Town of Franklin: Election & Voter Registration Information

Town of Franklin Election and Voter Registration Information

The Deadline to register to vote is approaching

Our Town Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. If you have not yet registered to vote, the deadline to register is Wednesday, October 16.

You can also register online at www.registertovotema.com

Town of Franklin:  Election & Voter Registration Information

Additional information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

And of course, in the "Election Collection"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs - November 21

Connections for Parents of Children 

with Special Needs 

November 21 - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

We will again be facilitating a group for parents of children with special needs ( IEPs, Medical, Emotional, etc). Working in collaboration with Ms. Marsh from Self Help, Inc.

Your child does NOT need to have an IEP or an identified disability to attend this group. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to make Connections; share fears and concerns about what challenges they face and what strategies have been successful; and to gather information about additional resources available to the community.

Please RSVP to Laura Flanagan at flanaganla@franklinps.net

Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs - November 21

Town of Franklin: Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate 

and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due November 1, 2019

You can pay online at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments-and-applications

Reminders:
Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.

If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Town of Franklin: Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Oct 4 to THU - Oct 10

Fri Oct 4, 2019

10am	Knitting Group
12pm	Farmers Market
3:30pm	Chess Club for Kids
8pm	THE BLACK BOX: The Zajac Brothers Band

Sat Oct 5, 2019

9:30am	St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group
10am	Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am	Baby Sensory!
12pm	Drum Circle - Outside weather permitting!
12pm	Harvest Fest
12:30pm	Oktoberfest at THE BLACK BOX
2pm	Teen Pumpkin Painting on the Library Lawn!
8pm	The Kennedys: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sun Oct 6, 2019

8:30am	Ladybug 5K
11am	Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic
11am	Raindate - FDP Harvest Festival
1pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3pm	Annual Fundraiser for LiveARTS

Mon Oct 7, 2019

10:30am	Move Along
3:30pm	D&D for Kids
7pm	Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting

Tue Oct 8, 2019

9:30am	Cool Cruisers
10:30am	Get Ready for Kindergarten
7:30pm	Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting
7:30pm	Let's Laugh Today

Wed Oct 9, 2019

10:30am	Storytime STEAM
10:30am	Terrific Toddlers
6:30pm	Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
6:30pm	Self-Care Series
6:30pm	Teen Advisory Board

Thu Oct 10, 2019

9:30am	Baby Tummy Time
10:30am	Story Xplorers
5pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
6:30pm	Author Talk with Jane Eagles
6:30pm	Meet the Candidates

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Oct 4  to THU - Oct 10

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Meet the Candidates Event

Save the Date

Oct 17

The Town of Franklin invites you to hear from the candidates for Town Council and School Committee on Thursday, October 17 - 7:00 PM

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Additional election information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

and of course the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

“State of the Schools” 2019-20

From Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools:

"This letter is the first “State of the Schools” letter I plan to issue. Each year, as the school year gets under way, as Superintendent of Schools, I will communicate about the major matters of the Franklin Public Schools.

District Focus Areas and Strategy for Improvement
We kicked off the 2019-2020 school year with all faculty and staff gathering together on opening day. As Superintendent, I shared remarks emphasizing the importance of developing relationships with students and getting to know each child and family. This effort supports the District’s focus on personalized learning and cultural proficiency, as outlined in our District’s Strategy for Improvement.

Administrators and educators initiated various activities and projects to uncover more about the students in front of them, as well as their families. We believe this investment will pay dividends over time, in both the development of social-emotional and academic skills, and towards building more empathetic and caring school communities.

This work also supports our VISIONING effort Portrait of A Graduate . Throughout last spring, we engaged educators, community members, students, and families in the process of identifying the essential skills students will need for their futures in a modern, technologically, globally interdependent world. We are excited to unveil a draft community consensus later this fall for further feedback and refinement."

Continue reading the "State of the Schools"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-EHP-vmSbqQGHTJymLnWMujqrZyPhPwl/view?usp=sharing

“State of the Schools” 2019-20

FHS field hockey, volleyball and both girls and boys cross country teams post wins on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Thursday, Oct 3, 2019


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final
– Franklin went on the road and won 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-19) over a gritty Foxboro side. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard led the way with 14 kills and nine digs while Bridget Jackson added seven kills and Jill Benoit chipped in with 12 digs. Sophomore Cailyn Mackintosh put the offense in motion with 26 assists.

