Saturday, March 1, 2014

April showers bring May runners to Franklin!

Ready to shake away those winter doldrums?

Get those running or walking shoes ready to go.

There are three weekends in May that you can run/walk or any combination that fits your schedule.

All three race/walks are fund raisers so you get to exercise and help a Franklin charity.
That sounds like a real winning deal!



Saturday, May 3 - 10:00 AM
The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will hold a fund raising 5K road race/walk
You can register for this race here  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee



Saturday, May 10 - 10:00 AM
The Franklin Elks will hold the "Elks Care Elks Share" Annual 5K Road Race & Walk
The Elks race will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and Wounded Warriors.
You can find information about the race on Facebook and register here
https://racewire.com/register.php?id=3650

elks care elks share
Franklin Elks Care Elks Share


Sunday, May 18 - 9:00 AM
HMEA will hold their 13th Annual Independence 5K/Walk
You can register to run or walk (two different registrations) here
http://www.hmea.org/Get-Involved/special-events/2014-independence-5k-walk/index

Horace Mann Education Association
Horace Mann Education Association

Franklin Named No. 2 Place for Homeownership in Massachusetts

After a string of Number 1 announcements, Franklin makes the Number 2 spot on this listing... still a worthy one!

NerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a study to find the best places for homeownership in Massachusetts – and Franklin is in the top 10.

As renting becomes less affordable, NerdWallet wanted to give potential homebuyers a look at the current housing market. NerdWallet based its rankings on the following criteria:
  • Homeownership rate
  • Selected monthly homeowner costs
  • Monthly household income
  • Population growth

NerdWallet ranked Franklin as the second best place in Massachusetts for homeownership. The area has a homeownership rate of 79.3 percent, and median monthly homeowner costs are $2,366. Franklin grew by 2.4 percent between 2010 and 2012.

Other cities that made the top ten include Reading and Methuen. Read the full study online.
For more information about NerdWallet, visit www.nerdwallet.com.

In the News: Karen Purvis, unclaimed property, suspect held

Articles in today's issue of the Milford Daily News with connections to Franklin

When Karen Purvis received a phone call on Monday saying she would be going to the Oscars, she couldn’t believe it. 
"I was convinced it was some kind of prank," said Purvis, a Franklin mother of two. 
But it wasn’t a prank and Purvis will be on a flight early Saturday morning to be in Los Angeles in time for the Oscars on Sunday thanks to WCVB-TV and Oscar host Ellen DeGeneres, who sponsored the Facebook contest Purvis entered.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140301/NEWS/140309793/1994/NEWS


The State Treasurer's Office has released the latest tally of names added to the list of unclaimed property owners. 
More than 5,000 new properties in excess of $100 million combined are owed to individuals and businesses in the state, Treasurer Steven Grossman said in a press release Friday.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140228/NEWS/140226237/1994/NEWS

Go directly to the unclaimed property page www.findmassmoney.com


A Rhode Island man charged with attempted murder in connection with a November shooting is being held without bail following a judge’s ruling that he could pose a danger to the public. 
David Kennedy, was transported to Wrentham District Court last week from the Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston, R.I., where he had been held on unrelated charges.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140301/NEWS/140309796

Friday, February 28, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/28/14 - THU 3/6/14

FRI 2/28   10am   preK Art Class at Once Upon a Kiln, Bellingham. Registration required, $15.
FRI 2/28   10:30am   iStories for Kids, Franklin Public Library. Ages 3-6.
FRI 2/28   5pm-7pm   Teen Movie Night, Franklin Public Library. Teens only - Screening: The Mortal Instruments - City of Bones. Enjoy movie, popcorn, pizza and drinks.
FRI 2/28   6:30pm-8:30pm   Art Night Uncorked, Franklin Art Center.
FRI 2/28   7:30pm   Much Ado About Nothing Play, Dean College.


