Saturday, October 13, 2012

"Roads go ever ever on"

Students at Horace Mann are about to embark on a journey!
Turns out, the posters were written in runes, which appear in the book. (Tolkien based his fictional language off ancient Norse runes.) 
The enormous success of last year’s read-a-thon, during which 250 students devoured Suzanne Collins’ "The Hunger Games," prompted teachers to plan another one.
Those who opt to take part in the challenge have a set amount of time to read "The Hobbit," Tolkien’s epic fantasy tale about a skittish hobbit who, swayed by a learned and powerful wizard, joins a hearty company of dwarves on a quest for stolen riches. 
After tackling the dense, 19-chapter novel, they must prove they’ve followed the story all the way to its conclusion — in the shadow of the Lonely Mountain — by answering a few questions about the plot.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x781379724/Franklin-students-to-tackle-Tolkien#ixzz29AmZwl6y

I heartily endorse this book choice! I first read The Hobbit when I was in high school as it had just become available (yes, that dates myself). I proceeded to read and re-read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy dozens of times beginning each re-read with The Hobbit. While the Hunger Games is a decent story, The Hobbit is so much richer.

The students will come to find:
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon. 
Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road_Goes_Ever_On_(song)

Cops: Couple robbed area donut shops to feed heroin habit

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 10/12/12

11848 MA_MD_mansour.jpg
A husband and wife this week went on a spree of armed robberies, with one acting as the stick-up-man, threatening donut shop cashiers with a syringe he warned contained AIDS-infected blood, and the other as the getaway driver, to feed their heroin addiction, a prosecutor said Friday.

Things you can do from here:

Winter Parking Ban returns soon

Yes, it is October. Summer is gone. Winter is around the corner. Franklin is preparing for what winter will bring this time around:




College Readiness Seminar 10/18/12

sent along by a loyal Franklin Matters reader:


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gearing up for college

Mr. Fortin asked the PCC to share information with families about an upcoming seminar that may interest many of you.



COLLEGE READINESS SEMINAR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

DWIGHT HALL, FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY



This is an annual event started by Lorretta M. Holloway, Ph.D., Associate Professor, English Department to get parents to start thinking about not just the content knowledge but the habits of mind their kids need to be successful in college. Parents of Middle School and early High School children are encouraged to attend.



For complete details, view the event flyer here.




Horace Mann Middle School PCC | 224 Oak Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Boston I-93 Overnight Lane Closure October 16-17

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/12/12

MassDOT's enhanced maintenance schedule will require complete lane closures of Interstate 93 Northbound through Boston from 11 pm, Tuesday, October 16 until 5:30 am, Wednesday, October 17.

I-93 Northbound traffic will be detoured off the highway at Exit 16 (Southampton Street Exit) to Frontage Road Northbound. Ramps from Frontage Road Northbound allow traffic to get to I-90 Eastbound (Logan Airport) and I-90 Westbound. I-93 Northbound traffic will continue on Atlantic Avenue and re-enter I-93 Northbound at Haymarket On-Ramp. Traffic destined for Route 1 Northbound (Tobin Bridge) should stay on the surface streets and access the Route 1 Northbound on-ramp in City Square.

Work to be performed October 16-17 includes: tunnel wall and sign washing, drain cleaning and maintenance, as well as maintenance of electrical and communications systems.

Enhanced maintenance is planned for I-93 through Boston in November, exact dates to be announced.

Things you can do from here:

Friday, October 12, 2012

Groundbreaking for New Franklin High School


The Franklin community is invited to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new FHS on Saturday, October 13, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The ceremony will occur on the athletic fields between the Field House and Pisini Field. During the week of October 14, leaders of Bacon & Agostini Construction of East Providence, R.I., the Building Committee, and project and design managers will meet to plan the best phasing for the construction work to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions to students, parents, teachers, visitors, pedestrians, neighbors and motorists.



Additional information on the new high school can be found on their webpage  http://www.newfhs.com/  or find them on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/thenewfhs

Absentee ballots available

The last day to register to vote for the November election is October 17th. Absentee ballots are now available and additional details can be found in the notice shown here




Additional information can be found on the Franklin Town Clerk webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index

or on the MA Secretary of the Commonwealth webpage
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm


In the News: assisted suicide, Cardinal tweets



Opponents gather support to fight assisted suicide ballot question

Dean College: OKLAHOMA!

Multiple Tony Winner and Broadway Sensation Comes to Franklin, Massachusetts in Dean College Presentation of OKLAHOMA!

Toe-tapping show dates scheduled for November 14-18

Franklin, MA  - October 11, 2012…The Dean College Theatre department is pleased to announce that its second production of the 2012-2013 academic year is Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!. Dean College invites the public to make plans now to buy tickets before the production hits the stage for five consecutive days at Dean's Main Stage theatre. 

Set in a Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful backdrop against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant OKLAHOMA!

"A classic ground-breaking event in American musical theatre," says David Krasner, Dean of the School of the Arts at Dean College. "Rodger & Hammerstein's first collaboration and some consider it their greatest."

Directed by Dean Faculty Member Jim Beauregard, with Musical Direction by Stephen Bergman, and Choreography by Julie Cassamas-White,  Oklahoma! will involve over 45 Dean Students in all aspects of the production including stage managing, house managing, lighting and sound operations, costume and back stage help.

Music is  by Richard Rodgers, and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with  Book by Oscar Hammerstein II.

All performances are reserved seating and advance purchase is strongly recommended. Show times are Wednesday – Friday, November 14-16 at 7:30PM with a matinee (2:00PM) and evening (7:30PM) performance on Saturday November 17 and a matinee performance on Sunday, November 18 at 2:00PM.

For ticket and information, email boxoffice@dean.edu , call 508-541-1605 or visit www.dean.edu/Oklahoma

Main Stage theatre is located in the Campus Center at Dean College.
###

Franklin Library: Sparky's Puppets

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 10/11/12




Things you can do from here:

Couple sought for donut shop robberies



Franklin police seek couple in donut shop robberies



Thursday, October 11, 2012

FCCA / Franklin TV Annual Member Meeting, Nov. 8th, 2012


FCCA / Franklin TV Member Meeting, November 8th, 2012
We have a big event coming up.  Our first annual member meeting is scheduled for November 8th at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center.  This meeting is open to all Franklin TV members.  Questions?  Send an email to  info@franklin.tv   
You can also call us at 508-541-4118.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn about Franklin TV's plans for a new studio that will enable us to provide better production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs.  It's also an opportunity to meet our current board.  Our progress to date, plus the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our current board members who have contributed so much of their time and energy to shape a clear vision for Franklin TV and move ahead as a new nonprofit organization.

Come to the Senior Center, November 8th at 6:00 PM.  Presentations begin at 6:30.  Please join us at this important Franklin TV event.  Get to know the current board.  Come meet, greet, and vote for the latest board nominees. 

And, thanks for watching!

       - Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin TV

[Insert social links here – select the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]





Franklin TV | 13-25 Main st. | Room 10 | Franklin | MA | 02038


Curbside Chronicle - 4Q - revised

A revised version of the previously published Curbside Chronicle is now available. As near as I can tell the difference between the two is an added date (Nov 12) where there will be no pickup and the regular pickup days will slide one. Those getting picked up Monday will now be Tuesday, Tues to Weds, etc.




If you find any other differences, please share


In the News: Dunkin robbed, gas leak, debates


Franklin Police: Pair robs Dunkin' Donuts with HIV syringe

Interested in politics? We're interested in you

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 10/9/12

We are putting together a panel of people to comment on political issues and we are looking specifically for a couple of average voters - people not afiliated with a campaign or elected officials and ideally people who consider themselves "midd-of-the-road."

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

FHS: A CABARET!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Pantherbook by amandafarnan on 10/9/12


Come to A Cabaret in the FHS lecture hall Wednesday, October 10th and Thursday, October 11th   7-9pm  



Featuring outstanding talent! Dances, comedic skits, and solo/duets are few of many things shown at A Cabaret. If you are looking for a good time, this show is just for you.
Bring your friends and family, all are welcome!
Students/Seniors $5    Adults $10


Things you can do from here:

Franklin TV: "Things of Beauty"






This was also posted to the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2012/10/franklin-tv-newsletter.html

School Committee - 10/09/12

The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday evening can be found here. I saved time traveling to and fro by reporting via the cable broadcast.


Good news for the SNETT!

Rail trails or bike trails are trending recently and this article brings more good news. A section of the Southern New England TrunkLine Trail (SNETT) which begins in Franklin and runs west to Palmer, MA will be upgraded as part of this north-south trail between Providence and Worcester!