Golf = Franklin, 164 @ Oliver Ames, 157 – Final
Oliver Ames defended its home course, knocking off the visiting Panthers to avenge a loss from earlier in the season. Senior captain Brad Powers was the medalist for the match with a round of 37. JoJo Gaultier added a 39 for the Tigers and Sam Becker chipped in with a round of 40. Franklin’s Jack Paterson had a team-low round of 38.

Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 21 @ Taunton, 37 - Final
Franklin had the top two runners and four of the top six spots to earn a win on the road over Taunton. Tyler Brogan took first place for the Panthers, crossing the finish line in 16:10.

Results: 1. Tyler Brogan, Frank (16:10) 2. Nicholas Calitri, Frank (16:22) 5. Declan Walmsley, Frank (17:19) 6. Joseph Zerice, Frank (17:24) 7. Griffin Sieczkiewicz, Frank (17:27) 9. Clancy Golden, Frank (17:33)

Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 15 @ Taunton, 43 – Final
Franklin had the top five finishers in the race on the 3.1 mile course on the campus of Taunton High School.  Sydney Hawkins led the way for the Panthers, taking first in 20:43. Taunton sophomore Nia Mainer-Smith took sixth overall in 21:12.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Entering Thursday afternoon’s clash between division leaders, Foxboro’s stout defense had allowed just three goals against through nine games played.

The Franklin Panthers, who came in averaging a league-best 6.1 goals per game, saw it as a challenge.

Franklin’s offense roared to life in the second half, scoring a pair of goals in a five-minute span, the latter turning out to be the game-winner as the Panthers claimed a 3-2 decision over Foxboro.

“We wanted to challenge them, we have a good offense but we knew we had to go out there and play hard,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “They pack it in [defensively], they are strong with their double teaming, and they do a good job of forcing you to play on the left side of the field. I give them credit for that, it slowed us down."

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-upends-foxboro-comeback/

For a photo gallery from this game.
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Foxboro-Franklin-Field-Hockey-10-03-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-03-19/

Foxboro’s Lauren Foster and Franklin’s Amanda Lewandowski battle for possession in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

House Votes to Increase Transparency and Financial Reporting Requirements of Massachusetts Higher Education Institutions

Today the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that will enable the state to more closely monitor the financial health of Massachusetts private colleges and universities and provide transparency and security to students and families in the Commonwealth.

Known as an Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education, the legislation requires higher education institutions to make public and accessible financial reports and requires any institution facing financial risk of closure to develop contingency plans to ensure a process is in place to assist and inform its students and other stakeholders. The legislation also establishes financial penalties on institutions for non-compliance with reporting and planning. The bill requires ethics and fiduciary training for higher education trustees and board members.

“This legislation will increase the transparency of the financial health of our public institutions of higher education requiring increased oversight, reporting and accountability to protect students, families, and staff,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, (D-Winthrop). “I’m proud of the work Chair Jeffrey Roy has done to lead this effort with the support of Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Representative Kenneth Gordon.”

“Today the House took a step on improving accountability and the financial stability at our colleges and universities,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By enacting this legislation both our institutes of higher education and our students will be better prepared for the worst case scenario.”

“This legislation supports and strengthens our higher education system and these vital engines of opportunity, and in so doing, protects the interests of students and families,” said Representative Jeffrey Roy, Chair of the Higher Education Committee (D-Franklin). “The financial screening and enhanced reporting provisions will help us keep Massachusetts at the top of the heap and avoid the significant negative consequences of college closures for students, staff, and host communities. The training provisions will strengthen the governance of these institutions and assist boards in exercising their fiduciary responsibilities.”

The four major provision of the bill address the following topics listed below.

