Saturday, January 12, 2019

Veterans walkway: Brick Sales Update

Brick sales are ongoing!

The next brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway is scheduled for Memorial Day 2019.

The Brick order form https://post3402.org/documents
Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

Veterans walkway: Brick Sales Update
Veterans walkway: Brick Sales Update

Post sharing the dedication ceremony on Nov 11, 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/virtuosity-deserves-some-concrete-and.html

Franklin TV recorded the ceremony, view the video on YouTube
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/veterans-memorial-walkway-celebration.html

Second Sunday Speaker Series: "When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019"

Local historian Alan Earls returns to the museum Sunday, January 13 at 1:15 PM to discuss a dark day in Franklin’s history. The early decades of the 1900’s were tumultuous and violent times throughout the world. Anarchy ruled and many cities, towns and communities found themselves caught up in the violent movement, including right here in Franklin.

When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary an historic and terrifying tragedy in Franklin’s history – an attempted bombing of the Ray Textile Mill on Union Street. Four local Italian-immigrant anarchists were killed when the dynamite bomb they were carrying to the Ray Mill went off prematurely, an event that brought world attention to Franklin. Earls will deliver a slide show and presentation on this event; the historical background and world events that led up to it; the men and their motives, and the aftermath – including the stories of the children and families of the would-be bombers. Join us for an interesting look back at this tragic event.

2019 Calendars are available for sale in the museum gift shop for $5.00. Filled with photos and facts on the town we all love. Get yours now.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.


Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum
Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Wins posted by FHS girls and boys basketball, and swim teams on Friday

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Jan 11, 2019

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 75 @ Taunton, 37 – Final
– Ali Brigham was dominant again for the Panthers, scoring 26 points and pulling down 17 rebounds. Bea Bondhus added 12 points for Franklin, which had 11 different players get on the score sheet.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 56 @ Taunton, 37 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 51 @ Taunton, 42 – Final

Boys Basketball = Taunton, 45 @ Franklin, 50 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:
"After seeing a large first half lead disappear, the Franklin boys basketball team was on the verge of letting a second half lead evaporate as well. 
Holding a five-point lead with 1:30 to, Franklin’s advantage quickly shrunk to just one after a putback from Taunton senior Michel Quinn and a strong take from Lou Vendrell with 39.8 to go. 
The Panthers, after scoring 20 points in the first quarter, had been limited to just 30 over the next 23 minutes and were in need of a spark. After a timeout, Franklin got the ball into the hands of junior Chris Edgehill (13 points, five assists), and he took advantage of a Taunton miscommunication after a double screen to get enough separation for a three with 20 seconds left, helping secure a 50-45 win over Taunton. 
“It was absolutely a grind,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “Getting off to a great start helps a lot especially when you aren’t playing your best in the middle quarters. The second and third quarters we got really stagnant on offense. We stopped doing everything we did in the first quarter that was working. We weren’t running the floor as hard, we weren’t cutting or screening as hard, we weren’t reacting off screens really well. The motion got stymied, we weren’t moving the ball.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-grinds-out-close-win-over-taunton/

Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Franklin-Taunton-Boys-Basketball-01-11-19

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-11-19/

Franklin’s Will Harvey (33) defends a shot from Taunton’s Michael Quinn (2) in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Will Harvey (33) defends a shot from Taunton’s Michael Quinn (2) in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)


"Bill to ban some flame-retardant chemicals dies"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker will not sign into law a ban on certain chemical flame retardants in household goods, he told lawmakers Friday afternoon, citing concerns with the bill sent to him on the final day of the 2017-2018 legislative session. 
The House and Senate sent Baker the bill on New Year’s Day, a move that was cheered by environmental advocates and firefighters who spent years pushing for passage, but which also made the bill subject to dying on the governor’s desk and precluded any opportunity for the governor to return it with an amendment or for lawmakers to override a veto. 
Supporters of the bill had said the chemicals they sought to ban are unnecessary and can pose health risks to children and firefighters. 
The 12,000-member Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts pushed for the bill’s signing and officials there said that while disappointed, they plan to keep advocating for the legislation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/bill-to-ban-some-flame-retardant-chemicals-dies-on-governors-desk

National Institute of Environmental Health Services
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm

Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/02/how-safe-are-flame-retardants/index.htm

When the audio recording of Finance Committee meeting of Jan 8 get published you'll be able to hear Fire Chief Gary McCarragher talk about his concern for the retardants that contribute to the higher than normal rate of cancer among fire fighters.