“The bike trail will be a two-state transportation network between Worcester and Providence,” she said. “Much of the trail in Rhode Island has already been built.” 
According to DiPrete, though, progress on the Massachusetts half of the project, which will eventually run 28 miles, has been slower. The Rhode Island trail is 10 miles long. 
“The Massachusetts end has languished a bit because of environmental challenges along the route,” she said. “We’re hoping we’ll eventually see a bike trail between Worcester and Providence, two of the largest cities in New England.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x233634188/Groundbreaking-set-for-Blackstone-River-bike-trail-work#ixzz28t1JJYUS

The Franklin bellingham Citizens Rail Trail Committee is working on the Franklin and Bellingham section of the SNETT. http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/


The Rhode Island segment mentioned here runs from Woonsocket through Cumberland and Lincoln to Central Falls. This segment runs along the Blackstone River canal and is a very good ride. You can start in Woonsocket at the River Edge athletic fields, or at the rest area on northbound i295 and have a choice of connecting to the trail to ride north or south.

More about the Blackstone River Bikeway can be found on their website
http://www.blackstoneriverbikeway.com/


Foliage train scheduled for Blackstone Valley

this should be a good ride!

____________________________________________________________

The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: Foliage train scheduled for Blackstone Valley
Date: Oct 9, 2012

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is hosting its annual Fall Foliage and Shopping Train Excursion Oct. 20 aboard the Providence and Worcester Railroad, which leaves the Woonsocket train depot in Rhode Island at 9...


http://www.boston.com/travel/blog/2012/10/foliage_train_s.html?s_campaign=8315

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

real time reporting: closing items


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report


new high school ground breaking -Sat Oct 13, 1:30 PM - public invited

NEASC visit was informative in professional development, saw new standards in action, will be meeting to develop a three year action plan for the high school and how to implement the new standards.; changes in assessments, school wide rubrics, implementation of analytical rubrics, will be budget driven as well, will need to spread it out.

Started the official tours of the schools; four adults and a couple of children
Next tour will be Oak/Horace Mann/ECDC

Mrs Trahan, amazing that as much has she has been in the school, there is something to be learned each time, it is a good feeling coming away from the school at how much is going on and how well it 
Mrs Mullen, thanks to Franklin Matters for the publicity, the school was immaculate. Did not get to tour the new playground, as it was too dark. 
Supt Sabolinski demonstrated sitting on a therapy ball to meet the needs of the diverse learners.
Thanks to those for stopping by during the Harvest Festival, there are still a lot of questions about the high school. Hopefully, there will be more news about the traffic flow when the construction starts. There will be an impact to traffic when it starts. The more we can get out there, the better off we'll be

"Light up a life" fund raisers, peer leaders are sponsoring a basketball game against the Harlem Wizards. Supt Sabolinski will be the coach.

The new cable operation has an opportunity for the School Committee to make an appointment to represent their interests.


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
joint budget committee started to discuss FY 2014


School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Casino night - Nov 3
more information on the Franklin Education Foundation website

School Committee requested to appoint someone to the cable committee, send suggestions to mRs Mullen, will need to vote at next meeting to have ready for the Nov 8th cable meeting.


7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations - none

8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, passed



Real time reporting: Action Items


4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
motion to accept, passed

b. I recommend adoption of Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
motion to accept, passed

c. I recommend adoption of Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
motion to accept, passed

d. I recommend moving Policy JFAA, JLCB & JLCCA to a second reading.
motion to move to second reading, passed

e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $50.00 from Richard DiPrima for FHS Schaeffer Scholarship.  motion to accept, passed

f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Bach TR 300 Trumpet and wire metal folding music stand (valued at $360.00) by Donna Estey for Remington Middle School.motion to accept, passed

g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Selmer USA Clarinet and Selmer USA Saxophone (valued at $550.00) from Susan & Jim Jacobson for the Franklin High School.
motion to accept, passed

h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from HMEA for a banner ad at the Franklin High School.  motion to accept, passed

i. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Fitzgerald for the recurring field trip for the Remington Adventure Club to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 20, 2012.
motion to accept, passed

j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art supplies from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Groth valued at approximately $300.00 for the FHS.
motion to accept, passed

k. recommendation to approve FHS football team to travel to play a game in CT on Saturday
motion to accept, passed


Real time reporting: Middle Schools - SIP


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle Schools’ School Improvement Plans
  • Horace Mann - presented second; stepping into the role full time for the full year, taking charge
  • Remington - presented last; oldest building among the three, it is seventeen years old and in good shape. New assistant principal last year, went wireless last year, moving more to "bring your own device" into instruction
  • Annie Sullivan - actually went first in presenting this evening, highlighted 65-67% participation in after school clubs

The school improvement plans can be found within the links on each of the names shown above.