SAT 3/1   9am   Spring Baseball Clinic starts at Franklin High School.
SAT 3/1   1:30pm   Coffee & Craft for Adults (shamrock), Franklin Public Library.
SAT 3/1   6pm   Random Smile Project - 7th Annual Gala at RI Convention Center.
SAT 3/1   7:30pm   Much Ado About Nothing Play, Dean College.
SAT 3/1   8pm   Concert: Amy Black and Girls, Guns, and Glory, First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, Franklin, MA. $20

SUN 3/2   1pm  Mark Poniatowski Jazz for Kidz - FPAC Family Concert Series. Free event. 38 Main St., Franklin.
SUN 3/2   3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: Boston Cello Quartet, Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA. For ticket info visit: www.liveartsfranklin.org
SUN 3/2   7:30pm   Much Ado About Nothing Play, Dean College.

TUE 3/4   7pm   Finance Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg., Council Chambers, 2nd floor.
7pm  Public meeting on future of Emmons St Building, Franklin Municipal Bldg, 3rd Fl Training Room

WED 3/5   7pm   Town Council Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg., Council Chambers, 2nd floor.

THU 3/6   7:15pm   Conservation Commission Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg., Council Chambers, 2nd floor.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Neighbor Brigade News



Newsletter - February 2014
"The cultivation of love that is growing as we come alongside our neighbors with Neighbor Brigade has not only transformed me, but many of the volunteers who are recognizing the importance of looking beyond their own lives to help another."
Linda Gagnon, Franklin, MA Chapter Co-Leader
We're Growing
Neighbor Brigade is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Sheth as Director of Programs. In this newly established role, Claire is responsible for the operational success, quality control and evaluation of our chapter model and service delivery program, while providing training and ongoing support to the chapter leaders. Claire is taking a lead role in planning the growth and increasing visibility of Neighbor Brigade while working with chapter leaders to strengthen their roles in bringing services to those in need. Claire earned a master's degree in Nonprofit Management at the Milano School of Management at the New School for Research in New York City. While there she worked as a Program Manager for New York Cares -- the City's largest volunteer management organization.

Claire has since worked as a nonprofit management consultant with the Boston-based firm Technical Development Corporation where she provided strategic business planning and needs/organizational assessment assistance to New England-based nonprofits. She has also served as Deputy Director of Boston-based Generations Incorporated. While there she guided a strategic planning process that resulted in significant growth in the organization's quest to engage volunteers in the literacy needs of Boston Public School children. More recently, Claire has worked as an independent management consultant.

We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Claire's depth of experience and talent join us at this critical stage to help guide and support our continued growth. We couldn't be more excited to have her join our team.
Neighborhood News: Franklin
The call to action that arises when a community confronts sudden tragedy is very apparent and thriving in Franklin, Massachusetts. In January, Neighbor Brigade volunteers in Franklin received a request to help a family after a seven and eight-year old brother and sister died in an accident. Linda Gagnon, Franklin chapter co-leader, was immediately contacted after the tragedy by a mutual friend who requested that Neighbor Brigade operate as the coordinator of centralized services on behalf of the family. Linda and her co-leader, Cheryl Ferri, immediately mobilized to field and manage offers of services from grief counselors, the HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, and town businesses and residents looking to contribute and deliver food.

Often times, from the depth of tragedy something profound and amazing occurs within a community. This has indeed been the case in Franklin. Within the past month, Franklin chapter membership has doubled to nearly 200 volunteers and continues to rise. Linda said, "Since the tragedy, I totally see (our founder) Pam's vision at work. It is amazing to see the strength and compassion demonstrated by neighbors coming together as one. It is nothing short of incredible."
Neighbor Brigade Named a Charitable Partner
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between Neighbor Brigade and Canary, an innovative and user-friendly service that helps people buy and sell furniture and household items online locally. Canary takes care of photographing items and researching their value, writing and managing listings online, and finding credible buyers. The company, originally launched to serve Massachusetts' South Shore communities, has recently expanded into the MetroWest region.

