Saturday, January 13, 2018

Franklin Town Government 101 - January 27 - 10 AM to noon

Franklin Town Government 101

What makes our town government tick? How can you have your voice heard? How can you get involved? What are the big challenges facing town government this year?

Come to Franklin Town Government 101 to find answers to some of these questions!

WHEN: Saturday, January 27 10-noon (snow date, if library closes, Feb. 3)

WHERE: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA (ground floor meeting room)


PROGRAM:


10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions

10:10 AM Government and the Potential to do Good 
– Dr. Robert Krim, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Framingham State University. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Krim is the Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Management Consortium, a partnership between the City of Boston and the Greater Boston management training and organizational development community. This partnership helped the City to be innovative and efficient and, in particular, helped lower the homicide rate by 50%.

10:40 Town and State! 
– Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy has previously held positions on the Franklin School Committee and Town Council. He will discuss the rewards (and perils) of getting involved in town government. He will also discuss some of the lessons he has learned about municipal government, as well as providing some perspectives on how state policies and funding help (and sometimes complicate) town government.

11:10 Franklin 2018 – the Challenges Ahead 
– a conversation and question and answer period with Town Council representative Tom Mercer and School Committee member Denise Schultz, moderated by Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters.

12:00 Adjourn

Franklin Town Government 101 is sponsored by Franklin in Focus, a citizens’ group supporting more transparent and effective government in Franklin.

Franklin Town Government 101 - January 27 - 10 AM to noon
Franklin Town Government 101 - January 27 - 10 AM to noon

Note: Yes, I am looking forward to participating in this discussion

Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra visits Franklin on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 for an Open Rehearsal at 7:30 PM in the Franklin High School Auditorium.

The rehearsal, which is hosted by the Franklin Public School Music Department, is open to ALL Franklin Public School Students and ALL residents of Franklin.

During this first ever visit to Franklin by the CHSO, they will be rehearsing for their “Russian Romance” concert program that will take place on Saturday evening, February 3, 2018 in the Milford Town Hall Grand Ballroom.

The orchestra is performing Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” – a lush, colorful and epic orchestral “Tone Poem” based on the “Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights.” In the story and depicted by the music, the Princess Scheherazade begins a story-telling series to her husband, the King, in order to forestall him having her executed after their wedding night, as had been his frequent custom. The King becomes so enthralled by the on-going tales, which included Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba, that he keeps her alive night after night to hear the next installment! Rimsky-Korsakov’s magnificent orchestral score is a big feature for solo violin, which will be performed by the CHSO’s phenomenal Concertmaster, Angel Valchinov.

Also on the program and set to rehearse on that night in Franklin is Sergei Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous and popular "Piano Concerto No. 2". This features Beth Surapine on piano, who has performed frequently with the CHSO and throughout the Milford/Franklin region for the past two decades,

Entrance to the open rehearsal is FREE ADMISSION, and attendees will also receive a voucher for a Special Discount Ticket for the concert that week, to hear the finished product of what they experienced at the rehearsal.

“We’re very excited to visit Franklin for this open rehearsal,” said Paul Surapine, Founding Executive and Artistic Director of Claflin Hill. “Many of our musicians have had ongoing and strong ties to Franklin, including myself, and a significant number of Franklin Public School Music Faculty past and present are permanent members of the CHSO. Additionally, Franklin accounts for more members of the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies than any other community throughout the entire region, which is a strong endorsement of the music education program in progress in Franklin for the last twenty years. We’d like to thank CHSO Violinist and Franklin Public Schools Music Director Diane Plouffe for her invitation to come to her community. We hope it will be an interesting and educational experience for the music students and entertaining for all who attend.”

For more information on all upcoming Claflin Hill concerts and events, visit www.claflinhill.com

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30
Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30

16 Franklin High School Music Students perform with the Massachusetts Central District Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra

Sixteen members of the Franklin High School music program auditioned and were accepted into the 2018 Massachusetts Central District Honor Ensembles. The performances took place on January 13th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.

Participating in the Central District Band were 

  • Simon Brooks - Tuba
  • Lauren Dennett - Tenor Saxophone 
  • Emma Kucich - Flute

Performing with the Central District Jazz Band was 

  • Robert Castro on Drum Set. 

