Saturday, September 30, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Parent Forums scheduled with the Superintendent

As your new Superintendent of Schools, I am seeking to gain the perspectives of various stakeholders across the Franklin Public Schools. I am thrilled to invite parents of children at the following developmental levels to attend parent forums where I will engage in listening to your thoughts on the strengths of the district and opportunities for growth. Additionally, the forums will afford me the opportunity to share more about myself and my thoughts on education. 

-- Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.


Elementary School Parents
October 23, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. Horace Mann/Oak St. Cafeteria
October 24, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. Horace Mann Health Classroom

Middle School Parents
November 8, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. Horace Mann/Oak St. Cafeteria
November 9, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. Horace Mann Health Classroom

High School Parents
October 30, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. FHS Media Center
October 31, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. FHS Lecture Hall


Franklin High School
Franklin High School





North South Rail Link Meeting in Franklin, MA - Oct 4

The North South Rail Link (NSRL) Working Group Chairman, former Governor Michael S. Dukakis along with State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, will host a NSRL meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA.

The public is welcome to attend this free event to learn more about the proposed NSRL project and ask important questions about this innovative rail initiative.

Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis will discuss the 21st century transportation solution for our area. The North/South Rail Link (NSRL) is a proposed 2.8-mile-long tunnel connecting Boston’s North and South Stations.

“The NSRL is one of the single most important investments in public transportation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said former Governor Michael S. Dukakis. “It is critically important that we connect those two stations to dramatically improve not only the commuter rail but regional rail channeling. I look forward to working with Representative Roy and his colleagues to make this happen.”

“The NSRL will close a major hole in the core of our state’s public and private transportation systems and improve efficiency, mobility, and capacity throughout Massachusetts, New England, and the Northeast Corridor,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “It will make commuting more convenient and accessible to all, and reduce the associated environmental impacts. It would also expand economic development for Franklin area residents through improved access to skilled workers, jobs, affordable housing, and new opportunities for much needed transit-oriented development.”

Led by Gov. Dukakis, the NSRL Working Group has been meeting for the past two years to promote this critically important and worthwhile rail infrastructure project that would be a tremendous benefit for all those who live, work, visit and do business in our area which hosts two commuter rail stations. At the Franklin meeting, he will lead a town hall discussion of the project with a panel of experts.

The construction of the NSRL would result in a reduction in commute times, consequently attracting public transit riders; it would improve air quality by eliminating approximately 55,000 cars off local and regional roadways daily alleviating highway congestion and decreasing carbon emissions; and it would also expand economic development.
North South Rail Link (NSRL)
North South Rail Link (NSRL)

You can learn more about the project at http://www.northsouthraillink.org/and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc

DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm (Free and Open to the Public)
LOCATION: Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
HOSTED BY: Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
MORE INFO: Please visit, http://www.northsouthraillink.org/ and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc to learn more about this project.







Child Care Continuing Education Class - Oct 12

Franklin Public Schools   -   Lifelong Learning Institute
Lifelong Community Learning

Child Care
Continuing Education


Problems and Solutions: Behavior Strategies for Extended Day and Child Care Providers

This workshop provides extended and other child caregivers with concrete strategies and solutions for common behavior problems.  

Improve and update your child care skills with us
Join us for this one-night continuing education workshop aimed at the needs of the Child Care professional. Enjoy a relaxed setting in the company of colleagues AND get Two Contact Hours when you attend the class.

Thursday, October 12      
7:00 to 9:00 pm                        
Franklin High School             
Cost: $25

Senator Ross - Office hours at Franklin Senior Center - Oct 4

Senator Richard Ross will hold office hours at the Franklin Senior Center on Weds, Oct 4 from 10 to 11 AM




Senator Ross - Office hours at Franklin Senior Center - Oct 4
Senator Ross - Office hours at Franklin Senior Center - Oct 4

In the news: hurricane recovery collection; new Treasurer/Collector

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

"The Greater Franklin Community can contribute to the recovery of areas affected by hurricane flooding now and at the church booth of Franklin’s Harvest Festival on Oct. 14. A donation box is located at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St. 
Relief supplies will be sent to affected areas through the international aid group the United Methodist Committee on Relief. 
The church will be collecting items for cleaning buckets and health kits until Oct. 14 each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. until noon. The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings as well. The contribution of funds for others to complete these kits are tax deductible when marked “Advance #901570” in the memo and made out to the church."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/strongfranklin-united-accepting-donations-for-hurricane-victimsstrong

Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St.
Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St.