Canary has a dual mission. The first is to help individuals, many of whom are downsizing and may have limited technology know-how, list and sell their unused household items. The second is to support local nonprofits by directing a portion of every sale to a selected group of community-based charitable organizations. "We have chosen Neighbor Brigade to be our newest designated charitable organization due to its vital and important role in providing direct-services to those in need in each of the communities it serves," said Mike Filbey, founder and CEO of Canary. "Neighbor Brigade's commitment to creating a network of volunteers to serve their own neighbors is strongly aligned with our mission to support the community that supports us."

Please share this news of Canary's expansion and partnership with Neighbor Brigade. To learn more and utilize this convenient service while designating Neighbor Brigade your charity of choice, visit gocanary.com.
How does Neighbor Brigade enhance your caring community?
Neighbor Brigade provides a blueprint for community residents to create and maintain volunteer networks to help their neighbors in crisis. Our proven chapter model is quickly and easily replicated. Neighbor Brigade provides our chapter leaders with established volunteer management systems, online tools, templates and training. We utilize an innovative volunteer management software platform and shoulder the costs related to ongoing support and maintenance. Our staff provides our chapter leaders with valuable training in volunteer management and software utilization, as well as ongoing support, outreach materials and technical resources that are critical to the strength and effectiveness of a chapter.

Neighbor Brigade establishes a safety net within a community, and our organization follows protocols and makes expenditures to ensure the security of our volunteers and service recipients. Our staff allocates time to process CORI checks on volunteers to best protect our recipients. Equally as important, we purchase and carry liability insurance coverage to safeguard our volunteers and recipients.

We are extremely grateful to our donors; it is due to your financial support that we can provide technical resources and assistance to communities.
Stay Tuned
Please follow us on social media; share ideas and experiences with other members of the Neighbor Brigade networks through Twitter and Facebook. We are more than an organization. We are a movement and our virtual Neighbor Brigade communities are a means by which we can share our stories and encourage participation by others who are waiting to follow our lead.

Do you have any feedback or suggestions for the new year? Please share your thoughts with us by sending an email to info@neighborbrigade.org or phoning us at 781.325.8580. We love to hear from our community members.

neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | info@neighborbrigade.org


Alive After Five - March 6

Compared the notice that was shared here earlier this week, this event is definitely getting kicked up a notice. I was planning on stopping on my way home from work, now I definitely am. Will I see you there?


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce logo 


Business After Hours Taken to the Next Level!


Alive After Five 
   
We've taken the Chamber's tried and true Business After Hours and
amped it up to Alive After Five.


Join us Thursday, March 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and enjoy networking, great food and entertainment. The event will be held at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, DoubleACS and The Attleboro Industrial Museum, all located at 42 Union St., Attleboro, where you will enjoy a raw bar from the Lobster Trap, clam chowder and cornbread from B & M Catering Company, wine and beer from City Spirits, and desserts from Trish White of Friends Food Family.

Attleboro Jewelers will be giving a demonstration with a 3D printer and FUN Enterprises will be giving away water bottles personalized with your favorite photo. In fact, if you're planning to attend Alive After Five, you can email a photo and your water bottle will be ready and waiting for you at the event!

Raffles will include tickets to the Pawtucket Red Sox and Providence Bruins, as well as Alex and Ani bracelets.

Need even more reason to attend this event?!

  • Charlie Miller, the  facilitator for Executive Express-o, will be conducting a mini Executive Express-o
  • DoubleACS will be taping your 30-second elevator speech and giving you a DVD copy of it. Perfect for your website!
  • DoubleACS will be taping two-minute tips by our members on their areas of expertise that will be played on cable television!
Admission is $5 for members; $10 for non-members. Register by email and pay at the door!

