FHS wrestling takes 3 more wins on Saturday

Via the Twitterverse

Franklin wins the Red Hawk Duals finishing the day 3-0 with a 35-29 win over Natick with pins from Carlucci, Racca, and Colella #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Another great 72-6 win over Waltham with pins from Carlucci, Racca, Remillard, Farrell, MacLean, Cropper, Hernandez, Coughlin, and Downing

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Great start with a 54-18 win over Haverhill with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, Racca, MacLean, Cropper, Cogavin, and Colella #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Franklin Wrestling

"In a matchup of unbeaten perennial state wrestling powers in the finals of the inaugural Redhawks Duals tournament, Franklin snapped a tie when Mike Racca won by pin at 120 pounds in the final match to lift the Panthers to a championship win by a 35-29 score over host Natick on Saturday. 

The score was tied 29-29 as each team won seven matches heading into the decisive matchup at 120 pounds. 

"It was a great match with hard-fought wrestling and a lot of fun," said Franklin coach Carmine Colace. 

"It was a great match," said Natick coach Bob Anniballi. "They are one of the best Division 1 teams (in the state)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20170107/schools-franklin-wrestling-topples-natick-in-redhawks-duals-tournament

Meeting to focus on Regional Transportation Challenges

The 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission, co-chaired by Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Kate Hogan, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega, will hold a meeting focused on regional transportation challenges.

The 495/ MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission was established by the Legislature in Section 233 of Chapter 165 of the Session Laws of 2015. The commission will study development challenges experienced by edge communities, including transportation, water, cellular, and energy infrastructure, transit services, residential development, reuse of former industrial facilities and historic mills, brownfields reclamation, downtown redevelopment and other such constraints. 

The commission will then develop policy responses and recommendations to ensure that edge communities can participate in state development initiatives and benefit from state resources. The commission will focus its investigation and study on the 35 municipalities served by the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. and develop a pilot program to address the issues to be studied and investigated by the commission.


WHEN: 
Friday, September 16, 2016, 11:00 am

WHERE: 
Warren Conference Center
529 Chestnut St,
Ashland, MA 01721

WHO: 
Senator Karen Spilka
Representative Kate Hogan
Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega
Senator James Eldridge
Senator Richard Ross
Representative Carolyn Dykema
Representative David Muradian

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

• Additional info on the Commission can be found her

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

In the News: Pokemon Go, golf tournament, MetroWest jobs a reverse commute

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

"Aspiring Pokémon masters were out in force in the town common Saturday afternoon. 

The Franklin Federated Church, which sits just opposite that grassy expanse, set up some amenities for Pokémon Go players on its front lawn. Volunteers underneath a small tent offered water, some frozen treats and a recharging station to the trainers. 

Pokémon Go, a smartphone app in which players seek the eponymous creatures in the area that surrounds them, has been downloaded millions of times and has become a bona fide cultural phenomenon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160723/franklin-stop-for-those-on-pokemon-go

"A golf tournament to benefit the S.A.F.E. Coalition will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 

The tournament will support the outreach programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. It will include a barbecue lunch and awards."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160723/safe-coalition-to-hold-golf-tournament-benefit

"While many commuters rely on the train to go from homes in MetroWest to jobs in Boston, Chris Walsh and Cathal Dodd take it the other way. 

Lured by the availability of a website-related job, Walsh, 29, said he’s happy to commute out from Boston to the suburbs. 

“I actually don’t mind the commute,” he said, as he waited on a recent afternoon at the Framingham commuter rail station for a train home to Boston. 

He said he has found a higher-paying job in MetroWest than closer to the city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160724/transportation-issues-help-determine-economic-health-of-region

In the Globe: Shrewsbury library renovation, FHS referenced in new schools using technology

The Boston Sunday Globe West edition featured an article on the renovation and expansion of the library in Shrewsbury. Franklin is about to renovate and expand its own library this year.

