Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County's Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Tri-County students help this Pirate Ship Come Ashore in Medway
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Annual Report Of The Charles River Pollution Control District - FY 2021
Thursday, September 23, 2021
MA Public Health reminds us to practice self-care and support your mental health; Boston announces pilot program
"It's more important than ever to practice self-care and support your mental health. Relax, stay socially connected at a safe distance, and take a deep breath.
If you're in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. #StopSuicide" https://t.co/745s6GoH8i
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassDPH/status/1440380331077496835?s=03
Mass. Public Health reminds us to practice self-care and support your mental health |
"Amid a nationwide push to rethink policing strategies and reduce the use of force when possible, a new Boston program seeks to scale back police involvement in 911 mental-health calls.Last month, Acting Mayor Kim Janey announced a pilot program encouraging greater use of mental-health workers, EMTs and trained community members during 911 mental health calls. In a city that received 10,000 such calls last year, officials are seeking to de-escalate fragile mental-health interactions while easing the strain on police resources.“This mental-health response will help us evaluate how to deliver the best possible response for our residents when they are in crisis,” Janey said during an Aug. 5 press conference. “These investments will help connect residents and their families with the care they need. They will also help us send officers to where they are needed most.”
https://www.mma.org/boston-launches-pilot-program-to-address-911-mental-health-calls/
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/franklin-and-medway-police-receive-jail.html
Franklin Police in its Annual Report section for 2020 touted the program
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Sad news from TC Scoops
Via TC Scoops
"It is with a broken heart that I need to inform you that tomorrow, June 30th, will be our last day in operation at the Medway Shopping Plaza. After nearly 10 years, the owner has decided suddenly, unexpectedly and, in my opinion, unnecessarily not to renew my lease after a month of attempting to come to an agreement. Even as of last Friday it seemed like we were going to be able to come to some sort of arrangement, to no avail.
Thank you for all of your support over the years, you have all made me happy and proud to be part of the Medway community.
We will be operating out of the ice cream bus as much as possible, and will regularly post here as to where you can find it.
If you would like to tell ownership how you feel about this decision, feel free to call the home office at 617 227-0893 or email the plaza manager at jgriffin@dfi.cc.
We will end up on our feet, sometime, somewhere so until then adios!"
Web page https://tcscoops.com/index.html
Sad news from TC Scoops |
Monday, February 15, 2021
Medway Marches invites you to "Allies in Action" - Feb 24
Medway Marches invites the community to a free virtual event on February 24 from 7:00-8:00 pm. This “Allies in Action'' event will focus discussion on becoming an active ally, the role of race and history in allyship, and how community organizations can affect change through allyship. Based in Medway, Medway Marches is an organization whose vision is to build an inclusive community for people of color through education, engagement, and empowerment. This presentation and discussion feature renowned Victoria Alexander, a diversity educator, and critical race scholar. Alexander will lead a discussion for allies of BIPOC, answering such questions as, “How can I help?” and “What can I do as a non-BIPOC person?” This informative and open discussion will address these questions and more under the expert guidance of Alexander, an experienced diversity educator. To register, visit https://bit.ly/MMALLIES for Zoom log in info via email. The free event will also be live-streamed on the Medway Cable Access Facebook Page. More about Victoria Alexander: Victoria conducts critical research challenging myths regarding the distribution of power and the role of racism and anti-racism in social, professional, and educational spaces. She empowers people to analyze their own social identities and positions within power systems. Follow her on Instagram @victoriaalxndr. For more information about Medway Marches and its mission to engage, enable, and empower our community, join its Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/medwaymarches).
Medway Marches invites you to "Allies in Action" - Feb 24 |
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Pantherbook: Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS
"On Wednesday, January 13, Coronavirus vaccinations were officially administered at Franklin High School. The vaccines, the first of a two-session dosage, were given primarily to frontline medical workers – included were various EMTs, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.Continue reading the article at Pantherbook: https://t.co/tzE3PkVGAT
The gym, being the largest space in the school, was utilized to maintain social distancing guidelines while vaccinations were being distributed. Miniature “booths” were set at least six feet apart from one another, with plexiglass shields in front of patients and supervisors at all times. A temperature check was required before entry to the building, along with mandatory mask usage to ensure protection for those who came."