Generously sponsored by: 
Fun Enterprises
B & M Clambakes  

Attleboro Jewelry MakersCity Spirits 2Double ACSAttleboro Industrial Museum 



This email was sent to by jack@unitedregionalchamber.org |    Privacy Policy.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

In the News: mock trial, new scholarships

Relevant items for Franklin from the Milford Daily News edition today:
Students from several MetroWest towns are among the 1,500 high schoolers from across the state participating in the 29th annual Mock Trial Program this winter. 
Presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association, the tournament-style competition, which began Jan. 21, puts high school teams in a simulated courtroom to try a pre-selected case, which this year centers on a stunt plane accident. The plaintiff in the case, the child of a pilot killed in a plane crash at an air show, alleges the defendant, the plane manufacturer, failed to design the aircraft up to specifications to save money. The company argues the pilot’s own negligence caused the plane’s wing to be sheared off during a maneuver.
Franklin High School has a team participating in this. You can read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140227/NEWS/140226434/1994/NEWS


The Franklin High School Class of 1972 and 1973 will donate $1,500 toward the creation of a scholarship in memory of Lexi and Sean Munroe. 
The alumni raised the money from their 40th reunion, held last fall. The School Committee will formally accept the donation next month. 
Assistant Superintendent Sally Winslow, a member of the class, said the one-time scholarship would go to a high school student who attended Davis Thayer Elementary School.
The reunion raised money for two scholarships. You can read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140228/NEWS/140226347

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Amy Black and "Girls, Guns and Glory"



AMY BLACK 

and

GIRLS, GUNS, & GLORY

Saturday,
March 1st, 8:00PM

$20

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

For a sample of Amy's music visit her webpage here http://amyblack.com/

For a sample of Girls, Guns and Glory music visit their webpage here  http://girlsgunsandglory.com/

“Artists in Bloom” Family Concert - March 9


Ballet Conservatory dancers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Benjamin Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra with the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Peter L. Cokkinias. The collaborative performance is part of the Hopkinton-based Orchestra’s “Artists in Bloom” Family Concert, to be presented on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. at the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School Auditorium, 750 Winter Street, in Framingham. The program also features Aaron Copland’s Outdoor Overture and Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane, with 16-year-old violin soloist Elizabeth Kim, winner of the Orchestra’s annual Young Artist Competition.
FSPA - Peter and theWolf
FSPA - Peter and theWolf

The classic musical tale Peter and the Wolf comes to life with choreography and staging by FSPA Ballet Mistress Cheryl Madeux. Featuring Prokofiev’s lyrical score, the adventures of Peter, his animal friends, and the wolf unfold with representation by different instruments and musical themes, providing a dynamic theatrical experience for children. The ballet also includes narration of the story by Rene Pfister, making it an especially delightful and accessible introduction to the world of live music and dance. Along with Prokofiev’s memorable melodies, Madeux’s choreography aptly expresses the different personalities of the principal characters.

A former company dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Cheryl Madeux has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She was a finalist in the Paris International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne and was awarded a Presidential Scholar in Dance. Ms. Madeux is a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT National Teacher Training Curriculum.

FSPA Ballet Conservatory dancers cast in Peter and the Wolf’s featured roles are Sam Evans (Peter) of Medfield, Shaina McGillis (Wolf) of Franklin, Mikaela Guidice (Bird) of Norfolk, Alli Tomsik (Duck) of Medway and Sarah Radford (Cat) of Wrentham. Rudy Bauer of Franklin will portray the Grandfather.

One of the most popular scores used in children's music education, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra introduces the members of each family of instruments – woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Hear the full orchestra, then brilliant variations on a theme written to spotlight each of the instruments, before the sections are brought together again for a dramatic fugue. Britten's masterful piece will be presented with choreography and staging by Clyde Nantais, an FSPA Dance Faculty member, to further enhance the audience’s experience of this beloved work.

A former dancer with Boston Ballet, Clyde Nantais has taught at the Boston Ballet School for more than15 years. A faculty member at The Boston Conservatory, he was Ballet Master of The Boston Conservatory Dance Theatre. As a ballet master, teacher, choreographer and guest artist, Mr. Nantais has also worked with Festival Ballet of Rhode Island, Berkshire Ballet, Ballet Santo Domingo, Ithaca Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Pioneer Valley Ballet, and The National Institute of the Arts in Taipei, Taiwan. He is Associate Director of the Boston Dance Company.