• Read the Globe article here (subscription may be required)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/02/26/few-whispers-shrewsbury-library-where-patrons-feel-home/LSTmoIXxhHUxPXiVfsWfUM/story.html



On Saturday, the Globe front page featured an article on the increasing use of technology in new schools. Among the schools mentioned was Franklin High School with several mentions.

• Read the Globe article here (subscription may be required)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/02/26/new-schools-focus-technology-security-and-informal-classrooms/XSmbjz7bOfh7EJGkhQGQoO/story.html

Students Brad Bedarian (left) and Ross Carboni worked on a robotics project at the modern Franklin High School (DAVID L RYAN/GLOBE STAFF)

Guide to MetroWest

Looking for things to do during the school break that are 'close to home'? Check out the Guide to Metro West just published for 2016.

You can find it here (PDF)
http://www.metrowestvisitors.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-Guide-to-MetroWest.pdf


Or here

partial cover image of the MetroWest Guide

In the News: Holiday Stroll, family tradition for Nutcracker, intersession studies at Dean, double poles in MetroWest

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Downtown Franklin’s favorite holiday party, the annual Holiday Stroll, happens Thursday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., and organizers promise fun and festivities for the whole family with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Post Mark the North Pole postman, refreshments, entertainment, crafts and gift shopping. 

Carolers and hot chocolate will set a holiday mood at the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dean College’s Dean Hall Common at 4 p.m. From there event goers will stroll through downtown Franklin to sample treats, enjoy entertainment and score shopping specials offered by more than 30 local businesses.

carollers on the Dean campus at the 2014 Holiday Stroll

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151129831/1994/NEWS

When the curtain rises on Franklin Performing Arts Company’s “The Nutcracker” this holiday season, Franklin’s Steve Crowley and Hannah Rezendes will share the stage as Grandfather and Clara Silberhaus. It’s a relationship the two know well. 

“I really like that he’s my grandfather in the show and in real life,” said Hannah, 13.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151127078/1994/NEWS

The School of Continuing Studies at Dean College will offer winter intercession courses beginning Dec. 28. 

Courses are open to all ages and experience levels and will be taught in areas such as business, English, history, sociology and psychology. 

The Dean Leadership Institute and the School of Continuing Studies have partnered with industry leaders to offer two one-week course options, including “Negotiating Skills for a Complex World” and “Building Value Through Sales and Branding.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151129/NEWS/151126589/1994/NEWS

In his travels around Framingham, Town Meeting member Joel Winett often notices two utility poles placed to serve the same purpose. 

He takes pictures of these so-called double poles and submits the photos to officials, hoping to get wires moved and the old poles removed. But, the double poles often remain. 

“When there’s damage (to a pole), they’re pretty good at putting in a new telephone pole and fastening the old telephone pole to a new telephone pole,” Winett said of utility companies’ responses. 

But, local officials say it is often a challenge to get all the companies to move their wires, a process that delays road work and leaves unsightly and unsafe double poles.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151126314/1994/NEWS

MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women - inaugural public hearing - Sep 30

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW) holds its inaugural public hearing on Wednesday, September 30th 2015, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Mass Bay Community College in the Framingham Auditorium, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham.

The MWCSW invites all residents and community leaders to attend and speak about the issues facing women and girls in the MetroWest. "We need to hear first-hand about the concerns and challenges affecting the lives of these women and girls in the region. We want to discuss them as a community in order to begin to see a better way forward," said Denise Schultz, Chair, MWCSW.

MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW)

Oral and written testimony will be accepted. To submit testimony before the hearing, email the Commission at metrowestwomen@gmail.com. The MWCSW will report its findings and recommended solutions to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. 

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women was created through legislation sponsored by State Senator Karen Spilka and established on January 8, 2015. The MWCSW is comprised of nine volunteer Commissioners who are charged with identifying the challenges that women face in MetroWest communities and working at the local level to address these challenges.

