“One in three people that try nicotine products will become addicted”

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

"A local petition calls for the town Board of Health to institute a policy in which the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products be restricted to so-called “vape” stores that only those 21 and older can enter. 

The petition, started by Westwood-Mansfield Pediatric Associates, seeks 200 signatures, although it is non-binding. Health board members discussed the topic during regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday. 

“We have always been working for the greater cause,” said Chairman Donald Ranieri. “As usual, our priority is the health of the people in the town of Franklin. That’s why we’re here.” 

Currently, flavored tobacco and nicotine products are also sold at several convenience stores and gas stations in town. Owners either failed to respond or declined to comment on queries made by a Daily News reporter on the subject."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181206/franklin-petition-takes-aim-at-flavored-tobacco


The text of the petition at Change.org created by Dr. Lester Hartman, Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics:

"As parents of children in the Town of Franklin, we insist that our Board of Health restrict flavored nicotine and tobacco products immediately, only allowing their sale in smoke and vape shops that are 21+ to enter. We do not want our children exposed to these dangerous and addictive products when they go into our local convenience stores. 

Across the state, 136 Boards of Health covering over 59% of the State's population have signed onto this flavored nicotine and tobacco restriction. 

Given the current nicotine addiction epidemic in our middle and high schools, it is this Board's duty to look out for our children and attempt to remedy this situation."

https://www.change.org/p/franklin-board-of-health-town-of-franklin-restrict-the-sale-of-flavored-nicotine-products-to-smoke-vape-shops

“One in three people that try nicotine products will become addicted”

Sensory Friendly Santa Claus - Dec 8

Visiting Santa Claus can be a very overwhelming experience for children, particularly those with Special Needs. 

This year, Franklin SEPAC is inviting families to visit Santa in a sensory friendly environment...no long lines or waiting, no crowds or noisy store and a Santa who understands!! 

Bring your camera to take as many pictures as you would like. Our SEPAC elves will be on hand to take family photos as well.

Saturday, December 8, 12-4

A quiet room downstairs in Cole's Tavern, Franklin MA

This event is free! Sign up for a time to have your own private meeting with the big guy by clicking on the following link!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a45adab2fa2f58-sensory

Sensory Friendly Santa Claus - Dec 8

For more information about the Franklin SEPAC group  http://franklinsepac.org/

FTC: No support for diabetes treatment claims

FTC: No support for diabetes treatment claims by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC People spend billions of dollars a year on health products that are unproven and often useless.  Case in point: The FTC has sued the sellers of "Nobetes" about their advertising claims for a pill that would supposedly treat diabetes – and maybe even replace the need for prescription diabetes medication, like insulin.  According to the FTC, these claims were false or misleading, and the sellers had no reliable, scientific evidence to back them up. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/ftc-no-support-diabetes-treatment-claims?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Video teaser for FPAC's Humbug!

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC's 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, starring the script's writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel's iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 

Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely – and timeless – message!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PrwKDDWftM



For tickets and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370

Tri-County Regional Inducts 29 Students into National Honor Society

Twenty-nine students were inducted into the Peter Rickard Chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony held on Thursday, November 29th.

The National Honor Society (NHS) is our nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Induction in the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors given to a student by the faculty of Tri-County.

The ceremony was presided over by NHS officers Katie Udell of Medway, President; Ashley Barry of North Attleboro, Vice President; Adrianna Celeste of North Attleboro, Secretary; and Corinne Blasetti of North Attleboro, Treasurer. Current members of the Tri-County National Honor Society were on-hand along with family members of the inductees and school personnel; with NHS President, Katie Udell, acting as the Master of Ceremonies.

During the ceremony, retired Vocational Director, Jean George, was the guest speaker. Jean addressed the inductees encouraging them to be leaders in supporting members of the community who are isolated and in need.

This year’s Class of 2019 Inductees include:

• Sabrina Howarth of Seekonk
• Emily Jutras of Wrentham
• Evan Langille of North Attleboro
• Savanh Monteiro of North Attleboro
• John Winship of North Attleboro
• Shannon Zogalis of North Attleboro

The Class of 2020 Inductees are:

• Nancy Arloo of North Attleboro
• Kayla Cantara of North Attleboro
• Hannah Davis of Franklin
• Kiara Dempsey of North Attleboro
• Katharine Dion of North Attleboro
• Jitarra Ellis of Franklin
• Carmela Galon of Bellingham
• Jack George of North Attleboro
• Rebecca Grome of Franklin
• Madison Horlbogen of Seekonk
• Julia Hutchinson of North Attleboro
• Jena Johnson of North Attleboro
• Colby Jones of Millis
• Jacob Lipson of Franklin
• Sophie Manocchio of Franklin
• Ashala McLean of Plainville
• Catarina Oliveira of Seekonk
• Joshua Plante of North Attleboro
• Courtney Rainone of Plainville
• Madison Silva of Seekonk
• Taylor Tremblay of Franklin
• Brooke Weber of North Attleboro
• Jenna Yakimowsky of Attleboro

Current members of the organization from the Class of 2019 include:

• Caroline Aspinwall of Walpole
• Christina Brousseau of North Attleboro
• Alina Coffey of Medway
• Kaitlyn Jones of Plainville
• Gabriella Mills of North Attleboro
• Elizabeth Naff of Franklin
• Emily Pion of Attleboro
• Jillian Plante of North Attleboro
• Pamella Reis of Franklin
• Kasandra Rempelakis of Millis

Named after former Tri-County Principal Peter Rickard, the Tri-County RVTHS chapter of the National Honor Society requires that qualifying students maintain a GPA of 3.85 or higher and have a proven track record of leadership and volunteerism. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation with a personal statement to the Faculty Council for approval by majority vote.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Tri-County Regional Inducts 29 Students into National Honor Society

“It has brought a lot of joy to our members”

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

"In the lobby of the Senior Center lies a realm where snow is made of coconut shavings and roofs are constructed of gingerbread, graham crackers and gumdrops. 

Though it’s far from the North Pole, the spirit of the winter holidays resonates with one chef at the facility. 

Paul Ledwith’s first gingerbread creation is being appreciated by everyone who enters the building – an exact replica of the Senior Center, made of sugar. 

Senior Center Director Karen Alves said residents have adored since it showed up in the center’s lobby."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181205/chef-creates-sweet-depiction-of-franklin-senior-center

The Franklin Senior Center in gingerbread. via @wknorman Twitter

Find out what is happening at the Senior Center all month:

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/dec18connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center Newsletter - December 2018

MassBudget: Many Massachusetts youth await spots in after-school programs

December 4, 2018 Many Massachusetts youth await spots in after-school programs Meaningful activities outside of and after the school day can go far in boosting a child's educational achievement and life outcomes. But many Massachusetts youth that need after-school and summer programs are not able to get into one. Thousands of high-needs youth (those who are economically disadvantaged, English language learners, or special education students) in Massachusetts lack public support for after-school programs, according to a new Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) report, Investment in After-School and Summer Learning in Massachusetts: Current Funding and Unmet Need.   Not all communities and families have the resources to provide enrichment activities to young people. In 2011, the highest-income families across the country were able to spend almost seven times more on out-of-school opportunities than the lowest-income families. The MassBudget report examines federal and state funding for after-school and summer programs. In the 2016-2017 school year, public entities provided more than $207 million, after adjusting for inflation, for after-school programs. Despite these efforts, children with the greatest needs often lack opportunities to participate in such programs. Read the full report http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Investment-in-After-School-and-Summer-Learning.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 mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today