In the News: Silipo recognized, Housing Authority groundbreaking ceremony

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Franklin native Leah Silipo was recently awarded the Harvard Club of Boston 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Silipo was one of five high school teachers in New England to be selected as a recipient of the award this year. She joined other teachers and over 200 student winners of the Harvard Club’s Prize Book Award at a celebratory breakfast on Oct. 7, held in their honor at the Harvard Club of Boston. 

Salipo was raised in Franklin and is a 2000 graduate of Franklin High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of New Hampshire. She has been teaching at Sharon High School for 12 years.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127737/1994/NEWS

The Franklin Housing Authority will have a groundbreaking ceremony next week for a housing building on Plain Street. 

The event, set for Monday morning, will celebrate the beginning of work on an eight-unit facility set to house state Department of Developmental Services clients. 

Lisa Audette, the town's Housing Authority agent, said the work is an exciting development for the authority. 

"It's a fantastic opportunity for DDS clients," she said. "There is a need for this type of housing."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127586/1994/NEWS

In the News: Christmas concert, original panto, free entrance to state parks

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Franklin Federated Church will present this year’s annual Christmas concert, “Peace on Earth,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the church at 171 Main St. 

The concert will feature an arrangement of classical music and Christmas melodies performed by “Quartet Duviteux,” a string quartet of young musicians who met as students at the New England Conservatory of Music. Maria van der Sloot, violin, is from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; Luther Warren also plays violin and comes from Minneapolis, Minnesota; Linda Numagami plays viola and comes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and cellist Marza Merophi Wilks was born in Peru and spent her high school years in Ithaca, New York. 

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the church office at 508-528-3803.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151128102/1994/NEWS

Franklin Performing Arts Company will present “Snow White and the Seven Elves,” an original panto, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

The production follows in the tradition of a British panto, a type of show that retells a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes and dances.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127785/1994/NEWS

Starting on Thanksgiving day, all state parks and forests will be free and open to all residents. 

The free entry from Nov. 26 through Nov. 29 by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is being done as a thank you to those currently serving or have served in the armed forces. 

Find out more information on parks and forests nearby at mass.gov/dcr.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127734/1994/NEWS

Franklin TV: "It Takes a Village" - What every parent should know

From Anne Bergen:

What are kids really doing on-line when we think they are doing homework? Amy Leone, a therapist who is a leader on the coalition to fight the disease of addiction, is so concerned about how kids are using social media, she came back on the program to share her insights with parents on this topic. 

Franklin TV

Her interview on "It Takes a Village.." (Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon 26) will be aired on Tuesday morning at 9:00 and again on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. 

Kids are using all kinds of apps to go off the parent radar, sexting is increasing, access to internet porn is easier and easier and there are some unknown dangers lurking behind the most innocent of video games.

Updated:

Ken Norman shared your blog post on Google+

"Actually Anne forgot the coverage appears on the Education Ch Comcast 96 and Verizon 28. Tue 2PM, Fri 9AM, and Sat 12:30PM"

Below is a PowerPoint for a parent forum she presents. She graciously offered to share this with the community:

What Parents Should Know from Franklin Matters

“These changes are not minor inconveniences, particularly when it’s rush hour”

"Remember those new commuter rail schedules that were supposed to cut down on delayed trains? 

They’re being delayed."

That is what the Boston Globe wrote at the beginning of November. Well, the schedules for the commuter lines out of South Station are now scheduled for release in the spring.

The new schedules for the trains out of North Station came out last week and has caused some conversations as reported by the Boston Globe:

“Just call an apple an apple,” said Ellen P. Connolly, a Haverhill line rider. “Don’t tell me you’re doing schedule changes when you’re doing a schedule cut.” 

The future schedules, set to go into effect Dec. 14, have already prompted lawmakers to send a letter to the MBTA and Keolis about their concerns for the Haverhill and Lowell lines, which will have fewer trains scheduled. 