For more information, email metrowestwomen@gmail.com or contact Denise Schultz, Chair, at 508-612-5950. Those planning to attend are encouraged to submit their testimony before the hearing. 

Testimony, comments, and RSVPs will be accepted on the Commission’s FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/MetrowestCommissionStatusWomen, via tweet @WomenMetroWest, or by email.

"150 tons of washed beach sand poured to a depth of 12 inches"

There may not be any surf nearby, but there’s certainly plenty of sand at King Memorial Park in Franklin where the town has paired with a local Eagle Scout to construct a regulation-sized beach volleyball court. 

The idea had been talked about for awhile in the Recreation Department office, according to director Ryan Jette, who said Program Director Megan Woodacre, a former collegiate volleyball player and coach, had been looking into what it would take to construct a regulation-size court. 

That’s when local teenager Jack Jenkins approached the town with his idea to construct a beach volleyball court as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/08/21/surf-but-plenty-sand-franklin-beach-volleyball-court/8QGSEjGtVYFmJLlvl2Et4M/story.html

King St Memorial Park - beach volleyball court - 1

King St Memorial Park - beach volleyball court - 2

King St Memorial Park - beach volleyball court - 3

King St Memorial Park - beach volleyball court - 4

The monthly newspaper, Franklin Town News also had an article on this Eagle Scout project  http://franklintownnews.com/