Selected to perform with the Central District Orchestra were 

  • Zachary Cullins - Bass Trombone
  • Augustine Marzoratti - Clarinet
  • Sumit Choudhury - Viola
  • Ryan Darcey - Violin
  • Warren Loukota - Cello
  • Miles Reed - Cello
  • Brendan Ryan - Cello 
  • Brinda Venkataraman - Violin

Singing in the Central District Chorus was 

  • Kevin Buckley - Tenor
  • Jenna VanHyning - Soprano 
  • Evan Kurdi - Bass



16 Franklin High School Music Students
16 Franklin High School Music Students


FHS boys, girls basketball and swim teams post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Jan 12, 2018 



Girls Basketball = Franklin, 49 @ Holy Name, 42 – Final 
– Franklin went to Worcester and picked up a season sweep against Holy Name. After hitting two clutch free throws that forced overtime in the first meeting with the Naps, freshman Elizabeth Wilson scored 20 points to lead the Panthers.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 91 @ Mansfield, 74 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 93 @ Mansfield, 72 – Final

Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 52 @ Franklin, 67 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Having three legitimate offensive options has made Franklin one of the top teams in the area. But its now safe to say senior Matt Elias gives the Panthers a fourth. 
Senior Paul Mahon, junior Jalen Samuels and sophomore Chris Edgehill have been reliable options for the Panthers over the past year and a half, but Elias has elevated his game this season. 
The senior sharpshooter scored a career-high 17 points, connecting on four three-pointers to lead the Panthers to a key 67-52 win over Mansfield, putting the teams into a first-place tie in the Kelley-Rex. It also marked Franklin’s first win in its current gym, which opened in 2014. 
“Elias had a huge game,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He’s a silent assassin. When he’s playing well, we’re playing well. You go right down the line, we have guys that can play but he’s really stepped up for us all season long, he’s had big shot after big shot. He’s shooting with a lot of confidence, he’s playing with a lot of confidence and that’s what we’re going to need if we’re going to win games like tonight.”

Continue reading he game summary
https://hockomocksports.com/elias-lifts-franklin-boys-basketball-to-key-division-win-over-mansfield/

For the other Hockomock League results on Friday night
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-12-17/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


Via the Twitterverse

(follow the FHS Sports list to see the results in your Twitter feed
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

If you find a Twitter account that should be listed, please let me know)


















Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation on behalf of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce their upcoming move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin. The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation will be breaking ground in the spring of 2018 with a planned opening of the new 72,000 square foot building for the 2019-2020 school year.

This process included an extensive review by the Franklin Conservation Commission, the Franklin Planning Board and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA). Financing for the project has been secured through a bank group led by Citizens Bank. Project management of the new facility is being provided by Daedalus Project, Inc. and the building has been designed by leading architectural firm Arrowstreet.

Head of School Heather Zolnowski shares “This is an exciting time in the history of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The new facility and grounds will provide the administration and faculty with the opportunity to enhance an already very successful academic program, provide a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty and staff and secure the schools future for decades to come.”

The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities. With the opening of this new building the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School will be able to welcome more families than ever before possible.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, BFCCPS will increase enrollment from 50 students to 92 students per grade in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Five. Over the next ten years, enrollment will expand from the current cap of 450 students to a total of 900 students. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment and candidates for employment are encouraged to follow http://bfccps.org/about/employment/ for ongoing information.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School


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


About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.


Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $151.4 billion in assets as of September 30, 2017. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. 
In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a 24/7 customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,200 ATMs and approximately 1,200 branches in 11 states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. 
In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers corporate, institutional and not-for-profit clients a full range of wholesale banking products and services, including lending and deposits, capital markets, treasury services, foreign exchange and interest rate products and asset finance. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.


