In Other News

Diwali Celebrated (Early)

Above, Medway State Senator Karen Spilka in celebratory garlands at the State House, where there was a Diwali preview more than a week ago. The Diwali festival of light is currently ongoing and celebrated, particularly, by those with ties to India.

Campaign Countdown: Videira Stays Cool with Election Officials

A death in the family of Norfolk, Worcester, Middlesex District Senate Candidate, Franklin’s Dashe Videira, has led to a late “final filing before the election” of funding stats with the state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF). Videira reports that the problem was discussed with officials midweek and the data filing will soon be rectified. Our sympathy is extended to her family.

Endorsed and Endorsed. Rep. Jeff Roy’s Long List of Friends…

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). “I am proud to endorse Rep. Jeff Roy for re-election as the State Representative for Franklin and Medway. He has been a partner and champion on climate and energy issues, spearheading efforts to pass landmark climate and energy bills, as well as legislation to address substance use disorder, economic development, and civil rights. And he has consistently delivered critical local aid to Franklin and Medway. I look forward to continuing to partner with him.” In addition to Markey, Roy has been endorsed by Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council, Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and 1999SEIU. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; and Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones.

All Souls Day?

We asked why, funeral directors in the Bay State are required to renew their professional licenses on Halloween. Paul Phaneuf, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Embalming and Funeral Directing, answered. “I have been licensed for 52 years and the date to renew your embalming and funeral directing license was always October 31st in Massachusetts. Licensing in Massachusetts goes back to the early 1900s. I do not know why the date of October 31st was selected but I would suspect that it had some significance with All Hallows Eve which is also known as Halloween. It was a Christian holiday marking the beginning of All Hallowtide, a three day period of remembering the dead, the saints, and the faithful departed which which will end on All Souls Day, November 2nd..” That sounds about right, thanks Paul…

Soter Says, November is National Adoption Month

Mike Soter, Medway’s other State Rep. reminds us that November is Adoption Month, “a time to celebrate families formed through love and commitment. Let’s support and advocate for programs and services that provide hope and resources for children in need of a forever home. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and create a brighter future for all. “

St. Mary’s is Back, Partially

In the week of the church fire, Masses and other activities are scheduled this weekend in the lower church. However, we hear that the delayed service for “Father Jack” is still being held off until the main church area is serviceable. That sounds like maybe the work will be completed soon.