Saturday, October 17, 2015

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Rick Power

Rick Power and I met recently at Panera to talk about his campaign for Town Council. This is the summary of our discussion.

FM - What is your Franklin story?


Rick Power – I grew up in Norwood and went to Xaverian Brothers High School and UMass, Amherst. I was commissioned as an Infantry Office in the Army National Guard and served 12 years. I have three amazing kids, Alyssa, Nicole and Rick. We raised them in Randolph for about eight years and then moved in Lakeland, FL to care for my father-in-law. 
When it was time to return to New England, choosing Franklin as our home was a ‘no brainer’. Renowned for its school systems and secure community, I knew our children would flourish in Franklin. That’s all a dad really wants. Our family roots are also here: my sisters, brother, four nieces and my parents live in town. Although my ex-wife and I are now divorced, the kids still live in the house they know as home. It was an amicable separation and we minimized any disruption for the kids. 
Shortly after we moved to Franklin, my daughter started playing softball for the Franklin Girls Softball Association and I got involved in coaching. I eventually joined the Board of Directors and have served as the President for the past three years. I am still involved in the girls’ softball league even though my daughter is not playing anymore. I promised myself I would leave the league in a better situation than when I joined it and there is still work to be done. 
I work as an Area Manager for the largest complex rehab company in the US. I manage a budget of over $15M and we provide custom wheel chairs for people with progressive diseases like ALS and MS. It is very rewarding, helping people with some pretty tough diseases. 
People ask me how come I want to get involved in politics. My reason is because I love the town of Franklin, and I want to do my part to ensure it grows in a controlled, responsible manner. I want to continue to attract families looking for great schools and a safe community as well as businesses that can offer the town needed products and services.

FM - What do you see as a challenge for the position of Town Council?


Rick Power – They have a few. One would be getting the people a little more engaged. There seems to be a little bit of adversity going on; People vs. the Council. There is also a perception that there are too many realtors and lawyers involved and benefiting from town council development decisions. I feel the council could do a better job addressing those concerns. I won’t engage in negative campaigning when most of what is being said is unfounded. 
We have a town of 34,000 people and less than 20% of registered voters actually get to the polls for local elections (closer to 60% during Presidential elections) and not too many attend council meetings. I get it; these meetings can be pretty boring. Maybe they are designed to be but I feel they could be a little lighter and a more open to discussion. Maybe a town hall style meeting is a better forum where there can be more interaction. 
I recently attended the Opioid Meetings- I thought they were great. The organizers said their piece, a long piece but it had value, and then they opened it up for others to talk and engage. That is the type of engagement I’m talking about, that’s what is needed in the Town Council. 
I am active on Facebook. You have to be very careful. Some people are just looking to be argumentative but most want the interaction. I think that social media is part of the world we live in now. If we aren’t involved there, we’re missing the boat. I do like the immediate feedback that is available about the issues. 
The budget is another big issue. We currently have a balanced budget and it took a lot of hard work to get here but soon we are going to have to do address the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) of $70-$80M I think it is. We can’t keep kicking that can down the road.I want to strike a balance with new development and keeping the small town feel that people came here for or grew up here and love. Transparency and openness into how the decisions are being made is crucial. 
Another issue seems to be the roads and sidewalks. People appreciate the effort but complain about the timeframe to complete. That is a communication thing. What is the timeline? How long will it take? I’d like to see better communication from the DPW on stuff like that.One of the items that came up on Facebook was trying to build a community/teen center in town. We have a great senior center but need something more. I talked with my son about the opioid issues. He said there is nothing to do in town for teens and above so they sit around bored. The bowling alley just closed. We used to have a cinema. I think we are foolish as a town to not look at that at least. It may cost us some money but we did it for the seniors.


FM - What do you bring to the position that would set you apart from the other candidates?



Rick Power – I think we touched on some of my biggest benefits as we talked. I'm not a politician. I am unbiased and pretty open minded. I am willing to look at both sides of the issue before making a decision on which one makes the best sense for the most amount of people. Sometimes there are people, like in my business, that can't advocate for themselves, yet they are worthy of the benefit. We need to advocate for them too. 
I have many years of leadership experience both in the military and in private sector business. I owned or managed several small businesses so I know the challenges they face. 
I am pretty technically savvy, on social media and the like. The feedback and information flow can be pretty intense. 
I think I can be a liaison for the town. I can be a little bit more in touch. Through my family and community involvement I can reach out to a wide range of residents and keep the lines of communication open. 
I’d like to hold some open houses, get some other councilors involved in engaging the community in a conversation about key issues. You got to keep your hands on the pulse of the town.

If you have any follow up questions for Rick, you can contact him via email at rwpower1@verizon.net

You can find additional information about Rick’s campaign on this website http://franklintowncouncil.weebly.com/

You can also visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RickPowerFTC


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.