Additional info from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/special-edition-an-exciting-expansion-update-from-bfccps/

In the News: Franklin students play in Central District honors concert; missing art mystery solved

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Sixteen Franklin High School musicians are scheduled to play at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of the Massachusetts Central District Honors concert. 
Students from chorus, orchestra, band, and jazz band, made this year’s ensemble. Music Director Diane Plouffe said about 300 students from about 90 towns will qualify for the central districts. 
She said during their auditions, judges look for several qualities like tone-quality, articulation, knowledge of scales, and sight-reading skills. 
“They’re all very responsible kids,” she said. “They’ve been studying music since middle school, or some since elementary school.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180112/franklin-high-musicians-perform-at-mechanics-hall

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus
some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus
"The disappearance of Tyvek-covered books contained in an art exhibit was not vandalism, but rather an act prompted by misunderstanding by a public-spirited citizen. 
Franklin Police announced the end of the investigation regarding the missing art installment at Sculpture Park, and while the person responsible was found, those in charge of the installment chose not to press charges. 
Leader of the investigation, Lt. Mark Manocchio, said the previously suspected vandalism of the property was in fact fallout by a resident who chose to take things into their own hands. 
The installment was a project authorized by the town, where art students from Wheaton College were hanging 116 Tyvek-covered books in the park to commemorate the books donated to Franklin’s first public library by Benjamin Franklin. They plan to redo the project in the spring, along with two other sculptures."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180112/franklin-police-say-theft-of-books-in-art-exhibit-was-misunderstanding

Women's FIT Boxing - next session starting -Tuesday, Jan 16

WOMEN'S FIT BOXING!

The next 5 Week Session of Women's FIT Boxing begins next Tuesday, January 16! Enrollment is NOW OPEN! Every Friday is also Bring A Friend Day FREE, 4-5 PM. Women's FIT Boxing is specifically designed for every level of fitness or even if you're joining an exercise program for the 1st time! Come give it a try!

1 Class Per Week
Member (CF and Fitness) $60
Non-member Cost $75
Unlimited Weekly Member (CF and Fitness) $115
Non-member Cost $130


*EVERY FRIDAY 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM is BRING A FRIEND DAY! 
Bring your bestie, mom, sister, partner, co-worker (any woman in your life) :-) FREE!
Choose the day that packs the best punch for you!


TUESDAYS - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

FRIDAYS - 5:30 AM - 6:30 AM

FRIDAYS - *4:00 PM - 5:00 PM BRING-A-FRIEND FRIDAY-FREE!

SATURDAYS - 7:00 AM-8:00 AM

#cantisnotanoption
mc@timelesscrossfit.com
Women's FIT Boxing - next session starting -Tuesday, Jan 16
Women's FIT Boxing - next session starting -Tuesday, Jan 16


Friday, January 12, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/12/18 - THU 1/18/18

FRIDAY 1/12/18
All Day   Act of Kindness Day to remember Lexi and Sean Munroe (join in by performing a random act of kindness today)
9am   5th Grade Concert @ Davis Thayer Elementary
9am   3rd Grade Concert @ J F Kennedy Elementary
9:45am   4th Grade Concert @ J F Kennedy Elementary
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:30am   Kids Teddy Bear Tea Party and Picnic @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Franklin Senior Center

SATURDAY 1/13/18
9:30am   Family Yoga Adventure @ Franklin Public Library
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Animal Tales (ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Baby Sensory @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Two Folks Music Duos: Andy and Judy Dangle, Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli @ Original Congregational Church, Wrentham
8pm   Tim Ray Trio @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 1/14/18
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 1/15/18
All Day   No School - MLK Holiday
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

TUESDAY 1/16/18
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Guided Meditation for Stress Relief with Suzi Purcell @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 1/17/18
9am-8pm   Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1:30pm   Preschool Play N’ Learn @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Book Bites @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Doggie Tales @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Mid Year Stress Relief @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 1/18/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4-6pm   Open House @ Franklin Children’s School
4pm   Mommy and Me Paint Class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm   Franklin SEPAC: Non-Verbal Learning Disorders @ Franklin Municipal Building, 3rd floor
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ 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.

Franklin Police: "no malicious intent behind the removal of the sculpture"

The Sculpture Park's missing art has been resolved:
"The Franklin Police Department has concluded its investigation into the missing Sculpture from the Town’s Sculpture Park, which was originally reported on December 1st, 2017. The missing sculpture was one of three graciously donated by a public art class from Wheaton College. Before the final installation was complete Wheaton Students noticed the majority of the sculpture that was previously installed had been removed.

The Franklin Police Department has determined that there was no malicious intent behind the removal of the sculpture. It was removed as a result of a miscommunication and misunderstanding. The town resident that removed it has contacted Wheaton College, explained their actions, and offered an apology.