• Financial reporting: Requires that all public higher education and independent institutions post on their websites a copy of the institution’s financial report and a summary written in terms understandable by the general public.
• Financial screening: Enables the Board of Higher Education (BHE) to monitor the financial health of independent institutions of higher education in Massachusetts.

o Requires an independent institution to immediately notify BHE of any known financial liabilities or risks likely that may result in closure.
o Requires BHE to annually conduct a financial screening of each institution and identify any institution it deems may be at risk of imminent closure. The BHE will keep confidential those assessments for independent institutions unless it is determined an institution is at risk of closure.
o The BHE may accept the results of an annual financial screening conducted by an accrediting agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education.
o An institution determined to be at risk of imminent closure must prepare a contingency plan for closure, which includes a process to provide notice to a variety of stakeholders including, students, faculty, staff, pending applicants, and host communities. The closure plan must also include:

• arrangements for students to complete their program of study;
• a plan for the maintenance of student records; and,
• provide funding for refunding any student deposits and for the cost of protecting and maintaining student records.

• Enforcement: Requires penalties for failure to comply with financial screening requirements, which include fines of up to $1,000 per day, suspension of any state funds, or the suspension or revocation of any degree granting authority.
• Board training: Requires comprehensive training programs for members of the boards of trustees of the state’s public higher education institutions on the proper governance, financial metrics, open meeting law and their legal and fiduciary responsibilities, at least once every four years.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tj68l91NCpAWqOUlp6FcrgyVtct8twrE/view?usp=sharing

PAINT THE TOWN BLUE!

We will paint an “F” on your driveway to show your support of all things FRANKLIN!

• The logo similar to above will be painted navy and Carolina blue at the end of your driveway. (Or other location of your choice. For example, front lawn)
• Logo size is approximately 36”x42”
• The paint will wear off over time but should last through the winter.
• Minimum donation of $30 per location.
• Return forms to Lisa Collins, Maureen Quaile, or Julie Garilli ~ a signed form is required before we can paint.
• Please return forms as early as possible as painting can only continue as long as weather cooperates.
• Make checks payable to “Lady Panthers” or Venmo to “Franklinlady-Panthers”.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVGs2czNyMWNfOFFoVlV5VTFjMXE3aFN6QkpF/view?usp=sharing

PAINT THE TOWN BLUE!

Snow Plow Contractors Wanted for Franklin, MA

The Franklin DPW is seeking contractors with vehicles and equipment to perform snow removal operations during the 2019-2020 winter season.

Equipment needed: 10-wheelers, 6-wheelers, backhoes, loaders, 1-tons and skidsteers. All equipment must have plows.

Competitive rates

Snow removal packets are available at the DPW Administration Building, 257 Fisher St, Franklin, MA or online at https://www.franklinma.gov/snow-ice-removal

Snow Plow Contractors Wanted for Franklin, MA

GARNET ROGERS at the OCC Coffeehouse - Oct 4

Garnet Rogers is a great performer. Don't miss this concert in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church. Tickets are available in the church office or on the concert website. And take note of the other great concerts later in October and in November.

Since then, Garnet Rogers has been called ‘One of the major talents of our time”. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “charismatic performer and singer”, Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with a voice to match. With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. 

Cinematic in detail, his songs “give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart” (Kitchener Waterloo Record). An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street. For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.

GARNET ROGERS at the OCC Coffeehouse - Oct 4

FHS girls soccer tie with Oliver Ames on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 2, 2019


Boys Soccer = Oliver Ames, 2 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– Oliver Ames scored inside the final five minutes of each half to grab two points on the road at Franklin. The Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute when Jacob Cummings nodded in a cross from Donny Tappin. OA got on the board just before halftime when Colin Milliken buried his chance in the 37th minute, scoring after Anthony DaCosta headed on a cross from Brady deVos free kick. Milliken set up the game winner, feeding Jimmy Keane in the 75th minute to make it 2-1.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final 
– Seniors Leah Johnson and Abby Hodges played well for the Tigers while Emily Meyers had a strong showing in net to grab the shutout for OA.

Boys Cross Country = Franklin @ Taunton – Postponed to Thursday, October 3rd at 3:45

Girls Cross Country = Franklin @ Taunton – Postponed to Thursday, October 3rd at 3:45

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-02-19/

FHS girls soccer tie with Oliver Ames on Wednesday

 

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee: October 2019 Events

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents use this link https://mailchi.mp/7ea94c76e963/2-3687829?e=a29a9f98b7

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee                      October Events October looks to be very busy for the FBRTC. Check out our latest post to see all the things going on this month. We hope to see you at an upcoming event! https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/2019/09/30/october-happenings/ Copyright © 2019 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - Oct 5

"The St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group invites all interested women to attend a monthly program based on Bishop Robert Barron's critically acclaimed Catholicism series.