"Treasurer-Collector, Jim Dacey is retiring in November after 18 years on the job. Franklin resident and current assistant treasurer-collector, Kerri Bertone is due to take his place.
 
Bertone has lived in Franklin for 30 years, and has had a long career in private-sector finance. She was officially hired at the Town Council meeting earlier this week. 
Describe your career background. 
“I started as an administrative assistant with EMC corporation. Then I went to Putnam Investments when it was here in Franklin. ... I was with them for 21 years. They had a lot of work-life balance shifts, so I was able to work in the evening when my children were small."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/franklin-hires-new-treasurer-collector

"there will be further litigation concerning such matters”

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

"THE ISSUE: Several local public officials have drawn controversy over social media posts. 
THE IMPACT: When considering disciplining employees over inflammatory statements, public entities must consider many factors to avoid violating the First Amendment. 
Across Massachusetts, a series of recent posts that public officials and employees have made on social media about NFL players’ protests and President Donald Trump have sparked outrage and raised questions over the First Amendment. 
“If the government wants to try to restrict speech, it’s got to have a pretty compelling reason to do it,” said Dwight Duncan, a UMass School of Law professor who teaches courses on constitutional law and the First Amendment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/public-officials-draw-ire-over-social-media-posts-incidents-shine-light-on-first-amendment

Editors note: Protests have a place in America. They are part of how we started. Recall the Boston Tea Party and other events that lead to the American Revolution. There have been other protests to advance causes from the women's right to vote to ending segregation in the South. One of the more notable sports protests was that of Tommie Smith and John Carlos with the raised black fists at the 1968 Olympics

W.D. Cooper. "Boston Tea Party."
By Original uploader was Cornischong at lb.wikipedia - Source:W.D. Cooper. "Boston Tea Party.", The History of North America. London: E. Newberry, 1789.Engraving. Plate opposite p. 58. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (40)Transferred from lb.wikipedia (all following user names refer to lb.wikipedia):2007-02-18 21:38 Cornischong 696×393× (312674 bytes) *Sujet:Boston Tea Party *Source:W.D. Cooper. "Boston Tea Party.", The History of North America. London: E. Newberry, 1789.Engraving. Plate opposite p. 58. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (40), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16857908



Friday, September 29, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/29/17 - THU 10/5/17

FRIDAY 9/29/17
All day   Tickets go on sale for Harlem Wizards event (www.harlemwizards.com)
11am    Franklin’s History In Photographs @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
12-6pm   Franklin Garden Club: Perennial Plant Sale @ Franklin Farmers Market
6-9pm   Tasting is Believing @ The Little Shop of Olive Oils, Fiori, The Cake Bar
7:30pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 9/30/17
9:30am   Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race/Walk @ Elks Lodge
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7:30pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box
8-11pm   Rick Hamel @ The Alumni Restaurant

SUNDAY 10/1/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9:30-11:30am   Soccer Shoot (free for all) hosted by Franklin Elks @ Kind Street Memorial Park
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box

MONDAY 10/2/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 10/3/17
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 10/4/17
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7pm   Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center
7pm   Gov. Dukakis to Highlight the North South Rail Connector @ Franklin Historical Museum

THURSDAY 10/5/17
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7pm  Informational meeting for Destination Imagination @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

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

Upcoming Prospect Street Detour

"Water service improvements will be taking place on Prospect St near the intersection of Prospect and Washington Street, resulting in limited access to Prospect St. 

Construction is scheduled to start after October 1st and is expected to last several weeks. In an attempt to minimize disruption, construction will take place between 9 am and 3 pm. 

Traffic will be detoured along Washington St to Lake Street in Bellingham; see map for additional information."

Upcoming Prospect Street Detour
Upcoming Prospect Street Detour
This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/upcoming-prospect-street-detour


Let's do something with this 'long way' around. I found a couple of songs with lyrics that you could play while you're taking the "long way home". 

What songs would you add to this list?


Jackson Browne "The long way around"




Norah Jones "The long way home"



FHS girls soccer team tops Attleboro 5-1

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results from Thursday, Sep 28.


Football = Franklin, 22 @ Oliver Ames, 40 – Final
1st Quarter: (OA) Noah Fitzgerald 29-yard rush, XP no good; (OA) Anthony Berksza 15-yard rush, XP no good.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 35-yard pass to Sean Leonard, XP no good; (OA) A. Berksza 19-yard rush, Curtis Cann 2pt pass to A. Berksza; (OA) C. Cann 34-yard pass to Ralph Derolus, A. Berksza 2pt rush; (F) J. Noviello 25-yard pass to S. Leonard, J. Noviello 2pt pass to Evan Wendell.
3rd Quarter: (OA) Michael Mulrean 50-yard interception return, Derick Hanscom XP good; (F) Nick Gordon 4-yard rush, J. Noviello 2pt pass to S. Leonard.
4th Quarter: (OA) A. Berksza 7-yard rush, D. Hanscom XP good.