FSPA ballet dancers showcased in The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra are Noura Sander of Easton; Lily Barney, Kendra Dombroski, Shaina McGillis, Sarah Metras, Emma Nicholson, Olivia Rondeau and Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin; Jared Brouillette of Holliston; Ashley Rosenthal of Hudson; Kaitlyn Calnan, Haley Desjarlais, Ally Lynch, Alli Tomsik and Maddy Williams of Medway; Phoebe Dias and Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk; and Jenna McDermott and Sarah Radford of Wrentham.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA provides extensive training, performance and programming in music, dance and drama to students of all ages and ability levels from across the MetroWest region. For more information about FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory program or recreational dance classes at the school, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.

Ticket prices for the “Artists in Bloom” special family concert are $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.metrowestsymphony.org or at the door.


In the News: community meal, BAA Marathon, medical marijuana

Articles of interest in today's Milford Daily News
Reverend William MacDonald Murray said Trinity and the other churches in the community have been coordinating to try and provide free meals every day during what is often a difficult week for those in need. 
“There is a need for support at the end of the month, when food stamps are running low and there are less opportunities for a nutritious meal,” Murray said. 
The people who attend the dinners vary from those on food stamps or other types of assistance to those who don’t have access to a kitchen where they live and to those who are simply lonely.
Read the full article here;
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140227/NEWS/140226968/1994/NEWS


The Boston Athletic Association is imposing stricter regulations for Marathon participants and spectators this year. 
No bags will be allowed on buses from Boston to Hopkinton on Race Day, according to the BAA website. Bags will also be banned from certain areas near the starting and finish lines and along the course. 
Runners will be allowed to check their gear at Boston Common on the morning of the race.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140226/NEWS/140227073/1994/NEWS


New England Treatment Access Inc., which received two provisional licenses to dispense in Braintree and Northampton and grow at 5 Forge Parkway in Franklin, produced two letters of support from Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee. It also claimed to have presented its plans to the town’s building commissioner, fire chief, health director, police chief, attorney and engineer. 
When it finishes verifying the applications, the state will issue provisional registration certificates, giving companies the nod to start the local permitting process and set their plans in motion. However, it has made clear that the certificates won’t allow them to actually open their dispensaries.
Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140226/NEWS/140227576


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

HMEA: Building Dreams (video)


As reported earlier, HMEA has new videos that were produced by Six One Seven Studios based here in Franklin.




Other videos in the series just produced can be found here

Autism Services ->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh99quNhLc8

Employment and Rehabilitation Programs; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEgY9kWugE8

Shared Living; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkkeYvmEqTk

You can visit HMEA's webpage for additional information; http://www.hmea.org/

To work with Six One Seven Studios to tell your own story, you can find out additional information on their webpage here http://www.sixonesevenstudios.com/

Jazz 4 Kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends


Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series continues this season with “Jazz 4 Kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends” on Sunday, March 2 and “Opera for Kids: Dr. Seuss’s Gertrude McFuzz and Green Eggs and Ham” on Sunday, March 23. An FPAC tradition for more than two decades, the Family Concert Series programs begin at 1 p.m. at 38 Main Street in Franklin.
Franklin Performing Arts Company
Franklin Performing Arts Company

All Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and presentation, and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances expose audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an entertaining and interactive format.

Jazz 4 Kidz presents this musical tradition in an up-close and engaging way that’s accessible and easy to understand. Audience participation is encouraged. The concert features bassist Mark Poniatowski of Berklee College of Music. Poniatowski has performed with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart and Junior Watson. His recordings include Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

Opera for Kids features performances of two classic Dr. Seuss stories. Set to music by Robert Kapilow, Green Eggs and Ham brings to life the beloved children’s tale with iconic character Sam-I-Am. A great companion piece to Green Eggs and Ham, Gertrude McFuzz introduces the memorable “girl-bird” who learns to like herself just as she is, with her one-feathered tail. Engaging audiences of all ages, each opera is about 20 minutes in length and in rhymed verse. The performance features two members of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) voice faculty, Shauna Martin and Mariko Matsumura, along with two FSPA students, Lily Barney of Franklin as Sam and Sara Weissinger of Hopkinton as Lolla Lee Lou.

