Monday, September 3, 2018

MassBudget: For Labor Day, a look at state policies that work for workers



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







$15 minimum wage, paid leave help Massachusetts workers

MassBudget Labor Day report offers state policy options for the future

This year, Massachusetts took steps toward enabling working people to earn enough to support themselves and their families. Some recently-passed policies - a $15 minimum wage, a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, and an increase of the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 30 percent of the federal credit - can help improve the lives and working conditions of people across the state.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report, Keeping Massachusetts Working for Workers: Policy Gains in 2018 and Possibilities Beyond, reviews the state's advances in 2018 and explores how it can further improve workers' conditions through policy.
Massachusetts is the third state to pass a $15 minimum hourly wage and the seventh state to create a PFML program. In concert with these, the increase of the state EITC match can help thousands of low-income working families make ends meet.
But many workers continue to deal with unpredictable schedules and employers who don't pay them the wages they are due, among other issues. This report offers a menu of state-level policy options that can have the widest impact on Massachusetts workers.
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

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Partners with New Life Furniture Bank of MA

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Partners with New Life Furniture Bank of MA

Dedham, MA ~ Stating there's no better time than now to help out others, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell says his agency will continue its collections of household items for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people establish a place they can call home.
  
The non-profit, New Life Furniture Bank of MA located in Walpole, opened its warehouse doors in November of 2013, donating household items to its clients such as furniture, linens, mattresses, dishes, pots and pans and more. "The agency serves a wide variety of people including those affected by disasters (such as fires and floods), as well as veterans and others who are trying to get back on their feet. They do a wonderful job of helping people make the transition from homelessness," noted Register O'Donnell.
  
In their nearly 5 years of operation, New Life Furniture Bank of MA has served more than 1,623 families and 167 veterans. Additionally, more than 100+ social agencies, churches and medical facilities have referred clients to the organization. New Life's primary mission is to collect, warehouse and distribute household goods to individuals and families in need at no charge. A qualified household can receive beds, dressers, nightstands, a couch or a loveseat, an upholstered chair, coffee/end tables, lamps, a kitchen table and chairs as well as household items (as available).
  
"We are truly excited to be involved," said Register O'Donnell, "but the Registry, due to space limitations, can only collect certain types of new and gently used household items (no furniture), but we would love to receive donations such as linens, sheets, comforters and blankets (no king size). Other items we are looking for include pots, pans, kitchen and cooking utensils (no dishes), silverware, towels and face cloths, (no beach towels)" noted O'Donnell.
  
Those interested in making a donation at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Dedham located at 649 High Street in Dedham can call Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or email her at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. The Registry requests that if you are looking for a receipt, please bring a list of the items that you are donating.
Those interested in directly donating to New Life Furniture Bank of MA can go to their website and view a list of acceptable donation items at www.newlifefb.org. The warehouse is located at 102 Elm Street, Walpole MA. Donations can be dropped off on Saturdays between 9:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
  
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
  








Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell
Partners with New Life Furniture Bank of MA
Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell  Partners with New Life Furniture Bank of MA
Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell drops off household items that were donated by the residents of Norfolk County to New Life Furniture Bank of MA.  Accepting the donations are volunteers (middle) Gayle Kendall and (right) Laura Stanton.

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-461-6116
web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Franklin Town offices - Library closed for Labor Day

Franklin Town offices - Library closed for Labor Day

Franklin Town offices - Library closed for Labor Day
Franklin Town offices - Library closed for Labor Day
This holiday is also one of the Monday's that delay the trash pickup by one day all week.

The most recent solid waste flyer with the schedule for trash/recycling pickup
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters
Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters

You can help Tracy #fightforacure

Can you help me #fightforacure? 
I have been training since June to participate in a huge charity event where all proceeds go to the Dana Farber Cancer center. Its an amazing night of amateur boxing and I am stepping into the ring to give hope for those who are fighting against cancer and to pay respect to those who have lost their fight to that awful disease. 
The fight is on October 10th at the House of Blues in Boston. Buy TICKETS (use DEFORGE in the code area) if you can make it. I'd love for you to be there to cheer me on but even before then there are a few ways to support this cause. 
JOIN US AT JIMMY D's in Franklin on SEPTEMBER 22 from 5 PM - 9 PM. 
Jimmy has generously donated food and a drink with every ticket sold. We'll be raffling off some really great donating items by local sponsors.

