Thursday, October 4, 2018

MassBudget: Progress in reducing poverty in Massachusetts slows in 2017



  MASSBudget     KidsCount
October 2, 2018




Progress in reducing poverty in Massachusetts slows in 2017

Although the state has made significant gains in poverty reduction and income growth in recent years, especially since the recession, year-over-year progress began to slow in 2017. Compared to 2016, the poverty rate was essentially flat, and median household income grew at a much slower pace.
More than one in 10 Massachusetts residents lived below the poverty line in 2017, essentially the same as the rate in 2016, according to a new Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) brief, Massachusetts Poverty Rate Flat, Median Income Growth Slowed in 2017.
Although progress slowed in the past year, Massachusetts' poverty rate is close to pre-recession levels, at 9.9 percent, and is the 10th lowest in the country.
Progress in reducing poverty in Massachusetts slows in 2017
From 2016 to 2017, Massachusetts saw a 0.6 percent growth in median household income, from $76,901 to $77,385 (in 2017 dollars) - a growth rate that ranked 37th nationally.
Progress in reducing poverty in Massachusetts slows in 2017
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 mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Enjoy the Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 13

Get ready for Franklin’s largest-ever fall festival at the 16th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM

Nearly 7,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Harvest Festival which will feature great local entertainment, kids’ activities, artisans and crafters, fall-themed giveaways, and delicious food from local restaurants. 

In case of rain, the Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 14.

The event will be held on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street in downtown Franklin, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. This year, the always popular Harvest Festival promises to be the largest one-day event the Partnership has ever produced.  

More than 160 vendors, crafters, exhibitors and groups will participate in this celebration of the arrival of autumn! Main Street, and portions of Dean and Depot Streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic.


Enjoy the Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 13
Enjoy the Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 13
This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2018/10/join-us-at-harvest-festival-october-13.html

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

FEF Wizards game tickets now on sale!

Back again-the Harlem Wizards are coming to town to play Team FPS! Game is Friday, November 16 at 7 PM.

Support the Franklin Education Foundation and have a great night out! 

To get tickets, go online to https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/133283

Or http://www.harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets/

Order your tickets soon before the game is sold out!


FEF Wizards game tickets now on sale!
FEF Wizards game tickets now on sale!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOERVMjdRek1QYVhTRUJzcXBPX2FEYXFaRnpn/view?usp=sharing



https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOERVMjdRek1QYVhTRUJzcXBPX2FEYXFaRnpn/view?usp=sharing



Broadway’s Ben Cameron hosts FPAC Gala - Oct 6

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s Franklin Performing Arts Company Gala: an evening to celebrate Family, Friendship and The Arts. Hosted by Broadway's Ben Cameron, FPAC's Annual Gala takes place on October 6 at 6 PM at THE BLACK BOX. The evening features fine food and drink, live and silent auctions, outstanding entertainment, live music, and dancing. Performers include Broadway’s Ben Cameron, FPAC favorites, and special guest Chaz Wolcott.

Ben Cameron
Ben Cameron

Ben Cameron has appeared on Broadway in Aida and the original casts of Wicked and Footloose. He has toured with Sweet Charity, Fame, Tommy, Footloose, and State Fair and is currently the creator/host of Broadway Sessions at The Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. 

Chaz Wolcott toured with Disney’s Newsies for two years, appeared in the live film version of the show from Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre, and was featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. Wolcott is the choreographer for FPAC’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies.

Tickets to the Gala fundraiser are $125 per person, with proceeds benefiting initiatives of THE BLACK BOX and FPAC. 

Chaz Wolcott
Chaz Wolcott
Founded in 1991, FPAC brings together professional artists, local performers, and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment, with a special focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is a community-oriented cultural facility providing a dynamic outlet for artistic expression, quality entertainment, arts appreciation, and learning.

For more information or to purchase FPAC Gala tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run - Registration OPEN

Run Now Gobble Later at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8 AM. 

All race proceeds go to the Franklin Food Pantry! Last year the race raised over $17,000!! 

Free breakfast items, free raffle and awards at the end of the race.


