“There is no one making bottles in New England"

Via the Franklin network, we get the link to this story on the domino effect of companies closing up operations:

"Inside a huge industrial building in Franklin, there are 120 conveyor belts designed to carry broken glass to three stories of giant machines that crush the glass and sort it, to be sent away and be made into new bottles. 

But those machines aren't running now. 

"I think the plant operated at approximately 80 decibels — glass is banging, machines are running. Yeah it was it was pretty loud here,” said Andrew Crowley of Strategic Materials, which owns the plant. Today the plant almost silent inside. “It's kind of sad, it being so quiet," he said. 

The plant closed last month because it lost its only big customer — a company called Ardagh, which ran a plant just nine miles away in Milford that turned all that glass back into bottles. That closed down in March. 250 people worked there."

Continue reading the article online. You can also listen to the audio segment at the same link
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/19/massachusetts-only-glass-recycling-plant-closes

"The machines inside the Strategic Materials plant have remained quiet since the facility closed down in June."

For more about Strategic Materials  https://www.strategicmaterials.com/glass-recycling/

Support for the Concession Stand at Pisini Field is still needed

You may recall the proposal to replace the concession stand at Pisini Field. It was approved by the School Committee after sufficient fund raising was accomplished. Construction is underway as planned with most of it to be done while school is out for the summer. It is also to be completed in time for the opening of school in September to be available for sporting events in the new year.

There is still need for additional funds to help complete the project. There is also need for carpenter volunteers for items such as interior walls, partitions, doors and finishes.

If you can contribute financially, please follow the link to the GoFundMe page
https://www.gofundme.com/z35a8n-support-pisini-field-franklin-ma

If you can help with the carpentry, let me know and I'll put you in contact with the right folks.

Photos from Saturday, July 14

standing on the sidewalk going to the field and facing the field

standing on the sidewalk going to the field and facing the parking lot

Photos from this week with the roof beams and roofing being placed

the roof beams

the roof beams and roofing being placed

From December 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/support-pisini-field-franklin-ma.html

From April 2018
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/franklin-public-schools-concession.html

MassBudget: A Formula for Success

Updating education funding to help schools better serve all our children

July 18, 2018 A Formula for Success: Updating education funding to help schools better serve all our children Students have the best chance of succeeding when their schools have the resources to serve them effectively. But the Massachusetts school funding formula, known as Chapter 70, has not been comprehensively updated in 25 years, leaving many schools unable to adequately support essential resources like teachers, materials, and well-maintained facilities. In its new report, Building an Education System that Works for Everyone: Funding Reforms to Help All Our Children Thrive, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) examines how much the formula falls short of funding major expenses and how that leads to under-resourcing of other critical needs.  The report finds that the Commonwealth could address the problems identified by the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) - the underfunding of specific expenses and inadequate funding to support low-income students and English Language Learners - by increasing education funding by $888 million (or $1.082 billion when also accounting for increases in to minimum aid provided to all school districts).  The report also examines the implications of reforms that do not include the full complement of funding categories identified by the FBRC. All of the estimates assume a five year phase-in of the reforms. Read the report here. http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Building-an-Education-System-that-Works-for-Everyone.html 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

“Everyone could use a little extra kindness, so why not do this right on Main Street in Franklin”

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

"Sometimes a bit of nature with a unique human touch is all it takes to lighten the day and remind people of what truly matters. 

On Main Street next to Rockland Trust Bank, a new kind of garden is growing – a Kindness Rock garden. The space is decorated with small, painted rocks. Every painted rock displays either a phrase of encouragement or a small drawing of the artist’s desire. 

A sign outside the garden encourages people to take a rock if they’re in need, and to leave one if they’d wish. 

Berry Insurance owner and coordinator of the project Kaitlyn Pintarich said she was moved by the idea after finding a small painted rock in the Franklin Town Common last winter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180719/kindness-rocks-garden-lightens-up-downtown-franklin

the Kindness Rock Garden on Main St

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - July 21-22

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, July 21, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The bag sale is scheduled for Sunday, July 22 from 9:00 AM to noon.

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - July 21-22

This was shared from the Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/07/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

FAB funding not so 'fabulous' at this point in the budget cycle!

Did you know Franklin is served by a Regional Transportation Authority? The Franklin Area Bus (FAB) is operated by the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA).

"Among the budget items being negotiated on Beacon Hill are increases in funding for the state's Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). 

The RTAs have not received an increase in state assistance or an inflation adjustment in more than three years, though they have seen increases in operating costs for negotiated wages, health care, fuel, and insurance. Governor Baker has proposed level funding at $80 million, the House version of the budget calls for $82 million, and the Senate's version calls for $88 million. 

Regional transit administrators and their supporters say that if they don't receive the proposed $88 million, there will be further service cuts for the more than 32 million riders who use the 15 RTAs throughout the Commonwealth. Most riders are low-income or elderly people who have few, if any, alternative transportation options."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/16/regional-transit-authorities-anxiously-await-budget-deal

Updated 7/19/18 noon: email confirmation that $88M was in the budget document sent to the Governor per Rep Jeff Roy

"I have confirmed that the Regional Transit Authorities were funded at $88 million in the budget we passed yesterday. Here is the line item:

1595-6370 For an operating transfer to the regional transit authorities organized under chapter 161B of the General Laws, or any prior laws, under clause (2) of subsection (d) of section 2ZZZ of chapter 29 of the General Laws; provided, that each regional transit authority receiving assistance under this item shall deliver not later than October 1, 2018, a copy of its most recent audited financial statement to the chief financial officer of the Massachusetts department of transportation, the secretary of administration and finance, the treasurer of the commonwealth, the comptroller of the commonwealth, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on transportation ........................... $88,000,00

Franklin Area Bus

What is the FAB schedule?

http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

The archive has several articles on GATRA/FAB going back to 2009

http://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=gatra

The GATRA home page can be found http://www.gatra.org/

THE BLACK BOX presents Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project - Friday, July 20

THE BLACK BOX third annual Summer Concert Series presents “Jazz in July,” featuring Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project on Friday, July 20. The show begins at 8 PM at the downtown Franklin theatre, music and event venue.

Steven Kirby is an award-winning guitarist/composer and an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. He has appeared on more than 25 released recordings and toured in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Caribbean, Europe, China and Africa. Kirby’s music is most categorized as contemporary jazz, but it is influenced by a variety of genres. His compositions have won awards in the International Songwriting Competition, Billboard Song Contest and DownBeat, and his music has been played on over 100 radio stations in this country and internationally.

The “Illuminations” Project is Kirby’s newest compositional and performance endeavor. Described as “richly textured, multi-layered, ebullient and lyrical jazz,” it showcases original compositions and arrangements, as well as some creative arrangements of standard tunes, using a quintet of instrumentalists and a singer performing both wordless and lyrical vocals. “Illuminations” was an Editor’s Pick in the prestigious jazz publication, DownBeat.

Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX presents  Steven Kirby’s “Illuminations” Project - Friday, July 20
(night time photo of THE BLACK BOX marque taken by yours truly)

In the News: MA budget goes to Governor; Dean conducts forensic program for high school students

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

"The $41.88 billion budget deal that was filed Wednesday morning and quickly approved by the Legislature includes no new fees, according to the lead House negotiator, and relies on an unusual eleventh hour revenue projection upgrade to boost spending to levels higher than either the House or Senate approved this spring. 

The budget (H 4800), which is on track to reach Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk by the end of the day, was filed 17 days after the start of the new fiscal year, and 13 days before the end of formal legislative sessions, during which recorded votes can be taken. 

House Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez told reporters Wednesday that he did not think there was “any one thing” that kept negotiators from producing an on-time budget, saying he and his counterpart, Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Karen Spilka “kept on going back and forth.” 

“They weren’t simple policy pieces,” Sanchez told reporters. “At times you have to dive in in these policy pieces, and you really get stuck in the woods sometimes. I’m just happy and proud we got out of the woods and we have a budget before you that does have significant policy pieces in it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180718/lawmakers-ok-411b-state-budget

An email from Representative Jeff Roy on the just passed budget adds:

"Yesterday, the Budget Conference Committee released its FY19 report and it was enacted by the House and Senate. I am pleased to say that all of the local amendments for Franklin were funded fully and included in this report. 

These include:

• $50,000 for the Franklin Veterans' War Memorial Parkway
• $200,000 for King Street Park in Franklin
• $100,000 towards the New England Center for Children Partner Program at Parmenter Elementary in Franklin
• $25,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership 
• $50,000 for an Accessible Van for Tri-County"

The budget now is in the Governor's approval queue. He has ten days to approve or reject a specific line item. This also leaves some time for the House and Senate to take action on override items before their session closes for the Summer.

 - - - - -

"Now in its second year, Dean College’s Pre-College Summer Forensic Program is nearing its end, but will be back again next summer. The program lasts two weeks, costs running from $1,250 for commuters and $1,950 for students who choose to catch an early college dorm experience and remain on campus. 

With so many crime dramas saturating cable and streaming services, it’s hard not to take an interest in the investigative process, according to Dean Paul Resten. 

