Saturday, February 7, 2015

Franklin Public Schools: Update


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello 
Well I have become another victim of this horrible winter. I took a serious fall yesterday and will be having surgery on Monday to repair my ankle. I anticipate being out for about two weeks. I will be in contact with our Building and District Administrators. 
Assistant Superintendent Sally Winslow will be leading the district while I am recovering. She is a talented and skilled educator who can effectively lead the district. 
We are all wondering about the latest storm and with respect to weather all we can be assured of is that we do not know a lot. 
Sally will be watching  the news, getting updates from our weather service and collaborating with our Public Safety officials. They will make the best decision for the safety of all our students and faculty. 
We hope to be able to schedule school even if it warrants a delay. But all will depend on road conditions. Our Town team is capable and professional in all of their decision making. 
Thank you and Stay Safe, 
Maureen
Parmenter School just before sunset on Thursday
Parmenter School just before sunset on Thursday


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Both FHS basketball teams top KP on Friday

From Hockomock Sports we find the results of the FHS boys and girls basketball games on Friday. Both teams beat King Phillip.


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 68 @ King Philip, 53 - Final - Franklin senior Marcus Giese led all scorers with 17 points while classmate Markus Bohmiller continues to produce offensively as he scored 15 points. Dylan Reno added 13 points for the Panthers. Ryan Layman led King Philip with 12 points while James O'Brien added 11 points.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 70 @ King Philip, 33 - Final


For all the results of Hockomock League action on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-020615

Franklin small business marketing Co-Op forming


A message from Tracie Turinese, co-owner of The Cake Bar in downtown Franklin:


Forming a Franklin small business marketing Co-Op was agreed to in yesterday's Franklin Downtown Partnership meeting, and many folks indicated they would participate in a brainstorming working session next week on TUESDAY, February 10th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at The Cake Bar. 
For those members that are interested in attending, we'd welcome as many attendees as we can get! 
I've attached a flyer that you can feel free to circulate to anybody and everybody that may be interested. The more the merrier!


print out and share this flyer to spread the word
print out and share this flyer to spread the word

This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/02/small-business-marketing-co-op-meets.html


Library: Family story time - 10:30 AM

Gather the family for story time at the Library. This event starts at 10:30 AM in the public meeting room. 

If you can't make this today, plan on it for the first Saturday each month through May.

family story time, 1st Saturday of the month
family story time, 1st Saturday of the month

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/01/saturday-family-storytime.html

2nd Annual MetroWest College & Career Fair - Mar 21


The Ashland PTO and Ashland Education Foundation are pleased to co-host the 2nd Annual MetroWest College & Career Fair on Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Students and families from several local high schools will enjoy an exciting opportunity that will inform, inspire and instill them with confidence during the college and career search process.

Hosting over 100 colleges at this expo, the opportunity to explore both four-year and two-year programs will be available to the attendees.
  • Seasoned professionals provide important and timely information on higher education
  • College coaches give insight into hot topics such as financial aid, admissions and essay writing
  • Professionals representing over 100 different careers are available to answer in-depth questions that both students and parents may have
www.mwccf.orgThis unique experience allows attendees to explore if a career is right for them and to gain insight on the path to get there. Professionals are on hand from a variety of industries, including healthcare, information technologies, criminal justice and finance service to name a few. 
There is no charge to attend the fair.

For the latest information about this exciting and informative event please visit:
www.mwccf.org

2nd Annual MetroWest College & Career Fair - Mar 22
2nd Annual MetroWest College & Career Fair - Mar 22

"Repeat offenders would be subject to fines"


The Department of Public Works is warning residents to stop putting trash in their recycling carts, saying it could lead to fines and a higher rate for the service. 
Beginning July 1, Waste Management will charge the town extra based on the amount of trash plucked from the recycling stream, said DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi. 
The rate for recycling can increase or decrease depending on the trash that the hauler finds. A load with very little trash could cost as low as $5 a ton, while one with lots of trash could cost the town as much as $40 a ton.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150207/NEWS/150207395/1994/NEWS#sthash.ZvhCJCeK.dpuf

overflow trash bags and totters on the road ready for pickup
overflow trash bags and totters on the road ready for pickup