MetroWest Health Foundation: July News

July 2015 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey Data Shows Teen Smoking Decline After Tobacco Purchase Age Goes to 21 A new EDC study has shown significant declines in teen smoking after raising the minimum sales age for tobacco to 21. The study, which examines trends in the actual prevalence of smoking associated with raising the minimum sales age, was published online June 12 in the journal Tobacco Control. The research focused on Needham, Massachusetts, which in April 2005 became the first town in the United States to raise the minimum tobacco sales age to 21; no other localities did so until 2012. The study found a significantly greater decline in smoking in Needham when compared to 16 communities west of Boston that maintained a minimum sales age of 18. The study examined data from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, a biennial census survey of more than 16,000 high school students funded by the MetroWest Health Foundation. The analysis, done in collaboration with researchers at Brown University and Harvard Medical School, found that from 2006 to 2010 teen smoking in Needham dropped from 13 to 7 percent-a significantly greater decline than in the comparison communities where smoking decreased from 15 to 12 percent. This larger decline was consistent for both males and females, whites and nonwhites, and students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Cigarette purchases in stores among current smokers also declined significantly more in Needham than in the comparison communities. Researchers say the findings support local action to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. "Needham is an example for other communities considering policy changes to reduce youth smoking," said Shari Kessel Schneider, who led the study with her EDC colleagues and researchers from Brown University and Harvard Medical School. "Our findings support efforts to raise the minimum sales age as a mechanism for preventing youth access to cigarettes, smoking initiation, and ultimately nicotine addiction." The foundation is also working to extend the Tobacco 21 movement across other MetroWest communities. Through a foundation grant, the Natick Board of Health is working with local public health departments to enact new tobacco regulations and enforcement policies. The following MetroWest communities have already raised the age of minimum purchase to 21:    Needham Dover Sherborn Wellesley Hudson Medway Ashland Wayland Framingham Northborough Southborough Mendon Marlborough Natick New Report Captures 10 Years of Foundation Progress on Adolescent Health Issues The greatest threat to the health of MetroWest adolescents is not illness or chronic disease. It is the consequences of risky behaviors that can lead to injury, disability, social problems and even death. Since the MetroWest Health Foundation was founded, it has had an interest in keeping children and adolescents safe in their communities.  In its first five years of grantmaking, the foundation funded a variety of responsive projects focused on youth, such as self-injury and suicide prevention training for school personnel, a crisis stabilization program for deaf students, and the creation of several wellness centers in schools. Then in 2004, the foundation launched its first major proactive initiative, the Youth Substance Abuse Initiative and in 2008 the foundation reinforced its interest in youth health by establishing adolescent mental health as one of its three priority areas. As an extension of its work in the area of adolescent health, the trustees of the foundation made a commitment in 2006 to conduct the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey every two years for a total of ten years. Based on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this census survey is now implemented in every middle and high school in the foundation's 25-town region. The survey data provides invaluable insight for schools and communities about the behavior of its adolescents. For the foundation, it has been used to help determine priority areas as well as measure the success of our funding initiatives. As we come to the conclusion of the initial ten-year commitment, it seems like an ideal time to reflect on the foundation's impact in risk behaviors addressed in the health survey. This "report card" looks at data from four areas - bullying, mental health, substance use and sexual behaviors - and discusses the foundation's efforts and impact. In doing so, we do not imply causation but rather seek to explore our contribution to any changes in behaviors. An overall grade is provided for each of the four initiative areas based on the level of improvement in the data at the grantee and regional levels. Progress has been very good in the four areas: Bullying - Significant Improvement Mental Health - In Progress Sexual Behavior - Moderate Improvement Substance Use - Significant Improvement Click here to read the full report. Tools You Can Use: Health Literacy Did you ever forget what your doctor told you once you left the office? Or, didn't really understand all the medical lingo you heard?   More and more of us need help with "health literacy" - defined by the US Department of Health & Human Services as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. It is easy to understand why only 12% of Americans are considered to be health literate. The MetroWest Racial & Ethnic Disparities Workgroup has been working to increase the health literacy of the region. Last fall, the workgroup sponsored a forum on health literacy which highlighted what providers could do to help patients become more literate through tools like "Talk Back" or through the use of patient navigators. Now the workgroup has assembled a list of curated online resources designed to assist both providers and consumers. The site has links to over fifteen websites that offer tools and resources that can better prepare patients for health care visits.    To check out the latest resources from the workgroup, go to the Strengthening the Field section of our website and click on Health Literacy.  MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership is Transforming Patient Care A recent meeting of the Advisory Council for the  MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership highlighted the progress the Partnership is making linking clinical and community services to improve patient care.  The advisory council heard from representatives of Charles River Medical Associates, a large physician group practice participating in the project.  Primary care physicians within this practice are screening older adults for fall risk at 11 sites across MetroWest. Patients that are identified to be at risk for falling are referred to and enrolled in evidence-based programs in the community. These programs include education workshops that reduce the fear of falling (A Matter of Balance), exercise programs to increase strength and balance (Tai Chi) and home safety evaluations to reduce fall hazards in the home.   Community partners provide feedback to Charles River's referral coordinator to keep physicians informed about their patient's progress in community programs. Since March, Charles River has referred 76 patients to the Partnership's programs.  The Partnership is also launching similar initiatives to address pediatric asthma, hypertension, and tobacco use.  The MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership is one of nine projects funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the Prevention & Wellness Trust Fund. These projects will be testing how formal partnerships between clinical providers and community organizations can improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of care.  The MetroWest Health Foundation is providing ten percent matching funds to the MetroWest Partnership, serving Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough and Framingham.  For more information about the MetroWest Prevention and Wellness Partnership, contact Alex DePalo, Project Coordinator, Town of Hudson Health Department, (978) 568-9658.   MetroWest Health Foundation 161 Worcester Road, Suite 202 Framingham, MA 01701 T: 508.879.7625   Info@mwhealth.org

Forward this email MetroWest Health Foundation | 161 Worcester Road | Suite 202 | Framingham | MA | 01701

Senator Spilka Kicks off Commonwealth Conversations MetroWest Tour and Public Forum

Senators continue statewide tour to hear firsthand from MetroWest residents

NEWTON – On Monday, March 2^nd, Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) will tour businesses, universities and local organizations to listen to the concerns of MetroWest residents. The Senator will be joined by Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst), Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester) and other senators from across the state.

