Saturday, March 30, 2019

School Start Times Advisory Committee: Summary Paper

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community,

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019 the School Start Times Advisory Committee (SSTAC) presented to the School Committee making a recommendation that school start times be adjusted to be consistent with research on children and sleep. 

The School Committee is now in a position to vote on the matter, currently planned for the April 23, 2019 meeting.

The SSTAC has completed the development of its summary paper, which is shown below.

Additional information is available on the SSTAC website: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

A FAQ document will has been posted to the website shortly.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10XbvWjFn5bRgmnxTP2hRUa5apdfIQsnQVi4VKowzL-Q/edit?usp=sharing


Summary Paper
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hyy10-Lk5QVVg430KVbJUzV-NXJk15dp/view?usp=sharing




School Start Times Advisory Committee
School Start Times Advisory Committee
The audio recording of the School Start Times report to the School Committee is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

Franklin Residents: Reminder from the Town Clerk's Office to all dog owners

Reminder from the Town Clerk's Office to all dog owners:

All dog owners must register their dog 6 months and older annually. Registration runs from Jan. 1st to April 1st. Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply. 

If you have any questions, please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or email tburr@franklinma.gov

Top Dog Contest: Please be sure to enter your dogs favorite photo into our Top Dog Contest. This will be a drawing!

Last day to enter is April 1st. Drawing will be on April 2nd. Please visit our website for more information.

Thank you!

The Top Dog photo board as of March 18
The Top Dog photo board as of March 18

Military Hiring Event in Boston - May 14

At the Boston Hiring Expo, join the Boston Red Sox and Hiring Our Heroes to connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers from local and national companies of all sizes.

This event is free and is open to active duty service members, Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military spouses. Even better? All registered veteran and military spouse job seekers who attend the hiring expo are eligible to receive up to two free tickets to attend the evening's game between the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies.

More info and to register
https://events.hiringourheroes.org/events/boston-hiring-expo/event-summary-6c38865e57c048c9a9c8b2916a43fc38.aspx

PDF Flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kU1P7e46LAf7h8PxVQIuuU3ERBV1TQPb/view?usp=sharing


Military Hiring Event in Boston - May 14
Military Hiring Event in Boston - May 14

“We’re very excited, and the students are excited”

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

"The sounds of jazz will fill the halls of Franklin High next week, as the Jazz Ambassadors from the U.S. Army will entertain the crowd. 
The Jazz Ambassadors, a 19-member ensemble formed in 1969 and known as “America’s Big Band,” are the Army’s field band from Washington, D.C. They’re set to perform in Franklin on Monday as part of what tour coordinator and Sgt. 1st Class Todd Stubbs said is a 50th anniversary tour. 
The performance will take place at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High auditorium. Jazz Ambassadors concerts include classic Big Band standards, patriotic favorites, contemporary jazz works and original arrangements and compositions by past and present members. 
The Jazz Ambassadors have performed in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and Europe. They’ve participated in joint concerts with the Boston Pops, at Carnegie Hall and at international jazz festivals."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190329/army-jazz-band-plans-franklin-visit


For tickets and information call 508-613-1650 or use this link 
https://armyfieldband.ticketleap.com/franklin/

Jazz Ambassadors to play at FHS - April 1
Jazz Ambassadors to play at FHS - April 1




All About Sparkling Wines - Tuesday, April 16

All About Sparkling WinesTuesday April 16

It's all about the bubbles!

At this sit down educational tasting you will learn all about Sparkling wine.
We will explore how those bubbles get in the bottle and many regions and styles from all over the world. 

You've heard of Champagne, now come experience what the rest of the world has to offer in in their Sparkling wines.

