Showing posts with label building committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building committee. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Tri-County RVTHS schedules Community Meeting to provide a building project update - June 15 at 6 PM

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
Community Meeting No. 04
June 15, 2023 at 6.00 PM

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School 
147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038

The meeting will be broadcast live to Franklin residents on Comcast channel 93, and Verizon channel 28.

Following the meeting, the recording will be accessible on www.northtv.net, and www.tri-countybuilding.com.

For any questions, please email Christina Dell Angelo cdellangelo@doreandwhittier.com


Tri-County RVTHS schedules Community Meeting to provide a building project update - June 15 at 6 PM
Tri-County RVTHS schedules Community Meeting to provide a building project update - June 15 at 6 PM

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Chair Tom Mercer and I condense the Feb 1, 2023 Town Council meeting to about 30 min (audio)

 FM #936 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 936 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 1, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter

b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief


LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street  

b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street  


PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent  


LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,  Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading 

b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.

c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)



Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Our conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 6, 2023 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-936-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-23


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The full agenda can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf   


The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/-AQpq8GSvi4?feature=share 


My recap, notes, and audio -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/town-council-approves-all-alcohol_5.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes
Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes 

Friday, February 3, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Advocates file federal civil rights complaint over vocational school admission policies"

"MORE THAN FIVE YEARS after sounding the alarm over admission policies at the state’s vocational high schools that they say are locking out students who would benefit most from hands-on education, advocates are taking their case to the US Department of Education, filing a federal civil rights complaint aimed at forcing the state to revamp the admissions system at the schools. 

In a filing Thursday with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, lawyers say the state is allowing the use of selective admission criteria to award seats at vocational schools that “disproportionately and unjustifiably exclude students from vulnerable populations” who are “protected from discrimination under federal law.” The complaint calls for the withholding of federal funds to Massachusetts vocational schools until they come into compliance with civil rights laws."
Continue reading the article online ->

Given the Tri-County building proposal presented Wednesday evening to the Town Council, this will be an item to watch. One aspect of the building is the size is being proposed to remain at a 1000 student capacity. 

Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow)
Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow)


Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building, topic for Franklin Town Council Mtg - 2/1/23

Among the key items scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday February 1, 2023 is a presentation on the Tri County School Building Project by Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent.

This is the first time a regional vocational school has come to their communities to ask for a new building which if all things hold is scheduled for Oct 2023. Details on the project and alternatives are scheduled to be reviewed on Wednesday.

The presentation doc can be found online -> 

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Project Website


v
Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Franklin Food Pantry Purchases Building to Expand Programming

Edwin’s Building to be new site of the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin  Food Pantry has purchased a new building to better serve its neighbors. The building, formerly known as Edwin’s, is located at 341 West Central Street and will undergo renovations to convert it into a functional, accessible and expanded Pantry. 

In April of 2020, the Pantry purchased 138 East Central Street to serve as a new location for its operations. After almost 18 months of work, the Pantry concluded that while 138 East Central was a viable option for pre-pandemic operations, Covid-19 so drastically changed operations and programming that the property no longer fully met the Pantry’s neighbors’ needs. The Pantry sold 138 East Central Street in late 2021.  Simultaneously, the Pantry identified Edwin’s as a new relocation opportunity.  After detailed due diligence evaluating the feasibility of the property for its operations, the Franklin Food Pantry Board, on the recommendation of senior staff and the Pantry Building Committee, moved forward with the purchase of 341 West Central Street. The Pantry will use a variety of funding sources to purchase, renovate, and operate the building including grants, state funding, Board restricted funds and private donations specifically restricted for the new building. 

“This new building gives us an opportunity to continue the innovative programs we created during the Pandemic to better serve our neighbors. We are thrilled to honor Jean and Edwin Aldrich by continuing their legacy of connecting with and enriching our community,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Through the generosity of our Board members and close friends, the hard work of our Building Committee and staff, and community members like Representative Jeff Roy who secured funding in the state budget for our new building, we will more fully meet our vision. The new building will have a larger and more accessible space that we will renovate to best fit our unique programs, especially those  developed over the past two years.”  