Flame retardants are chemicals that are added or applied to materials in order to slow or prevent the start/growth of fire
Flame retardants are chemicals that are added or applied to materials in order to slow or prevent the start/growth of fire (NIEHS photo)

"will make sure things stay organized and up to date"

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

"Franklin is taking its past into the future as the town seeks a part-time archivist for the Franklin Historical Museum. 
Thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a professional toured the museum to determine its needs. The result was a decision to hire an archivist. That person will be paid with money from a grant the town received last fall. 
It’s unclear when the town will hire the archivist, but museum officials are interviewing candidates. About $30,000 is put aside for the job."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190112/franklin-museum-to-hire-new-archivist

one of the pieces in a Ben Franklin display for his birthday in 2015
one of the pieces in a Ben Franklin display for his birthday in 2015

In the News: plastic bags eliminated by BIG Y; breathalyzer tests require validation

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

Plastic bags being eliminated by BIG Y

"In a decision affecting all 70 Big Y supermarket locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, Big Y Foods, Inc. this week announced it will eliminate plastic bags from checkout counters. 
That includes the store in Milford, off Rte. 109 and one in Franklin on Rte. 140.
The company uses 100 million plastic bags at checkout counters each year.
 
“Single-use plastic bags create an inordinate amount of waste,” a press release from the company says. “Big Y recognizes its responsibility to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste that contributes to litter, harms the environment and can endanger wildlife.” 
The change won’t happen until 2020, allowing employees and customers to get used to the idea, and make the switch to reusable bags."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/milford-franklin-big-ys-to-eliminate-plastic-bags-in-2020

Recall that some FHS students in 2016 had created an online petition, brought forward a proposal, worked their way through the local legislative process before ultimately getting dismissed by the Economic Development Committee of the Town Council in one of their lesser highlight moments. The students can be happy now.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

FHS students discussing the proposal with the EDC Nov 30, 2016
FHS students discussing the proposal with the EDC Nov 30, 2016

Balance of power plays out

"Prosecutors trying to get convictions for people suspected of driving drunk have seen their jobs get much more difficult after a Massachusetts judge ruled this week that Breathalyzer tests cannot be used as evidence in court. 
Judge Robert Brennan, who was hearing a consolidated test case that involved more than 400 Breathalyzer exams throughout the state, ruled the tests can’t be used until the Office of Alcohol Testing proves it results are accurate. 
Brennan’s ruling is being hailed by MetroWest defense attorneys as fair. 
“I think it’s the right decision,” said David Levinson, a Framingham lawyer. “There have been so many issues with the various testing devices. There has to be some kind of accountability.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/breathalyzer-court-ruling-roils-prosecutors-police

Interesting that many of the Google provided links to the MA Office of Alcohol Testing all end up at the District Attorneys page. There is also this reference but no page link. The office must truly being being rebuilt.  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/forensic-chemistry-sections


January 8 - Social Emotional Learning Forum a Success!



Social Emotional Learning Forum A Success!
The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts and I are incredibly proud to have brought together over 200 teachers, students and engaged residents at the Social Emotional Learning Forum on Tuesday, January 8, to learn more about the importance of social emotional learning for our children.

We heard from a diverse panel of SEL experts, including Framingham School Committee Member Beverly Hugo, Director of Counseling and Social Emotional Learning at Ashland Public Schools Jennifer Cutler, Principal of Miller Elementary School in Holliston David Keim, and Parent Liaison, Natick Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Elise Gorseth.

As Senate President, I am committed to improving education and advocating for mental health parity for residents across the Commonwealth. SEL is a critical 21st-century skill to foster resilient, empathetic, and workforce-ready graduates.

Event materials and resources on SEL can be found online.

The forum is part of my MetroWest Kids Initiative, designed to identify strategies to help children in MetroWest learn, grow and succeed, with a focus on social emotional learning. SEL is a research-backed framework to bring skills like stress management, positive relationship-building, responsible decision-making, and empathy into classrooms and throughout the community.

Thank you again for demonstrating a commitment to social emotional learning in classrooms throughout the Commonwealth. We look forward to seeing you at our next forum!


Sincerely,
Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | 617-722-1500 | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov www.karenspilka.com

Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka 
Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133

Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
Try it free today

Friday, January 11, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Jan 11 - THU Jan 17

Friday, January 11
10:00am
 Knitting Group
Saturday, January 12
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:00am
 Enrollment Open House
11:00am
 Franklin Library: Staff available to talk Survey
3:00pm
 Franklin Library: Staff available to talk survey
7:30pm
 Mile Twelve
Sunday, January 13
7:30am
 All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm
 2nd Sunday Speaker: When Terrorism Struck Franklin
Monday, January 14
10:30am
 Move Along
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
3:00pm
 Monday Crafternoons
3:30pm
 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids
Tuesday, January 15
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
6:30pm
 Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardening - Indoor Seed Starting
7:00pm
 Finance Committee - Meeting (Capital Budget)
Wednesday, January 16
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
4:00pm
 Construction Junction
5:00pm
 Book Bites
7:30pm
 Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club
Thursday, January 17
 Ben Franklin's Birthday Readathon
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Story & Craft
4:00pm
 Fandom Thursdays
7:00pm
 Anxiety in Relation to Learning/Developmental Disabilities and How to Address in the I

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Jan 11 - THU Jan 17
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Jan 11 - THU Jan 17

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
2nd Sunday of the month
Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14
7:30 - 11:00 AM

Pancakes - Scrambled Eggs - Sausage - Home Fries
(drinks are included)

Adults - $8 Kids (4 -12) - $4
(3 and under eat free)

FRANKLIN ROD and GUN CLUB
53 Florence Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Please visit www.franklinrodandgun.org for more info