Registration: 


Register Online (preferable)
http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org/

Wednesday Night from 7-9 PM 
or Morning of Race starting at 7 AM


Cost: $20 or 20 nonperishable food items
T-shirts: To first 150 registered online
Awards: Top 3 finishers in each age category
Bib Pickup: Wednesday Night from 7-9 PM or Morning of Race starting at 7 AM
Dogs: Dogs are NOT permitted on the race course during the race


Franklin Turkey Trot Registration OPEN
Franklin Turkey Trot Registration OPEN

FHS boys soccer team posts win, girls soccer gain tie

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2018

Boys Soccer = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Franklin senior Tim Duval set up the Panthers’ first goal and then scored the goal that proved to be the game-winner in a rain-shortened game against Foxboro. Duval set up Donny Tappin inside the opening two minutes to give the hosts an early advantage. Foxboro leveled the game in the 21st minute when Joe Cusack connected with Dylan Barreira. Franklin went ahead again in the 43rd minute when Tappin brought down a service from Sam Stowell and buried from inside the area. The game was called for lightning in the 47th minute despite multiple efforts to restart.

Girls Soccer = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin 1 – Final
– Foxboro took the lead midway through the first half but Franklin struck early in the second half to earn a draw at home in what both coaches said was a hard fought game from both sides. Warriors freshman Kailee McCabe scored an unassisted goal to put Foxboro ahead. But just 90 seconds into the second half, Hailey Toolin leveled the match on an assist from junior Sabrina Addi. Franklin junior Breanna Atwood made nine saves.

Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Taunton @ Franklin, 3:45 - portions of course washed out due to rain, to be rescheduled

for other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-02-18/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Alive After Five Pay It Forward Networking Event - Oct 9

Many of us have been helped at some point in our business careers by a mentor or simply a more experienced person who stopped to provide guidance or encouragement. On October 9, Dean College, in conjunction with the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, is hosting an Alive After 5 at the school’s Student Center.

Alive After Five
Alive After Five

This event is unlike any Business After Hours or Alive After 5 you will attend. Of course, there will be ample time to exchange cards, meet new people, or connect with longtime clients and colleagues, but you will also interact with students. These graduating seniors want to practice and fine tune their networking skills with the guidance of seasoned business veterans.

Pay It Forward Networking Event
Pay It Forward Networking Event 

This opportunity allows you to give back as well as impart valuable wisdom on the future generation of business leaders. Before you see this as a completely selfless act, it also allows you to meet individuals who are going to be your future clients and employees. You will have the opportunity to hear about their concerns from them directly at the same time that you are assessing their strengths.

This really is an event unlike any other in our schedule. So, join us for some light appetizers, refreshments, engaging conversation, and even a beer, as we give the students a taste of what networking is all about!

Dean College - 109 West Central Street - Franklin
October 9; 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM


Tuesday, October 2, 2018

"a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM

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

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3. 
The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) portion of the test will be sent to virtually all consumer cellular phones in the U.S. beginning at 2:18 p.m. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) test will follow on all television and radio stations at 2:20 p.m. This is the first time the federal government has tested the WEA. 
The WEA test message will appear on mobile phones and will read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.” These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA. Each phone should receive the message only once."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181002/emergency-alert-system-to-be-tested-wednesday-afternoon

a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM
a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the
Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM


The FEMA fact sheet for the test Oct 3, 2:18 PM
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mY91JscTTqFIt2fSYickfot_qGFgql9Y/view?usp=sharing


Early voting opens October 22, 2018

As we get closer to election day on Nov 6, there will be information shared here to help prepare all of us to cast an informed ballot. As early voting starts October 22, you can expect most of the info to be posted before then.

Early Voting Dates and Times:

  • Monday Oct 22   8 AM – 4 PM
  • Tuesday Oct 23   8 AM – 4 PM
  • *Wednesday Oct 24   8 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday Oct 25   8 AM – 4 PM
  • Friday Oct 26   8 AM – 1 PM
  • *Saturday Oct 27   8 AM – 12 PM
  • Monday Oct 29   8 AM – 4 PM
  • Tuesday Oct 30   8 AM – 4 PM
  • Wednesday Oct. 31    8 AM – 6 PM
  • *Thursday Nov 1   8 AM – 7 PM
  • Friday Nov 2   8 AM – 1 PM


*THE EXTENDED HOURS ARE FOR EARLY VOTING ONLY!
Teresa M. Burr, Franklin Town Clerk

Information for Franklin residents can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/early_voting_hours.pdf

The MA Information for Voters (large print edition can be found in PDF format)
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2018_Large_Print.pdf

Additional information for MA voters can be found on the state page
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele18/ballot_questions_18/message18.htm

Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

Economic Development Subcommittee: Agenda - Oct 3

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 
Training Room Franklin, MA

October 3, 2018  5:45 PM


Discussion:

1. Food trucks
2. Commuter/business parking
3. Signs bylaw proposal
4. Residential development impact on abutters


Future Meetings:

Multi-Family Housing in RV and C1/Affordable Housing

a. R7
b. Over 55 Housing Overlay
c. Inclusionary Zoning
d. Affordable Housing Plan


The full agenda PDF can be found online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeGpJeXJ2UVVGNnZXdDdMYjdZLVFZVlFWM2hv/view?usp=sharing

signs and food trucks are on the agenda for the next EDC meeting
signs and food trucks are on the agenda for the next EDC meeting

FHS field hockey, volleyball, and golf all post wins on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Oct 1, 2018


Field Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final
– Hannah Stryke opened the scoring with 10 minutes left in the first, but Franklin scored four times over the next half hour to get control. Sarah Carney tied the game for Franklin and Victoria Quinn scored twice (both assisted by Cassi Ronan) to give Franklin a 3-1 lead. Ronan then scored unassisted in the second half to extend the advantage to 4-1. The Tigers answered back with two goals in two minutes, one by Stryke (assisted by Kayla Lozzi) and the second by Maggie Woods (assisted by Emily Dionne) to cut the lead to just one. OA kept pressuring and had several chances to tie it but the Panthers held on for the win. OA coach Sharon Lawrence praise Lozzi for her overall performance. Franklin goalie Anna Jardine made four saves in the win.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final
– OA won the opening set, but Franklin won the final three sets to stay unbeaten. The Panthers won 17-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-15. Sadie Homer set a career-high with 40 digs for OA, while Allie Kemp had 31 assists. The Tigers also got 14 kills from Jordan Bosse and seven kills and three aces from Jackie Raymond.

Golf = Franklin, 162 @ King Philip, 165 – Final

for other results around the Hockomock League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-10-01-18/

FHS field hockey, volleyball, and golf all post wins on Monday

FHS field hockey, volleyball, and golf all post wins on Monday


Via the Twitterverse















LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 10

Boost your joy factor, lighten up, release happy chemicals and open channels of expression and well-being to source your natural aliveness! Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, October 10 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 10
LET'S LAUGH TODAY
Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 10
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, October 10
Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com

There will be Halloween candy and feel free to wear a funny hat or costume if you wish! See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

          

Boston Herald recognizes Tyler Saunders of Tri-County

Tyler Saunders
Tyler Saunders
Boston Herald's "High school football stars of the week" recognizes Tyler Saunders of Tri-County

  • Tyler Saunders threw three touchdown passes as Tri-County remained unbeaten with a 33-0 win over Atlantis Charter

For the full listing 
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/2018/09/high_school_football_stars_of_the_week_0

High school football stars of the week
High school football stars of the week

"it’s referred to as the Fisher House"

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

"In 1750, in a backwoods edge of Wrentham, a house was erected. More than two centuries later, it is still standing in what is now part of Franklin. 
But the house, located on Lincoln Street, could be on the verge of potential destruction. 
The Franklin Historical Commission will hold a public hearing next week about the house’s potential demolition and its historic value to the town. The hearing takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. 
Amy Roberson, who owns the house, said she had not heard about the hearing, but as a history buff, she is uneasy about the house’s possible fate. The idea of the house being demolished was news to her, but she said it isn’t surprising due to the house’s condition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/house-possibly-tied-to-early-franklin-family-subject-of-demolition-hearing

Where is the Fisher house?

In the News: Project Pink Patch in Franklin; Circle of Friends Concert Oct 6

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

"Their members have an obligation to serve and protect, but caring is also big part of being on the Franklin Police force. 
For the first time, officers have the option to add a pink patch to their uniforms in order to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A few officers are already sporting the patches, but soon all of the department’s officers will be adorned with the powerful patch. 
Project Pink Patch, according to Sgt. Brian Johnson, was started on the West Coast. 
“There are a lot of area stations that do this,” said Johnson. “They ‘Pink it out’ they call it. They change the color scheme of the badge around and some even put the pink ribbon in there.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/franklin-officers-to-wear-pink-patches-in-honor-of-breast-cancer-awareness-month


"Franklin’s Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will host a concert featuring Joe Jencks with Katherine Rondeau on Saturday, Oct. 6. 
Some highlights 
1 Franklin’s Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will host a concert featuring Joe Jencks with Katherine Rondeau on Saturday. 
2 Jencks is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/franklins-circle-of-friends-to-host-top-folk-songwriter