Friday, February 16, 2018

Introducing the Tri-County Education Foundation

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School (RVTHS) educators pride themselves in providing innovative ideas and technologies which maximizes every student's potential and their future. Keeping up with this fast-paced growth is challenging because the investment reaches far beyond the financial means of the school district.

Superintendent Stephen F. Dockray together with Christopher Ward, President of the Tri-County Education Foundation are pleased to announce the new Tri-County Education Foundation (The Foundation). The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization administered by a 10-member Board of Directors comprised of area business, finance, and education leaders with a vested interest in sustaining quality vocational-technical education programs and growing a capable workforce.

The Foundation is a separate entity from Tri-County RVTHS, but shares the vision of providing and supporting both academic and vocational opportunities to benefit every student.

"The Foundation was created by members of the community in an effort to support the common goal of academic and vocational excellence for more than 1,000 students from eleven towns within the district," said Christopher Ward, President of the Tri-County Education Foundation. "We hope to financially support academic and vocational projects and to provide student scholarships that Tri-County RVTHS cannot financially back due of limited funding or state law."

The monetary funds the Foundation receives to support these academic and vocational projects will come solely from donations, memorial gifts, and various fundraising activities that will take place within the community. All donations are tax deductible.

The Foundation is currently seeking sponsorships within the community for financial support and commitment to the Tri-County community. Those organizations who would like to inquire about becoming a Tri-County Education Foundation sponsor, please go to the website at: https://tcedfoundation.wordpress.com.

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.

Introducing the Tri-County Education Foundation
Introducing the Tri-County Education Foundation

Saturday Ski Trip to Bretton Woods, NH - March 3




 Saturday Ski Trip

to Bretton Woods NH

A Great Getaway for the Family

Enjoy a day on the slopes


Enjoy a day on the slopes

     OR other winter activities


SATURDAY, 


MARCH 3, 2018


   Depart FHS Parking Lot - 5:30 AM

   Depart Bretton Woods -   4:30 PM
     Special Ticket Price: $109* 


*Includes Transportation and Lift Tickets


       *Individuals under 18 years of age 


must be accompanied by a parent or guardian



Ski rental available separately at Bretton Woods
Ski rental available separately at Bretton Woods
About Us
Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of Lifelong Community Learning....a resource for all ages.          
          
www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com               508-613-1480     
FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with
Constant Contact

"It has come a long way since 50 years ago”

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

"Fifty years ago today, the first 9-1-1 call was made, and the emergency system became the foundation for first-responders. 
Since that first call made on Feb. 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, the 9-1-1 system has evolved and has become much more than just a centralized number for emergency calls. 
“Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 dispatchers, are essentially the first first-responders,” said Chris Campbell, president of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association and director of communications in Seekonk. 
“They handle the calls from the inception until first responders arrive, and in some instances they stay on the line throughout the whole incident,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180216/who-do-you-call-9-1-1-emergency-number-turns-50


The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center is the regional dispatch operations serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. They will dispatch police, fire and EMS. Construction is underway with plans to be operational in the Fall of 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center
Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common

I walk around Franklin a lot and spotted some hearts all over the Town Common Tuesday morning. Via the grapevine, I heard that the Franklin Cultural Council had helped to sponsor the work of several schools to produce the hearts. Town Administrator Jeff Nutting mentioned it during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday.

Apparently so many hearts were made they ran out of rope to hang them on Monday and were to return on Thursday to finish.

From the Hearts of Kindness page on Facebook, I share their post.
https://www.facebook.com/heartsofkindnessuxbridgemass/posts/285650395298511




Additional photos that I took on my walks this week.


Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common
Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common

Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 1
Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 1

Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 2
Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 2

Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 3
Hearts of Kindness on the Town Common 3

Franklin Library: Book Sale, Arts and Crafts on Saturday - Feb 17

In addition to the monthly book sale on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Join the arts and crafts event at 2 PM where Dean College students will assist with your craft.