Download a copy of the flyer here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zah6YdFe-IFngqZknj5OSdT7yKsjcUAP/view?usp=sharing



All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13




FHS boys indoor track team tops Taunton

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Jan 10, 2019

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Pope Francis, 5 – Final

Boys Indoor Track = Franklin, 55 vs. Taunton, 45 – Final
– Franklin swept the 1000M race to highlight a close win over Taunton. Senior Michael Hagen set a new personal best time at 2:47.65 to win the race with classmate Nicholas Zaffino just 0:00.02 seconds behind. Senior Dylan Kehoe rounded out the top three for the Panthers. Andrew Faught (8.80) and Nicholas Mazzarella went 1-2 in the 55M hurdles for Franklin. Taunton’s Sebastien Celestin was a double winner, taking first in both the 55M dash (6.89, PR) and the 300M (37.50, PR).

Girls Indoor Track = Franklin, 47 vs. Taunton, 53 – Final
– Taunton won six individual events as well as the 4×400 relay to edge Franklin in a tight meet. Sophomore Olivia Dias was a double winner for the Tigers, winning the 55M dash (7.77) and the 600M (1:45.27) while Kerla Sylvestre won the 300M (43.46), senior Maggie Sullivan was first in the 1000M (3:17.26), Annabella Chavez had the top toss in the shot put (29-02.00), and Victoria Gravel won the long jump (15-10.00). Franklin’s Daniella Pierre was a double-winner, taking first in the high jump (4-10.00) and the 55M hurdles (8.92).


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-10-19/


The complete Indoor Track results
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=351375&show=all

The Franklin individual results
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jveiaXbqDSwe3IeYWiBcjT6dwcGIbeip/view?usp=sharing


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Fine Crafters Wanted!

The Franklin Cultural Council is hosting a Juried Craft Fair as one element of Taste of ArtWeek, an event that also includes food trucks, a beer garden, and live performances on April 27. 

The Craft Fair will be made up of adult work by professional and semi-professional artisans, as well as a youth section of booths for crafters 18 and under. 

Taste of ArtWeek is a kick-off celebration to Franklin ArtWeek, part of the statewide ArtWeek festival, and is hosted by the Franklin Cultural Council in partnership with the Random Smile Project. 

To request a prospectus on the Craft Fair, please visit: http://bit.ly/Taste_craft_fair

Fine Crafters Wanted!
Fine Crafters Wanted! 

Shared from Facebook:

Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17

"In honor of the 313th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding a “readathon” – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1791. The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, “It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written.” 
Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 17, readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event. It is expected that the reading will be completed by the time the library closes at 8 PM. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience alike."

Event Timing: January 17, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Event Address: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA


I had a chance to read the very last section in the readathon last year. It was fun.

To register to read, please visit the sign up form:
https://goo.gl/forms/fwuEPWusit7oFG7n2


Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17
Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17

"the Commission was unable to come to an agreement on joint recommendations"

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

"After holding on to their public records law exemption in a landmark 2016 reform law aimed at making government more transparent, lawmakers assigned to come up with ways to open up the Legislature have now blown past two deadlines and are entering 2019 without consensus recommendations. 
In late 2017, as a statutory deadline approached for a commission tasked with studying the public availability of legislative records and information, the group had yet to meet, and lawmakers gave their colleagues on the panel another year to complete their work. 
The extra year, however, did not lead to the delivery of recommendations. The group of six representatives and six senators charged with examining legislative transparency and whether to apply public records law standards to the state Legislature is entering the 2019-2020 session, and near-term rules debates, with no report."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190110/legislative-commission-whiffs-on-public-records-report

For access to information on the Legislative Branch (both House and Senate)
https://www.mass.gov/topics/legislative-branch

Find information on the Legislative Branch of the Massachusetts state government
Find information on the Legislative Branch of the Massachusetts state government

Thursday, January 10, 2019

2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch - Feb 9

Valentine's Brunch

The Franklin Rotary Club is presenting its 2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch from 10:30 til 12 Noon on February 9 at the Franklin Housing Authority's Community Center at Central Park Terrace. 

The meal is free for all FHA residents and Franklin senior citizens. Several frittatas will be featured. 

Advance sign up is required at either the Community Center or at the Franklin Senior Center so that we can ensure enough food! 

This brunch was a big success last year.

The Rotary Club of Franklin
The Rotary Club of Franklin

Spring Registration Opens for Lifelong Community Learning Classes

Registration opens for spring classes at Lifelong Community Learning on January 11. Classes begin in February and continue through the spring months.

Participation is open to individuals, organizations and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. Classes include everything from child care education and intermediate digital photography to various food and wine offerings. 

For children, the Kids’ Corner program includes cooking, language, robotics, family paint night, and so much more!

New this spring are a daylong babysitting certification class with the American Red Cross and a lifeguard certification class conducted in partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin.

This spring, participants will also find as many exercise and sports programs as ever, including yoga, Zumba, and community walking. Badminton is back along with men’s basketball, intermediate and advanced volleyball classes rounding out the field.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.