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final


Girls Soccer = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– Franklin scored four times in the opening half hour to break the game wide open. Emily Mastaj, Halle Atkinson, Olivia Dellorco, and Sarah Yelle scored the goals for the Panthers before halftime and Molly Duncan added a fifth with five minutes left to play. Julia Hayes netted the lone goal for Attleboro. Breanna Atwood made five saves for the Panthers and Ashley Macia made five for the Bombardiers.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-092817/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Tri-County Student Named A Commended Student In The 2018 National Merit® Scholarship Program

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School announced today that Armen Eghian of Seekonk, has been named a Commended Student in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal, Michael Procaccini, to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2018 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

Armen Eghian and Michael Procaccini, Principal
Armen Eghian and Michael Procaccini, Principal
“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

“We were so proud to learn of Arman Eghian being named a Commended Student,” said Principal Michael Procaccini. “Tri-County has an excellent academic curriculum that prepares our students for success whether entering the job market after graduation or continuing on to a higher level of education.”



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

Digital Photography Class for photographers & photography enthusiasts



Digital Photography Class
Beginning October 5

Don't miss out

Understanding Your Digital SLR
3 Week Photography Class

Rich Powers
The Henry Studios

Want to know why your camera does what it does?

In class we will discuss basic functions,
digital camera settings and the various operating modes of the camera.

We will also discuss navigating the different menus in the camera.

Bring your camera manual to class

Thursdays = Oct. 5, 12, 19 = 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Cost = $75
Where = Franklin High School


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Franklin Public Schools -
Lifelong Learning Institute
Lifelong Community Learning

218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038
www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com
508-613-1480

MA Senate Overrides Budget Vetoes; Restores Funding for Education, Public Health, Other Statewide Services

The Senate today (Thursday) restored $24.9M to the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, overriding 26 of Governor Baker's line item vetoes, which totaled $320.6M. These veto overrides bolster valuable programs for children, families and vulnerable residents across the Commonwealth.

"These programs and services provide critical resources for people across the state – from housing support for young people and families, to mental health services for children to basic education and skills training for low income adults," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "The Senate has carefully reviewed vetoes in the context of our difficult fiscal situation and ongoing efforts on health care cost containment. I am confident that the budget remains in balance and cautiously optimistic about revenue collections and potential savings moving forward."

"The Senate's analysis shows that these critical services are necessary and affordable and will go a long way toward supporting working families across the Commonwealth," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). "These investments will ensure that the right resources are in place to educate and promote the wellbeing of tomorrow's learners and leaders, while also taking care of our most needy."

The Senate restored funding for several programs that focus on high quality education for everyone, from children at birth to adults making midlife career transitions. Overrides include $200K for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative and $850K for adult basic education.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and advancing public health across the state, restoring $1.3M for early childhood mental health clinicians, $5M for MassHealth Senior Care and $800K to eliminate the waiting list for pediatric palliative care. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Senate restored $200K for Samaritans Inc. suicide prevention, intervention, education and outreach services.

Other overrides include:

  • $1.9M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council
  • $675K for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Services
  • $250K to expand the Housing Court to serve all residents across the state

Information meeting Oct 5 for Destination Imagination

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

"An information meeting about Destination Imagination (DI) in Franklin will be held on Oct. 5, 7 p.m., in the pre-school room at the Franklin YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, to learn more about DI and all that the program has to offer children. 
Franklin Destination Imagination is a 501c3 non-profit organization that operates this after school enrichment program open to all kids from 2nd grade through high school in Franklin. 
Also check out www.destinationimagination.org.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170926/time-to-sign-up-for-destination-imagination-in-franklin

Destination Imagination Twitter image
Destination Imagination Twitter image

Thursday, September 28, 2017

4th Annual "Choggy Strong" Firefighter Fundraiser - Oct 7


On July 29, 2014, while off duty, my friend and fellow Taunton Firefighter, Chad "Choggy" Larivee suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting from a fall from a roof. Chad, along with two other off duty firefighters, was repairing a roof when Chad fell approximately twenty-five feet. Chad was immediately flown to Rhode Island Hospital Trauma Center where he underwent over 9 hours of extensive surgery. At that time it was determined that Chad's accident had left him paralyzed. 
 