For my full set of notes from the DPW presentation to the Town Council at Wednesday's meeting, including the presentation document itself, check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/live-reporting-dpw-update.html

In addition to recycling and the increased enforcement that is coming, the DPW presentation provides updates on the repair to the Beaver St connector and to the current snow/ice removal process. Franklin has spent almost $800,000 of which $268,000 was for salt. Given the forecast, Franklin will exceed the current snow/ice amount budgeted and eat into some of the 'free capital'.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/6/15-2/12/15

FRI 2/6   3:30pm   Science Friday: World of Engineering at Franklin Public Library (K-4). Registration required.
FRI 2/6   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked: Boston Skyline at Franklin Art Center
FRI 2/6   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 2/7   10am-12pm   Enrollment Information Morning at Franklin's Charter School
SAT 2/7   10:30am   Family Storytime at Franklin Public Library
SAT 2/7   11am   Open House at Sunrise Montesori in Franklin
SAT 2/7   2pm   Camp Rock: The Musical; presented by BFCCPS at Horace Mann MS
SAT 2/7   2pm   The Wizard of Oz at The Black Box presented by FSPA
SAT 2/7   3pm   Survivor Tales Adoption Event at Happy Tails Doggy Day Care
SAT 2/7   7pm   Camp Rock: The Musical; presented by BFCCPS at Horace Mann MS
SAT 2/7   6pm   The Wizard of Oz at The Black Box presented by FSPA
SAT 2/7   8pm   Tracy Grammer Concert with special guest: Dear Prudence at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

SUN 2/8   1-3pm   Zentangle Class at Franklin Art Center
SUN 2/8   1pm   The Wizard of Oz at The Black Box presented by FSPA
SUN 2/8   5pm   Chowder Fest at United Methodist Church in Franklin
SUN 2/8   5pm   The Wizard of Oz at The Black Box presented by FSPA

MON 2/9   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Track at FHS

TUE 2/10   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Track at FHS
TUE 2/10   6pm   Cocktail Club at Pour Richard’s
TUE 2/10   7:30 pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting at Franklin YMCA

WED 2/11   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Track at Franklin High School

THU 2/12   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk Halls at Franklin High School
THU 2/12   6pm   Pan Mass Kids Fundraiser at Pour Richard’s
 
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

THE BLACK BOX Presents Live Music Series Events


THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s new theater, music, and event venue, presents two special evenings of live music, featuring the April Hall Quartet on Valentine’s Day and Celtic singer-songwriter Robbie O’Connell on February 20.

On Saturday, February 14, renowned vocalist April Hall takes audiences on a special Valentine's Day journey through The Great American Songbook, showcasing the most enduring and influential Golden Age standards of the Broadway stage and Hollywood screen. With her swinging all-star band, Hall interprets our most treasured classics by legendary masters of song to deliver a deeply moving
April Hall
April Hall
evening of sentiment, humor, heartbreak and romance. Her voice described as "glorious" by The Boston Globe, Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award, Hall has done projects for Atlantic Records under the direction of Arif Mardin for the legendary Chaka Kahn, Melissa Manchester and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Dinah Shore. Hall’s "Room for Two" was named one of Jazz Times top 50 Jazz Records of 2012. Hall will be joined for the BLACK BOX Jazz series event by pianist Tim Ray, bassist Mark Poniatowski and drummer Kenny Hadley.

On Friday, February 20, THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents a memorable sojourn with acclaimed singer/songwriter Robbie O'Connell, called "a national treasure" in Ireland and "a master of Irish music" in the United States. A native of Waterford, Ireland, O’Connell emerged as an artist of major stature with his 1982 debut recording, “Close to the Bone,” and subsequently toured with Mick Moloney and Jimmy Keane and with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan in the Green Fields of America. His extensive collaboration with the Clancy Brothers, his uncles,
Robbie O'Connell
Robbie O'Connell
includes several CDs and a 1992 appearance at Carnegie Hall. O’Connell also headlined a 1994 celebration of Irish music at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and was seen by an estimated 500 million people worldwide on the telecast of a live tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden, a performance that Rolling Stone magazine described as “breathtaking.”
O’Connell’s recordings are critically acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic and have received top honors and recognition, including Boston's WUMB Top Acoustic Album of the Year and a prestigious Boston Music Award as Outstanding Celtic Act.

