Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Concerts on the Common: Leeds - Aug 23

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.


August 23 - Leeds

  • Elaine Kess1er - Children's program


Concerts on the Common: Leeds - Aug 23
Concerts on the Common: Leeds - Aug 23

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Children's Programs 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 22, 2017

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."


the key to learning
the key to learning
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 8, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. New Superintendent Induction Program – Dr. Irwin Blumer, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
b. New Hires – 2017-2018 / Introduce new Administrators
c. Student/Parent Handbooks
d. Summer Professional Development recap / September 1 Professional Development Preview

3. Discussion Only Items

  • Unified Basketball Proposal
  • Superintendent’s Entry Plan
  • District Improvement Plan 2017-2018


Policy – First Reading
o BEDB – Order of Business

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the ECDC Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
b. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
c. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
d. I recommend adoption of the Kennedy Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
e. I recommend adoption of the Keller Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
f. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend adoption of the Remington Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
j. I recommend adoption of the Annie Sullivan Student/Parent Handbook as presented.
k. I recommend adoption of the Franklin HighStudent/Parent Handbook as presented.
l. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1012.89 from the Davis Thayer PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
m. I recommend approval of Unified Basketball proposal as discussed.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Oak Street 5th Grade Class for in-house enrichment.
o. I recommend approval of the 2017-2018 District Improvement Plan as discussed.
p. I recommend moving policy BEDB – Order of Business to a second reading.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee – Ms. Scofield
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
o Public Schools Advocacy Sub Committee
o Ad Hoc Superintendent Evaluation Sub Committee

7. Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session and not return to Open Session – (Roll Call Vote) Dr. O’Malley

8. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to litigation


This was shared from the School Committee webpage
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/r20172018/SCAgenda%208-22-17Revised.pdf



Our Volunteers are Going Places! - Pedal along the SNETT - Aug 30


Blackstone Heritage Corridor
Volunteer-led Events
August 25 through September 3


Save the Date: Thursday, September 21
We're celebrating National Sewing Month with a new volunteer activity!
Read all about it here!

For a complete list of our volunteer-led events and other events
 throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, 
Visit the events page on our website.

BHC's online events calendar is updated faster than we can say
 "Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor" 
so check back often to see what's happening.

* Afraid that weather is a factor?
Check out BHC's Facebook Page for any updates! 
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588

Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact


Volunteer Needed for the Charles River Pollution Control District Board

The Charles River Pollution Control is in need of a new member! The Board usually meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 PM. If you are interested please apply.

To apply please fill out the online volunteer form

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control please visit: http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/volunteer-needed-charles-river-pollution-control

"The Charles River Pollution Control District is a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway, Massachusetts. The facility provides tertiary treatment of wastewater and septage from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources from the Towns of Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, and Millis. Septage is also accepted from the Towns of Norfolk, Sherborn, Dover, Wrentham, Weston, Holliston, and Sharon. The treated effluent discharges into the Upper Charles River and is regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which is jointly enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The facility is designed to treat 5.7 million gallons per day (mgd). 
The Charles River Pollution Control District treats the communities' wastewater by performing several physical, chemical and biological processes before discharging the environmentally safe water into the Charles River. The wastewater is treated to meet the EPA's discharge permit limitations. 
The collection system consists of Town and District owned sewer pipes. The system has over 238 miles of sewer pipes and 37 pump stations, including approximately 13 miles of District owned interceptors and one District owned pump station. 
The District manages a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is used to support the operation and maintenance activities of the Sewer Collection System."
screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/
screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Franklin Police: Sergeant Brian Johnson in the news

"Last week Franklin Police Sergeant Brian Johnson attended his 29th year at EC Week at Camp FatimaBoston 25 News 's Robert Goulston highlighted the Camp, and it's mission. Congratulations also to Boston Fire Department's Captain Joe Minehan, and KOKH FOX 25 News, Oklahoma'sShelby Cashman for their dedicated service, and participating in this story!"

This was the Franklin Police Facebook post to share



Franklin Police Sergeant Brian Johnson in the news
Franklin Police Sergeant Brian Johnson in the news


You can donate to Camp Fatima and Exceptional Citizen's Week http://www.ecweek.org/

Monday, August 21, 2017

Police Dept recognitions highlight Town Council meeting

Catching up to share the summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, August 9. The only meeting this month. In September, the Council resumes meeting twice a month.

The meeting opened with recognition of Gary Premo who has left the Police Dept to take the new role of Executive Director at the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center. The center is the long awaited regional emergency dispatch center that will service the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham.


The meeting opened with recognition of Gary Premo
The meeting opened with recognition of Gary Premo


Next up was the swearing in of Leanne Baker as the newest female police officer. 
Leanne Baker sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr as Chief Lynch observes
Leanne Baker sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr as Chief Lynch observes
Then Leanne's husband former Sargent Chris Baker who left the Police Dept and would have been recognized earlier this year except for a typo. The award had a typo, needed to be replaced and took some time to be re-done. As Leanne was being sworn in this evening, it was easy to combine the two events.

former Sargent Chris Baker and Chief Lynch
former Sargent Chris Baker and Chief Lynch
Last but not least, Officer Gilboy was recognized as his partner, the police dog Axe, passed away suddenly recently.

Officer Gilboy recognized by Chief Lynch
Officer Gilboy recognized by Chief Lynch

In other actions by the Town Council: 

  • the appointment of Samuel Williams to the Design Review Commission was approved
  • the request by La Cantina Winery for a new Farmer Winery Series Pouring License and also approved the Manager Robert Vozzella
  • the plot zoning changes previously discussed at the Economic Development Committee were discussed, amended (by adding one more plot) was referred to the Planning Board. Assuming it is approved, it will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings, as well as the final vote


The Town Council actions taken document can be found here:



The video replay of this meeting is available on demand from Franklin TV
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=483

My notes from the meeting reported live can be found here:

The published agenda can be found here

New England Gold - Open House - Sep 6

Calling all wrestlers ...........

For more information visit the webpage https://newenglandgoldwrestling.org/

Calling all wrestlers
Calling all wrestlers

Circle of Friends Schedule now available for Sep 2017- May 2018



The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the upcoming season is now posted on our website http://www.circlefolk.org/sched.html and tickets are available for all shows.

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. 

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds consumers if they have a Registry question, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

"The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions," said O'Donnell. "These questions can vary such as confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property's mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. We are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone."

Register O'Donnell further noted, "The department can also inform customers about the various cost for filing and receiving land documents. Upon a customer's request - whether by visiting us here at the Registry or by direct mail request - we can provide copies of documents for a fee of $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover the cost of postage."

The Registry only accepts cash or check payments. In addition, Customer Service Center staff is happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

O'Donnell went on to say, "For many, trying to ascertain information on land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our trained customer service staff is well versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions."

Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. "All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver's license or passport," said O'Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry's mission to serve the public. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are glad to be of service to you."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center
Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry
Customer Service Center

Sunday, August 20, 2017

End of School Year status update provided on School Improvement Plans

Catching up to share the summary for the School Committee (SC) held on Tuesday, August 8.

The School Committee heard updates from all the schools and the Central Office on the progress made on the Improvement Plans during the 2016-2017 school year. The updates were provided by the school principals. The presentation docs are shown below. You can follow the links to my notes recorded during the meeting for other details of the conversation. The full video of the meeting is available for replay by Franklin TV and that link is also found below.

After the schools provided their update, the Central Office, Superintendent Sara Ahern and Assistant Superintendents Peter Light and Joyce Edwards provided a preview of the District Improvement Plan for the coming school year. An offsite planning session was planned for Aug 16-18 during which the plan would be discussed, reviewed and refined to bring back to the SC for the Aug 22 meeting.

Note: the presentation docs include the status updates also provided at midyear. If you have seen those, you can skip to the end of year details listed for each school.


Middle Schools and High School




Elementary Schools




District Improvement Plan preview





the ball fields at FHS were getting water earlier this week
the ball fields at FHS were getting water earlier this week


Meeting video available for replay on demand by Franklin TV
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=482

Franklin Police receive grant to get impaired drivers off the road

The Franklin Police will increase the number of impaired driving patrols on local roads after being awarded a special grant from the Highway Safety Division (HSD) of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). The Franklin Police department will join more than 200 local police departments across the state and the state police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.

This year’s campaign will include the impairment marijuana causes in drivers – and the exponentially increased impairment caused when alcohol and marijuana are combined.

Drivers who have had too much to drink or ingested marijuana are a menace to everyone on the road with them. “This grant funding will allow us to add patrols to specifically target impaired driving, with the goal of increasing the safety for entire community of Franklin” said Chief Thomas J. Lynch

“There is clear evidence that drivers who have used marijuana, especially in combination with alcohol, are significantly impaired,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Highway Safety Division. “We are urging motorists to plan ahead for a sober ride home by using public transportation, a ride-sharing service or a designated driver. Do not put yourself and each person in the car and on the road with you at risk.”

Massachusetts Data


  • Marijuana or marijuana-type drugs were the most prevalent types of drugs found in people killed in crashes from 2010 to 2014.
  • From 2013 to 2014, alcohol impaired driving fatalities increased 14 percent (125 to 143).
  • From 2010-2014, 77 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
  • From 2010-2014, 46 percent of all alcohol-related driver fatalities were ages 21 to 34.


National Data



  • NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that drugs were present in 40 percent of the fatally-injured drivers with a known test result, almost the same level as alcohol.
  • NHTSA’s 2013–2014 roadside survey found drugs in 22 percent of all drivers both on weekend nights and on weekdays.
  • Drivers using marijuana demonstrated decreased car handling performance, increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, sleepiness and decreased motor skill coordination (NHTSA).
  • Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own (NHTSA).

Franklin Police receive grant to get impaired drivers off the road
Franklin Police receive grant to get impaired drivers off the road

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept webpage

Franklin Almanac Episode 10 (YouTube)

Franklin Almanac Episode 10 with Host Polikseni Manxhari was originally broadcast on Aug 14, 2017.
  • Introduction- 00:00-00:36
  • Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools- 00:37-09:52
  • Franklin Cultural Festival-09:53-15:17
  • Operation Chill-15:18-21:00
  • DARE Program-21:01-27:05
  • Final Thoughts-27:06-28:30
Note: you might recognize someone as he talks about letting "magic happen" at the end of the Franklin Cultural Festival segment





Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd
Electric Youth and Future Shock pleased the crowd at the Town Common
on the opening night of the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival

"Several factors led to the growth in the industry locally"

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

"When the Hendler brothers opened Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham six years ago, they started small, selling growlers to go and quickly added bottled beer .
Two years later, however, the business exploded when the state legalized taprooms, allowing Jack’s Abby to pour beers for their customers. 
That spurred a huge increase to Jack’s Abby’s customer base and bottom line. The Hendlers have since moved from Morton Street and opened a large beer hall and restaurant, as well as the Springdale Barrel Room, on Clinton Street. With the expansion, the company went from less than 10 employees to more than 100. 
Local breweries are a growing industry in MetroWest and the Milford region, which is now home to 10 breweries and brewpubs with two more on the way. And many local brewers say beer fans can expect more breweries in the coming years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170820/metrowest-beer-explosion


A Favorite Poem Project - Oct 25

The Franklin Senior Scribblers' Writers' Group is hosting A Favorite Poem Project. It is scheduled for October 25 at 10:00 AM at the Franklin Senior Center.

My Favorite Poem Project is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging poetry's role in the lives of Americans. Robert Pinsky, the 39th Poet Laureate of the United States, started the project in 1997. 

He believed that poetry needs to be read aloud. "Reading a poem silently is like staring at a sheet of music." The reader of the poem does not need to be the poet or a skilled performer. "One of the beautiful things about poetry," says Pinsky, "is that the medium is a voice, not necessarily the poet's voice. When you read a poem by Shakespeare, Dickinson or Langston Hughes, your voice is the artist's medium."

Robert Pinsky believed that contrary to stereotype, Americans do read poetry; that the audience for poetry is not limited to professors and college students; and that there are many people for whom particular poems have found profound, personal meaning. This project seeks to give voice to American poetry lovers.

In April 1998, the My Favorite Poem Project was launched with a series of public poetry readings. In Boston, twenty-five Bostonians read their favorite poem. The readers included the President of the Massachusetts State Senate, a homeless Boston resident and a third grader. The audience was packed into the Boston Public Library. The Library President dressed as a cowboy to read a cowboy poem. Some readers recited poems in Spanish, Vietnamese and American Sign Language. As you see, Americans do read poetry.


A Favorite Poem Project - Oct 25
A Favorite Poem Project - Oct 25

If you have a poem you would like to read, please contact Faith Flaherty at faithflaherty@verizon.net

For more information on the Favorite Poem Project  http://www.favoritepoem.org/index.html

Saturday, August 19, 2017

"A willingness to accept change"

Franklin has some of the ingredients that helped Hudson: 

  • The SNETT rail trail is located just outside of downtown
  • Local zoning was changed in 2017 to allow distiller, winery or brewery tasting rooms
  • The downtown renovation project was just completed in 2016
  • Local businesses and town officials are talking about what needs to be done

What remains to be done now?

"Downtown Hudson was quiet when Michael Kasseris stepped out into the late night air in 2012. 
Behind him was a Main Street space that had once housed a printing shop, a bagel shop and a gifting shop. 
His uncle owned the building. Kasseris and his two business partners had just opened Rail Trail Flatbread Co. -- a trendy new restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza and craft beer. 
He looked around. The downtown stores, tucked inside historic brick buildings, were empty. The parking spaces were empty. There was no foot traffic."
Continue reading the MassLive article about Hudson
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/08/hudson_how_this_small_massachu.html

It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing, the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things.
"It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing,
the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things."


Hat tip to Melanie for sharing the article!