Sit Down Educational Wine Tasting Events Held In The Franklin Liquors Wine Room Partnering With Tri-County Adult Education

Sign Up = https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=2828

All About Sparkling Wines - Tuesday, April 16
 All About Sparkling Wines - Tuesday, April 16

Friday, March 29, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 29 to THU - Apr 4

Friday, March 29
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:30am
 Happy Feet! (Community Room)
5:00pm
 FHS Musical Tech Week
7:00pm
 FHS Musical Performance
7:30pm
 FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia
Saturday, March 30
8:00am
 ACTION & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day 2019
9:30am
 Christian Zen Retreat
10:30am
 Kids Art Class (FOFL Room)
2:00pm
 FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia
2:00pm
 College Prep for teens and parents (FOFL)
7:00pm
 FHS Musical Performance
7:30pm
 FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia
8:00pm
 RUNA @ Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Sunday, March 31
2:00pm
 FHS Musical Performance
2:00pm
 FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia
Monday, April 1
10:30am
 Move Along
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
3:00pm
 Monday Crafternoons
3:30pm
 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)
6:30pm
 Community Garden Meeting
7:00pm
 OSKEY Rehearsal
7:00pm
 Jazz Ambassadors - United States Army Field Band!
7:00pm
 Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting
Tuesday, April 2
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
3:30pm
 Play S.t.e.a.m.
7:00pm
 The SAFE Community Forum
7:00pm
 How to Speak Wine
7:00pm
 Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group
Wednesday, April 3
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
4:00pm
 Construction Junction
6:30pm
 Christian Zen Weekly Meditation
7:00pm
 OSKEY Rehearsal
7:00pm
 Franklin Art Assoc - Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 4
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Story & Craft
5:45pm
 FAA Booster Mtg
6:00pm
 Volunteens
6:30pm
 Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study

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 - Mar 29 to THU - Apr 4
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 29 to THU - Apr 4

Franklin Residents: 2019 DPW Construction Projects

Here is an interactive map of the DPW's updated project list for the current (2019) construction season.

Please keep in mind that although the work identified is anticipated to occur in the time frame of the 2019 construction season, it is always subject to change as certain projects may be delayed and other may be added to the list.





Or go directly to the Town page
https://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=dd40cc6768364be392f6d0ff42156fa2

Franklin Residents: 2019 DPW Construction Projects
Franklin Residents: 2019 DPW Construction Projects


Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical

Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical. 

Performances are scheduled for Friday, Mar 29 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, Mar 30 at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, Mar 31 at 2:00 PM.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.

Download a copy of the poster 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0ey44FDRZQYeXlORFdiU0h3SUZNWXJMTFFqTG15TzItT3k0/view?usp=sharing



Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical
Franklin High School presents Seussical the musical


3 National Merit Scholars named at Franklin High School


"Congratulations to Franklin Panthers Sidhartha Chaganti, Alexandra Krylova, and Gerard Collins for earning the National Merit Scholars certificate. 
The National Merit Scholarship program is an academic competition managed by The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, established in 1955. Approximately 16,000 high school students, less than 1%, compete as National Merit semi-finalists, but only 7,500 students are acclaimed as National Merit Scholars. 
To be eligible, a student must take PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), along with other requirements such as completing all four years of high school. The Scholarship program views scores based on states, so each student has an equivalent chance at winning. The National Merit cutoff scores most likely change every year."

Continue reading the article online at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/03/25/national-merit-scholars-certificate-goes-to/

Sidhartha, Gerard, and Alexandra, on receiving National Merit Scholars certificate of Merit. This puts them in an elite group of scholars across the country.  FHS Administration
Sidhartha, Gerard, and Alexandra, on receiving National Merit Scholars certificate of Merit. This puts them in an elite group of scholars across the country.  FHS Administration

Franklin Public Library April 2019 Newsletter

See what's happening at the Franklin Public Library during the month of April. Read your copy of the newsletter here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/april2019librarynewsletter.pdf

The Library will be closed Monday, April 15 for Patriots Day, and Sunday, April 21 for Easter. 

The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Franklin Public Library April 2019 Newsletter
Franklin Public Library April 2019 Newsletter
(library at night - Franklin Matters photo)




FTC Consumer Alert: Operation Donate with Honor continues




FTC Alert: Operation Donate with Honor continues
by Rosario Méndez
Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC


Last year, the FTC and state charity regulators joined in Operation Donate with Honor to stop sham veterans charities from lying to donors. 

Today the FTC is announcing that it shut down two more operations that collected donations with false promises of helping veterans and military service members.