Both music series concerts begin at 8:00. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets are $20 for the April Hall Valentine’s Day concert, Love Songs from The Great American Songbook. Tickets for the evening with Celtic musician Robbie O’Connell are $26 for adults and $18 for students. For ticket purchase or more information, visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Radio Shack files for bankruptcy

Radio Shack

Local businesses (Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace, Artistry Kitchen, Best Deli, Rick's, etc.) are not the only ones having trouble in this new set of economic circumstances, Radio Shack is in the news now with their bankruptcy filing. 

As part of their restructuring plan many stores will close. The closest one currently listed for closing is at the Emerald Sq Mall. The Franklin store is not on the listing for closure.


From the Boston Business Journal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass_roundup/2015/02/radio-shack-files-for-bankruptcy-lists.html

Franklin Wine Club events

If you are interested in trying new wines or Sake, these might be the events for you. You can sign up for one or both events via the Meetup links provided.


Friday February 13th 7-9PM
Franklin Wine Club
Franklin Wine Club
Gay Callon from Chatom Vineyards

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/220117182/




Saturday February 21st   5-7PM
SAKE 101

Join us as we welcome Sake Sommelier Nancy Cushman for a Sake 101 event.

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/220276704/

FHS boys hockey win; double header basketball vs. KP on tap for Friday night

From Hockomock Sports we find the result of the boys hockey game (they won) and that the FHS basketball teams play a double header tonight at KP.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Hockey


Franklin, 3 vs. St. John’s (Shrewsbury), 1 - Final - Alec Borkowski scored the game-winner in the third period and Matt Daly and DJ Shea also scored for the Panthers.


For other results from Thursday's action in the Hockomock League, check this link http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-020515



Basketball vs. KP


There is a basketball double header at King Phillip tonight. The FHS girls tip off at 6:00 followed by the boys game at 7:30 PM

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-020615


Thursday, February 5, 2015

Beaver St connector, recycling and snow removal updates provided

It was a quieter and shorter meeting than the past two for the Town Council. The Emmons St building has been sold, the RFP for Pond St is being re-worked so the large public participation was not in attendence.

DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi assisted by Recycling Coordinator Chris White provides updates on three major topics.

This document was used last night.



Pictures of the Beaver St connector and the repairs performed at great savings in December were impressive. The repairs had been estimated to cost $400,000 and came in at $122,000.

The DEP is working with the trash and recycling vendors to start implementing an enforcement of the restrictions around mixing trash with recycling and recycling with trash.

There are cameras on the truck to record what comes out of the totters as they are picked up. If you do put something you are not supposed to in either the trash or recycling, it is recorded and could result in a warning. Multiple infractions could result in individual fines.

There was talk of someone trying to 'recycle' a small TV in with their recycling. This is not permitted.

WasteManagement will be implementing spot studies where for a week, all the recycling will be held until the collection is complete. It will be weighed, processed and that which shouldn't be part weighed to provide a net 'good' weight. Franklin will then pay based upon the amount of 'clean' recycling on a scale where the poorer the amount of 'clean' the more we'd need to pay.

This program is effective July 1, 2015. There will be adidtional communications and information to the community between now and then to help prepare for this.
King St at Wachusett St
King St at Wachusett St


On the snow front, Franklin has spent almost $800,000 with snow removal so far. Approximately $268,000 of that total is for the salt. The remainder is for labor and contract resources. 

The 43 inches of snow cleared in the last week is about what the DPW normally clears in a full season.