Franklin Library: Book Sale, Arts and Crafts on Saturday - Feb 17
Franklin Library: Book Sale, Arts and Crafts on Saturday - Feb 17

Note that the Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday for President's Day

Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday for President's Day
Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday for President's Day

These were shared from the Town of Franklin Library page
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/arts-and-crafts-event
and here

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/presidents-day

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Tri-County Regional Presents Cory’s Cause to the Senior Class

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School recently presented Cory’s Cause to the senior class. Cory Palazzi, of Taunton, is permanently disabled after suffering a brain injury caused by a heroin overdose which resulted after first becoming addicted to prescription opioids from an athletic injury. Cory now struggles to walk and has to use a wheelchair at times. He is legally blind, his speech is slow and he has trouble controlling certain muscles which makes him unable to do simple everyday tasks without help.

The presentation was given to seniors as a part of the Positive Attitudes for Work Success (PAWS) program. PAWS prepares students for commitment to productive citizenship, gainful employment, personal responsibility and the setting of high standards of achievement in both vocational and academic courses. Seniors participate in a monthly seminar to address topics of concern in their transition from high school to college, career and/or military. All students are required to participate in the PAWS Program.

During the presentation, seniors were fixated on Cory and listened as he talked about his experiences with drugs. His presence was very compelling and made the result of drug use and overdose very real. At the end of the presentation, many students asked Cory questions and were emotional over what they had seen and heard. Students also had the opportunity to shake his hand and thank him for his courage to share his story.
Tri-County Regional Presents Cory’s Cause to the Senior Class
Tri-County Regional Presents Cory’s Cause to the Senior Class

“Tri-County is committed to making sure our students are well informed of the Opioid Crisis in today’s society,” said Michelle Tilden, Senior PAWS Advisor for Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. “This has been a great opportunity for our seniors to hear the real-life story of someone whose life has been totally changed due to opioid addiction. We hope it has been a valuable life-learning experience for them and, as Cory says, that at least one life has been impacted by his presentation.”

Massachusetts, as is our whole country, is in an opioid epidemic. Athletes in particular, due to their risk of injury and the resulting pain, may be at risk for misusing prescription opioids. Representative Jeffrey Roy, a member of the S.A.F.E. Coalition attended the assembly. Mr. Roy currently serves on the Board of Advisors. S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder.

Cory and his family have taken their experience and he, his mother Lori Palazzi and stepfather Dave Gonsalves now speak at schools about the dangers of drug usage and offer a message of hope for those faced with addiction. In an effort to help those who are dealing with the challenges the family once faced, they have formed the Cory’s Cause Foundation. Their goal is to help educate people about addiction and overdose, and to remove the stigma through sharing Cory’s story with the hope that other families won’t have to endure the pain that they’ve suffered. For more information on Cory’s Cause and to learn more about his story visit www.coryscause.com.

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.

Franklin Rotary: Calling all current high school sophomores

It's that time of year again and The Rotary Club of Franklin is interested in community leadership, not only for today but for tomorrow as well. The students in your school will, in a very few years, be assuming some of our community's leadership roles. We know you are training them for the task. Rotary would like to help.

For this reason, Rotary District 7910 will conduct the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference at Fitchburg State University on June 22-24, 2018. The program will be staffed by carefully selected counselors and Rotary leaders.

Our objective is to offer outstanding high school sophomores an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition. Also, we provide them with a program designed to challenge them to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. Much of the students' time will be structured with programs including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide them with a chance to excel among and with their peers. The greatest benefit may come from sharing this experience with the more than 150 other outstanding young men and women selected from schools and organizations through Rotary District 7910 in Central Massachusetts.

Our Rotary Club is asking you to spread the word to your young men and women who will benefit most from this experience. They will be selected by the Franklin Rotary first for leadership potential, second for good citizenship, third for their desire to attend the Conference and fourth for scholarship. These characteristics are listed in that order so that latent leaders are not overlooked because of grades. They are extremely important to keep in mind to ensure the success of the student's experience and the entire program.

The only requirement is that in order to be nominated, the individual must be a student who is currently a Sophomore in high school.