FHS soccer teams win, volleyball wins, football loses on Friday, Oct 16

Friday was a good day for the FHS falls sports with the exception of the football team. Football lost the homecoming game to Mansfield 24-3. Meanwhile, both the soccer team beat Attleboro (boys 3-0 and girls 5-0) and the volleyball team also topped Attleboro 3-0. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for posting the results that we can share here.


Football

Mansfield, 24 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

  • 1st Quarter: (M) Anthony DeGirolamo 10 yard pass to Mike Arnold, Diogo DeSousa XP good.
  • 2nd Quarter: (F) Nick Yelle 33 yard field goal.
  • 3rd Quarter: (M) D. DeSousa 20 yard field goal.
  • 4th Quarter: (M) Connor Finerty 15 yard rush, D. DeSousa XP good; (M) Nick Graham 80 yard rush, D. DeSousa XP good.


Hatim Brahimi (10) scored a goal and assisted on another, as Franklin beat Attleboro to clinch a postseason spot and a tie for first in the league. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Boys Soccer

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Hatim Brahimi broke open a scoreless game with a goal in the 52nd minute for the Panthers. He then assisted on a goal by Kevin Hall, who added a second in the final minutes of the game.


Girls Soccer

Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 
– Alexis Stowell netted a pair of goals, Emily Foley scored a goal and had an assist and Emily Spath and Abigail Gipson each scored once. Jess Kroushl, Halle Atkinson, Victoria Stowell and Meghan Dieterle each had an assist.


Volleyball

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Franklin’s Caroline Maguire had seven aces and added four kills and a pair of blocks to lead the Panthers. Maddy Kuzio had four aces and a pair of digs and Lauren McGrath had 10 assists and three aces for Franklin.


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-101615/


The boys soccer game against Attleboro was also the subject of a complete write up by Hockomock Sports.
At halftime, the Panthers were in need of a spark. Attleboro had packed the midfield and limited the home team to no shots on target and a single corner. Franklin huddled during the break, discussed the situation, and came out for the second half on the front foot. 
Senior Hatim Brahimi scored what turned out to be the game-winner 12 minutes after the break and added an assist on the first of Kevin Hall’s two goals as Franklin beat the Bombardiers 3-0 on Friday afternoon at Pisini Field. 
With the victory, the Panthers clinched a return to the state tournament and, coupled with a Mansfield draw against King Philip, moved into a tie at the top of the Kelley-Rex standings.

Continue reading the full length article by Josh Perry, Managing Editor
http://www.hockomocksports.com/brahimi-hall-shoot-franklin-past-bombardiers/

Additional boys soccer game photos can be found here:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Fall-2015/Franklin-Attleboro-boys-soccer/

2016 Ballot Question: Stop Common Core MA

Hi Steve, 
Sorry it's taken me a couple of weeks to get back to you! I was hoping we would have a definitive signature signing schedule to provide for you but it seems that our weeks are planned as we go. The best resource for your readership to find locations where they can sign would be to point them to the www.endcommoncorema.com website where each weekend it is updated with signing locations. 
You can read the petition there as well. The deadline for signature submission is November 18, 2015 and the required number of certified signatures is around 69,000 in order for the question to be placed on the ballot. 
End Common Core MA
End Common Core MA

Also on the website, your readers can find who their town Captain is if they are interested in volunteering. Patrick Touhey is Franklin's captain. http://www.endcommoncorema.com/volunteer
This is a grassroots effort to allow the voters of MA to decide if Common Core standards are in the best interest of our superior educational system. I, along with Moira Keating and Janice Dunne, are members of Medway Matters: End Common Core MA. 
I personally got involved in this effort when our school district was considering participating in the PARCC pilot test, at which time I had no idea MA had adopted Common Core. These national standards were implemented back in 2010 with a Race To The Top grant from the federal government, with no input or review process. Experts state that Common Core lowers our existing standards and will not prepare our students for STEM based degrees in college.  
Thanks  
Kelly O'Rourke

Franklin Public Schools: Events

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Here are some upcoming events:


1 - Prepare to Succeed/Transition from HS- Free program hosted by Dean College and the Franklin Y - weekly on Monday evenings - October 19 - November 30 from 6:30-8:00pm Dean College Campus Center FREE 
2 - Calling All Teens/ Come See What Programs the Franklin Library Has to Offer-- Pizza and cake FREE October 22 6:30-8:00 Franklin Public Library  
3 - Open House at Franklin HS Saturday October 24 9:00- am - 11:00 am Coffee and Doughnuts
Franklin High School
Franklin High School


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. 







Fire Fighter Fund Raiser - Chad Larivee - Sunday, Oct 18th

Please join us to aid the family of Chad Larivee, a Taunton firefighter and Franklin resident who was seriously injured in 2014 in a fall from a roof.