For the complete set of notes taken live during the meeting you can review these links:

Live reporting: Legislation through to closing
Live reporting: DPW update
Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 4, 2015



Delegate Ladybug about to Land in New Home

After a summer of touring and festivals, the ladybug sponsored by Franklin's State Legislative delegation has found a new home. And where better than the home of Franklin's government. 
On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) will be hosting a ceremony delivering the delegation's ladybug to town officials. They will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the class project that successfully traversed the legislative process and made the Ladybug the official bug of the Commonwealth. 
The "Proclamation Bug" as shown on the Town Common lawn in Aug 2014
The "Proclamation Bug" as shown on the Town Common lawn in Aug 2014

In 1974 Ms. Pamela Johnson's second grade class from the Kennedy School in Franklin was learning about the Legislative process when they decided that they would like to make a difference and try their hand at legislating. Since Massachusetts already had an official state bird, tree and fish, they decided that the State needed an official bug. Ms. Johnson's class pooled its resources and with the direction of their State Representative worked through the committee process, visited legislators, lobbied on the bill's behalf and ultimately passed the bill that made the Ladybug the official Bug of the Commonwealth. 
"Forty years ago, that second grade class got the ultimate civics lesson and had a direct hand in legislating," said Representative Jeffrey Roy. "For one of the students in the class -- former Rep James Vallee -- it sowed the seeds for a 19 year run on Beacon Hill. I am thrilled to honor and recognize that class today, and hope that this ladybug will be a reminder to everyone who visits Town Hall that they can play a direct role in their government." 
"The ladybug story is a shining example of how an idea can be translated into law," said Senator Spilka. "I hope that the Franklin delegation's ladybug will be a constant symbol of the power of civic engagement, encouraging more people in our community to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard." 
"We truly live in a remarkable state when citizens, no matter what age, have the ability to impact the legislative process," said Senator Ross. "Forty years later, this testament remains true, and it is a privilege to recognize the success of the Kennedy School with this ladybug that will reside in Franklin Town Hall for generations to come."

The brief ceremony will take place on February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Municipal Building. 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038. Any questions can be directed to Christopher Yancich at 617-722-2400 or by email at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov


The collection of Ladybugs shown on the Town Common lawn in August 2014 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645935226828

Economic Development Committee - meeting notes - Feb 3, 2015

Committee Present: Mr. Bissanti, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Vallee,
Committee Absent: Mr Padula

Town Representatives participating in meeting:  Mr. Nutting, Mr. Taberner, Mrs. Wierling

Also in attendance: Mr. Mercer, Mrs. Pfeffer

Notably missing: Anyone from the Planning Board

1. Mr. Nutting put together a package with information on the Pond Street background which was distributed to attendees

2. General protocol of EDC meeting was included in the packet

3. Mr. Nutting presented financial estimates based on 2014 proposal (same as presented at the Dec. 17th EDC meeting.) Estimates a hotel, business building and 50 condominiums would generate approximately $613,250 in tax revenue for the Town of Franklin

4. Comments were accepted in regards to the RFP. Comments or requests to include in RFP:
a. Limit on residential componentb. Why are we trying to sell?
  •  Answer given: Economic reason only.
c. Can we put in buffers?
  • 40 vs. 200 ft buffers
  • Fuss and O’Neill report recommend 200-foot “no cut” buffer
d. Idea of solar panels was brought up again.
  • Mr. Kelly suggested this be included as a possible use in the RFP
e. Can we include incentives for developers to build an attractive area that includes sustainable buildings, roof top gardens, open space for greater community.
5. Mr. Kelly called for a vote to table the discussion until the next ECD meeting. Meeting date TBD.


Thanks to Sandra Verhaegen for preparing these notes to share

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: info session


Please save the date for the BFCCPS Information Morning to be held on Saturday February 7th from 10am to noon.

BFCCPS Info session Feb 7th
BFCCPS Info session Feb 7th

Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday February 8th from 7-9pm.