Applications should be made e-mailed to Julie Rougeau at jrougeau@comcast.net no later than March 2, 2018. Our club's RYLA Selection Committee will then conduct interviews and select the students we will sponsor for RYLA. The student application has been attached to this e-mail as is a flyer that describes RYLA. Would you please help us again to get this information out to your Sophomores?

For more information about RYLA or Rotary, visit online at http://www.ryla7910.org/ or contact me at 508-541-4424.

Thank you for your assistance in this project for the advancement of youth.


Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards


Flyer:



Application:



FHS girls hockey ties KP 1-1

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Feb 14, 2018


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 5 – Final

Girls Hockey = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"When Franklin and King Philip met in Foxboro back in January, it took almost the full 45 minutes for someone to find a breakthrough, so when the teams met again on Wednesday night at Pirelli Veterans Arena the expectation was for another close, tight, low-scoring game and that was exactly what happened. 
Alli Meehan gave the Warriors the lead with 11 minutes remaining but freshman Victoria Quinn answered back for Franklin with a breakaway in the final minute and the teams skated away with a 1-1 tie. The point was enough to seal KP’s place in the state tournament. 
“After tonight we have three games left,” KP coach Jack Unger said, “so it was nice to get that point put away now and focus on playing good hockey and getting ready for the tournament.” 
It was senior night for the Panthers, who honored their five seniors prior to the puck drop, but it ended up being a pair of freshmen, goalie Natalie Stott (17 saves) and winger Quinn who helped secure the point."
Continue reading the recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-and-king-philip-girls-hockey-skate-to-draw-after-third-period-goals/

For the game photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-King-Philip-Girls-Hockey-2-14-18/

For the other results around the League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-14-18/

Franklin and King Philip played another tough, defensive game on Wednesday night, finishing with a 1-1 draw, which clinched KP a place in the state tournament. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin and King Philip played another tough, defensive game on Wednesday night, finishing with a 1-1 draw, which clinched KP a place in the state tournament. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Via the Twitterverse   https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports















The Palladino School of Dance at Dean College Presents TWO exciting performances in March - Choreographers Concert & Senior Showcase

The Palladino School of Dance at Dean College will perform Senior Showcase on Friday, March 16th and Saturday, March 17, 2018. Creating a performance from the ground up, our talented senior dance students share their choreography, performance and production expertise in this collaborative showcase.

The Senior Showcase will take place in the Main Stage within the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 8:00 p.m. both nights. Tickets range from $5-$10.

The Palladino School of Dance at Dean College will also perform a Choreographers' Concert on Friday, March 23rd and Saturday, March 24, 2018. Renowned guest artists from the Manhattan Dance Project will view selected student works and give insightful feedback to our student choreographers in our version of "So You Think You Can Choreograph." Friday night's performance will be presented as a straight concert without interruptions, whereas Saturday's concert will feature live commentary from our guest artists and will be preceded by a preconcert lecture at 7 p.m.

The Choreographers' Concert will take place in the Main Stage within the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 8:00 p.m. both nights. Tickets range from $5-$22.

For more information about both performances and to purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.
Palladino School of Dance performing at the Sculpture Park in 2015
Palladino School of Dance performing at the Sculpture Park in 2015

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Crowns their 2018 Spelling Bee Champion

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to recognize their 2018 Spelling Bee Champion, Grade Eight student Mia Magliari.

Over sixty students in Grades Four through Eight enrolled in the 2018 BFCCPS Spelling Bee and participated in the first round competition on February 8th. After the first day of competition, an unprecedented twenty one students emerged as qualifiers for the BFCCPS Spelling Bee Finals.

The final round of the competition took place on Friday, February 9th and the competition continued for a total of twenty one rounds. The two final competitors Mia Magliari and classmate Raimi Pramod completed several rounds correctly spelling words such as “tête-à-tête” and “spikenard.” BFCCPS instruction in both French and Latin proved invaluable to the competitors during the event.