12 noon at the Jockey Club in Raynham. Four live bands! Great food/drinks, bounce houses, bowling, raffles, bagpipers and more! Get your $20 entry/donation wristband at the door!

For more info or questions inbox or email at chadlariveefund@gmail.com
Facebook photo for The Chad Larivee Firefighter Fundraiser
Facebook photo for The Chad Larivee Firefighter Fundraiser


The Chad Larivee Fund
The Chad Larivee Fund

Additional info can be found on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/The-Chad-Larivee-Firefighter-Fundraiser-764285140296032/


Related articles on the fund raising efforts over the past year


http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/chad-larivee-fundraiser-oct-18.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/choggys-chuggers-chad-larivee-fund.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/firefighter-chad-larivee-fund.html


Representative Jeffrey Roy Announces November Office Hours

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of November on the following days:


  • Medway – Saturday, November 7th,  9:00-10:00AM, Muffin House Café, 116 Main Street, Medway, MA
  • Franklin – Thursday November 12th,  8:30-9:30, Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA


Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2020, stop by Room 527A in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

Will money pave the way?


Per the PILOT agreement, Exelon will pay the town $73 million in taxes and just under $2.2 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) money, beginning in year 1 with $3,811,248 in taxes and $114,337.44 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) money. 
In year 20, the final year of the agreement, the company will pay $3,482.432.14 in taxes and $104,472.96 in CPA money, per the PILOT agreement. 
Those figures are based on an initial valuation of just under $209 million in the first year that the facility is built. 
In the final year, the plant’s value falls to $190,922,814.93, according to the agreement. 
The agreement will be negotiated in the 19th year. 
The Board of Selectmen will vote on both agreements on Monday, but the PILOT will go to voters at Annual Town Meeting next May.

Continue reading the article on the recent negotiations (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151015/NEWS/151017197/1994/NEWS


Facebook photo from Stop Medway Power Plant group page
Facebook photo from Stop Medway Power Plant group page


Related articles on the power plant expansion under discussion in Medway


On the water needs
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/a-pump-will-be-needed-to-send-water-to.html

Background on the expansion
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/medway-power-plant-expansion.html



In the News: Sabolinski gets 'exemplary', St Vincent DePaul food drive



School Committee members were effusive in their praise of Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, whose performance they evaluated this week. 
At Tuesday night's committee meeting, members said they had rated Sabolinski as "exemplary" in all four categories in which she is judged. 
Committee Chairwoman Paula Mullen gave a brief overview of the contents of the evaluation. 
"I think Maureen is very, very data-driven and collaborative," she said. "She's a creative and effective problem-solver."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151016/NEWS/151016553/1994/NEWS


The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin, One Church Square, will hold its seventh annual Thanksgiving Food Drive from Nov. 1 through Nov. 22, to provide a holiday dinner to those in need and to restock its food pantry shelves. 
Suggested items to donate include applesauce, cranberry juice, popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, jams, cookies, crackers, bread mixes, pudding, candy corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cereal, fruit cocktail, coffee, tea, cocoa, boxes of chocolates, canned yams and other vegetables, rice, chowder and a Thanksgiving tablecloth or decoration. 
Donations may be dropped off any time and may be placed in the boxes at the doors of the church.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151016/NEWS/151016770/1994/NEWS

Friday, October 16, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/16/15 - THU 10/22/15

FRIDAY 10/16/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Luncheon at Dean College (Smith Dining Center)
6-9pm   Fall Porketta Dinner at Franklin Rod and Gun Club ($20), open to public. Dinner service starts at 7pm.
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 10/17/15
9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 10/18/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
8am-12pm   Ladybug 5K at J F Kennedy School on Pond Street. Bib pick up starts at 8am, Kid’s Fun Run at 9:30am, 5K at 10am. Kid’s activities, raffles, games…
9am-12pm   Library Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
11am    Candidate Meet and Greet on the Franklin Town Common (weather permitting)
Noon   Firefighter Fund Raiser for Chad Larivee at the Jockey Club in Raynham
2-5pm   Purrfect Cat Shelter Fundraiser at Pour Richard's in Franklin
3pm   Ed the Wizard Halloween Show at Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 10/20/15
10am    Candidate Meet and Greet at the Nason Street Playground (weather permitting)

WEDNESDAY 10/21/15
6:30-7:30pm   Doggie Tales: Read to a Service Dog, grades 2 and up, registration required

THURSDAY 10/22/15
6:30-8pm   Teen Open House at Franklin Public Library - bring your ideas, learn about valuable resources. Pizza and cake will be served.
6:30-8:30pm   Sip and Sparkle: Franklin Food Pantry Fundraiser at Pour Richard's. Shop Touchstone Crystal, sample wines and beers. $10/ticket - 100% donation to FFP.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Glenn Jones

Glenn Jones and I met recently at Panera to talk about his campaign for Town Council. This is the summary of our discussion.