Read more online
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/03/operation-donate-honor-continues?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


"No state has imposed a sugary drinks tax"

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

"The average child consumes enough sugary drinks each year to fill a bathtub - more than 30 gallons - according to two organizations that this week recommended a suite of policy options aimed at reducing kids’ access to such beverages and encouraging healthier alternatives. 
Sounding an alarm bell over potential health impacts, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association issued a series of recommendations, including raising prices of sugary drinks through an excise tax, with revenues dedicated “in part toward reducing health and socioeconomic disparities.” 
The pediatricians group said the policy statement marks the first time it has recommended taxing sugary drinks. Other recommendations include efforts to decrease sugary drink marketing to children and teens and making healthier drinks like water and milk the default option on children’s menus and vending machines. 
“We’re probably on sugary drinks where we were 20 years ago on tobacco, where people are still not 100 percent convinced that there’s a problem,” Allyson Perron of the American Heart Association told the News Service. “More and more things are coming out - the high rates of young children with diabetes and heart disease and really unhealthy weights. We have kids that have high cholesterol when they’re in elementary school, we’re seeing an increase in cases of heart disease and stroke in the young, and part of that is the unhealthy diet.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190328/legislators-eye-soda-tax


Thursday, March 28, 2019

9th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race 5k & 5 Mile & 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Please join us for the 9th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race!

Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM

Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
Walk 1.5 or 3.1 miles through residential neighborhoods

Entry Fee: $30 prior to race day, $35 day of the race, $15 for Students

Chip Timing by Spitler Race Systems

DJ with sound system

Food Tent and Raffle Giveaways

Prizes awarded to top 2 overall male & female runners and top 2 male and female runners in each age group and top running team.

Event details and schedule
Certification & Course Details USA Track & Field Sanctioned Events offer a robust, low cost insurance policy, require organizers to time the race and award prizes based on age groupings, require organizers to provide a safe race for all participants and post the results on the internet within 24 hours of the conclusion of the race. All participants MUST sign the waiver form listed below.

Run: 5 K loop on paved roads

Run: 5 mile loop on paved roads

Walk: 1.5 or 3.1 miles on the race route

Location: 628 Washington Street, Remington Middle School, Franklin, MA 02038 From 495: Take Exit 16 (King St) heading West for approx. 1.1 Miles. Go past Hunters Run and turn left on Lord Way, the approach road to the school. Park & register straight ahead.

Register online
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/9th-annual-franklin-and-bellingham-franklin-fives-road-race-5k-and-5-mile-and-3-1-or-1-5-mile-walk-2019?


9th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race 5k & 5 Mile & 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk
9th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race 5k & 5 Mile & 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Wine Tasting 101 - April 9

Sit Down Educational Wine Tasting Events Held In The Franklin Liquors Wine Room Partnering With Franklin Lifelong Learning

Wine Tasting 101
We all know how to drink wine, but did you know there's a difference between Drinking and Tasting? At this sit down educational tasting we will explore how to taste wine like the experts do. How the wine looks, smells and tastes will all be explained and explored.

Using these tips you will be able to communicate better with friends, retailers, restaurants and wine geeks.

Tuesday April 9 - Sign Up
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-ff1aa4301754482eaa65092f2316b8c8

 Wine Tasting 101 - April 9
 Wine Tasting 101 - April 9

MassBudget: Decades-Old Tax Cuts Now Exceed $4B in Lost Revenue



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.
March 27, 2019



Decades-Old Tax Cuts Now Exceed $4B in Lost Revenue
Benefits mostly got to highest-income households

Decades-old income tax cuts have been depriving the Commonwealth of revenue for years - revenue for education, transportation, and programs to help families make ends meet. The loss now exceeds $4 billion per year.
The households that have benefited most from these tax cuts (implemented over the late 1990s and early 2000s) are those with the most income, according to a new Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) report.
"These past tax cuts have had a lasting effect on our Commonwealth. We are seeing the effects now: in our inadequate education funding formula, in our aging transportation infrastructure, and in long waitlists for housing vouchers and early education," said Kurt Wise, Senior Policy Analyst and author of the paper.
MassBudget: Decades-Old Tax Cuts Now Exceed $4B in Lost Revenue
Over two-thirds of these past income tax cuts go to the top 20 percent of Massachusetts households, by income. Meanwhile, the lowest 40 percent of households receive only 7 percent of the tax benefits.
"Reviewing and reversing these rate cuts is just one example of the many opportunities to raise new revenue in ways that also can help turn our upside-down tax system right-side up," said Marie-Frances Rivera, President of MassBudget.
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

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