Upon receiving this devastating news, Chad's brother and sister firefighters, friends, and family did what they do best and jumped into action. Knowing the possible financial struggles that come with an accident like this, the Taunton firefighters kicked their fundraising efforts into high gear.
 
In this past 3 years Chad and his family have had to make some major adjustments. Many of these adjustments were facilitated by the people and local businesses that donated to, and or attended the past years fundraisers. The donations have also helped to offset the cost of some of Chad's much needed therapy, which is not covered by medical insurance. 
 
The members of the Taunton Fire Department, along with Chad's family and friends, are coming together once again to hold our 4th Annual "Choggy Strong" Firefighter Fundraiser. We are currently seeking raffle prize donations that will be used during our event to be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the PACC in Taunton. Please consider donating, so that we can help assist our brother firefighter and his family in their continued fight. If you or your business is able to donate, please contact Anne Gilberti at 508-667-4066 or annegilberti@yahoo.com.
 
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
 
Tim O'Leary
Anne Gilberti
508-667-4066 (cell)



4th Annual "Choggy Strong" Firefighter Fundraiser - Oct 7
4th Annual "Choggy Strong" Firefighter Fundraiser - Oct 7

Franklin Police - Halloween Party - Oct 29

Come join us for a fun filled afternoon at the Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way, Sunday, Oct 29. 

The fun starts at 4:00 PM and last until 7:00 PM. Ages pre-school to 5th grade.

Food donations being accepted for the Franklin Food Pantry


Franklin Police - Halloween Party - Oct 29
Franklin Police - Halloween Party - Oct 29

FHS field hockey and volleyball teams top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results from Wednesday, Sep 27.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final
– Frankin junior Cassi Ronan had a hand in all four Panthers goals, scoring a pair and assisting on the other two. Juniors Annie Walsh and Regan Paterson each scored once and added one assist in the win. Panthers goalie Christina Luccini made nine saves in the win while FHS head coach Lisa Cropper said Jill McLaughlin did “an outstanding job in the midfield.”


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final
– Maggie Doyle had a strong day at the service line, recording 14 service points, including three aces, and added five kills as the Panthers earned a sweep on the road. Ellie Wisniewski (eight kills) and Meaghan Maguire (seven kills) helped pace Franklin’s offense.


Golf = Franklin, 166 @ Mansfield, 162 – Final
– Mansfield senior Brendan Loomer and freshman Brian See both carded rounds of 38 to lead the Hornets to a close win over Franklin. Senior Madison Haughey and freshman Joseph Gormley added rounds of 43 for the Hornets.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-092717/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Cultural Connections - Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House - Oct 10

The Franklin Cultural Council is sponsoring a new program called Cultural Connections, an arts and culture roundtable designed to bring members of arts and cultural organizations from many towns together to talk, network, and share stories on various topics about what has and hasn't worked in their organizations. 

Cultural Connections will get together several times a year for a casual few hours of discussion. 

The first session will be held on Oct. 10 at 7:00 pm at Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House at 395 E. Central Street, Franklin, and the topic up for discussion is Social Media in the arts community. 

For more information, or to register, please visit http://bit.ly/2wI2wRp

This program is free and open to anyone interested in the arts from any organization in any town.


Cultural Connections - Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House - Oct 10
Cultural Connections - Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House - Oct 10

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor Fundraiser, Sat - Sep 30

7th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk

Sponsored by St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Society

September 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

This weekend the St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Society will hold their 7th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk. This Walk is the group's main fund raiser. Proceeds allow the St. Vincent de Paul group to accomplish our major goal, caring for our neighbors in need. Full details available online at www.fopwalk.org

Registration will be between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. After registration participants will . then begin the walk of (1, 2 or 3 miles). All money raised stays in Franklin, to assist anyone in need of help, which can take many forms - including financial help, food, housing, medicine and clothing. All information is kept confidential.

Join together, with family and friends
to make our Walk better than ever!

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor Fundraiser, Sat - Sep 30
St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor Fundraiser, Sat - Sep 30

Reminder: SEPAC Parents' Night Out - Sep 28

From the Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)

Drinks image

Parents' Night Out

Please join us on Thursday, September 28, 2017
At 7:00 pm Cole's Tavern


Come for a casual night out for some laughs, good food and a few drinks!

Look forward to seeing you there!




Click to view this email in a browser


Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council
355 East Central St.
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
US

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