FM - What is your Franklin story?

Glenn Jones - I have lived in Franklin now for a little over seventeen years. Shortly after we moved here, we had our first daughter, Dakota, then along came Jillian, Simon, Rebecca, and lastly Sabrina. We live in the center of town and enjoy it very much. It is where a lot of fun places to visit are; Franklin Public Library, Historical Museum, Davis Thayer Elementary School, the Commons and so many other enjoyable places. We have embraced Franklin as our home. Our children consider themselves true Franklinites! 
I am big on people getting involved in their community; whether it’s volunteering for the Franklin Food Pantry or the community gardens, helping out with children’s activities – (school based or not). We need to support and promote the overall health and wellbeing of the community. 
I grew up in a family of educators. My mom was a teacher. My sister is a teacher. I am a licensed Vocational Electrical Teacher. I currently teach at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. Education is probably without a doubt THE most important thing we can do for our community, our children and our country as a whole. Keeping our children well educated will ultimately help the United States and our community be key players in the world and global economy. It all starts with education.

FM - What do you see as a challenge for the position of Town Council?

Glenn Jones - What needs to be continuously addressed, and this is speaking as the former Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, are the underutilized available resources that are right here in the Town of Franklin. What I mean by that is, we have a current commercial and industrial base that if built upon, not expanded, would dramatically increase much needed revenues. This would bring new jobs to the Town of Franklin, which has always been a major goal of mine. 
Franklin has a very reasonable tax rate. We get so much with a comparably smaller tax rate in comparison to the other peer communities. However, the wonderful services that we have come to enjoy will be challenged in the near future due to the towns pressing OPEB (other post-employment benefits) obligations. Our pension obligation has yet to be paid out of the town’s budget. We will have to find creative ways to start and continue funding this line item out of future budgets. It will be a large burden for our citizens. It doesn’t take much for these kinds of issues to have a negative domino effect. 
I can also understand the passion that our Pond St neighbors have. I grew up in a small home in Watertown with a commercial property abutting my backyard. The last thing I want to see is commercial development interwoven with residential zones. Our family home was in a residential neighborhood but the City of Watertown zoned a portion of the neighborhood block as a commercial zone. That resulted in my house backing up to a double high fence topped with razor wire. The commercial property (car stereo installer) that was immediately behind the fence had no respect for the neighbors. It was an unattractive and noisy commercial building and the surrounding property was very unkempt and not well cared for. It wasn't really the ideal situation for my family. 
My goal is to work with residents of abutting neighborhoods, together we can find a viable community solution to source revenue while keeping our neighborhoods attractive and our residents satisfied. The last thing we want to see is our property values diminish. I am a no different than my Pond street neighbors. I am a Franklin tax payer and share their passions.

FM - What do you bring to the position that would set you apart from the other candidates?

Glenn Jones – What makes me a significant candidate for this particular role in town government, is that I am experienced, I carry no special interests, I don’t bring a bias to the table, and I have no personal political agendas other than to serve my community. My feelings have been and always will be to remain a solid voice for the people of Franklin. I want to be part of a group that can work collaboratively, make the right decisions, and serve as a dedicated representative of the people of Franklin. 
My reputation is that of a dedicated, honest, hardworking volunteer. I have the track record to back it up. If anyone has questions or would just like to voice their thoughts and opinion, I will always make myself available to them. 
It has always been my opinion that the more voices we get around a particular issue, the more we can accomplish, ultimately coming to a consensus and/or at least a compromise. I know I can make that happen as a team oriented member of the town council. 
If elected I would propose the hiring of a full time public relations officer and the establishment of a Communications Committee made up of real citizens, the PR Officer and two Town Council Liaisons. The monies could be raised through adoption of House Bill - H 1566 - An Act relative to electronic publication of certain legal notices. This bill proposed by State Rep. Jeff Roy and endorsed unanimously by the Franklin Town Council (resolution 14-03) will allow for Franklin to stop having to pay pricy fees to local newspapers to post legal notices.

If you have any follow up questions for Glenn, you can contact him via:
gf_jones@verizon.net

You can also visit his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Vote-Glenn-Jones-Franklin-Town-Council-1646758335567720/timeline/

For reference, Glenn was also interviewed in 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/glenn-jones-answers-3-questions.html 

and in 2009
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/town-council-candidate-glenn-jones.html


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.

FHS field hockey tops Attleboro, golf ties for 7th in league Championships

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the fall sports action on Thursday, Oct 15th. The field hockey team beat Attleboro 4-0 and the golf team finished in a tie for 7th place with King Philip in the Hockomcok League Championships.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Field Hockey

Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 
– Diana Griffin scored a pair of goals, Annie Walsh had a goal and an assists, Cassi Ronan scored once and Alex Sullivan added two assists in the win for the Panthers.