If you can't make it in September or October then maybe you'd consider donating directly 
I appreciate you being in my corner!

#cancersucks

Thanks!
Tracy "The Business" Deforge

Can you help me #fightforacure? Tracy "The Business" Deforge
Can you help me #fightforacure? Tracy "The Business" Deforge

Donation Link =  https://haymakersforhope.org/event/boston/2018/belles-of-the-brawl-vi/tracy-deforge.

Ticket Link for House of Blueshttps://concerts1.livenation.com/event/010054F3951C571B?crosssite=TM_US:1703588:9044&_ga=2.146644791.2052389687.1533655448-466071311.1532011447&utm_campaign=Belles%20of%20the%20Brawl%202018&utm_source=Ticket%20Sales%20from%20Website&utm_medium=Ticketmaster   (use DEFORGE in the code area)

Ticket Link for Jimmy D'shttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/haymakers-for-hope-fundraiser-tickets-49512825193

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Primary Election info for Tuesday, Sep 4

STATE PRIMARY
September 4, 2018 6 AM - 8 PM
Franklin High School Gymnasium
218 Oak Street

SPECIMEN BALLOTS 
(choose your precinct, the link will provide the specimen ballot)

Precinct 1- 4, 7                              Precinct 5, 6, 8


These were shared from the Franklin Town Clerk page

You can also use an interactive page at the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth

Input your address and town, it comes back with your voting precinct and examples of the ballot choices you'll have for Tuesday's Primary.


Primary Election info for Tuesday, Sep 4
Primary Election info for Tuesday, Sep 4


State wide candidate info can be found on the Boston Globe page
https://www.bostonglobe.com/section/2018-primary-election-guide


Helping Kids Make the Grade — A YMCA Initiative: Back to School Backpack Drive was a Success

Operation Backpack ran successfully for a 3rd year. A dedicated association of staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members, the Hockomock Area YMCA commits itself to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. Convening donors and volunteers to improve the back to school season for local families reflects what the Hockomock Area YMCA stands for.

The backpack drive took place June 25th-July 31st to collect new backpacks filled with school supplies for children in 7 school districts. The YMCA facilities in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro, as well as Bellingham Library, Bellingham Town Hall, Franklin Municipal Building, Horace Mann Middle School, New England Chapel, and Oak Street Elementary School locations served as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies.
Backpacks Filled by Volunteers from True Ability, Dell’s Employee Resource Group for People Impacted by Disabilities and or Special Needs
Backpacks Filled by Volunteers from True Ability,
Dell’s Employee Resource Group for
People Impacted by Disabilities and or Special Needs

The YMCA initiative was sponsored by Dell, Discount School Supply, Siemens, Stop and Shop Worldwide, and WB Mason. Drop off location partners, understanding that many of the kids in our communities will start the school year without the supplies that they need to succeed, stepped up to the plate with additional donations including boxes of pens and pencils, scissors, glue sticks, rulers, and monetary donations. Volunteers gathered the supplies and used them to fill over 600 backpacks.

"What a feeling it is to know that our collective efforts helped 610 kids go back to school prepared," said Brandi Jacobs—senior membership experience director at the Bernon Family YMCA Branch in Franklin.

"Thank you to our sponsors. It is only with your generosity that we are able to make this such a successful event," said Jacobs. She noted that Y members and anonymous donors contributed by purchasing supplies on an Amazon Wish List and by submitting requests for children who could benefit from receiving a backpack for their children.

Donations at work include:
Milford Summer Lunch Program
The Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition presented this summer the Milford Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA in collaboration with the Milford Public Schools Food Services team. All 272 participants who received free lunch signed up in advance to receive a backpack for their children.