These unique programs increase access to healthy food and related services that support needs arising out of food insecurity:  

  • Three simultaneous distribution models (curbside, in-person, and home delivery) to maximize access and options for neighbors in various circumstances  
  • Onsite farmer’s market to provide access to healthy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs  
  • Three holiday meal kits during the summer, at Thanksgiving, and during year-end holidays that neighbors can customize to their own family traditions  
  • In-person office hours to assist neighbors to access support for their everyday challenges   

341 West Central Street will provide ample and accessible parking, warehouse, shopping and community spaces needed to continue these programs as well as launch additional services to meet the neighbors’ growing and changing needs. The new site will be designed with increased accessibility, confidentiality, safety and comfort and with flexibility to grow additional programs and expand community partnerships.  Together, all of these pieces will better fulfill  the Pantry’s vision of building a community in which everyone in need has an improved quality of life through nutritious food and supportive resources.  

Renovations should begin later this year. In the meantime, The Pantry will continue to operate at its current location and appreciates the continued support of Rockland Trust. 


About the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town  of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. 
We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to  achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry,  emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. 
The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information. 

 

Edwin’s Building to be new site of the Franklin Food Pantry
Edwin’s Building to be new site of the Franklin Food Pantry 

Monday, April 12, 2021

Franklin Food Pantry: New Building update page

"Recently, we have fielded many questions regarding the progress of our new building and we wanted to give the community an update. "

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/oMxdxubXQ2



Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page
Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page

Monday, December 21, 2020

Planning Board - Agenda - Dec 21, 2020

The Franklin Food Pantry is on the agenda for the Planning Board meeting Monday to introduce the site plan for their new building on East Central St and begin the permit approval process.

Planning Board Agenda

7:00 PM -   Commencement/General Business   

7:05PM    - PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
52 East Central St   
Special Permit & Site Plan Modification
WITHDRAWN   

7:10 PM  -  PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
515 West Central Street   
Site Plan   TO BE CONTINUED    

7:15 PM    PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
138 East Central Street   (
Franklin Food Pantry)
Site Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_st_site_plan.pdf

Review docs   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_review.pdf

7:20 PM    PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
Countryside Estates   
Subdivision Modification    

7:25 PM    PUBLIC HEARING – Continued
186 Grove St   
Site plan Modification   

GENERAL BUSINESS:
A.    Road Acceptance: Laurinda Lane
B.    Bond Release: Sandy Knoll Estates
C.    Decision: 72-94 East Central Street- Special Permit & Site Plan
D.    Phasing Plan Approval: 160 Grove St
E.    Endorsement: 164 Grove St
F.    Endorsement: 162 Grove St
G.    81-P ANR: 15-17 Margaret’s Cove
H.    81-P ANR Rescind Vote: 55 Coutu Street
I.    Meeting Minutes: November 2, 2020 & November 16, 2020

This agenda is subject to change. Last updated: December 15, 2020
The next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for January 11, 2021 

Agenda doc in PDF format:
 
Additional renderings and diagrams of the new facility at 138 East Central St
 
Rendering: View From East Central Street
new Franklin Food Pantry Rendering: View from East Central Street


Saturday, May 9, 2020

FM #265 Franklin Food Pantry New Building 5/04/20 (audio)

FM #265 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 265 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and Tina Powderly, Chair of the Board of Directors. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home to look forward to. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for over 10 years, their needs have outgrown the space.

Lynn talks about the current operations during this pandemic. Tina provides some background on the building search and closing. Work remains to be done before they move. There will be a capital campaign to help fund the mortgage and buildout.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I am committing to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn and Tina. Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWprtkW7




--------------

Prior recording with Lynn Calling at the end of March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-230-lynn-calling-franklin-food.html

The Franklin Food Pantry current needs
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St
Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St

Thursday, March 21, 2019

In the News: Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval; Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty; Worcester ball park build team gets completed