For all the other action around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-101515/


Golf Championship Results

Franklin finished in a tie for 7th place with King Philip

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-golf-championship-results-2015/


Candidate meet and greets - Sunday (Oct 18) and Tuesday (Oct 20)

Steve,
I'm hosting two meet and greets for all the candidates in the contested town races.  
Sunday October 18 at 11:00 A.M. on the Town Common 
Tuesday October 20 at 10:00 A.M. at the Nason Street playground 
Both are weather permitting. 
Every candidate has been invited and I hope for a great turnout of both campaigners and citizens.  It's a chance for people to come by and speak with us for more than 1 minute at a time.

Trevor Clement
School Committee Candidate for Re-election






Franklin Town Common, bordered by Main St, Beaver St, Union St and High St
Franklin Town Common, bordered by Main St, Beaver St, Union St and High St

Franklin Food Pantry - Current Needs List

For those of you interested in organizing a Food and/or Fund Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry, visit our "You can help Us" page for more information. 
In addition to monetary donations, our current needs include the following:
  • Salad Dressing
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ground Coffee
  • Tea Bags
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Chili/Beef Stew
  • Deodorant
  • Hand Soap
  • Brownie/Cake Mix
updated October 2015

Food and non-food donations can be placed in the bin by the Food Pantry front door at 43 West Central St. Please be mindful of what you leave given the weather conditions. 
Financial contributions can be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA  02038 or made securely through our webpage.  
donate securely here
donate securely here

Fall Porketta --> Friday, October 16th!!


Public Welcome!

Come join us for our annual Fall Porketta at the Franklin Rod and Gun Club, Friday, October 16, 2015. Time: 6pm to 9pm, dinner is served at 7pm.

Enjoy all you can eat pasta, salad, superbly cooked pork roast, roasted potatoes and desert. All included with the cost of a ticket.

Tickets are $20 per person, cash bar. Group reservations available.

Contact us to reserve your tickets or go to our website to fill out a ticket order form. http://www.franklinrodandgun.org/

Franklin Rod and Gun Club
Franklin Rod and Gun Club

“It's a very sad and tragic set of circumstances”


Four residents overdosed on heroin last week, two of whom died as a result, police said. They fell victim to the opiate epidemic pervading the state and, in recent years, taking lives at skyrocketing rates. 
“It's a very sad and tragic set of circumstances,” said Police Chief Stephan Semerjian. “When you have individuals that suffer years of this battle, it almost becomes a numbers game – how long can you tolerate and live that way before tragedy sets in.” 
Medical confidentiality laws prevent officials from releasing any specific information on the victims or circumstances of the overdose, he said.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151015/NEWS/151017193/1994/NEWS


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Franklin Candidate for the Board of Health: Tara Gurge

Tara Gurge and I met recently at Panera to talk about her campaign for the Board of Health. This is the summary of our discussion.

FM - What is your Franklin story?

Tara Gurge - I can tell you that my husband and I have lived in Franklin since 2001 (moved to Lincoln St. in Franklin back in Sept. 2001 to be exact.) I was born and raised in North Reading. I went to college at UMass Amherst. After graduation and earning a Master of Science degree in Public Health, I got a fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in Morgantown, WV. That was a good experience seeing what was done at the Federal level in public health. As that was finishing, I was looking to come back to MA and found the position at the local Public Health Department posted in Needham. The director there at the time also had spent time at NIOSH so that was a huge connection.

So I had done the commute from North Reading to Needham for 6-9 months and I said no more, there’s got to be another way. I got married and my husband and I started looking for a house. He’s from Connecticut so we wanted to find something between the two family homes. We looked in Bellingham and found the place in Franklin.

We have loved it here and are currently raising our 3 kids in this wonderful community. I have worked in the Town of Needham for the past 15 years (and have worked very closely under our current 3 member elected Board of Health (BOH), and want to help to provide a different perspective to the Franklin BOH.

I feel I want to start making a difference it the community that I live in, and I feel I have a wealth of experience in the field of public health that I can provide! I still plan to continue to maintain my full-time position in Needham, since I really enjoy what I do – it’s a rare feat to actually go to school for something and have it be exactly what I do in my job. I love helping people and protecting the environment. I always learn something new each day in my job, that’s what makes it so exciting.

FM - What do you see as a challenge for the Board of Health?