Our Fall focus will be on saints who are women. Our first meeting will take place on October 5th from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Hall in the lower church, located at One Church Square, Franklin, MA.

We will meet on the first Saturday of each month. Come with an open mind, a willingness to share in informal discussion and a desire to learn more about our Catholic faith. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome."

St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - Oct 5

Franklin Public Schools: No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

 

Subscribe to any or all of the news from the Franklin Public Schools here

https://www.franklinps.net/subscribe

 

No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

 

FSPA Celebrates 35th Anniversary

In 1985, lifetime Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, director, pianist, and educator, departed from her private studio of 35 piano students with a vision, and opened the doors of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) at 38 Main Street in Franklin. Offering the region a one-of-a-kind performing arts education program that includes music, dance, and drama under one roof, FSPA Celebrates its 35th Anniversary Season this year.

The anniversary celebrations began with a back-to-school toast at 38 Main Street for faculty and FSPA families past and present. The year’s festivities will include an anniversary alumni concert and celebration at THE BLACK BOX over Thanksgiving weekend, a special February cabaret featuring current students, faculty, alumni, and Broadway friends of FSPA at one of NYC’s most prestigious cabaret venues, the 35th Spring Concert in May, and more.

Through the years, FSPA has cultivated relationships with performers and guest teachers who are currently dominating their artistic fields. These artists are able to mentor FSPA students through the school’s annual NYC master class weekend as well as special workshops held at the school. "I wish I had a Franklin School for the Performing Arts in my life when I was growing up,” says Tony Award winner Beth Leavel. “It's invaluable."

Raye Lynn Mercer

FSPA’s alumni have a long track record of success. Students have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national tours, regional theater, professional ballet companies, TV, feature film, opera, cruise ships, concert dance, and more. Alum Dan Gleason, currently in Wicked on Broadway, says of his FSPA beginnings, “ I owe a lot of my consistent vocal health and technique to my years at FSPA. Healthy singing habits were ingrained in my body and now are second nature. FSPA set me up for success in life and I am so thankful for my years of training in my hometown.”

FSPA founder Raye Lynn Mercer believes that an education in the performing arts, whether or not pursued for a professional career, provides young people with lasting life skills. Students of the arts develop personal attributes including focus, discipline, self-esteem, and an understanding of teamwork. Superior communication and social skills become attributes of students who pursue music, dance, and drama. Conservatory and career bound students, as well as those who attend classes for fun, gain a sense of accomplishment and the confidence they need to succeed in all endeavors. 

FSPA violin instructor Irina Fainkichen says of the school’s environment, "I see FSPA as a second home for many students. Besides all the opportunities this school provides, and believe me, there are so many, I love that everybody has so much fun together. We are like a big and loud family. Whether in the hallways or classrooms, you can hear music, dancing, singing, and laughter everywhere."

For more information on the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and its programs visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. FSPA will hold open houses for prospective students and families at 38 Main Street on October 10 from 4:00-8:00 pm and October 30 from 4:00-8:00 pm. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

Pour Richard's: Meet the Candidates - Oct 10

"We are hosting a Meet the Candidates night at the store on Thursday October 10th from 6:30-7:30. 

It is a casual conversation with the candidates for town office. We will be providing a wine tasting and light snacks. 

No formal presentations just a chance to mix and mingle. Event is free."

 

Pour Richard's: Meet the Candidates - Oct 10

For more about Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits visit them online
https://www.pourrichardswine.com/

or in real life at 14 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038

FHS volleyball rallies to top Feehan

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019

** Volleyball = Franklin, 3 vs. Bishop Feehan, 2 – Final
– Franklin rallied from a 2-1 deficit to win the final two sets and earn a 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12) win over the Shamrocks. Sophie Lyons had a great game for Franklin with 15 kills while Allyson Bonnet-Eymard also had a strong showing at the net with 16 kills. Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 41 assists and had three aces while Jill Benoit finished with 16 digs.


** Golf = Franklin, 163 @ King Philip, 153 – Final

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

FHS volleyball rallies to top Feehan