Mia M. correctly spelled the word “coquelicot” in the 21st round followed by her championship word “Kilimanjaro.” As the BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion, Mia has qualified to participate in the 33rd Annual Daily Item Regional Spelling Bee which will be held in Lynn on March 23rd. This year BFCCPS was the only school in Franklin offering an official School Bee which provides their students with a path to the 90th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. In 2011, BFCCPS Sixth Grade Student Surabhi Iyer attended the Scripps National Spelling Bee as the champion of the South Shore Regional Spelling Bee.

The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment applications for enrollment close on February 28th at 4 PM.


About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does. Learn more at www.bfccps.org.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Crowns their 2018 Spelling Bee Champion
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
Crowns their 2018 Spelling Bee Champion

THE BLACK BOX: Franklin's 240th Birthday Party - Feb 16

THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin hosts a community celebration marking Franklin’s 240th birthday this Friday, February 16, from 7-11 p.m. Enjoy fun Franklin history, shared by Joe Landry, along with historic photos and town trivia. 

The birthday party will also feature music, including a special appearance by Franklin’s own Jamie Barrett, as well as snacks and a cash bar. This special event marks the milestone 240th anniversary of Franklin’s secession from Wrentham in 1778.

“We hope to have a fun night of conversation, storytelling, and reminiscing,” notes Franklin Performing Arts Company director and lifelong Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer. “The date Franklin seceded from Wrentham seemed like a good excuse for a party in the dead of winter and an opportunity to get people together, share some laughs, and celebrate our town.”

Franklin Birthday Sponsors are Keefe Insurance and D.G. Ranieri Real Estate. Party Sponsors are Simons Furniture, The Rome Restaurant, and NHS Printing. Additional sponsor Big Y will provide the birthday cake.

In keeping with the light-hearted nature of the evening, ticket prices are $5 for Total Townie (Lifetime in Franklin), $10 for Townie (25 years in Franklin), $15 for Townie-in-Training (10 years in Franklin), and $20 for Newcomers. Pass the Townie Test and get your money back! 

THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. Proceeds support THE BLACK BOX and the arts in Franklin. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX: Franklin's 240th Birthday Party - Feb 16
THE BLACK BOX: Franklin's 240th Birthday Party - Feb 16




"there’s still far too many people dealing with this horrible addiction"

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

"The number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts fell an estimated 8.3 percent from 2016 to 2017, marking the first year-over-year decline in several years, the Department of Public Health announced Wednesday. 
A total of 1,977 people died of suspected or confirmed opioid overdoses in 2017, accounting for 178 fewer deaths than the 2,155 logged the previous year. From 2015 to 2016, the opioid overdose death rate increased 22 percent. 
“It is a promising trend that for the first time last year we saw overdose deaths actually decrease,” Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said in a statement. “Today’s report is a welcome development, however, there is so much more work to do to increase access to treatment - particularly for individuals who are Hispanic.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180214/interactive-opioid-overdose-deaths-dropped-83-percent-in-2017

The work of the SAFE Coalition has helped address this serious epidemic. The support can start with a call to the resource support hotline. If you or someone you know needs help for substance use disorder, please call. (Note: this is for for emergencies, for emergencies call 911) 

http://safecoalitionma.com/2016/11/13/344/
SAFE Coalition hotline

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Closing


K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
happy valentine's day
busy with budget working with departments
waiting on health care costs
looking at long term strategic plan as the budget is not a one year problem

health care is about 10% of the budget


L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items

interest in temporary banners to advertise for ArtWeek, etc.
on listing for EDC already to look at temporary signage

M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments

Hamblen - honored to be a guest reader at the Library for GroundHog Day

Dellorco - prayers to FL for the shooting that occurred today

Pellegri - thanks to Rep Roy for bringing Sen Warren her, it was a wonderful turnout

Padula - happy valentine's to my wife

Jones - bless everyone in FL

Mercer - shout out to FHS wrestling team went undefeated and qualified for State meet, all 14 qualified for the states



N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

motion to adjourn, passed 8-0