Tara Gurge - I want to share the strategies have worked very well in Needham. For example, one method of tobacco substance abuse prevention that has been widely successful, is conducting local, quarterly routine tobacco compliance checks. We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in sales to minors, and the high school smoking rates have dramatically decreased in Needham as a result. 
My background is I like to work with people. I am not out to get people. In changing the tobacco age to 21, we went there in stages. From 18 to 19, from 19 to 20, and so forth, moving gradually. Working with the vendors. At first it wasn’t received very well. We were able to take their comments and suggestions, we revised the regulations. I think it's giving everyone the confidence and making them realize that this isn't really as hard as everyone thinks it is. It ended up being an easy transition. 
I am one of those people that find resources to help the existing Board. I also conduct policy and regulation reviews, to stay on the forefront of public health and prevention. This is important to refine the process to protect our kids. If you can keep them from getting started, from high school up to 21, then the rates of addiction drop dramatically. When we implemented that in Needham, our smoking rate dropped 50%. They thought all the kids will just go to the next town around and buy their product. But that actually wasn't the case, it was the smoking rate that dropped 50%. It was just amazing. So that is one of my passions. I don’t want to say it is going to be all that. It does help to highlight the approach I would take to implement something. I hope to be able to add to the Board to make a difference.


FM - What do you bring to the position that would set you apart from the other candidates?

Tara Gurge - You can see from my resume that I have been in Needham as a Health Agent for the past 15 years. We are structured very much like Franklin. I am very familiar with the structure and the way the day to day operations are run at the local Health Department. Reading the minutes of the Board online, I see you are dealing with the same things we are in Needham. So I have this experience, I have worked with a Board, and I can give back to my own community. I talk with David (McKearney, Franklin’s Health Director) frequently. I bounce ideas off him, he off me, on what we are doing to address this issue or that.

One of my main goals in Franklin is to focus on substance abuse prevention. Having 3 kids in the Franklin Public School system (my oldest just started middle school this year!), I am interested in helping to curb this opioid epidemic so that we can continue to find strategies to protect our kids and ensure that more prevention methods and education is out there in the forefront. 
I’ve also received feedback from Franklin residents on other on-going public health concerns that need to be looked into. Some Franklin parents are scared with what’s out there. It is huge. This epidemic hit home for me, it hit my family. To sidetrack this runaway train, that is one of my big goals. I think it’s time to have a new face that can offer a new and different perspective.

If you have any follow up questions for Tara, you can contact her via email at TGurge@needhamma.gov


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.

October Stroll: Entertainment Schedule!!

October Stroll - Thursday, October 15th 4:00-8:00


Times subject to change
Silver Sponsor Dean Bank will give out pumpkins and decorating kits at the October Stroll
Silver Sponsor Dean Bank will give out pumpkins and decorating kits at the October Stroll

Main Street Parking Lot

4 to 8 p.m. -- Music Odyssey Productions with DJ Domenic Cotoia

Rockland Trust

5 to 7 p.m. -- Kevin Wolfe

Jane's Frames

4 to 5:30 p.m. -- Jamie Barrett

The Cake Bar

WMRC 1490-AM – Live Broadcast, giveaways
4 p.m. and 5 p.m. -- FHS student musicians

Simon's Parking Lot

4 to 5 p.m. – Fred Astaire Franklin
5 to 6 p.m. – Don Newton & Ken Barney
6 to 6:15 p.m. – Inspire Dance Academy
6:15 to 7 p.m. – Don Newton & Ken Barney
7 to 7:15 p.m. – Inspire Dance Academy

THE BLACK BOX

4 to 6 p.m. – Pose for photos with "The Addams Family" characters
6 to 7 p.m. – "The Addams Family" preview

FHS girls soccer keeps their 11th clean sheet winning 2-0

From Hockomock Sports we share that the Franklin girls soccer team continued their clean sheet with their 11th shutout to win 2-0 at North Attleboro.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Girls Soccer

Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final 
– Halle Atkinson and Jess Kroushl scored the goals for Franklin and both were assisted by Alexis Stowell. Head coach Tom Geysen credited his defense for the victory, extending the team’s clean sheet streak to 11 games to start the season.

For the remaining Hockomock League results from Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-101415/