Additional information on the Charter School can be found on their webpage  http://bfccps.org/

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Live reporting: Legislation through to closing


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-06:Approval of Extension of Intermunicipal Agreement for Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

need a lease on the new building in Norfolk, to go along with the agreement
the lease is from the district not the Town of Franklin

2. Resolution 15-07:Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

3. Resolution 15-08:Appropriation – Zoning Board of Appeals
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

(amount of $2,000 to be added to the budget)
more requests for variances and special permits, need the money up front and then reimbursed


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to DPW for their work on the storms

vacancy for Board of Assessors

draft of the capital budget contingent upon the snow and ice budget

issue of RFP to find space for the Recreation Dept
will save money for the expenses on maintaining the Emmons building
probably Mar or Apr to come back to the Council

next week will ask to over extend the snow/ice budget

L. OLD BUSINESS
none


M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - letter on old church

Nutting - an engineering firm looking at the structural integrity
letter removes the dead restriction that might have been applicable
we'll deal with Historical Commission on potential use
this opens up an easy way to maintain the historical value of the building


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
none


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting: DPW update


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director
Chris White, Recycling coordinator

(presentation to be added later)




Beaver St connector


update on the Beaver St connector repair conducted in Dec 2014

68% of our sewerage goes through this point


Solid Waste

delay or cancel the trash pickup, first time it was ever canceled
no way to make it up
gave out ~600 bags, (300 residents); about 10% used the bags
opened the recycling center

delayed on top of the cancellation didn't help

contamination in the recycling
it is state law to not put trash in the recycling

covering on a cardboard box of water bottles, the plastic is not recyclable
recycling rate 33% for Franklin

random week selected; collect all the recycling, weigh it, sort the trash out, weigh the trash, the net trash as a percent of the total determines the rate of return

only one around that takes Styrofoam

there is a camera on the truck so the driver can see what is in the bin as he picks it up

new pricing in effect 7/1/15
additional communications and awareness before that implementation

end of the driveway is best place for the bins
if you don't have a driveway shovel a spot for the bin
don't put on top of the snow bank

Kelly - the warning is great but it can be upsetting
I think they get confused; there is typically a letter that references the Town website

Kelly - who is monitoring that?
White - we'll be there, the DEP is really monitoring but we'll be there

Brutus - we are tough  on them asking them the same questions
we were actually getting paid for our recycling, but the economy has changed and we are being charged. Our recycling is pretty good, it is more the cities that are having problems

Padula - I am not opposed to giving a warning the first time and stick them the second time
if we don't that affects what we all get in return

it is a law to not put recycling in the trash

Dellorco - what size TV's fit in that?
White - small ones, 13" ...

Dellorco - the truck we use are only used here
White - yes, our truck are labeled and unless there is a mechanical problem, we know

White - everyday we get a listing of who put their carts out or didn't, what in them (especially after the fact)

Snow Update

Doing really good, 43" one week challenge
pretty much what we get in a year, we got in a week

the size of the snow banks is becoming a challenge
58" spent 752K so far of that $268K for salt

joint bid via a consortium for the salt

5 truck route vs. treating the whole town
$30,000 for the whole town
8,000 for the 5 truck route; done that a few times this year

there is always a concern with the police and fire to ensure that their vehicles get around
no incidents thus far with this program

all public priorities
school facilities and buildings
sidewalks identified as walking routes

mailbox claims must be submitted by May 15th to get into this years budget

pushing snow into the roadway
about 50 warnings sent with last snow storms

good listing of top 10 complaints

Franklin has more cul-de-sacs per capita than any other location

There are hydrant without markers, so the DPW will be doing better with that coming up

29" for the blizzard
14" for the last one
Franklin DPW recording

no combined sewer and drain pipes in Franklin

all the water empties into Mine Brook

Kelly - plan for the summer to paint and replace markers?
Brutus - there was a policy of putting up and taking them down, somewhere along the line we stopped putting them on; when we do the flushing and painting, we should put them on
my goal is to put one on every hydrant
if you can find one, let us know we can find them, we have them plotted

Nutting - phosphorus issue, will save MA $180M
the ban of phosphorus in fertilizers came from Brutus, it was his idea

Bissanti - kudos to a great job on the storm
Carlos and Deacon and the guys do a tremendous job

