In the News: background check revision proposed; social emotional learning focus

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

"THE ISSUE: Background checks for school employees don’t include reports of abuse or neglect of disabled adults. THE IMPACT: While there are no known incidents involving school employees with records of abusing disabled adults, pending legislation would include such records in the background-check process. 

While background checks are standard procedure for anyone working in a school, some say a gap in the system could put children at risk. 

Under the current system, the Department of Children and Families provides information about whether a prospective school employee has ever been the subject of substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect. Reports of abuse or neglect of adults with disabilities, however, are not provided."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170922/school-association-seeks-background-check-reforms

For more from MAAPS on their legislative priorities
http://maaps.org/action-network-center/proposed-legislation/

maaps mission is “to represent private special education schools in their goal of providing the highest quality education to students with special needs.”

"THE ISSUE: Some educators say focusing on social-emotional learning can better prepare students for future success.
THE IMPACT: Nine Massachusetts school districts have joined a new program to develop and implement social-emotional learning strategies in everyday classroom activities. 

Nine Massachusetts school districts are partnering in a new program to help children build the social and emotional base they need to develop skills such as perseverance, empathy, self-awareness and healthy decision-making. 

The Excellence through Social-Emotional Learning, or exSEL, network, is intended to help schools better teach students to appropriately navigate social interactions, understand their emotions and be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses in positive ways. Developing children’s social and emotional sides can set them up for future success in life and help them deal with issues such as depression, anxiety and bullying, program participants say."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170922/schools-bring-new-focus-to-social-emotional-learning

More from the exSEL Network can be found on their webpage http://www.exselmass.org/

Jessica Minahan was the key speaker for the first professional development day for the teachers as school opened this year  http://jessicaminahan.com/

http://www.exselmass.org/

Final listing of Candidates for the Franklin, MA election - November 7, 2017

Friday, September 22, 2017, the following is the final list of Candidates who have returned there nomination papers and have been certified for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017.

Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk


Town Council – 9 Seats – 2 year term

• Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
• Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
• Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
• Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
• Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
• Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
• Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Patrick Casey
• Melanie Hamblen
• Eamon McCarthy-Earls
• Mickey Lee Whitmore

School Committee – 7 Seats – 2 year term

• Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
• Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
• Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
• Mary Jane Scofield –Candidate for Re-Election
• Dianne C. Feeley
• Dr. Monica Linden
• Alexandra Porter-Marques
• Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board – 2 Seats- 4 year term

• Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
• Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election

Planning Board –Associate – 1 Seat – 4 year term

• Richard W. Power, Sr.

Board of Health – 1 Seat – 4 year term

• Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election
• Bridget Sweet

Board of Assessors – 1 Seat – 4 year term

• Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election

Note: assuming there are no changes between now and October 5 (the last date to object or withdraw), the ballot will look similar to this. The candidates for re-election will be listed first in alphabetical order followed by the new candidates also in alphabetical order for each seat.

You can find this listing on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/candidates_nov_7_2017_2.pdf

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Tri-County & Plainville Public Library Team Up to Create an Interactive Play Structure in the Children’s Library

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and the Plainville Public Library are pleased to announce an educational partnership that will give students the opportunity to create a new interactive play structure area in the Children’s Library. The project will be educationally-focused on curriculum for children ages 0-6.

This project is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC developed this direct grant program using federal funding to help libraries meet local community needs including financial and health literacy programs, STEM and STEAM projects, programs that help New Americans learn English and become citizens, programs that serve teen needs and projects that preserve valuable historical documents.

“We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the Plainville Public Library on behalf of our students,” said Jean George, Vocational Director for Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. “This has been a great opportunity for our students to collaborate together to see how their specific vocations are integrated to complete a project. Real-world application of skills is a valuable part of the career-focused technical learning experience.”