Overall, the MBTA’s commuter rail will operate two fewer trains in and out of North Station daily under the new schedules, according to Corey Lynch, deputy director of railroad operations at the MBTA."

You can read the full article here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/11/21/new-mbta-commuter-rail-schedules-prompt-complaints-from-riders-lawmakers/iqprt2WwVKNSOVCpPSSRZI/story.html

MBTA train leaving Franklin/Dean Station headed to Forge Park

What changes would you make to the Franklin Line schedule?

Should Franklin reconsider the Community Preservation Act (CPA)?

This editorial in the Milford Daily News raises a good point or two:

According to the Community Preservations Coalition (a non-profit group dedicated to supporting CPA communities) close to $1.4 billion in funding has been raised to date, with the bulk of the money coming from modest local option taxes. 

But there’s a hidden bonus in that number: Depending on annual state distributions intended to enhance CPA funds raised locally, earmarked fees from country registries of deeds and the state legislature go exclusively to CPA communities. That’s adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars – not a bad deal when you consider the hard cash that accrues when matching funds can be between one-fifth to half of local funding. Every time a home or commercial property changes hands in Massachusetts a slice of the transfer tax goes directly to CPA communities. Money from your community goes to those fees, whether or not it’s adopted the CPA. 

The state contributes money to local CPA funds, which can only be spent on historic preservation, affordable housing, open space or recreation, but it has no say in how it is spent. Adopting the CPA requires a community referendum vote. A local CPA committee recommends projects for CPA funding, but not a dime is spent unless it is approved by the local legislative body.

You can read the full editorial here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151121/OPINION/151128901/2011/OPINION


The Community Preservation Act was before the Franklin voters in Nov 2007 and failed to pass.

Ballot Question 1Yes - 1528No - 2174
The Community Preservation Act did not pass.

- See more at: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/11/franklin-community-preservation-act.html#sthash.Wo1X7DV6.dpuf (Note - this was from the period just before Franklin Matters became)


Also from the archives this article from the Boston Globe
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/how-not-to-spend-community-preservation.html

Climate Movement Weekly Update: Attorney General Says No New Pipelines Needed!

Check out the latest news from the Massachusetts climate movement! View this email in your browser Dear friends, For years, many of us have been saying that the new gas pipelines proposed all over the Northeast are unnecessary and will make it impossible for us to meet our climate goals. On Wednesday, a study commissioned by Attorney General Maura Healey vindicated that point of view. New pipelines are a great deal for fossil fuel companies that want to make money exporting gas overseas. But they're a terrible idea for Massachusetts. Our state is already more than 60% dependent on gas for electricity, and we should be moving as quickly as possible towards wind, solar and other renewables -- not building new fossil fuel infrastructure. Now, it's up to us to make sure everyone knows about the Attorney General's study. Read it here, and spread the word! Emily  New Study Commissioned by Attorney General Healey Shows New Pipelines Not Needed    On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey, released a long-anticipated study showing that new gas pipelines are not needed in Massachusetts. The study demolishes the arguments of pipeline opponents, showing that we can meet our needs with energy efficiency and renewables at a fraction of the cost of massive new pipelines. You can check out a great infographic about the study here, and read the whole thing here!  Rally for Jobs, Justice and Climate on December 12 This December, UN delegates will meet again in Paris for yet another round of talks. We already know that even if the delegates finally reach an agreement, it won't be strong enough to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. No matter what happens in Paris, we know what we need: real climate solutions that create secure union jobs and strengthen community power and resiliency. It's up to us to lead the way -- and we're starting right here in New England with a massive rally on December 12, the day after the Paris talks end. We'll lift up the voices of New England's organized labor, immigrant rights, racial justice, and climate justice groups as we call for jobs, justice and climate action together. RSVP and get all the details here!

The email newsletter was truncated for sharing here. To review the complete newsletter follow this link --> View this email in your browser

  

FHS represented on Hockomock League Football All-Stars

From Hockomock Sports we share the official Hockomock League Football All Stars as selected by the coaches in the league.