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 4, 2015

Present: Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: Feldman


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Town of Franklin Other Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) Trust Trust Agreement - Pete Lounsbury; Gregory McMillen
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Meeting Agenda - Feb 5, 2015


Franklin Downtown Partnership GENERAL Meeting Agenda

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am

Golder Room


Franklin Downtown Partnership
Open Meeting
Adoption of Agenda
Introductions
Town Updates -- Jeff Nutting
Streetscape Update -- Jeff Nutting/Bryan Taberner

- Timeline
- Drawings
- Period Lighting and Planters
Report from Executive Director -- Lisa Piana
- FDP New Office -- Suite #1 in same building
- FDP FaceBook/Twitter
- 2015 Meeting Schedule
- Membership Survey
- Shop Local Campaign
New Business
Adjourn


Next General Meeting: April 2nd


This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page: http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/02/25-general-meeting-agenda.html#sthash.L8kFf6wh.dpuf

Franklin Blog: ECDC Principal Page

Kelty Kelly, the principal at ECDC, is writing a blog. 

Welcome to the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) Principal Page! Here families and community members will find updates, information and resources, as well as pictures and commentary from ECDC Principal, Kelty Kelley.

A new post highlights kindergarten registration information for ECDC families. Note that while this information is targeted for the ECDC families, those who may have children attending ECDC in a future school year could find this useful.

Kindergarten Registration:
This year we are working to simplify and streamline the Kindergarten Registration process for current ECDC families. Here at ECDC, we will be collecting and coordinating the required documentation, as well as scheduling Kindergarten Screenings (once the dates become available). By taking these new steps, we will expedite your child’s registration and eliminate the need for you to attend the district-wide registration. Within the next week all families with children entering Kindergarten will receive a packet of information with more details!
You can read Kelty's full posting here
http://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-couple-of-updates.html

screen grab of ECDC principal page
screen grab of ECDC principal page

Related post:
ECDC now accepting registration for 2015-2016 school year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/ecdc-is-now-accepting-applications-and.html

This page has been added to the Franklin Area blog listing found in the far right column of Franklin Matters. You can subscribe to the ECDC Principal Page to receive updates via RSS feed or email.


MassBudget: Mid-year solutions and long-term challenges



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

Mid-year solutions and long-term challenges  

Mid-year budget solutions announced today by the Baker Administration are a combination of temporary fixes and budget cuts. While these steps will help keep the budget balanced through the end of the year, our Commonwealth will continue to face hard choices in next year's budget and in the years ahead.

Temporary solutions include using capital gains tax revenue that was supposed to go into the state stabilization fund, implementing a tax amnesty that will reduce tax revenue in future years, and employing cash management strategies at MassHealth that will likely include shifting costs into next year.

The 9C cuts implemented by the administration include reducing funding for full-day kindergarten, for mental health services for children and adults, and for state parks (complete list available HERE).

"The solutions announced today help balance the budget this year. Seeing 40 year-old trains break down in this week's storms, we are reminded that our biggest challenges are long term," said Noah Berger, President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. "Without smart investments in our people and our communities we risk lasting harm to our economy and quality of life. In the long term, budget cuts could be balanced with tax reforms that ask our highest income taxpayers, who now pay less of their income in state and local taxes than most people, to pay their fair share." 

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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

screen grab of Mass Budget webpage
screen grab of Mass Budget webpage

FHS basketball teams top Sharon, girls hockey ties Ursuline

Ryan Lanigan, editor of Hockomock Sports reports on the FHS vs.Sharon boys basketball game by writing:

It was cold outside, but Franklin was red hot on both ends of the floor, rolling to a 83-46 win over Sharon. 
Senior Markus Bohmiller scored a career-high 28 points, with 22 coming in the first half, as the Panthers built a 25-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. 
“First quarters have been tough for us to be honest,” Franklin head coach CJ Neely said. “It’s something we’ve talked about coming out and doing well. I thought we did a great job defensively, getting in their business and setting the tone right from the beginning. We’ve been playing well in the other quarters but we can’t wait around, we have to get it going early.”
Franklin senior Markus Bohmiller poured in a career-high 28 points on Tuesday night. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Markus Bohmiller poured in a career-high 28 points on Tuesday night. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)


Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/bohmiller-boosts-franklin-to-blowout-win-over-sharon



Girls Basketball
Franklin, 62 @ Sharon 35 - Final - The Panthers held Sharon to only 15 points through the first three quarters. Eagles coach Cliff Tomassian credited his team for "sticking with it" to score 20 points in the fourth. Ashley Mukasa led the way for Sharon with 17 points, including five three-pointers. 