Commonwealth Conversations is a series of statewide tours created by Senate President Stan Rosenberg to give Senators an opportunity to listen to residents, businesses and interest groups and make sure everyone's voice is heard in every corner of the Commonwealth. The tour is intended to highlight ideas and actions that will strengthen Massachusetts and make government even more accessible to constituents.

WHO:                   Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Senators Karen Spilka, Mike Barrett, Jamie Eldridge, Richard Ross, Cynthia Creem, Eileen Donoghue and other state senators

WHAT:                 Commonwealth Conversations Tour MetroWest Town Hall Public Forum

WHEN:                 Monday, March 2, 2015

                                7:00 - 8:30 pm

Newton North High School Cafeteria

457 Walnut Street

Newton, MA 02460

WHY:                    Senators will listen to public feedback and community concerns and issues in the MetroWest region.

The Commonwealth Conversation tour dates run from February 4^th through March 11th. All members of the public and the press are encouraged to participate. Read more about this effort on the website https://malegislature.gov/cc and follow on Twitter at @Ma_Senate.

"there is not an opt-out option"

On Sunday, the Boston Globe MetroWest section had an article on the growing discussion around standardized testing. PARCC is being piloted here in Franklin as well as other communities around the state. Some communities are trying to get out of the piloting and the article quotes Franklin's Joyce Edwards:

Joyce Edwards, director of instructional services for the Franklin school system, said every step had been taken to ensure that the testing, which will be conducted this week and in May in eight schools across the district, will have as minimal an impact on daily instruction as possible. 

“There is always an extra burden when there is extra testing,” Edwards said. “We took every exemption available to avoid double-testing. Beyond that the state has been quite clear there is not an opt-out option.” 

PARCC

Franklin’s schools obtained MCAS exemptions from the state for students who take the PARCC pilot test. If students take a PARCC test in English or math, they won’t have to take the same section in MCAS. 

Edwards said if an opt-out was allowed by the state, the district probably would have offered it. 

“We absolutely would have considered that,” she said. “We don’t believe in double-testing and the loss in instructional time.”

You can find the full article online here (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/04/05/some-school-districts-less-than-excited-about-new-standardized-test/yLaSdLSF26svfASDhAmYHO/story.html

“Artists in Bloom” Family Concert - March 9

Ballet Conservatory dancers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Benjamin Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra with the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Peter L. Cokkinias. The collaborative performance is part of the Hopkinton-based Orchestra’s “Artists in Bloom” Family Concert, to be presented on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. at the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School Auditorium, 750 Winter Street, in Framingham. The program also features Aaron Copland’s Outdoor Overture and Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane, with 16-year-old violin soloist Elizabeth Kim, winner of the Orchestra’s annual Young Artist Competition.

FSPA - Peter and theWolf

The classic musical tale Peter and the Wolf comes to life with choreography and staging by FSPA Ballet Mistress Cheryl Madeux. Featuring Prokofiev’s lyrical score, the adventures of Peter, his animal friends, and the wolf unfold with representation by different instruments and musical themes, providing a dynamic theatrical experience for children. The ballet also includes narration of the story by Rene Pfister, making it an especially delightful and accessible introduction to the world of live music and dance. Along with Prokofiev’s memorable melodies, Madeux’s choreography aptly expresses the different personalities of the principal characters.

A former company dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Cheryl Madeux has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She was a finalist in the Paris International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne and was awarded a Presidential Scholar in Dance. Ms. Madeux is a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT National Teacher Training Curriculum.

FSPA Ballet Conservatory dancers cast in Peter and the Wolf’s featured roles are Sam Evans (Peter) of Medfield, Shaina McGillis (Wolf) of Franklin, Mikaela Guidice (Bird) of Norfolk, Alli Tomsik (Duck) of Medway and Sarah Radford (Cat) of Wrentham. Rudy Bauer of Franklin will portray the Grandfather.