KELLEY-REX MVP

Nick Morrison, North Attleboro

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK KELLEY-REX ALL STARS

• Luke Gordon, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Nick Yelle, Franklin

For the complete listing
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-football-all-stars-honorable-mentions/

Reminder: Meet the Poster Sisters of Imperfection

The Special Ed Parent Advisory Council is pleased to present Patty and Gina, imperfect sisters, and authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children and creators of The Movement of Imperfection. The event will take place December 3, 2015 at 7:00PM in the BFCCPS Auditorium located at 201 Main Street in Franklin, MA.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Designed for caregivers of special children, this humorous, heartwarming 90-minute workshop is based on their best selling book. Using hilarious anecdotes and fun exercises (no Spandex required), the sisters will show attendees how to let go of the expectations they have for their children and embrace the reality.

The event is open to the public, for more information please contact Sarah Grome PAC President, or the Director of Student Services, Mrs. Pat Fairbanks. Learn more about this year's Special Ed PAC speakers on their website.

In the News: FPAC performs "The Nutcracker", Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) next weekend will present "The Nutcracker," bringing special guest artists, world-class musicians and more than 100 area dancers to one suburban stage. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. A popular holiday tradition for more than two decades, "The Nutcracker" remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. 

FPAC will present "The Nutcracker" on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St., Franklin.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151122/NEWS/151129832/1994/NEWS

Now in its fourth year, the Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run aims to both entertain and help to better the community in this giving season. 

Runners can pay to enter the race - which starts on Thanksgiving at 8 a.m. - in two ways: by either paying a $20 entry fee or donating 20 non-perishable food items. 

Krystal Whitmore, the race's organizer, said all proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 

"My son started it four years ago as an Eagle Scout project," she said. "We got such a great response."

donations to the Food Pantry at the 2013 Turkey Trot

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151122/NEWS/151128799/1994/NEWS

Attorney General says "electric ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill for additional pipelines"

Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that a study commissioned by her office has determined that the region is unlikely to face electric reliability issues in the next 15 years and additional energy needs can be met more cheaply and cleanly through energy efficiency and demand response. 

The study was designed to, first, determine whether the region is facing electric reliability challenges through 2030 and, second, identify the most cost-effective and clean solutions for addressing any of those challenges. 

“As we make long-term decisions about our energy future, it’s imperative we have the facts,” said AG Healey. “This study demonstrates that we do not need increased gas capacity to meet electric reliability needs, and that electric ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill for additional pipelines. This study demonstrates that a much more cost-effective solution is to embrace energy efficiency and demand response programs that protect ratepayers and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

image from Attorney General webpage

Additional info on the Attorney General study can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2015/2015-11-18-electric-reliability-study.html

FEF Harlem Wizards Game Photos

The FEF fund raiser featuring the Harlem Wizards was a sell out. If you missed the game, you can review some of the photos posted to the FEF page on Facebook

FEF photo - Harlem Wizards game Nov 13

Additional photos can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1001552846568386.1073741828.220625687994443&type=3

Additional info on the Franklin Education Foundation can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklined.org/

FHS runners in the MIAA State Cross Country meet

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results for Hockomock runners at the MIAA State meet. Both D1 and D2 meets took place at Stanley Park, Westfield.

Girls - Division 1

Individual Results
1. Ariel Keklak, Lincoln-Sudbury – 17:25.15
16. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 18:35.33
59. Brittany Robinson, Franklin – 19:35.86
78. Kate Hartnett, Franklin – 19:47.90
90. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 20:07.97

one of the boys races at Stanley Park, Westfield (Hockomock Sports.com photo)

Boys - Division 1

Individual Results
1. Thomas D’Anieiri, Wellesley – 15:16.10
123. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 17:09.51



The remainder of the Hockomock listings can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-cross-country-results-miaa-state-meet/

The full listing of the State Meeting results for D1
http://miaa.ezstream.net/index.cfm?itemid=7737

The full listing of the State Meeting results for D2
http://miaa.ezstream.net/index.cfm?itemid=7738

Hockomock Charity Soccer game photos

Photos of the Hockomock Charity Soccer game on Saturday can be found on the Hockomock Sports.com webpages linked to below

The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event was held on Saturday

• Girls game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Fall-2015/HockomockSportscom-Girls/

• Boys game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Fall-2015/HockomockSportscom-Boys-Soccer/

In the News: program for SEPAC parents, Palladino School - 'Faculty Works'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council will present sisters Patty Konjoian and Gina Gallagher, authors of “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children” and creators of the Movement of Imperfection, at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in the auditorium of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, 201 Main St., Franklin.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151121/NEWS/151129189/1994/NEWS

The Palladino School of Dance at Dean College will host a “Faculty Works” concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5 on the Main Stage within the Dean College campus center, 99 Main St., Franklin. 

The concert will feature dance faculty performing and sharing their work in a range of genres, as well as a repertory by Lester Horton and contemporary interdisciplinary work that will showcase both the art of dance and the dance of the college’s artists. 

Faculty members participating in the concert include William Evans, Kristina Berger, Julianne O’Brien Pedersen, Rose Pasquerello Beauchamp, Amanda Donahue, Jim Beauregard, Craig Handel, Betsy Miller, Erin Mayfield, Todd Shanks, Julie White and Stephen Tracy Ursprung.

Palladino School of Dance performed at the Franklin Cultural Festival earlier this year

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151121/NEWS/151129192/1994/NEWS

The panther has returned (finally)!

The panther statue has been installed among the new fields on the ground of Franklin High School. I captured these photos on my walk last weekend. The panther statue is a gift from the Graci Family in memory of their daughter Kristen Graci, a 2007 graduate of FHS who died at 21 from complications with leukemia. 

(If you are not familiar with the story, you can fill in some details here, here, and here.)

Some of you may recall that I also wrote these same two paragraphs last August. The original panther was not what was ordered so it was removed and has come back to settle in (finally!).

You can read the remainder of what I wrote in August here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/the-panther-has-arrived.html


A walk around the panther enabled the following photos:


....

....

FHS Panther - "Franklin athletes never quit"

The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

What You Need To Know:

What: The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

When: November 21st, 2015
Girls Game – 11:00AM
Boys Game – 1:00 PM

Where: Attleboro High School

The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

Events:
HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Charity All Star Game
HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Charity All Star Game

Tickets will be $5 for adults and $3 for students/children.

Players are selected strictly by the HockomockSports.com staff.

*Any players still playing in the MIAA playoffs will not play.

For the listing of players and additional details
http://www.hockomocksports.com/events/soccer/2015-2/

The Tri-County Insider

November 18 A Message from the Principal: On this, my first installment in the TC Insider, I want to thank all of you for the many well wishes and help in getting acclimated to the district. Most of all, I'd like to thank Jean Mallon for her willingness to stay on until last week and ensure a smooth transition. Mrs. Mallon has left behind a very positive and encouraging legacy of accomplishment and learning. Her influence on the school will be felt for many years. I have enjoyed getting to know the faculty, staff, parents, and especially the students. I have been most impressed with the students. The culture and community of the school is very positive and that is a credit to the communities and families that make up our district. I especially want to thank the faculty as well, both academic and vocational, for their encouraging welcome and patience as I learn names and ask a multitude of questions that they very patiently answer. The TC Insider has been invaluable to me in getting to know what is going in our district and communities and I look forward to being a part of this bi-weekly publication. I have attended many events already, ranging from athletic games to the National Honor Society induction ceremony this past Monday. I want to congratulate our Cheerleaders, Boys and Girls Soccer teams and Volleyball teams on their great seasons and championships. It was extremely rewarding to watch them play and represent the school so well. I am especially looking forward to our Thanksgiving Eve football game for the Cougar Cup at Bellingham High as the TC Cougars will finish their season in quest of the Cougar Cup and returning it to its rightful place here at Tri-County. Hopefully, I will see many of you there to support the team and the cheerleaders as we close out the fall season. Thanks again, Mr. Procaccini TC News: National Honor Society The Peter Ricard Chapter of the National Honor Society held its induction on Monday, November 16. Read more Athletic News The Varsity Cheerleading Team will be competing at the State Competition on Sunday at Algonquin High School. Tri-County is providing a fan bus. Sign-ups are taking place all week in the cafeteria during all three lunches. Ski Club Deadline is Approaching! The Ski Club will begin their weekly trips to Wachusett Mountain beginning on January 9, 2016. The club visits Wachusett each Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for six weeks. Applications are due NO LATER than Tuesday, November 24. Please see Ms. Johannesen for more information and to pick up your application. Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Pie and Turkey Gravy Sale Nov. 23 and 24 in Gerry's Place Fall Sports Awards Night Nov. 24, 6 p.m. in the auditorium Winter Sports Begin Nov. 30 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. Forward to a Friend Follow on Twitter Like us on Facebook View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