A view of the Franklin High School gym during Wednesday’s COVID vaccinations. Siddharth Chandra |
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Easy Walks - Choate Park, Medway (YouTube)
Saturday, January 25, 2020
2019 Franklin/Medway Jail Diversion Annual Report
"It has been just over a year since the introduction of the Franklin/Medway Jail Diversion Program. Our clinician, Kallie Montagano has been instrumental in making this an extremely successful program. Our officers have come to find more uses for the JDP program than were initially expected, and all of this has lead to better care for our residents who may be suffering from an acute crisis, or long term issues. The program aims to help the police solve problems for the longer term, and not just take an action that leads to an incident ending for the moment, only to resurface again shortly.
The Jail Diversion Program aims to help people in mental health crisis get the assistance they need, and not direct them unnecessarily into the Criminal Justice System. The Clinician rides with police officers in cruisers and responds directly to calls. They will help evaluate and make recommendations for further care and follow up. This shortens the time on scene for officers, and ultimately leads to a better outcome for those involved.
The JDP clinician can assist individuals and families who are seeking resources to help themselves or a loved one get care.
The Jail Diversion Program is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health at no costs to the Town of Franklin or Medway. The program is administered by Advocates Inc.
You can read the annual report here: 2019 Franklin/Medway Jail Diversion Annual Report"
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin-medway_2019_annual_report_1.pdf
Funding from MA Dept of Mental Health
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health
Program administered by Advocates Inc https://advocates.org/
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2019-franklinmedway-jail-diversion-annual-report
Kallie Montagano (Town of Franklin photo) |
Saturday, November 2, 2019
"we allow our signs to share our message"
"As the 2020 presidential election year nears, Democrats in Franklin and those who share their views are continuing to mount demonstrations in protest of the Trump administration. And they’re not the only ones, as like-minded people in neighboring Medway have begun to speak up, too.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Members of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee began occasionally holding peaceful protests earlier this year, and are planning their next gathering on Nov. 16. The effort has now been taken up by the Medway Democratic Town Committee, which held its first demonstration on Oct. 6 and is organizing a second from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday on the sidewalk in front of the Medway Place shopping plaza.
“It looks as if our protest efforts are becoming contagious,” said Sue Cass, a member of the Franklin Democrats who has been a lead organizer of the Franklin efforts."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191101/franklin-medway-democrats-speaking-out-in-protest-of-trump-administration
Friday, October 11, 2019
"Screenagers: Next Chapter" to be shown at Medway HS
"Superintendent of Schools Armand Pires invites parents to attend the district’s screening of “Screenagers: Next Chapter” from 7-8:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the Medway High School auditorium.
Parents can watch the film and hear from a panel of experts to learn about how screen time may be affecting teens. The event is hosted by Medway’s T.H.R.I.V.E. (Tools necessary to foster Health, Resiliency, Inclusiveness, Vitality and Empowerment) and SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council).
The film follows a physician who tries to find a way to help her own teens with their mental and emotional well-being. The film, which includes input from brain researchers, psychologists and other thought leaders, explores how teens’ well-being is impacted by screens and how parents and schools can help teens develop skills to overcome mental and emotional health challenges.
The film will be shown to all Medway middle and high school students during school that day."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191010/medway-schools-to-offer-screening-of-screenagers-next-chapter
BFCCPS showed "Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age" in March 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/join-us-on-march-30th-for-private.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/are-your-kids-addicted-to-their-phones.html
"From the director of SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age comes Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience and is about helping young people thrive in our screen and stress-filled world." Video trailer https://vimeo.com/357620460
For more about Screenagers visit their web page https://www.screenagersmovie.com/
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Representative Roy Announces Upcoming Office Hours in Medway - Jun 28
- Medway - Friday, June 28, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at T.C. Scoops, 104 Main Street, Medway, MA
Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention.
Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.
He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2030, to stop by Room 43 in the State House, or to email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.
http://www.tcscoops.com/index.html |
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Chili & Chowder Challenge - April 14
There will be a DJ, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Free Ice Cream and more Chili and Chowder than you can eat. Tickets are on sale now and are $10.00 with advanced purchase or $20.00 at the door. Contact me if you would like a ticket, have any questions or would like to help support the Challenge. We are still accepting donations for the raffle.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by making a donation directly to my Relay For Life page or contacting me directly. There is a link on our Facebook page below. We look forward to seeing you there.
Please take a moment to support these local business and fire departments that will be at the Challenge this year. (in no particular order)
- T.C. Scoops
- PJ's Smoke "N" Grill
- PJ's Bar & Grill
- The Alumni Restaurant
- Napper Tandy's Millis
- The Raven's Nest
- Jimmy D's Bar & Grill
- Pollard's Texas Que
- J & L Catering
- The Moonlight Chef
- Medfield Fire Department
- Medway Firefighters Local 4602
- Westwood Fire
- Hose Heads Chili Team
- Wrentham Fire Department
- Norwood Firefighters Local 1631
- Needham Firefighters - Local 1706
- Sherborn Fire
Follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/312734096267458/
Chili & Chowder Challenge - April 14 (Facebook event photo) |
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
"parents are also dealing with some of the same stresses"
"On Wednesday evening, November 14th, a group of 85 students and parents gathered to enjoy a meal together at Medway High School, after which The Well-Balanced Student, a Stanford University Challenge-Success film, was screened. The event, aimed at student mental health among the middle school crowd, was the first of a two-part collaboration of Medway Schools’ Director of Wellness, Ryan Sherman, and Franklin Schools’ Director of Health and Education, Kristin Letendre. The second film event, geared toward educating high school families, will take place at Franklin High School on January 8th.
“Communities in general, especially here in the Metrowest region, are seeing great increases in student mental health concerns and overall stress,” says Sherman. Schools, he says, address the issue in many different ways, including educating about it in health class and incorporating social emotional learning, which teaches students techniques to cope with mental health concerns and self-management from Kindergarten through 12th grade. "
"Medway, says Sherman, has invested a lot in streamlining the process for students who need mental health counseling. Now, he says, in addition to responding to students who present with mental health concerns, “We’re looking for a next layer, of prevention, working with families and looking at what they can do to support what we do in school – how they can create a balanced life for students. How do we focus on prevention, lifestyle that hopefully will prevent students from exhaustion, high levels of stress or mental health concerns?
That was the impetus what got Franklin and Medway thinking about this.”
Continue reading the article about the first part of this program
https://www.localtownpages.com/content/medway-partners-franklin-parentchild-wellness-event-0
The January 8th event at Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street in Franklin, will include a dinner, from 5:30-6 p.m., followed by the film for families of students in grades 9-12 at 6-7:30 p.m.
Daycare for younger siblings will be provided by members of Franklin High’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held the following evening.
Register for the second part of the program here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdArpFhHmHJEpNUVLmaNpkSuVSQ6735AfLy46HHQkh6_v2Ajg/viewform
Register for January 8 event at Franklin High School |
For more information on the Challenge Success program, visit http://www.challengesuccess.org.
Shared via reminder of event
Please join us for this important event @FranklinPSNews https://t.co/5dxc47BNNU— jedwards40 (@jedwards40) December 31, 2018
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
“The goal is basically to create a few access points, and a couple of trails off of them”
"Another step has been taken in the plans to open a trail system on the Charles River Meadowlands property when representatives from BETA Group Inc. came last week to survey the land.
Alan Earls, director of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, said the survey work marks the beginning of an effort to flesh out what is possible with a $25,000 grant awarded by the state last year.
“We’re looking for an assessment by a professional, so we can figure out what is practical in this idea of linking these parcels across three towns,” Earls said of the work being done by BETA, a Norwood-based planning, engineering, design, asset management and construction services company.
The approximately 900-acre parcel is spread over Franklin, Bellingham and Medway, though the group’s trip into the woods last week only covered a small portion. About 465 acres of the affected land is in Franklin, near the Pond Street area."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181218/survey-work-begins-for-meadowlands-trail-proposal
For more about the Charles River Meadowlands
https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/
Mine Brook seen looking toward i495 |
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Chris Herren to speak in Medway - Dec 11
"Medway area parents and guardians are invited to hear former Celtics player Chris Herren of Fall River, who will share his inspirational - and painful - journey back from addiction to alcohol and drugs in the hopes of preventing others from making the same mistakes.