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

Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval
"A proposal to open a distillery in the mill building formerly occupied by the Incontro restaurant took a step forward last week after a positive vote from the Planning Board. 
Town Planner Amy Love reported that the meeting drew a small crowd, but that those who did attend were in favor of the distillery opening at 860 West Central St. (Rte. 140). A 20-day period to appeal the proposal began March 16, she said. 
Love said many people have called her office trying to get in touch with the company seeking the distillery, Brookdale Mill Realty, LLC, whose principals are Franklin residents Patrick and Beth Downing. 
Brookdale is seeking a special permit to distill spirits on-site. The Downings plan to distill many types of alcohol, including vodka, gin and whiskey, and offer a tasting room."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190314/proposed-franklin-distillery-approved-by-planning-board


Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty
"A pair of local investment representatives are being charged with fraud after “gambling away” the investment funds of more than 250 clients in high-risk investments, according to a press release from Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. 
James G. Daly, of Franklin, and Michael J. O’Keeffe, of Millis, both of Millis-based Oakdale Wealth Management, LLC, are charged with violating their fiduciary duties to their investors. According to the release, a majority of their victims are Massachusetts residents. 
Galvin said he brought charges against the men and their firm for “gambling away” the investments of more than 250 client accounts. The charges pertained to “high risk” investments in energy such as oil and gas, according to the release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/franklin-millis-men-charged-with-making-faulty-investments


Worcester Red Sox ball park build team gets completed
"The final piece of the construction/design team for the city’s ballpark project is now in place. 
In a related matter, offers have begun to be made for the acquisition of properties in the areas of the proposed ballpark site, to be located in the Canal District/Kelley Square area. 
The Worcester Redevelopment Authority board unanimously voted Wednesday to award the construction manager at risk contract for the ballpark project to Gilbane-Hunt, a joint venture. 
The initial award is for $10.8 million and largely covers various “soft costs” and pre-construction services, according to Michael E. Traynor, the city’s chief development officer and chief executive officer of the WRA."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/worcester-ballpark-construction-manager-set-to-go-offers-made-for-land-acquisitions


Friday, June 29, 2018

BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation on behalf of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is pleased to announce that construction has begun in preparation for the school’s upcoming move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin.

The Foundation hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new site on the morning of June 27th. Special guests included Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy and Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

Donald Tappin, President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation greeted attendees to the ceremony stating “We are very excited for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, after almost a quarter century as one of the best performing schools in the state, to finally have a home of its own. We look forward to having the capacity to bring our academic success and most importantly, the culture of character development and community service to even more students and their families. This project of ours has been a long-time in the making and would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of many individuals.”

Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy presented the school with a special citation on behalf of the House of Representatives in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offering the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School a sincere congratulations in recognition of the next chapter in the school’s educational journey.

Head of School Heather Zolnowski closed the ceremony sharing “I am honored to be able to speak on behalf of the students, faculty, staff and parents of BFCCPS to thank everyone who worked so hard over the past 6 years to make this dream a reality. This is an exciting time in the history of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The new facility and grounds will provide the administration and faculty with the opportunity to enhance an already very successful academic program, provide a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty and staff and secure the schools future for decades to come. Our expanded school facility will allow us to address our historically long waiting list for enrollment and welcome more students into our school community than ever before. These opportunities would not be possible without the collaboration, hard work and dedication of the people standing before us today.”

Following the ”turning of the soil” invited guests received a tour to highlight progress at the site. The building’s foundation has been poured, and steel delivery for the building’s frame has commenced. The new 72,000 square foot facility will open for the 2019-2020 school year. Event photography and aerial photography of the site are available here.

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation secured funding for the new school primarily through a $24,550,000 tax-exempt bond issued by MassDevelopment and purchased by Citizens Bank with participation by HarborOne Bank, Websterfive Bank and Radius Bank. The bond financing was supplemented with a $2,000,000 loan provided by The Property and Casualty Initiative.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School opened in 1995 and is one of the original 13 Charter Schools in the state of Massachusetts. Priority in the schools annual enrollment lottery is given first to siblings of current students, then to residents of Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Milville, Norfolk, Plainville, Upton, Walpole, and Wrentham.

The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, BFCCPS will increase enrollment from 50 students to 92 students per grade in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Five resulting in a total of 290 new spaces. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will go live on November 1, 2018.

Over the next ten years, enrollment will expand from the current cap of 450 students to a total of 900 students. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment and candidates for employment are encouraged to follow http://bfccps.org/about/employment for ongoing information.

BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27
BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27

Thursday, June 28, 2018

In the News: Charter School breaks ground; active shooter drill for Franklin Police

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

"From the day the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School moved into the Archdiocese of Boston-owned St. Mary’s building on 201 Main St. in 1995, they did not expect to stay in that building forever.
“We are very tied to how many students we can have in that building,” said Heather Zolnowski, current head of school at BFCCPS. Zolnowski will be executive director of the school for the upcoming academic year. 
Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at 500 Financial Park Drive signifies many years of hard work to expand the regional charter school in hopes that it can become a more flexible learning space that can accommodate more students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180627/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter-breaks-ground

screen capture of Charter School webpage
screen capture of Charter School webpage

“Active shooter, Tri-County High School! White male, green jacket!” the voice boomed over the police radio on Wednesday morning. 
Adrenaline spiked. 
Franklin Police Officer Jack Flynn grabbed a rifle mounted between two seats, while I ran to the back of the cruiser and slipped on my body armor. We quickly advanced toward the building with weapons drawn, using the cruisers and a dumpster for cover. 
While one officer advanced, the other kept an eye out for the active shooter." 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180627/active-shooter-reporter-gets-inside-look-at-franklin-police-drill


Via the Twitterverse






Monday, January 29, 2018

"the expansion will give us an opportunity to finally let them in’’

In case you missed it, the Boston Globe West edition on Sunday catches up to the BFCCPS expansion update.

"One of the Commonwealth’s oldest charter schools is moving to a new building in Franklin with hopes of reducing its waiting list and doubling its enrollment within 10 years. 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School plans to break ground this spring on a 72,000-square foot building at 500 Financial Park Drive. 
The new facility will allow the school to grow from 450 students in kindergarten through eighth grade to 900, said Heather Zolnowski, head of school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2018/01/26/franklin-charter-school-about-expand/qwKyASpp3ICsDHC1jsAUnL/story.html

The expansion of the school, doubling their capacity over several years, may have an effect on the Franklin school district enrollment which is already in a decline for the elementary enrollment. How that will affect the Franklin schools could also have a budget impact. Stay close to the Franklin budget cycle to find out.

Related posts on the Charter School expansion


http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/the-new-building-is-projected-to-cost.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/bfccps-expansion-update.html

A concept rendering of the new Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School building that is planned in Franklin. (ARROWSTREET)
A concept rendering of the new Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
building that is planned in Franklin. (ARROWSTREET)

Saturday, January 13, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School


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


About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.


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


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

Friday, December 8, 2017

Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 5, 2017.

Franklin Matter's contributor Alan Earls reported on the Franklin Library Building Committee meeting held on Dec 5, 2017.

The meeting report is contained in the following PDF file



You can also download the file from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/120u1FosPHtlULM4vFg4yf9VFUWGohD6J/view?usp=sharing


Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 3, 2017.
Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 3, 2017.

The 'official' meeting minutes by the Recording Secretary were sent via email by Committee Chair Judith Pfeffer and can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1asdbCuU2Jd8tCZ-TQ4uppFtnN2m2q6CX

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Library Building Committee looking for the Dennis Foley family

There is a plaque at the library dedicated to a DENNIS FOLEY. The credenza where the plaque is currently placed is no longer to be used. 

The Library Building Committee is trying to reach members of the Foley family - Dennis was married to Paula and they have both passed away.

The Committee would like to place the plaque on another piece of furniture or, if family desires, they will give the plaque to a family member.

If you have information or are a member of the family please leave a comment here or contact Judith Pfeffer at pfefferjudith@yahoo.com

Library Building Committee looking for members of the Dennis Foley family
Library Building Committee looking for members of the Dennis Foley family


Live reporting: Library Building Committee - Nov 14, 2017

Live reporting by Alan Earls for Franklin Matters: Library Building Committee Meeting – Nov. 14, 2017


Committee Members Present: Chair Judith Pfeffer, Sandra Brandfonbrener, Christopher Feeley,Matthew Kelly, Felicia Oti, Nancy Rappa, Jim Roche, Joseph Mullen.

Also in attendance: Michael D’Angelo, Director of Franklin Public Facilities; Shane Nolan, Daedalus Projects Incorporated; Mike Flaherty, Daedalus Projects Incorporated; Brian Valentine, LLB Architects; Judith Lizardi, Recording Secretary, Eamon McCarthy Earls, councilor-elect

Committee Members Absent: Monique Doyle, Thomas Mercer

OVERVIEW: The committee has been meeting monthly before and during the library renovation project and is now focusing on ensuring that final contractual obligations are met and that all necessary elements in the library are functioning properly.

The meeting was called to order by the chair at 5:07 pm. After approving the minutes, the chair asked for an update from Brian Valentine of LLB Architects. He indicated that effort was still being put into finishing items on the ‘punch’ list and trying to finalize a certification of substantial completion. Open items include a desk needing rework and weatherstripping as well as portions of the HVAC system.

Pfeffer noted that the external lawn sprinkler system was completed recently and will be important for maintaining new plantings.

Joe Mullen from Friends of the Library provided a progress report on the sale of memorial or commemorative bricks. To date, 590 have been sold; most have been installed and more will be installed in the spring. At present, according to Mullen, the group is working to prepare Christmas season order forms, which will be promoted around town. Bricks are sold for $50 each.

Mullen also mentioned that the Friends group is teaming up with local veterans who plan to create a commemorative walkway on the common in 2018. By working together, they were able to purchase a pallet of 500 bricks at a more affordable price.

After the completion of Mullen’s presentation, Pfeffer then discussed the status of the credenza currently in the main hall of the library. This large, custom-made piece of furniture served as the library’s reference desk after the 1989 updates and addition. Pfeffer noted that it is marked with a plaque dedicated to Dennis Foley. She indicated that there is really no place for it in the current library and facilities director Michael D’Angelo stated that the credenza is made primarily of particle board and probably needs to be discarded. 

Pfeffer agreed and said she had been unable to reach any members of the Foley family to explain the situation. Councilor Matt Kelly stressed the importance of trying to reach them to express the town’s appreciation for their generosity. Pfeffer said the plaque would be retained and placed elsewhere and expressed the hope that a mention in Franklin Matters might lead to a reconnection with the Foley family.

The “key” presentation of the afternoon came from Shane Nolan, from Daedalus. He provided a “walk through” of a monthly review report. Among the key points:

  • Work on roof and eaves should be complete in about two weeks
  • Conference room millwork was just completed
  • Some door lock and hardware issues remain
  • Carpeting was completed in time for opening and final balancing of the HVAC is underway.[D’Angelo mentioned that chillers have just been winterized]
  • In the near future training for library staff and town facilities people on various new systems will be conducted.
  • End caps have been selected for children’s room shelving [Pfeffer said they are expected in about two weeks]
  • Wood trim on archive room should be in place in a few weeks
  • Reference desk and children’s staff desk to be refabricated soon


Nolan mentioned that the committee had made a decision earlier in the year to “not rush” the contractors so actual completion was 123 days behind the contracted date. At present nine change orders with a value of more than $32,000 are under review with two other potential changes being tracked.

The original contract value was $6,372,213 and 17 change orders to date added $1,310,305 to that for a current contract value of $7,682,517. This figure is below the $10.5 million approved by the Town Council in 2015.

Nolan indicated “close out” of the project would take 60-90 days. Pfeffer and others on the committee sought assurances that any remaining issues would be handled within that time or addressed subsequently.

The Committee also voted unanimously to approve an additional $30,000 for LLB architects to partially cover their additional costs for working during the additional time period required by the project.

The committee also voted unanimously to approve payment number 19, for DW Construction in the amount of $265,081.07.

Later in the meeting the use of library facilities was discussed and questions about current town policies strictly limiting sales on town properties were mentioned as a potential impediment to attracting library speakers or working with art and garden groups in town. 

Councilor Kelly said he hoped to address that policy and work toward an update, perhaps as soon as the first meeting of the Town Council on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:42 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2017, at 5:00 PM at the library. Weekly construction meetings are also held Fridays at 9:00 AM at t Library

view of the main room from an overlook on the 4th floor
view of the main room from an overlook on the 4th floor