“In many cases these are students that have an interest in the science behind it,” he said. “It’s a very popular topic, and they get to understand what they see on TV, but also from a scientific level as well.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180718/dean-college-teaches-csi-to-teens

Dean conducts forensic program for high school students

You can help the Butterfly Garden for Ryan and any lost to substance abuse

"My name is Mikaela DeMaria and my boyfriend Ryan Trant lost his battle with addiction September 13, 2017.  

He left behind his mother, three siblings, our son and many other family members and friends. We, together with Fatima Shrine in Holliston, are creating a Butterfly Garden of Remembrance in Ryan’s memory along with all those who have been lost to substance abuse.  

We would like to get the word out to as many local families who have been affected as possible, especially Franklin as Ryan lived in town for about ten years and his twin brother still resides there.  

Below is the link to the article I had asked about sharing and also the link to the garden’s Facebook page. Thank you for all your help!"

Milford Patch article
https://patch.com/massachusetts/milford-ma/quiet-place-heal-reflect

The Facebook page for the Butterfly Garden
https://www.facebook.com/ryansbutterflygarden

There is an email set up for any questions (including how to donate to this cause)
ryansbutterflygarden@gmail.com

Butterfly Garden of Remembrance

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Maureen Taylor – The Photo Detective - Aug 12

Author, speaker, blogger, noted researcher and expert on solving photo mysteries, Maureen Taylor returns to the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, August 12 at 1:15. The Wall Street Journal called her ‘the nation’s foremost historical photo detective’. 

Wedding Gown display

Join us for Maureen’s presentation ‘Telling the story of wedding photos’ as our speaker series once again relates to our summer Wedding Gown display. The 14 beautiful gowns will be on display until August 26th.

Immediately following the presentation, the public is invited to bring in their vintage family wedding photos (up to 3) to be scanned and become part of the museum’s permanent photo collection. 

All photos brought in for scanning must have a tie to Franklin through the Bride, the Groom or the location of the ceremony. Dig out those photos and let your family take their place in Franklin history.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is ADA accessible and admission is always FREE.

Shhh, I Make More than My Husband

A puzzling thing can happen when wives earn more than their husbands do.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Shhh... I Make More than My Husband When wives earn more than their husbands do, a puzzling thing can happen: Husbands say they earn more than they are and wives underreport their income. Read More New Census Bureau research shows that the incomes couples report on Census Bureau surveys do not always match their IRS filings. The Census Bureau is working to improve the quality of reported earnings by comparing an individual's survey response with their reported response from another source. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/07/wives-earning-more-than-husbands.html?eml=gd&utm_campaign=20180716msacos1ccstosc&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery The America Counts Team If you like this story, use the hashtag #AmericaCounts to share it on social media.  About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, the economy, emergency preparedness, and population. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews.  Share this message or view it as a web page.

Support Franklin area non-profits with Smile Amazon!

Did you know that you can support the SAFE Coalition (or the Franklin Food Pantry, or the Random Smile Project, or HMEA, etc....) with anything and everything you buy on Amazon every day of the year? 

All you have to do is click on Smile.Amazon.com, place your order, and indicate that you want to support the SAFE Coalition (or the Franklin Food Pantry, or the Random Smile Project, orHMEA, etc....).

It really is only a little amount that ends up going for each purchase but as we all know, every little bit counts!

Support Franklin non-profits with Smile Amazon!

In the News: Senate Ways and Means endorsed opioid legislation

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

"A powerful Senate committee on Tuesday endorsed legislation giving those addicted to opioids new access to medically assisted treatment in prisons and creating harm-reduction sites for people to use drugs while advancing several other ideas to curb the deadly scourge. 

The Senate Ways and Means Committee version of the bill in many ways follows the broad contours of legislation (H 4742) that the House passed unanimously last week. The bill would shift pharmacies over to electronic prescriptions, establish a standing order to make overdose-reversing medication available to well-meaning members of the public, and allow patients to fill part of a prescription and then go back to get the rest. 

A Ways and Means poll on the bill closed early afternoon on Tuesday, and the bill was reported favorably, according to an aide."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180717/safe-injection-site-pilot-included-in-senate-opioid-bill

The bill likely would move to conference committee to resolve the differences with the House on a similar measure.

St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul 24th Annual Backpack Collection - Aug 18-19

The St. Mary's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is excited to announce its 24th annual collection of back-to-school supplies to help children prepare for a wonderful school year. 

If you would like to participate, please buy a school backpack, and fill it with back to school supplies. Please label the backpack either Grades K-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, or Grades 9-12. The backpacks should not be specific for either a boy or a girl. 