One of the most popular scores used in children's music education, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra introduces the members of each family of instruments – woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Hear the full orchestra, then brilliant variations on a theme written to spotlight each of the instruments, before the sections are brought together again for a dramatic fugue. Britten's masterful piece will be presented with choreography and staging by Clyde Nantais, an FSPA Dance Faculty member, to further enhance the audience’s experience of this beloved work.

A former dancer with Boston Ballet, Clyde Nantais has taught at the Boston Ballet School for more than15 years. A faculty member at The Boston Conservatory, he was Ballet Master of The Boston Conservatory Dance Theatre. As a ballet master, teacher, choreographer and guest artist, Mr. Nantais has also worked with Festival Ballet of Rhode Island, Berkshire Ballet, Ballet Santo Domingo, Ithaca Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Pioneer Valley Ballet, and The National Institute of the Arts in Taipei, Taiwan. He is Associate Director of the Boston Dance Company.

FSPA ballet dancers showcased in The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra are Noura Sander of Easton; Lily Barney, Kendra Dombroski, Shaina McGillis, Sarah Metras, Emma Nicholson, Olivia Rondeau and Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin; Jared Brouillette of Holliston; Ashley Rosenthal of Hudson; Kaitlyn Calnan, Haley Desjarlais, Ally Lynch, Alli Tomsik and Maddy Williams of Medway; Phoebe Dias and Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk; and Jenna McDermott and Sarah Radford of Wrentham.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA provides extensive training, performance and programming in music, dance and drama to students of all ages and ability levels from across the MetroWest region. For more information about FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory program or recreational dance classes at the school, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.

Ticket prices for the “Artists in Bloom” special family concert are $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.metrowestsymphony.org or at the door.

In the News: nativity festival, foundation awards, Celtic Christmas, tax rate

Nativity festival set for today at Franklin church

Nativity sets serve as the focal point in many homes during the holiday season with some families passing these heirlooms down from one generation to another.

Foundation awards $228K to groups throughout MetroWest

Foundation for MetroWest announced on today that it has awarded grants totaling $228,000 to organizations throughout  MetroWest as part of their 2013 Competitive Grant Program. The announcement was part of an event held this week at The Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN).

To do this weekend: Celtic Christmas Celebration

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents a Celtic Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Franklin.

Franklin Town Council stays with single tax rate

Considering Franklin's small commercial tax base, the Town Council on Wednesday chose to stick with a single tax rate.

In the News: Chamber choices, Class of 1964, school custodian

MetroWest Chamber expands service area

The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce announced at its annual meeting Thursday night that it is more than doubling the number of towns it considers part of its coverage area in the region.

FHS Class of 1964 invited to graduation ceremonies

Members of Franklin High School, Class of 1964, are invited to celebrate their 50th anniversary at graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2014 on Friday, June 6.

Tip led to arrest of Franklin school custodian

A Taunton man, employed as a school custodian in Franklin and arraigned Wednesday for child-pornography possession, had previously uploaded hundreds of images of young girls, some of them pre-pubescent and some of whom were depicted engaging in sex with grown men, police said.

Senior Center introduces Companion Caregiver Program

Funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation, Franklin's Senior Center is offering a program to provide some off time for care givers. For those caring for the sick and elderly, the job is 24x7. To get a break, you can now get some qualified help at a reasonable price.

The Companion Caregiver Program is designed to provide a regular break (respite) for unpaid caregivers of elders, aged 60 and over, in Franklin and Bellingham. Care recipients must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, a related dementia, or a significant chronic medical condition. This in-home respite service is provided by a trained companion employed by the Franklin Senior Center. The program provides socialization and stimulation for the care recipient, through an activities plan developed for that individual, based on his or her interests and abilities. It also provides affordable respite for caregivers.