Back by popular demand, Herren's parent program has proven to be inspiring and powerful to Medway area parents and guardians. His tale of descent into addiction and a miraculous recovery is as powerful as his new life's mission: to share his story with audiences in the hopes of reaching at least one person and making a difference in their life.
At Medway High during school hours, students will watch a moving video chronicling the pro athlete's rise to fame and subsequent fall to substance abuse, and participate in an engaging talkback with Herren to share their views. This evening program is geared toward parents to explore the same topic. One objective of Mr. Herren's presentation is to have students not to begin using substances and how easily substance use can escalate. In this parent talk, he inspires while presenting the negative impact of drug and alcohol use, the reality of addiction, and how some students engage in self-injurious behaviors.
Parents will also be moved by this discussion on what we can do to help our teens be true to themselves and resist the need to turn to dangerous and destructive behaviors, and ways to support those who may be facing personal challenges.
The negative effects that drug and alcohol use can have on an individual and their loved ones is an important responsibility that we share with our families and the community. Please attend this free event and help spread the word.
For more information or resources, visit www.theherrenproject.org or see your child’s guidance counselor.
To reserve a seat, visit http://bit.ly/HerrenMedway.
This event is a collaborative effort funded by the Medway Foundation for Education, Medway Secondary PTO and Medway THRIVE"
Chris Herren tells the story behind August 1, 2008 when he spoke at FHS in Feb 2016 |
Monday, October 15, 2018
"it’s another tool in the toolbox for our department to have”
"A new face will soon be a prominent part of the Franklin and Medway police departments.
The towns were recently awarded a joint grant with Framingham-based Advocates Inc. to hire a clinical social worker to assist with cases involving people in mental health crises. The initial grant is valued at about $300,000 and is for three years, according to the Franklin town website. Renewals are possible afterward.
Medway Police Chief Allen Tingley said the clinician will work in Medway on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while occupying the Franklin station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181014/franklin-medway-police-will-share-clinician-to-aid-in-mental-health-related-calls
This was announced by Franklin Police and shared here in August
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/franklin-and-medway-police-receive-jail.html
Franklin also agreed to share a resource office with Tri-County Regional VT with the agreement reached with Town Council approval last week.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-subcommittee-reports.html
"it’s another tool in the toolbox for our department to have” |
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Franklin and Medway Police receive Jail Diversion Program Grant
The Jail Diversion Program aims to help people in mental health crisis get the assistance they need, and not direct them unnecessarily into the Criminal Justice System. The Clinician will ride with police officers in cruisers and respond directly to calls. They will help evaluate and make recommendations for further care and follow up. This shortens the time on scene for officers, and ultimately leads to a better outcome for those involved.
The initial grant is valued at approximately $300,000, and is good for three years, with renewals possible after that.
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J Lynch said “This program has been successfully used in several surrounding communities. Mental health crisis calls can be very difficult for officers, and having a highly trained clinician with them will lead to better results for all involved.”
Medway Chief of Police Allen M. Tingley added that “Mental health calls can be stressful, and sometimes volatile. Any tools that we can give our officers to resolve these calls without the use of force, and also reduce the number of repeat calls for service is a win for the Department, and the individual in crisis.
The program is in its initial phase of hiring a clinician, and working on new policies and procedures. It is expected that the program will be fully functioning within two months. Program coordinators for the Jail Diversion Program are Sgt. Brian Johnson of the Franklin Police Department, and Detective Sergeant Matthew Reardon of the Medway Police Department.
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-and-medway-police-receive-jail-diversion-program-grant
Franklin and Medway Police receive Jail Diversion Program Grant |
Friday, June 22, 2018
Tri-County Carpentry Students Visit McGovern Elementary in Medway
One of the assignments the Tri-County Carpentry students were tasked with was to create a pre-cut wooden tool box kit. The finished kits would then be assembled by first graders at the McGovern Elementary School in Medway. As a finishing touch, the wooden tool boxes were to be engraved with each first grader's name. This required the Carpentry students to utilize a CNC router. Then they needed to ensure each tool box kit contained safety glasses, a tape measure and screw driver.