The backpacks may be dropped off inside the front of the church in the designated boxes on the weekend of August 18/19 and on Monday, (August 20th) until noon. 

St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul
24th Annual Backpack Collection

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be distributing backpacks to families in town with school-aged children starting on Tuesday, August 21st. We are also hoping to have enough backpacks to offer them to families living in area shelters. 

Last year, 133 children and teens benefited from your generosity. It is so important for children and youth to see the goodness in the world.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this year’s drive!



Suggestions for supplies may be found on our website:
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/uploads/docs/backpacksupplylist2018.pdf

or here:

Concerts on the Common: Frank Padula Band & Martin Levin - Story Teller - July 18

July 18
Frank Padula Band 
Martin Levin - Story Teller

The main program is scheduled to run on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM  - 8:30 PM. The Children's Programs from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM. 

You can download a copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oG2-XOINB4ziJgVbf_4N0B6MNJCrG_SJ/view?usp=sharing

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Band and Rob Peters Bubble Man - July 11

The concerts will use the new stage. Franklin's Town Council authorized the purchase last year and it has arrived in time to be used this summer.

stage in the early morning dewy sunlight

full stage view

FHS' Girls' Lacrosse Coach in the current issue of Lacrosse Magazine

From the Franklin network we find that "FHS' Girls' Lacrosse Coach, Kristin Igoe Guarino, is profiled on the back page of the current issue of Lacrosse Magazine published by US Lacrosse." 

https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/fuel/us-lacrosse/inside-the-july-august-2018-edition-of-us-lacrosse-magazine

or go directly to the digital edition here
http://content.digitalpub.blue-soho.com/web/y5b2/0A1v7bf/JulyAugust2018/html/index.html?page=80&origin=reader

FHS' Girls' Lacrosse Coach in the current issue of Lacrosse Magazine

FTC Scam Alert: Avoiding tech support scams

Avoiding tech support scams by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education You're working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: "Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device."  That's a tech support scam. Don't call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don't operate that way Read more => https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/avoiding-tech-support-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

St. Rocco Festival of Food Finale - Aug 9-12, 2018

Times change and traditions evolve. This year’s annual Feast of St. Rocco, on August 9-12 will mark the 40th and final food festival in Franklin. Driven by the energy and passion of long-time committee members, and executed with the strength of 300 volunteers, this festival finale will be one to remember! 

This year’s celebration will feature more than a dozen food booths offering everything from fried clams, calzones and sausages to authentic Italian pastries and fried dough. Entertainment throughout the weekend will include live bands, DJs, raffles, and amusement rides. Commemorative T-shirts and aprons will be on sale. Raffles for cash prizes and homemade items will be available all weekend.

Throughout the years, the festival has adapted to the changing lifestyle of the community. In the early days all food was donated and prepared in the kitchens of the parish faithful. For a time, food was prepared in the kitchen of what was then the St. Mary’s School. Today, the food is prepared under the tents where it is served, under strict board of health guidelines. The one constant for 40 years has been the enthusiastic volunteers who prepare and serve the food throughout the weekend.

Entertainment has changed over the years as well. Music has always been part of the celebration and the early days featured several stages with multiple bands and dancing. A pie eating competition and chocolate chip cookie contest are some of the past events. And the young and young-at-heart have enjoyed old fashioned midway games, carnival rides, cotton candy and laughter galore throughout the years!

Weather has been noteworthy over time. The festival has been held in scorching heat and throughout thunderstorm-ridden weekends, but the spirit of the festival has always endured.

Don’t miss the final food festival beginning Thursday evening, August 9 and continuing through Sunday the 12th, held on the field beside the parking lot across from the St. Mary’s Church. Come for the food. Come for the rides. Come for the people. Just come… be a part of the St. Rocco Festival Finale! For more information or to volunteer to help on festival weekend, please contact the St. Mary’s Rectory at 508-528-0020.


Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

“We do it because there’s a need”

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

“Times were really financially tough, and we’re still behind on bills and catching up,” Leal said. “Once I started working again, it came a little bit easier. You have to turn to your community, and that’s what I’ve been doing, and I’m not ashamed of it.” 

The problem is, diapers are not a WIC-covered item, and the twins easily zip through close to 60 per week. Food pantries can be a sporadic source for the pricey baby staple – especially the right size – because they rely on donations. 

That’s where Benda’s Diaper Project comes in. 

“Most food pantries, the diapers might be donated,” Diaper Project coordinator Eva Benda said, “but it’s not really a fundamental thing they do.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180715/diaper-project-fills-unmet-need-in-metrowest

diapers (Flickr photo via domandtrey)