3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings
1. JFAA – New Resident Procedures
clearing up the language but not a change in how the policy has been implemented

2. JLCB – Student Immunizations
also clearing up the language, reference to state organization updated as well

Policy Elimination – First Reading
1. JLCCA – AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) School Attendance Policy

Real time reporting: School Committee - Oct 9, 2012

Present: Douglas, McIntyre, Rohrbach, Mullen, Trahan
Absent:  Donahue, Jewell


1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 25, 2012 School Committee Meeting. motion to approve, passed

Payment of Bills - Mrs. McIntyre, motion to approve, passed

Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
Budget to actual highlighted by Miriam Goodman, transfers for some accounts will be scheduled for the second October meeting





FHS Charity Event/Basketball Game


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

On behalf of the FHS Peer Leaders I would like to invite you to attend a charity basketball game between the Harlem Wizards and a team of FHS students, faculty and the Franklin Police. The game is on October 21 at 3:00 pm in the FHS Field House. The Peer Leaders are sponsoring this event to raise funds for their annual "Light Up A Light" drive.

This annual event provides gifts, funds for housing or to pay grocery and heating bills for our neighbors who may be in need. Peer Leaders will visit all school lunches this week to sell tickets.

Schedule:  
Tuesday 10/9  Keller/ASMS
Wednesday 10/1 All other schools

Ticket prices: Advanced price $12.00 adults and $10 students/ Senior citizens

For more information contact Nick Montanaro at montanaro.nick @gmail.com

Thank you, Maureen Sabolinski
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

The Harlem Wizards have appeared in Franklin before



Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - meeting 10/9/12

The agenda for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening, Oct 9 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the YMCA on 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin.





A listing of proposed events up for discussion at the meeting



For additional information on the rail trail, visit their webpage here
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

or their Facebook page here

In the News: Blackstone River, Bay Circuit



Blackstone River cleanup planned Oct. 21

2 important events this weekend at Franklin Federated Church

There are 2 important events going on at Franklin Federated Church this coming weekend - I was hoping you could help us spread the word!

On Saturday, Oct. 13, is the Annual Rummage/ Yard Sale from 9 AM to 2 PM at the church, 171 Main Street.
This important fundraiser helps to support the work of the church. Buyers can find bargains galore as they browse through books, toys, clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, unique and antiques, and holiday decor. Many items are brand new with others priced to sell. Items half off last hour of sale, so come early and then come back! Rain or shine, this is a fun event for the whole family. Much of the sale is held inside the church. All items not sold will be donated to charity. No early birds please.

On Sunday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 PM the public is invited to a U2charist - a communion service accompanied by a live performance of U2 music – at the church.

 A U2charist service combines the spiritually expressive music of U2 with worship, communion, and a message of God's call to address issues of justice, peace and helping the oppressed. The service includes readings and reflections on the meaning and symbolism of U2's songs. The evening will be thought-provoking, addressing issues of spirituality and social justice, interspersed with rocking renditions of classic U2 songs.

A U2charist service is designed to bring together people of different generations and backgrounds in a worship context while raising awareness and encouraging others to rally around concrete action to address global reconciliation, justice for the poor and oppressed, and the importance of caring for our neighbors.  U2 has waived its copyrights for any of its songs used by churches in this way, as long as any proceeds collected are given to fighting poverty.

100% of the offering collected at the Franklin Federated U2charist will be donated to Church World Service, an organization that works with partners around the world to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice. There is no admission charge.

Performing the music of U2 will be a dedicated group of musicians led by Willie Sordillo on sax and the Rev. Lisa Durkee-Abbott on lead vocals and guitar.

Find out more about Franklin Federated at http://www.franklinfederated.org, find us on Facebook or call 508-528-3803.

Thanks so much!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Columbus Day - go explore!

It looks like it will be a good fall day.



In the spirit of Columbus, why not explore a part of Franklin that you haven't before!

  • Check out the Community Garden at the King St fields
  • Explore the DelCarte property along Pleasant St
  • Take a walk on the SNETT Trail out on Grove St
  • Find Indian Rock off Burning Tree Road


What else would you add to this listing?



Register to save for Education at Big Y

In September, I wrote to remind those who visit Stop & Shop for their food shopping to register their frequent buyer or savings card with one or more Franklin schools.

The Big Y also offers a donation to your local school by registering your savings card. Big Y as part of their opening promotion is adding a Silver coin to those who accumulate more than $1,000 spending at the store between Oct 4 and Dec 31 2012.




The registration is simple. Go to the Big Y webpage http://www.bigy.com/EducationExpress

You can link your savings card to a school. The selection defaults to CT schools, simply scroll down to find your Franklin school. Or you can start typing in your school name (for example, "Oak") and the page will return the results (in this case those containing "Oak").




Note: Shaw's also has a program based upon Box Tops that also earns cash for local schools
http://www.growinglocallearning.com/