Department of Education Review to be Conducted in Franklin

The Superintendent of the Franklin Public Schools, Maureen Sabolinski, was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of an upcoming Coordinated Program Review that will be taking place this school year. As part of this Coordinated Program Review, Department staff will visit the district during the week of November 16, 2015. Such visits are routinely conducted by the Department to satisfy federal and state requirements for the periodic review of specific education programs and services in schools throughout the Commonwealth. The Department is reviewing several programs during a single visit in order to use Department and school staff's time most efficiently and to encourage strong connections among the programs. 
The Department's Coordinated Program Review will address the following programs: Special Education, Civil Rights and English Learner Education. After reviewing school district procedures for these programs, a Department team will make its onsite visit, during which it will review individual student records, interview administrators, teachers and paraprofessional staff, survey parents and observe instructional spaces. After the onsite visit it will prepare a report for the superintendent and school, with detailed findings for each program. 
Using a scale of ratings ranging from "Commendable" to "Not Implemented," the report will rate the implementation of each requirement reviewed by the Department. Where requirements are found not implemented or only partially implemented, the district must propose to the Department corrective action to bring those areas into compliance with statutes and regulations. Districts and schools are encouraged to incorporate the corrective action into their district and school improvement plans and professional development plan. The school district will be provided with technical assistance from the Department in developing a corrective action plan. Both the Department's report and the corrective action plan are public information and will be available to the public upon request. Program Review Final Reports are also available on the Department's Internet website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/crs/reports/ 
Any member of the public may request to be interviewed by telephone by a member of the Department's visiting team. Those wishing to be interviewed should call the superintendent's office at (508) 553-4819 no later than November 19, 2015 to leave their name and phone number, or they may call the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at (781) 338-3718. A member of the visiting team will contact each person desiring an interview within two weeks after the completion of the onsite visit. If an individual is not comfortable communicating in English or requires some other accommodation, the Department will make arrangements to communicate appropriately with the individual 

Program Quality Assurance Services
MA DESE Program Quality Assurance Services

https://connectdocs.blackboard.com/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-490454_1-t_7BqDaVxN

Jesse Liam Band at the Library today 4:00 - 6:00 PM

In addition to the events already posted for the October Stroll, the Library will be hosting an outdoor concert performed by the Jesse Liam Band.

Jesse Liam Band - 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Oct 15
Jesse Liam Band - 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Oct 15
This is a return performance for Jesse who appeared in July
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/franklin-library-jesse-liam-band-600-pm.html

This was shared from the Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/10/outdoor-concert-with-jesse-liam.html

Frankenstein 5K - Scary Run, Walk & Stomp to Support Wounded Warriors Project

The First Annual Frankenstein 5K Scary Run, Walk or Stomp will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 9:00 AM at Bellingham High School. The entire family is welcome to run, walk, or stomp their way to the finish line. There will be a kids and adult costume contest, face painting, music and food & drink.

The course will take you through the beautiful town of Bellingham, MA finishing at the 50-yard line of the Bellingham High School football field. Sponsored by John Wagner of Liberty Mutual, Team Fitness Franklin, Crossfit Franklin, and Sports & wellness Physical Therapy. 

This event will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, Progeria Research Foundation, and the Bellingham Education Foundation. Following the Frankenstein 5K, there will be a fun-filled family event fair open to all hosted by the Bellingham Public Schools.

Registration for the First Annual Frankenstein 5K Scary Run, Walk or Stomp starts at 7:00 AM, followed by a Kids Run at 8:00 AM, Costume Judging at 8:30 AM and the Frankenstein 5K at 9:00 AM. 

The fees to register are: $20 for students, $30 runner/walker registered before October 25th 2015, $40 for late and day of registration. There is no additional cost for kids entered into the kids race. All entry fees are non-refundable. 

All who register before October 25th will receive a complimentary race t-shirt (standard adult sizes available). Any race day registrants may receive a t-shirt if there are any available.

For more information, please visit www.teamfitnessfranklin.com or email Ellayna Ungureanu at ebungureanu@gmail.com or call (401) 248-4157.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

About The Progeria Research Foundation
The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) was established in 1999 to find the cause, treatment, and cure for Progeria – a rapid aging disease that causes children to die from heart disease or stroke at an average age of 13 years. In the past 13 years, research conducted in partnership with PRF has identified the gene that causes Progeria and possible treatments. 

PRF funded and coordinated this first-ever Progeria clinical trial. PRF is currently funding a clinical trial in which children with Progeria receive FTI plus two additional medications to slow the progression of Progeria. PRF continues to identify more children who can benefit from the programs and services that it provides while helping advance research towards treatment and cure. To learn more about Progeria and what you can do to help, please visit www.progeriaresearch.org.
  
About Bellingham Education Foundation
The Bellingham Educational Foundation (BEF) is an independent, community based, non-profit organization dedicated to enriching, enhancing and supporting education throughout the Bellingham Public School System.  The BEF supports innovation and excellence in pre-K through grade 12 classrooms by raising funds that are critical to keeping our schools at the leading edge of public education.   

The Foundation, with the help of its volunteers, community and business alliances, raise funds for innovative and sustainable projects which motivate students to be lifelong learners, that otherwise would not be possible with existing budgets.  Our goal, through collaboration with educators, parents, and community based resources, is to bridge the gap between adequate and excellence in order to invest in the full potential of all students.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Volunteers needed at the Historical Museum

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 
Interested in Franklin History?
Looking for something to do in your Community? 
The FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM is looking for volunteers  to HOST once a month at the Historical Museum. 
Contact Mary Olsson at 508 520 9187 for more information and she'll get you started.

Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum

Visit the Historical Museum online -->  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Dean College Business After Hours Oct. 22

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT DEAN COLLEGE
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has organized a Business After
Hours at Dean College on Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 
The networking event will be held in the Dean College Campus Center, 99 Main St, Franklin. 
There is no admission fee for Chamber members; $25 for non-members. Register by calling The United Regional Chamber at 508-222-0801.
Dean College
Dean College

For additional information visit the United Chamber online  http://www.unitedregionalchamber.org/


For additional information visit Dean College online   http://www.dean.edu/


FHS Fall Sports - Tuesday, Oct 13

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS fall sports teams on Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015. In soccer vs. Stoughton, the boys lost and the girls won, volleyball won, and field hockey tied. Girls cross country beat North Attleboro and the golf team beat Medway.

Boys Soccer

Franklin, 2 @ Stoughton, 4 – Final 
– With the game tied 1-1 at halftime, Stoughton found the back of the net three times in the second half to score the win. Loubensky Lucas put the Black Knights up 2-1 on a header off a long throw from Josh Mitchell and then Mitchell made it 3-1 with a shot from 25 yards out. Lucas capped Stoughton’s scoring with a long range shot to make it 4-1. Noah Schulze scored Stoughton’s first half goal off another long throw from Mitchell. Nick Parent and Brian Czuba scored for Franklin.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Girls Soccer

Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 9 – Final 
– Alexis Stowell had a hat trick and an assist for the Panthers, while sister Victoria scored one goal and had three assists. Emily Spath scored a pair of goals and Meghan Doherty, Jessica Kroushl, and Emily Mastaj all added goals.

Volleyball

Franklin, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final 
– Dayna McCue had 19 service points, 17 digs and 10 aces to pace Franklin to a 25-15, 25-10, 25-18 sweep on the road. Beth Neal had 12 assists, seven kills, a pair of blocks and an ace and Caroline Maguire added six service points, four kills and three blocks. Stoughton’s Bianca DeSousa had 13 assists, seven digs and five service points.

Field hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final 
– The Panthers had a 12-2 edge in shots but neither side was able to break through. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Seniors Taylor Reutlinger and Kenzi Pleshaw played well in the midfield for the Panthers. Stoughton head coach Dan Mark praised goalie Kara Ploss, saying she played outstanding in goal.

Girls cross country

North Attleboro, 34 @ Franklin, 22 – Final

Golf

Franklin, 162 vs. Medway, 170 – Final 
– David Hardin shot a 39 while Ryan Morse shot a 40 for the Panthers.

For the remainder of Tuesday's action around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-101315/

October Stroll -Thursday, Oct 15th


Come support your Downtown Businesses this Thursday!

Franklin Downtown Partnership - October Stroll - Oct 15

There are more than 35 businesses, groups and entertainers lined up for Thursday's event! 

Come check out downtown Franklin on Thursday, October 15, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Middlesex Savings Bank – Gold Sponsor
Rockland Trust – Gold Sponsor
Dean Bank – Silver Sponsor
DCU – Silver Sponsor
Franklin Ford – Silver Sponsor
The Estate at Franklin – Silver Sponsor
Chestnut Dental – Bronze Sponsor
Keefe Insurance – Bronze Sponsor
Alumni Restaurant – Friends Sponsor
Beaux Regards Photographic Art – Friends Sponsor
Crossway Church – Friends Sponsor
D. G. Ranieri Real Estate – Friends Sponsor
Jane’s Frames – Friends Sponsor
Nexamp – Friends Sponsor
Next Step Living – Friends Sponsor
The Franklin Historical Museum – Friends Sponsor
WMRC Radio – Friends Sponsor

America’s Best Defense
Artistry Kitchen
Bernon Family Branch YMCA
Century 21 Commonwealth
CTE Diane Padula-O’Neill
DJ Domenic Cotoia Music Odyssey Productions
Don Newton
Drama Kids of Metro West
Eco-Embrace
Enchanted Memories Travel
Franklin Art Center
Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center
Fred Astaire Franklin
FHS Student Musicians
Friends of the Franklin Library
Happy Tails DDC/Destination Dog
H & R Block
Inspire Dance Academy
Jamie Barrett
Kevin Wolfe
Kindercare Learning Center
Landscape Depot Supply
Magnolia Heights Gracious Retirement Living
Offices of Senator Spilka and Representative Roy
Optimize Fitness
Pisini Shoes
Rail Good Coffee
Rockland Trust
Sally’s Alley
Simon’s Furniture
Sugar Shoppe
Team Fitness/CrossFit-Franklin
Temple Etz-Chaim
Tom Reardon HVAC
The Black Box
The Cake Bar
Zinc Day Spa

- See more at: http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/#sthash.SplpWNsW.dpuf