Learning about the impact of the initiative, a community member who wished to remain anonymous stated: "On behalf of our family, we would like to take a moment to thank the YMCA staff and everyone that was a part of raising funds. So that every child that was in need for this coming school year, was provided with a backpack filled with school supplies. We are very grateful and thankful to everyone that was a part of this blessing. May the Lord continue to bless you always, as you have blessed others from the heart."

About 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

Broadway’s Christopher Rice to star in Disney’s Newsies at THE BLACK BOX

Initial casting has been announced for the Franklin Performing Arts Company’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies running at THE BLACK BOX October 13,14 and 19-21. Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) will star as Jack Kelly, New York City-based actress, and Franklin native, Ali Funkhouser will play Katherine Plumber, and FPAC favorite Nick Paone will appear as Joseph Pulitzer. The production will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.


Broadway’s Christopher Rice to star in Disney’s Newsies
Broadway’s Christopher Rice
to star in Disney’s Newsies
Christopher Rice appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and in the national tours of West Side Story and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Rice’s viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide. Ali Funkhouser’s credits include the national tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita. A former Equity actor, Nick Paone has traveled all over the US performing with TheaterWorks, USA. Paone’s regional credits include Cabaret, Macbeth, The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pirates of Penzance.

Broadway’s Clay Thomson made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda the Musical. His national tour credits include West Side Story and Wicked. Thomson has also made numerous television appearances, performing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The 2013 TONY Awards, The 2012 and 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more. He is featured in the viral YouTube videos #TAPPY.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Disney's Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.” Disney’s Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

To purchase tickets or for more information about Disney’s Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Youth Wrestling - Sign up now for sessions beginning Sep 10

YOUTH WRESTLING:

We have a couple of programs for Novice Wrestlers this Fall. 
  • Intro for beginners; grades K-4, starts 9/15. 
  • Novice (some experience req.) class; grade 1-4, starts 9/10. 

Check us out at newneglandgoldwrestling.org

Youth Wrestling - Sign up now for sessions beginning Sep 10
Youth Wrestling - Sign up now for sessions beginning Sep 10

In the News: benefits to ballroom dancing; few contests for Primary; Plymouth gearing for 400th Anniversary

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

"Nina DiPerrio started teaching at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin about the same time “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on ABC in 2005. Her bragging rights include performing with professionals from the hit show who were encouraging and eager to share their knowledge. 
DiPerrio credits the popular television show with bringing an influx of new students to the studio and changing the demographic. Younger people especially, are eager to give ballroom dancing a whirl. 
“Most people say it’s something they always wanted to do, but never tried before. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ showed that it’s doable, that dance is not something that is out of their reach,” said DiPerrio, who started dance lessons at age 5. “The Fred Astaire studios put a lot of emphasis on community and the social aspect, and create a very encouraging and inviting atmosphere.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/shall-we-dance-from-salsa-to-foxtrot-ballroom-dance-is-all-rage

Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths
Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths

"With just a couple days to go before primary elections, contested races have heated up across Massachusetts. 
The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will go on to run against one another in the general election scheduled for Nov. 6. 
This year, the primary is scheduled for the day after Labor Day, which could complicate voting for some people, such as families with school-age children and college students, who might be leaving the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/few-contested-races-could-impact-voter-turnout-for-sept-4-primary

Primary Election Info for Sep 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/primary-election-info-for-tuesday-sep-4.html

"With the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Plymouth Colony a little more than a year away, state officials this past week looked ahead to what the commemoration would mean for Massachusetts. 
Michele Pecoraro, executive director of the nonprofit organization Plymouth 400, offered up the countdown at a press conference Tuesday in the State Library, where she said the 2020 event series would “reflect the history and culture of the commonwealth from a holistic view.” 
“The native people and English settlers left historic footprints throughout Massachusetts, from Provincetown to Mashpee, from Aquinnah to Plymouth and right on into Boston and beyond,” she said. 
The Plymouth 400 “signature events” will launch on April 24, 2020 with an opening ceremony and run through Thanksgiving week. They will deal with themes including exploration, innovation, self-governance, immigration and religious expression, Pecoraro said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/state-plymouth-gear-up-for-quadricentennial


Saturday, September 1, 2018

Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 7

As part of their New England Artists Series, THE BLACK BOX will present Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet on September 7 at 8 pm. As a composer, trumpet player, band leader, and educator, Alex always brings a childlike delight and fascination with music and what it can bring to the fore. He is the co-leader of the BT ALC Big Band, a group that's influenced as much by Duke Ellington and Count Basie as it is by Parliament and James Brown, and leads his own "jazz comfort food" ensemble, The 8tet, whose debut albums, "Live at the Lily Pad" and "The Big Lebowski Suite" are currently available at www.alexleeclark.com.