There will be no charges filed as a result of the incident. “The Franklin Police believe this to be a teaching moment.” said Franklin Police Lieutenant Mark Manocchio, the principal investigator. “Art is looked at and interpreted in different ways, by different people.” Manocchio said. 
If you see something and are not sure if it belongs in the park please contact the Town Administrator’s office or the police department for clarification."
This was shared from the Franklin Police Dept page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-sculpture-park

In case you missed the prior notice, you can view it in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/missing-100-sculptures-at-sculpture-park.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/they-put-in-all-that-time-and-they.html

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus
some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus
This was one of several photos I had the opportunity to take on the Sunday before the books were found missing.

Additional photos of the Sculpture Park can be found here
Where is the Sculpture Park?





FHS indoor track teams split with Oliver Ames

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Jan 11, 2018 


Boys Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 46 vs. Oliver Ames, 54 – Final
– Oliver Ames took all of the points in the long jump, and took first and second in the 55M hurdles and the high jump to edge the Panthers. Kalil Matier, who also won the 55M dash, took first in the long jump with John MacAdam (55M hurdles and high jump winner) second and Aaron MacDonald (300M winner) third. Jack Dore took second in the 55M hurdles and Cole Richardson was second in the high jump. For Franklin, sophomore Tyler Brogan won both the 1000M (league-best 2:44.36) and the 2 Mile (league-best 9:57.15). Junior Michael Hagen (4:36.67), freshman Nicholas Calitri and senior Paul Linehan swept the 1 Mile race of the Panthers.

Girls Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 66 vs. Oliver Ames, 34 – Final
Franklin, 66 vs. Oliver Ames, 34 – Final – The Panthers placed first in eight of the 12 events, sweeping both the shot put and the long jump. Seniors Sarah Goodermuth, Miranda Smith, and Allison Rizoli took first, second and third in the shot put while junior Lauren McGrath, senior Jess Kroushl, and senior Brianna Cummings swept the long jump. Kroushl also won both the 55M dash (7.43) and 300M (42.32) for the Panthers. Katherine Hartnett won the 600M, senior Nicole Clermont took first in the 1 Mile, junior Katrina Walbert won the 2 Mile, and junior Daniella Pierre won the 55M hurdles. Oliver Ames picked up wins from sophomore Abby Hodges (1000M) and junior Gabrielle McLaughlin (high jump).



For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-11-18/

Detailed results event by event for the Indoor Track meet Thursday
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/319403/results

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

MassBudget: Fiscally sound state budget is key this year



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.
Fiscally sound state budget is key this year
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget year could be the most eventful in decades, with major changes in federal policy looming and ballot questions that could reshape state tax policy likely to appear on the November ballot. This year's budget will be written in a climate of uncertainty, and against a backdrop of ongoing fiscal challenges. Recent tax revenue trends, however, have been positive, potentially creating an opportunity to address the state's fiscal instability.

Our FY 2019 Budget Preview examines the state's fiscal condition heading into FY 2019 and examines projected revenue growth as well as the costs of maintaining current services.

While recent revenue trends suggest the state could end FY 2018 in a strong fiscal position, when enacted the FY 2018 budget was precariously balanced. It relied significantly on temporary revenue sources, including counting on 13 months of sales tax revenue rather than 12. And it has not yet fully-funded a number of accounts that everyone agrees will need to be funded (such as for removal of snow and ice from the roads). If strong revenue growth continues this year and into next year (December revenue data show monthly tax revenue $527 million above the benchmark and year to date $728 million over benchmark) then the state could be in a position to reduce or end the practice of relying on temporary revenue and savings to balance the budget.

Producing a more fiscally sound state budget for FY 2019 could be particularly important as the threat of federal budget cuts and cost-shifting to the state looms in the months and years ahead.