The play structure will be used by young children to promote social, intellectual, emotional and physical development. Under the supervision of licensed vocational teachers, the high school students will assist in implementing the project. Students in Carpentry will work on designing and building the structure, while students in Graphic Communications will create signs to identify various theme-centered play, and Early Education students will develop lesson plans to share with families.

“Once we received the grant, I was very motivated in finding ways for the community to be involved in our work here at the Library,” said Laura Brillant-Giangrande, Children’s Librarian, Plainville Public Library. “Since Plainville is in the Tri-County district, I thought what a great opportunity it is for high school students to help us to accomplish our goals. It’s really a great learning opportunity for all ages.”

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

Tri-County & Plainville Public Library Team Up to Create an Interactive Play Structure in the Children’s Library

In the photo, sitting from left to right is: Laura Brillant-Giangrande, Plainville Public Library; Jean George, Tri-County Vocational Director; Brian Boyd, Tri-County Carpentry. Standing from left to right is: Mark Chauvin, Tri-County Graphics Communications; Lisa Oxford, Tri-County Early Education; Dina Taylor, Tri-County Early Education; Linda Thompson, Tri-County Graphics Communications; Fran Williams, Tri-County Graphics Communications; and Michelle Tilden of Tri-County Early Education

Mansfield tops FHS football 14-13 opening the new turf field

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results from Friday, Sep 22.


Football = Mansfield, 14 @ Franklin, 13 – Final
1st Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello touchdown pass to Sean Leonard, Matt Zucco XP good.
2nd Quarter: No scoring.
3rd Quarter: (M) Damani Scott 1-yard rush, Mike DeBolt XP good; (M) Joe Cox 8-yard rush, M. DeBolt XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) J. Noviello 60-yard pass to Ryan Driscoll, XP blocked.



Golf = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed, TBD.


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-092217/

FHS Panthers

Town of Franklin seeking Finance Director

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

"After 17 years on the job, town comptroller Susan Gagner is retiring in January, leaving the position open. 

What does the job entail? 

The comptroller’s job is that of a financial director for the town. The salary range starts between $102,000 and $120,000 depending on the applicant’s qualifications. 

The biggest responsibilities associated with the job are assisting the town administrator in the yearly budget process and financial forecasts, to record and monitor the annual operating and capital budget, and to maintain a comprehensive, detailed general ledger of all town financial activity."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170921/franklin-seeks-new-finance-director

The full job posting can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage (PDF)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/finance.director-job.posting-packet.pdf

or viewed here

Town of Franklin seeking Finance  Director

Franklin Police Detectives make drug arrest

On September 21st, 2017 Franklin Police Detectives placed under arrest Robert Lozzi, age 50, of 208 Glen Meadow Road, Franklin, and Joel Carrasco, age 28, of 107 Harriet Street in Providence, RI.

These arrests were the result of a weeks long investigation which was initiated by citizen’s complaints of drug activity in the Glen Meadow apartment complex. Detectives credit good information, and cooperation of the residents in the community in bringing these two individuals into law enforcement’s focus.

As a result of the investigation and subsequent arrest of these individuals, several bags of a substance believed to be heroin were recovered, as well as cash proceeds. The Franklin Police Department will also seek to file asset forfeiture proceedings against the cash seized, and the vehicle used during this illegal activity.

The following individuals were taken into custody:

Joel Carrasco, charged with:
94c/32, Distribution of a Class A substance (heroin)
94c/32, Possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance (heroin)

Robert Lozzi, charged with:
94c/34, Possession of a Class A substance (heroin)

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.


You can also find this information on the Town of Franklin Police Dept page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_lozzi.pdf

Franklin Police Dept, 911 Panther Way

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail StoryWalk - Sep 24

Come read and walk on the local rail trail!

View this email in your browser Pop Up StoryWalk® on the SNETT Sunday, September 24th, 2017 8:00am - 4:00pm Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #2! The featured book is: Amelia Bedelia Hits The Trail. It is level 1, beginning reading, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event. The StoryWalk® will be located on the same side as the parking area (the beginning will be at the end of the paved section up the hill). Stop by anytime between 8am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff for this event, just come anytime between 8am and 4pm and have fun reading and exploring. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. For more information, please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/361738560905565/ We are looking forward to seeing you! Copyright © 2017 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

The Fat City Band to Play THE BLACK BOX - Oct 6

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band on Friday, October 6 at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin venue. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. 

Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. Bringing 40+ years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: “Music Should Be Fun.” The Fat City Band invites audiences to come and join the party.

Tickets are $20. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and a suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

The Fat City Band to Play THE BLACK BOX - Oct 6

Saturday night at THE BLACK BOX - "The 60s A Musical Tribute"

SATURDAY NIGHT! THE BLACK BOX presents Featuring  JAMIE  BARRETT              ALAN MERCER                  NICK PAONE               KATIE GRAY                 KYLEE ROLLINS   Hosted by     RAYE LYNN MERCER Enjoy music and moments from a monumental decade with sensational singers and musicians, sixties cocktails, throwback trivia and a groovy vibe! TWO SHOWS AT 7:00 and 8:30   ORDER TICKETS NOW!

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 48, 15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-3370
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/22/17 - THU 9/28/17

FRIDAY 9/22/17
11am   Baseball Party @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
12-6pm   School Committeee: Community Relations ‘Coffee’ @ Franklin Farmers Market
6-7pm   Clothing Drive @ FHS Football Game (game starts at 7pm), Pisini Field
7-10pm   Showcase Pro Wrestling to benefit Oil for Vets Fund @ Elks Lodge

SATURDAY 9/23/17
10am-4pm   Christian Zen Retreat @ McMahon Guest House, 1061 Upper Union St.
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm   The 60’s - A Musical Tribute @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 9/24/17
8am-4pm   Pop Up StoryWalk® #2 on the SNETT (Amelia Bedelia book) @ Lake Street Trailhead in Bellingham
9am-2pm   Open Auditions for the Nutcracker @ The Black Box
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 9/25/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 9/26/17
10am   Alzheimer’s Association: Healthy Living for Brain and Body @ Franklin Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 9/27/17
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 9/28/17
10am   Franklin Senior Center: Meet the new Superintendent @ Franklin Senior Center
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Franklin DPW: Snow Plow Contractors Needed

The Franklin DPW is seeking contractors to perform snow removal operations during the 2017-2018 winter season. 

Equipment needed: 6-wheelers, backhoes (must have plow), loaders (must have plow), 1-tons (minimum of 9 ft plow needed). 

Equipment must to be in good running condition for the Town to consider and is subject to inspection by Town mechanics prior to the start of the season. 

Limited positions available; please apply within 30 days.

Please see the rate sheet and full contract (PDF) for additional information.

Franklin offers a dynamic team environment and MA DOT rates, paid in a timely manner! Any questions, please contact Jamie at 508-553-5527.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/139203
This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

DPW headquarters on Fisher St

FHS field/track status - limited open for Friday night football

Via Twitter, updates on the FHS field/track status. 

During Fri night FB game- Only players,coaches & support pers allowed on turf.No one allowed on track.Only entrance is near Horace M school

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) September 21, 2017

Following the football game, Pisini stadium will again be off limits until line painting on the track is completed.m -hopefully by Thursday

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) September 21, 2017

the track was laid down although the running lane lines
remain to be painted when I stopped by Thursday evening

Note to those who were walking along the track today, you are not supposed to be there (yet).

Community Relations "Coffee" at the Franklin Farmers Market

The School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee will hold their next "Coffee" today at the Franklin Farmers Market on the Town Common. 12 PM - 6 PM

"Join the Community Relations subcommittee as we bring our coffee conversations into the community. We are unable to offer good or beverages, so please bring your own (or obtain them at one or more of the farmer market booths)."

Subcommittee members are Denise Schultz, Anne Bergen, and Vanessa Bilello.

two rows of vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market in July

For updates on the event, check out the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1453183668090604/

FHS Boys Hockey says "Thanks!"

"On behalf of FHS Boys Hockey, sincere thanks to all who donated bottles, cans, cash, and redemption tickets for Stop & Shop and Shaws. All those donations added up to $526.20, and there is a bit more to add to that total as donations are still coming in.

As noted prior to the Bottle/Can Drive, the proceeds from this year's drive will be put towards hurricane relief for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Again, many thanks to all who contributed!"

FHS Boys Hockey says "Thanks!"

This was shared from the Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1948688195401197/

MassBudget: 29% of Mass workers would be affected by $15 minimum wage

Local estimates in new fact sheet

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. $15 Minimum Wage Would Affect 29% of MA Workers;  At Least 15% in Every Region    Updated data from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center finds that raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2022 would increase the wages of 29 percent of the Massachusetts workforce. The MassBudget report based on Census data delineates the effect of a $15 minimum wage across 52 regions in the state, revealing that at least 15 percent of workers in every region of Massachusetts would see their wages rise from a minimum wage increase. In some regions more than 40 percent of wage earners would benefit. In addition to the regional data, the report examines demographic data about those whose wages would increase: it finds that 90 percent are adults, 56 percent are women, and 55 percent work full-time. You can read the new MassBudget fact sheet here (LINK). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

“We wanted to honor our guy”

The Franklin radar finds this from The Chronicle, the Independent News Organization at Duke University:

"Junior Michael Doherty’s death this summer devastated members of his fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, but they’re finding solace in raising money for an endowment fund to honor their dear friend.

Doherty, a student in the Pratt School of Engineering, passed away in May near his home in Franklin, Mass. Shortly afterwards, members of ATO began the Michael Doherty Memorial Endowment Fund to honor his legacy at Duke by creating a permanent, annual scholarship for an undergraduate engineering student. The fund has currently raised almost $110,000, surpassing the original goal of $100,000.

“Mike was the best of us, we all loved him so much,” said senior John Clarke, president of ATO. “We tried to think of what the best way to commemorate him would be and decided it would be to continuously give to students who embody the same characteristics Mike did."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/09/dohertys-fraternity-brothers-find-great-closure-from-fundraising-raise-more-than-100000

Photo by Special to the Chronicle | The Chronicle

In the News: EPA details plan for cleanup; SEC reveals it was hacked in 2016

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

"The cleanup for ground pollution at a Superfund site could take up to 20 years, according to a fully drafted Community Action Plan. 

The draft highlights the planning and progress the Environmental Protection Agency has made regarding the cleanup and Superfund status at 300 Fisher St. 

In 2015, the EPA added the 18-acre property to the Superfund list, which makes the property eligible for state-funded cleanup. The Superfund law provides the EPA with the funds to clean up the sites and gives it authority to force the polluters to lead the efforts or reimburse the government for the work."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170921/franklin-fisher-street-cleanup-could-take-20-years

The Community Involvement Plan (CIP) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/updated-community-involvement-plan-for.html

Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

"The federal agency responsible for ensuring that markets function as they should and for protecting investors was hacked last year and the intruders may have used the nonpublic information they obtained to profit illegally. 

The disclosure arrived two months after a government watchdog said deficiencies in the computer systems of the Securities and Exchange Commission put the system, and the information it contains, at risk. 

In July, the Government Accountability Office issued a critical report about the security measures employed by the SEC, citing a number of deficiencies in “the effectiveness of SEC’s controls for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information systems.” It issued 26 recommendations that it said would make SEC systems more secure. 

According to the SEC, the breach was discovered last year, but the possibility of illicit trading was uncovered only last month. It did not explain why the hack itself was not revealed sooner, or which individuals or companies may have been impacted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20170921/fed-agency-urging-corporate-cybersecurity-upgrades-is-hacked