A member of the FSPA Music Faculty since 2006, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Martin is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. Mariko has been a member of the FSPA faculty since 2002.

FPAC’s 2014 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance and the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fpaconline.com.

In the News: home sales, virtual school


Driven by high demand and a shortage of houses on the market, more single-family homes were sold in Massachusetts last month than in any January since 2007, two organizations that track the real estate market reported Tuesday. 
Median prices also shot up, according to analyses by The Massachusetts Association of Realtors and The Warren Group. 
"The continued combination of buyer demand and a shortage of inventory resulted in prices rising in January," Realtors' President Peter Ruffini said. "Buyer demand also drove sales up, which puts emphasis on the need for more home sellers to enter the market. Rising prices mean more equity for homeowners and therefore a greater number may be in a better position to sell."
Read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140225/NEWS/140227791/1994/NEWS


The state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education this morning approved a regional education collaborative’s plan to open a virtual school next year. 
The Education Cooperative, which is based in Dedham and has Framingham and several other MetroWest districts as members, will be able enroll up to 2,000 students in grades K-12 from around the state at the new TEC Connections Academy. 
The school will join the Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield as the only two public virtual schools operating in the state.
Read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140225/NEWS/140227776


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Library: Teen Movie Night - Feb 28

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is the move scheduled for the Teen Movie Night Friday, Feb 28. The showing starts at 5;00 PM

Teen Movie Night - City of Bones
Teen Movie Night - City of Bones


For more info on the movie itself visit this IMDb link  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1538403/


From the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/02/teen-movie-night.html

Read Across America Day - March 4, 2014


Tuesday, March 4 is the National Education Association's  READ ACROSS AMERICA Day. 
In its 17th year, this event focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. 
Here's a link to their FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.com/neareadacrossamerica
Ben Franklin status depicts him reading a book
Ben Franklin status depicts him reading a book

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com


Hockomock Basketball and Hockey Playoff Outlook for FHS

Basketball playoff outlook
Franklin Makes Central SwitchThis year makes a new move for Franklin, as they enter the tournament into the D1 Central Sectional. They earned the 5 spot and will travel to Wachusett on Thursday. If you look at Milford last season, it's not exactly the same situation, but it has some similarities. Milford was already in the Central but did not play against many Central opponents during the regular season and the element  of the unknown played in the Scarlet Hawks, all the way to a sectional title. Franklin is in the same situation going in, with no experience against any of the other teams in the bracket.

Read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-league-playoff-preview-boys-basketball-14.html

Franklin High School - home of the Panthers
Franklin High School - home of the Panthers


Hockey playoff outlook
FranklinAfter three straight D2 South titles, Franklin makes the jump to D1 this year and will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed (the third highest seed not counting the two teams that will jump in after the Super 8 play-in games). An impressive win over Barnstable was the highlight of a grueling five games in six days to close out the regular season and although D1 is a mystery, as Franklin struggled to schedule many of the teams that it will face in the playoffs, there is excitement about what the Panthers may be able to accomplish.

Read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-league-playoff-preview-hockey-2014.html


Much Ado About Nothing


The School of the Arts at Dean College in Franklin will perform "Much Ado About Nothing" beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 2. 
www.dean.edu
www.dean.edu
"Much Ado About Nothing" is considered one of Shakespeare's brightest comedies, combining elements of robust hilarity with meditations on honor, shame and court politics. Similar to "As You Like It" and "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing," though interspersed with darker concerns, is a joyful comedy that ends with multiple marriages and no deaths. 
The Dean College production will take place in the Main Stage within the Campus Center at Dean College from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/$10/$20 and can be purchased online.
To purchase  tickets online you can follow this link:
http://www.dean.edu/dean_college_presents_much_ado_about_nothing.aspx


Monday, February 24, 2014

Melting snow and ice (video)

While walking Saturday, the snow melting under the ice on the sidewalk was interesting enough to capture this brief video.