Read the full preview here.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
screen grab of MassBudget webpage
screen grab of MassBudget webpage

In the News: Session on how government works scheduled; NationalGrid changing rate request

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

"A small group of dedicated residents is holding a community meeting they’re calling “Franklin Town Government 101.” 
The goal of the get-together is to field questions about how local government ticks, how residents can access more information, and how to have their voices heard. 
The first of what is expected to be multiple meetings will occur on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Franklin Public Library, with a snow date of Feb. 3. 
Co-organizer and father of newly-elected town council member Eamon Earls, Alan Earls, said he’s not looking to kick up dust with town officials, but rather hopes to further unite them with their residents. 
“We don’t want it to be an ‘us versus them’ thing at all,” he said. “I realize (town officials) also have a really big challenge in working with the town, because many of us don’t know a lot of what happens, and how it works.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/franklin-meeting-to-share-with-residents-how-local-government-works


"National Grid will seek a smaller rate hike in Massachusetts than it originally requested, the utility company said Thursday, citing the benefit of the recent federal tax reform bill. 
The company announced that it will reduce its proposed rate hike for Bay Staters by $36 million -- from a total increase of $87 million to $51 million --due to unexpected savings the company is now expecting to see as a result of the federal corporate tax rate dropping from 35 percent to 21 percent. 
“We are committed to ensuring that the tax savings of the legislation are fully realized and are used to help our customers in their energy bills,” Cordi O’Hara, president and COO of National Grid in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “We’ll continue to seek opportunities to provide this benefit to all of our customers.” 
National Grid said it does not yet know exactly how the changed proposed rates will affect customers’ bills, but did say the change will “result in smaller impacts than originally proposed and will vary across rate classes and customer usage.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/citing-tax-law-national-grid-reduces-rate-hike-request

In the News: Town Council goal setting workshop

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

"The Town Council held its 2018-2019 goal-setting session on Wednesday night, discussing budget shortfalls, and new infrastructure. 
Some important points made during the meeting: 
Funds 
Free cash is down about $1 million over last year’s numbers. Some of the funds will be used toward the snow/ice stabilization fund, while about $1.5 million have yet to be allocated. Financial committee meetings have yet to be scheduled. 
Information is being gathered on the $3 million budget shortfall, and how to resolve it. The council is working with town departments on the issue, and how to have it planned out soon."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/franklin-council-goals-budget-shortfall-downtown


My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

Part 1 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-town-council-workshop.html

Part 2 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-workshop-part-2.html

Part 3 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-workshop-part-3.html

The agenda document posted before the meeting

the downtown triangle, early in the morning one day this week
the downtown triangle, early in the morning one day this week

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum on Education Funding - Feb 13

Our goal as a School Committee is to make sure Franklin Public Schools remain a shining star among both private and public schools across the state. We have been able to maintain services while ranking 272 out of 323 Massachusetts districts in per pupil spending. In our region of more than 30 towns we ranked fifth from the bottom in per pupil expenditure (based on fiscal year 2016 data). 

Rising health insurance, transportation and special education tuition costs have increasingly created pressures on the school budget. Additionally, the state has mandated a number of programs with which all public schools must comply, but has not provided additional funds to support them. In addition, the Franklin Fiscal Forecast published on April 11, 2017 indicates challenging budget cycles are ahead. We cannot and will not jeopardize our excellence as a school system.

We have confirmed attendance of our state legislators, Senators Richard Ross and Karen Spilka and Representative Jeffrey Roy to provide updates and insights on legislative initiatives directly impacting public schools in general and Franklin in particular. Their focus will be on funding and other school issues on which they will be working in the current legislative session.

Please join us on Tuesday evening, February 13, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in the Franklin High School Lecture Hall. We strongly encourage and greatly appreciate citizen involvement in the budget process.

The Franklin School Committee intends to host another forum in the Spring with our federal elected official(s) to discuss federal level funding and policy impacts. We hope you can join us for these important community discussions.

For additional information, please contact Anne Bergen, Chair of the Franklin School Committee, at 508-520-1469 or Denise Schultz, Vice Chair of the Franklin School Committee at 508-612-5950.


Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum on Education Funding - Feb 13
Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum on Education Funding - Feb 13

The Franklin Fiscal Forecast
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy18_-_fy22.pdf





HMEA Fund raising: Studio Two is Back! - Feb 24





Studio Two is Back! - Feb 24
Please join us!

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Black Box Theater
15 West Central St, Franklin

7:00 - 10:00 PM
(doors open at 6:00)

food raffles prizes
$20 per person
(proceeds benefit HMEA)
tickets
HMEA, 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by hmea@hmea.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact