - May 11

The next Franklin School Committee - Community Relations Coffee Hour will be held on Friday, May 11 from 9 AM - 10 AM.

The coffee will be held at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

We welcome you to join us at our Community Coffees! Each Community Coffee will have a topic or theme focus as well as an opportunity to share your thoughts and feedback about Franklin Public Schools. 

On Friday May 11, our topic is High School - an opportunity for caregivers of high school students to discuss their experiences, share feedback and ask questions.

Community Coffee - May 11
Community Coffee - May 11

The schedule and topics for these Community Coffee sessions can be found on the Franklin School District page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_News/025E1547-000F8513.0/Community%20Relations%20Community%20Coffee%20Calendar.docx


Honor Roll for the Third Quarter from Tri-County Regional

The Honor Roll for the Third Quarter from Tri-County Regional which includes students from Franklin is now available. 

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/1L-Mzs1UfpKrFDLClTlbYu0qkUUKlhsC9/view?usp=sharing




Honor Roll for the Third Quarter from Tri-County Regional
Honor Roll for the Third Quarter from Tri-County Regional

Both FHS outdoor track teams top Attleboro

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

Boys Tennis = King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 
– King Philip junior Marco DiStefano battled back from a one-set deficit, emerging with a 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory at first singles to help the Warriors edge Franklin in a battle of the top two teams in the Kelley-Rex. KP also picked up wins from Jack Cannon at third singles (6-4, 6-1) and the team of Nick Ihley and Aidan Ignatius at second doubles (4-6, 6-2, 6-3). Franklin freshman Liam Marr won 6-3, 7-6 (3) at second singles and Tyler DiPalma and Derek Wu prevailed 6-3, 6-2 at first doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin @ King Philip, 3:45

Boys Outdoor Track = Attleboro @ Franklin, 3:45 (boys win per Twitter)

Girls Outdoor Track = Attleboro @ Franklin, 3:45  (girls win per Twitter)

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-08-18/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports











Senator Ross: April 2018 State House Update




Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, April 2018
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Senator Ross: April 2018 State House Update

April 2018 State House Update
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,

This spring has been busy especially with committee work and preparation of the FY19 budget. However, there is still more work to be done.


As the budget comes closer, I am looking forward to fighting for the tax payers best interest by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse, while returning as much aid to our towns and schools.


As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov.

Sincerely,
6259c153-8848-438e-ad0e-d9a246ec94bb.png
 


This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full text, follow this link View this email in your browser

Reminder: Mr. K's 5K Color Fun Run - May 19 => Race Canceled - confirmed 5/17/18

Mr. K's 5K Color Fun Run will be held on May 19 at 9 AM at Franklin High School.

To register follow this link:


Race Canceled - confirmed 5/17/18


In the News: Cantoreggi ran for moderator; State may raise tobacco age to 21

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

"The town has a new town moderator in Erin Underhill following Monday’s annual town election. 
Underhill won the posting with 408 votes over challenger Brutus Cantoreggi’s 346. The contest was the only one on this year’s ballot. 
“I wanted to say thanks for all your support,” she wrote on her Erin Underhill for Millis Town Moderator Facebook page Monday night. “I’m so excited to be the next Town Moderator in Millis.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180509/millis-elects-underhill-for-town-moderator


"Nearly 70 percent of the state’s population lives in communities that have adopted local policies raising their tobacco-buying age to 21, and a bill teed up for Wednesday’s House session would extend that age hike statewide. 
Along with raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from its current 18, the bill would impose new regulations on e-cigarettes, including banning their use in places where state law already prohibits smoking. It would also prohibit the sale of tobacco products by pharmacies. 
With the Senate last session overwhelmingly backing a bill to accomplish the same goals and more than half of House lawmakers supporting a version this session, the bill stands a good chance of making it to the desk of Gov. Charlie Baker, who is “conceptually” supportive of the age increase."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180508/massachusetts-may-raise-age-to-purchase-tobacco

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Memorial Day Parade Preparations

Hello,
It's that time of year again to plan the annual Franklin Memorial Day Parade. The following information below will help you to inform your group, friends, families and visitors as to how to prepare for the parade. Many items will change this year, including our starting and drop off locations so please take note.

Participant Drop Off

Drop off will be done on Dean Avenue.

If your group is participating in this years parade please drop them off on Dean Avenue. DO NOT HAVE ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP STOP ON MAIN STREET FOR DROP OFF. This is very dangerous and the last few years we have had some close calls with children almost getting hit. This includes scouting troops and bands.

Parade Route:

The 2018 Parade route will begin at the Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St (towards Church St.), take a left onto School, to a Right on W Central Street, then a Right on Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's. Please see the attached update Parade Route Sheet.

Parade Information:

Date: Monday, May 28, 2018

10:00 am: Muster: Group leaders must check in at the Dean Bank Parking Lot
10:30 am: Parade Starts
12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common

What We Need From You:

Reply to this email with your Troop, Group, Band information, contact person and estimated amount of participants in your group. ALL participants must reply by May 15th
Forward this information to anyone who may need it in your Group, Troop, Band, or Organization to the email Matt@RealLivingRealtyGroup.com with any questions.


It’s a Good Life,

Matt Kelly

CEO / Owner

Direct: (508) 520-1600
Fax: (508) 590-0278
www.MattKellyHomes.com

WWI Doughboy on the Town Common
WWI Doughboy on the Town Common when trees are in full bloom

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, May 8



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Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, May 8

Franklin and Bellingham
Rail Trail Committee

Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 PM


The FBRTC will have a meeting tomorrow, May 8, at the YMCA in Franklin. We are always looking for fresh ideas and helping hands. The meeting is open to public.
We hope you can join us.



Copyright © 2018 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

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FHS baseball, softball, boys tennis, and girls lacrosse teams posts wins on Monday

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Monday, May 8, 2018.


Baseball = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 10 – Final
"When Franklin and Oliver Ames met on April 11th, Franklin needed some late game heroics to come out of Easton with an extra innings win. On Monday night in Franklin, the Panthers needed no such heroics, as they walked away with a convincing 10-1 win over the Tigers. 
It didn’t look like things would be easy for Franklin in the top of the first, as OA’s Michael Friel led off the game with a triple, and then later came home to score on a wild pitch from Jake Noviello. After a strikeout, OA came through with three straight singles from Mitch Goulet, Chris Pearsons, and Matt Muir to load the bases with just one out. 
Noviello came through though, striking out the next two OA batters to end the top half of the inning with limited damage."

Continue reading the game recap written by Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter
https://hockomocksports.com/noviellos-pitching-offensive-explosion-lifts-franklin-over-oa/


Softball = Franklin, 14 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final (5 inn.)
– Franklin scored five runs in the first inning to set the tone and tacked on at least a run in each of the next four innings to beat OA. Maddie White went 4-for-4 at the play, including a three-run home run for the Panthers. Ally Shea went 3-for-4, Anna Balkus added two hits, two runs, and an RBI, and Tara Hartnett chipped in with two hits and three RBI. Molly Collins scored three runs as a courtesy runner for Franklin. Caroline Mahoney went 2-for-3 and scored a run in the loss. Kayla Georgeu was 1-for-2 with an RBI-double and Lexie Campbell scored OA’s other run.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final
– Franklin sophomore Erin Walsh recorded six points and classmate Kelsey MacCallum added five points as the Panthers picked up a big win on the road. Walsh had five goals and one assist while MacCallum scored three times and had two helpers. Alex Field played well defensively for the Panthers with three ground balls and two caused turnovers while sophomore Gianna Cameron made eight saves in net. Kayla Moulin made 10 saves for North and head coach Colleen Carchedi said that the defense played “awesome” but that the Rocketeers couldn’t get the attack going. Carchedi said that Katie Lindstrom had a great game.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final
– Franklin lost only two games total in the five patches to notch a win on the road. Rohan Herur won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles for the Panthers. Franklin’s Tyler DiPalma (second singles), Tyler DiPalma (third singles), the team of Tony Calderone and Derek Wu (first doubles) and the team of Saketh Saripalli and Shourmik Sompally (second doubles) all won 6-0, 6-0.