Along with his own groups, Alex has enjoyed working as a trumpet player with bands including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Nigel Hall, Lynard Skynard, BJ Thomas, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and others. An educator that's equally comfortable with an acoustic guitar in a kindergarten classroom as he is with a big band score in front of a college ensemble, Alex always finds ways to engage his audiences and help them walking away hearing more than they did when they entered the room.

Tickets are the concert are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students/Seniors and may be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com, by calling (508) 528-3370, or at the door. 

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 


Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 7
Alex Lee-Clark and the 8Tet to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 7





Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway - Sep 11

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 10:00 AM on the Town Common near the War Memorial.

The groundbreaking will be held rain or shine. All members of the community are invited.

Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway - Sep 11
Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway - Sep 11
Participate in the fund raising events for the walkway
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/franklin-veterans-walkway-fund-raising.html


"if our downtown thrives, the residents and businesses of Franklin benefit"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Kevin R. Goffe, president and CEO of Dean Bank, has announced that Dean Bank is continuing its new, free, recurring community event -- Dancing on Dean -- on Friday, Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m. 
Dancing on Dean, a free “block party-style” event complete with live music, beer and wine, local food vendors and fun is something Goffe has dreamed of doing in downtown Franklin for years. Dancing on Dean is made possible through the efforts and cooperation of town officials, the Franklin Downtown Partnership, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, other local businesses and Dean Bank employees. 
Each Dancing on Dean will feature live bands throughout the evening and dancing is encouraged. Goffe hopes local bands will become interested in playing in front of a hometown crowd, in a family-friendly environment as the event gains momentum. 
The September Dancing on Dean will feature local band the South Street Six, playing a variety of music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase and local restaurants will sell food throughout the evening. Dancing on Dean will be held at the corner of Dean Avenue and Main Street, directly adjacent to Dean Bank’s main office, and will continue down Dean Avenue, which will be closed to traffic."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180831/dean-bank-hosting-dancing-on-dean-event

Dean Bank photo of South Street 6 (via Facebook)
Dean Bank photo of South Street 6 (via Facebook)

Representative Roy: What's Happening in the District? - August newsletter




Vote in primary on Tuesday

It has been said that voting is the foundation stone for political action. Every eligible American wants to – and should – have a say in deciding which people and policies will determine the future for our families, community, and country. Generations of Americans fought and died for our right to vote, the freedom to choose our leaders, and the right to speak up for our beliefs.

On Tuesday, September 4, citizens will have the chance to exercise that right and duty. The polls are open in Franklin and Medway. Voters are picking who will represent their party in races for the US Congress, Governor and other state constitutional officers, State Senate, and the House of Representatives. Serving the citizens of Franklin and Medway in the Massachusetts House has been a great honor and I appreciate your continued support. And I ask for your vote on Tuesday.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and I look forward to seeing you at the polls on Tuesday and our continued work together.

Rep. Roy was honored to welcome Congressman Joe Kennedy to Franklin and give him a tour of our downtown area. We stopped by the Franklin Fire Station, Keefe Insurance, the Food Pantry, Intermission Cafe, Dean Bank, and the Rome Restaurant. It was great to see members of the Town Council, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, and so many other friends join us for the tour. Congressman Kennedy is such a great voice for our community in Washington, DC and he has been a great partner in our efforts to make this community a great place to live, work and raise a family. You can find more photos from the visit by clicking here.


Copyright © 2018 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House.

Our mailing address is:
State Rep Jeff Roy
State House Room 236
Boston, MA 02133

Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full contents
https://mailchi.mp/cfc6d850ac2a/whats-happening-in-the-district-july-newsletter-1456245