To review the full newsletter (shortened for publication here)  View Email In Browser

screen grab of Tri-County webpage

In the News: FPAC holiday performances, food elves are back!

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will stage three productions this holiday season, featuring Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” and the original FPAC musicals, “Snow White and the Seven Elves” and “’Tis the Season!” 

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of “The Nutcracker” is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists and over 100 area dancers. FPAC will present “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s family-friendly musical “Snow White and the Seven Elves” debuts this season at The Black Box, 15 West Central St. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129199/1994/NEWS

Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership will launch the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry on Dec. 1. This year’s collection drive marks 10 years that the Food Elves have helped neighbors in need during the holiday season. 

The Food Elves were created in 2006 when Melissa and Cameron Piana began collecting donations in a wagon in their neighborhood. Last year more than 90 school-aged "elves" and 14 local businesses collected 7,020 pounds of goods and raised $8,500 for the food pantry. This year the pantry acquired additional warehouse space to accommodate the expected donations. 

“We are looking forward to building on the success the Food Elves have had, and this year we hope to raise more money. The food pantry can buy a lot with those funds, and we hope to surpass last year’s dollar totals,” says Ellie Teixeira, lead Food Elf.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151128978

In the News: Clerk and Council member take roles, Mother of Night, Scout Pancake breakfast

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town saw its new town clerk and final Town Council member get sworn in Friday after a recount delayed the two from assuming their positions. 

Teresa Burr was sworn in as Franklin's first new town clerk in 31 years, while outgoing Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri was sworn in to her new seat on the council. 

The matter had been delayed because of a challenge to the result of the Nov. 3 town election. Town Clerk candidate Diane Padula-O'Neill requested a recount in that race, as Burr had defeated her by only 32 votes - a margin of less than 1 percent.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151128982

The Women’s Spirituality Gathering at Franklin Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., will celebrate early for the winter solstice through honoring the Mother of the Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6. 

The group will honor goddesses associated with the longest night, or the winter solstice. The winter solstice falls around Dec. 21-22, depending on astronomical variations and time zones.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129296/1994/NEWS

Franklin Cub Scout Pack 126 will hold its annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 8-11 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

The cost is $7 per person. Ages 2 and younger are free. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea. Santa will be available for photos for a cost of $5 each. 

The breakfast will include a raffle with themed baskets. 

For information, contact 508-962-6726.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129371/1994/NEWS

Franklin Liquors: Thanksgiving newsletter

Thanksgiving Time Is Here!

This Newsletter Has Our Wine And Food Pairing Suggestions.

Also Included Are Some Wine Recommendations.

We Are Here To Help You Find A Special Wine To Share With Family And Friends.

All Year We Research And Taste To Find The Best Wines In The World.

Franklin Liquors Newsletter for Thanksgiving

Continue reading the newsletter here