Girls Hockey
Franklin, 1 @ Ursuline, 1 - Final


These scores were shared from the Hockomock Sports page here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-020315

"We need to craft this in a proper way"

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was reported on the Milford Daily News in part by writing:

A wild, wooded property on Pond Street is bare, save for remnants of a wastewater plant. 
Some town councilors hope years from now, the scene changes, perhaps to a bustling development with a hotel and an office. They also want the revenue that would follow. 
Members of the council's Economic Development Committee on Tuesday discussed details of a request for proposals (RFP) for the 33-acre parcel. The committee is considering placing stipulations in the RFP that would limit the kind of developments allowed there.
Continue reading the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150204/NEWS/150208919/1994/NEWS#sthash.CQAlqzxP.dpuf

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Open Wednesday at Regular Time

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 
Classes will resume on Wednesday February 4th as scheduled. Emergency transportation will be available for students that typically walk to school (not students who are typically driven to school). 
Please contact your child's school to discuss your arrival/dismissal plan. We need to obtain written permission of a parent/guardian to let children ride the bus. Please contact the administration of each school to discuss your plan. As sidewalks are not plowed this service will be in place for the remainder of the week. 
School parking lots and walkways are plowed however; due to cold temperatures the surface is slippery so please take appropriate precautions. 
For FHS students who drive to school please allow extra time as roads are narrow and speeds should be reduced. There are massive snow piles at intersections so when making a turn use caution and reduce speed. We need to be vigilant as to avoid walkers, runners and other cars. 
Parking at FHS will be limited as the snow piles have reduced the available parking spaces. Carpooling is recommended. 
Thank you to the staff and administration of DPW and Facilities- these individuals worked 24/7 to maintain the roads and make sure the community was safe. Often their dedication and commitment goes unnoticed but their efforts are appreciated. 
As we anticipate more snow before we see the tulips we appreciate your collaboration and assistance as we negotiate this winter. 
For your information: With these two additional snow days the last day of school is now June 25th - this leaves 3 days for additional snow closures before looking at reducing vacation periods. If we need to use vacation time it will be the April vacation.
NH, Maine ski country? No, Franklin, MA....
NH, Maine ski country? No, Franklin, MA....


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

Calling all teens! - Lion's Heart enrollment is now OPEN


Enroll with Lion's Heart
* Experience working with a team of your peers 
* Select your own charities to volunteer with 
* Connect with others to make a difference 
* Focus on serving the community; no fundraising 
* Gain leadership training and experience 
* Earn college resume credit 
* Qualify for scholarships and earn awards




screen grab of Lion's Heart webpage
screen grab of Lion's Heart webpage

For more information please visit www.lionsheartservice.org or email Allison at allison.bernhardt@lionsheartservice.org

Franklin Art Association: Scholarship Opportunity 2015


The Franklin Art Association is pleased to offer a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior who lives in Franklin, or attends high school in Franklin, or is a member of the Franklin Art Association, or the child or grandchild of a current member, and intends to continue his or her education in the field of art. 
Each applicant must submit a student portfolio, teacher's letter of recommendation, a transcript of high school grades and a completed application.  
More details will be provided on the application.  Applications are available in the guidance department at 
  • Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street, Franklin MA 02038 
All submissions must be dropped off at the Franklin High School by Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:30 pm. 

Franklin Art Association
Franklin Art Association


Questions may be directed to:

Tina Guarino - tinaguarinoart@gmail.com
Scholarship Committee Chairperson