To report a pothole or problem with a street light use this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/yes-it-is-pothole-season.html


For other photos from the Saturday walk check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/winter-walk-in-franklin.html



Jazz Sunday; Ash Wed at Franklin Federated

Franklin Federated Church will offer two very different opportunities to mark the beginning of Lent: a Jazz Worship service on Sunday, March 2, at 10 AM at the church and a simple, brief service on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 PM.

The Jazz Worship service will feature the Willie Sordillo Quartet featuring Willie Sordillo on alto saxophone. Mr. Sordillo has performed in concerts and festivals throughout North America and internationally, and has served as music director for a weekly jazz worship service at Old South Church in Boston since 2005. He will be accompanied by David Harris on tuba and trombone, Chris Bakriges on piano and Dave Dubinsky on trumpet and flugelhorn.

The Jazz Worship service will be followed by a Mardi Gras Pancake Brunch featuring pancakes with choice of mix-ins, sausages, home fries, juice and coffee.There will be Mardi Gras mask making, pancake races and jazz music. The cost for brunch is $3 per person or $10 per family.

Nursery care is provided during Sunday worship. Children in preschool through grade 6 begin worship with their families - children's activity kits are available for use during worship. Partly through the service, they move to Sunday School, where the Godly Play curriculum uses a storytelling approach. Middle school pupils stay in worship for the message, then gather for discussion.

Franklin Federated Church
Franklin Federated Church

The Ash Wednesday service, to be held in the church parlor, will be an opportunity to begin Lent in a prayerful and reflective way. There will be music, a short message and communion. There will also be an opportunity to voluntarily receive an imposition of ashes.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at Franklin Federated Church. There is a ramp for the disabled on the left side of the church, large-print bulletins, and hearing-assist devices available. For more information, visit www.franklinfederated.org or find us on Facebook. Or, if you have questions or wish to speak to Pastor Charley Eastman, call the church office at at 508-528-3803.

Committee openings


The following Committees have openings

Library Board of Directors - Felicia Oti 508-520-4940 
Franklin Housing Trust Fund - Maxine Kinhart 508-553-4886


If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete the form
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B2AF2D-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

and return to the Town Administrator's Office



Sunday, February 23, 2014

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 25, 2014

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."


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Parmenter Update
b. Jefferson Update
c. Report Card Feedback – Joyce Edwards
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
K-5 Specialist


3. Discussion Only Items
Scholastic Art Awards

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
f. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph to take the Keller 5th Grade on a field trip to Roger Williams Zoo on April 29, 2014.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for two music field trips as detailed:
1. All State Music Festival, Boston, MA - March 20-22, 2014.
2. UNH Jazz Festival, University of New Hampshire - March 8, 2014.
h. I recommend acceptance of the award of $1,200.00 of furniture from Jordan’s Furniture and $100.00 IMAX tickets for students for winning the “Coats for Kids Program” as detailed.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Friends of the Franklin Library for a FHS scholarship.
j. I recommend acceptance of two checks ($1,000.00 and $1,500.00) from Mr. and Mrs. Sabolinski and the Estate of Donald Sabolinski for a FHS Scholarship.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 and 1973 for the Janet McHale Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 and 1973 for a scholarship in memory of Lexi and Sean Munroe.
m. I recommend approval of changes to the K-5 report cards as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Winter Walk in Franklin

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FranklinWalk_SlushFranklinWalk_StonewallSnow

Winter Walk in Franklin, a set on Flickr.
Saturday was a good day for a walk. The snow was melting providing puddles for reflections. The sun was shining to create sharp photos.

I did stop by the Franklin Historical Museum and captured a couple of photos inside.