Once the tool boxes were ready to go, Tri-County Carpentry juniors visited the first grade class at the McGovern Elementary School in Medway where they instructed and helped the students to assemble the tool box.
"We were impressed with how well the first grade students worked safely with the tools and took to the woodworking project, said Madison Hughes, a Tri-County junior from North Attleboro. "They were a great class."
"All of the first grade students caught on quickly, and were so excited to see their names on their toolboxes, said Rebecca Wendtland, a Tri-County junior from Plainville.
"The carpentry students utilized traditional craftsmanship skills along with modern technology to bring the project together," said Jeremy Barstow, Carpentry Instructor at Tri-County. "Students really enjoyed preparing the kits for each first grader, and overall it was a very fun and interactive event for all."
After putting the tool box together, Tri-County students taught the first graders about the high school's Tools for Success, including the school's new core values which are Trust, Character, Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication and Empowerment (TC PRIDE). They explained to the first graders what each word meant and had an interactive session discussing how those words can be used for success in school. The first-graders were given the laminated TC PRIDE words to add to their new tool boxes.
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
Tri-County Carpentry Students Visit McGovern Elementary in Medway |
Tri-County Carpentry Students Visit McGovern Elementary in Medway 1 |
Tri-County Carpentry Students Visit McGovern Elementary in Medway 2 |
Thursday, April 12, 2018
In the News: student debt oversight needed; Medway Community Farm
"As the Senate unanimously passed a bill to increase oversight of the student loan industry in Massachusetts, the measure’s House backers pointed to their own borrowing experiences to make the case for why their chamber should follow suit.
Sen. Eric Lesser, the sponsor of the bill (S 2380) that passed the Senate Wednesday, said it would create a student loan ombudsman in the attorney general’s office, require the state licensing of student loan servicers and empower state officials to investigate abusive practices by loan servicers.
Lesser, a Longmeadow Democrat, said on the Senate floor that the bill would shine a light on an industry that now operates in the shadows, and that the country has reached “the boiling point” on student loan debt."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180411/student-debt-poisoning-everything-else-in-our-economy-senator-says
"Though recent snow flurries might suggest otherwise, warmer weather is coming, and the Medway Community Farm is gearing up to offer educational and community programs throughout the spring and summer.
The Winthrop Street-based farm, now entering its eighth season, looks to inform local residents about farming and healthy eating, in addition to its mission of growing crops. The farm offers shares, in which participants can pick up produce regularly over the course of the growing season.
Alison Dempsey, the farm’s education coordinator, said major work is currently taking place, now that the snow has melted and more temperate days are on the way. At the same time, the farm is ramping up to begin its informational programming."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180411/medway-community-farm-preparing-for-season
Monday, March 19, 2018
In the News: Storytime Fiesta at the Library; civics day in Medway
"The library will add a linguistic twist to storytime later this month when students from the Spanish National Honor Society read books and lead activities about Spanish culture.
The first of the three events will take place on March 31, when there will be singing, dancing, cultural snacks and arts and crafts. The effort is being led by Franklin High School senior and Spanish National Honor Society member Letticia Pierre-Louis.
She thought it would be a good idea to combine her work at the library with her honor society volunteer requirement to create an event that would benefit and educate the younger generation.
The Storytime Fiesta isn’t just about learning a bit of Spanish, Pierre-Louis said, it’s about appreciating the culture surrounding the language around the world."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180318/franklin-high-senior-letticia-pierre-louis-brings-spanish-twist-to-library-storytime
Storytime Fiesta - March 31 |
"State and local officials described Medway High School’s inaugural Civics Day as a time to begin passing the torch to the leaders of tomorrow.
Students got a chance to interact with local leaders during the Friday morning event and State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, gave a speech about the importance of community engagement.
The event also had a competitive component – a quiz competition to determine who had the best grasp of local issues.
Teacher Aubrie Rojee, who organized the event, has a passion for civics and wants to teach students about the responsibility of being good citizens in a democracy."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180318/medway-civics-day-debuts-at-high-school