Girls Tennis = Oliver Ames, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 
– Sarah Leger won at first singles without losing a game (6-0, 6-0) to get OA started on the road. Tate Hadges (6-3, 6-1) won in straight sets at second singles, as did Maura Kiernan (6-1, 6-2) at third singles. Kristin Bloumbas and Emily Yu won 6-2, 6-0 at first doubles and Kathryn McCarthy made her varsity debut at second doubles with Rachel Stryke and pulled out a 6-1, 7-5 victory.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-05-07-18/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 19 at Patriot Place

On Saturday, May 19, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

“Healthy Kids Day is an important event on our YMCA calendar. The day celebrates and reinforces a commitment to our Healthy Futures Initiative, encouraging kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and enjoy healthier lifestyles. Once again we are grateful for the tremendous support and collaboration with our friends at Patriot Place,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place is another example of cause meeting community.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is a wonderful community event that we are proud to host at Patriot Place for the sixth straight year,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “This signature event helps deliver the important message of living a healthy lifestyle to the children and families in our communities through a number of innovative and fun activities throughout the day.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities including: Airbrush Tattoos brought to you by Patriot Place, Giveaways, Inflatable Gaga Pit, Interactive Gymnastics Obstacle Course, Nutrition Demos, Pat Patriot and Patriots Cheerleader Autographs (11am-1pm), Photo Booth brought to you by Patriot Place, Seed Planting & Gardening, NE Revs Accuracy Kick & Ticket Giveaway, Character Visits including Elmo and a Ninja Turtle, Spy Obstacle Course presented by 5Wits, and STEM activities designed to awaken imaginations. Visitors, be sure to visit the Y’s summer camp section where kids can tie-dye a shirt, play games and get a taste of camp.


Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®
Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®

Thanks to their sponsorship of Healthy Kids Day, Patriot Place, Stop and Shop, Norwood Hospital, Xfinity Center, and the Lions Clubs of District 33K are helping to keep families active and healthy. Numerous community partners will attend and provide tips, activities and prizes to round out the day. These include: 5 Wits, Brain Fit Academy, Brigham and Women’s Dermatology Department & Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s / Mass General Health Care Center, Chestnut Dental Associates, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Franklin Food Pantry Truck, Fuel Up to Play 60 Tour, GetREAL Food Campaign, Golden Opportunities for Independence, Kind Snacks, Lions Club Eye Mobile, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, New England Revolution, Norwood Hospital, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, RWL Weightlifting, Inc., Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and Tinker and Create.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.
 May 19 at Patriot Place
 May 19 at Patriot Place
The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. Suggested items include whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

Dorel Juvenile Group, in partnership with Safe Kids, will be on site with a car seat safety checkpoint in the parking lot. Families are encouraged to bring their car seats to the designated area for a check and have the opportunity to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) about proper car seat installation. Families also can receive useful child passenger safety tips.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be provided at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to NRG Plaza, near The Hall. In order to expedite check-in, Pre-Registration is offered at hockymca.org/healthy-kids-day.


About The 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 partnering and 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.

About Patriot Place
Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 16 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9!

Let's Laugh Today in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9 (and every second Wednesday once a month) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. 


LET'S LAUGH TODAY
LET'S LAUGH TODAY
Enjoy this delightful practice, appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. When we laugh, we energize our bodies and revive our spirits. 

All that is involved is deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 
Wednesday, May 9!
Wednesday, May 9!

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. If you have any questions, just call Hamakers at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.


LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9