The details are contained in the flyer shown here:

Rockland Trust donates $43K to Franklin Food Pantry

Yes, relationships matter! Thanks to Rockland Trust this provides the space the Franklin Food Pantry operates from to serve the Franklin community.

Franklin Food Pantry

Rockland Trust this week announced its continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry with a $43,200 donation to renew the pantry’s rent-free lease for the fifth consecutive year. The food pantry provides between 2,600 and 3,200 pounds of food to area residents each week. In addition to providing the Franklin Food Pantry with rent-free space, Rockland Trust recently concluded a month-long food drive throughout its entire service area in Massachusetts, including its new Metro North communities and Greater Providence. As part of the food drive, which ran throughout April, the bank also donated more than $13,750 to local food banks.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/business/x1391862985/Business-Digest-for-June-8-2013#ixzz2VjwiQM00


For more about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit their webpage  http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

or "Like" them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry

"reimagining their senior centers"

The MetroWest Daily News has an article on the growing senior population and the attempts of the local senior centers to serve this community.

Directors have found that to reach new seniors, they’ll need new marketing techniques, ones incorporating social media and the Internet. 

Inside their senior centers, they are taking pains to stay fresh and appealing, setting up cafés and computer classrooms. 

"We expect that they (baby boomers) want much more high-tech resources than we currently offer," said Karen Alves, director of the Franklin Senior Center. 

Outside, they’re offering trips beyond doctor’s visits, to cultural or educational hot spots.

Read more: A senior dilemma - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x1631898497/A-senior-dilemma#ixzz2GXVbupmG


Information about the Franklin Senior Center can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

You can find their current Newsletter here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Jan13connection.pdf

"it provides good information"

The Milford Daily News reports that the annual survey by the MetroWest Health Foundation is expanding this year. The expansion will cover all 25 of the communities covered by the Foundation.

The survey asks students about everything from their drug and alcohol use to their daily stress levels, providing schools and health officials with a valuable glimpse into their lives. Data gleaned from the questionnaire also influences where and how the MetroWest Health Foundation spends its program funding, which is another reason the organization wants as many towns as possible to participate, according to Donham. 

"In order to have good data to supply to us, they need to take the survey," she said. 

This year’s participants have until Thanksgiving to complete the survey. Many districts are already done. 

The 2012 version includes several new question topics, including bystander behaviors and peer support. The high school questionnaire also has more questions about dating violence and sexting.

Read more of the Milford Daily News article: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x35737837/Student-health-survey-gets-full-participation#ixzz2C6A3pKV3

Franklin has been one of the 25 communities to participate in the survey and use the data to direct program efforts. Some of the related posts on the survey data can be found here:

2007 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/metro-westedc-adolescent-health-survey.html

2008 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/12/live-reporting-metrowest-health-update.html

2010 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/04/live-reporting-community-health-council.html


For more information on the MetroWest Health Foundation visit their webpage here  http://www.mwhealth.org/

Campaign donations

An article from the MetroWest Daily News last week that flew under the radar mentions the campaign funds for the 10th Norfolk District seat up for election. Thanks to an eagle eyed reader for finding it.

A five-way battle in Franklin to fill the 10th Norfolk seat, which Rep. James Vallee abruptly vacated in June, has raised the most money of any MetroWest or Milford area House race. 

The five candidates so far have raised $69,000 total, according to the state campaign finance website, which lists information on fundraising. 

Franklin Democrat Peter Padula has the most, $23,000. Republican Richard Eustis has the least, $5,800.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1632291799/Open-seat-races-draw-most-campaign-cash#ixzz25aPkFTux

"Regional equity with transportation funding"

The problem exists and the solution requires coordination and networking. The primary election on Thursday Sep 4th can help to provide Franklin with the voice in this effort.

The problem many see in the MetroWest I-495 corridor is the highways straddle the turf of two MPOs — the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization — as well as two regional planning agencies, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. 

"Their budgets are limited, which makes a project like the 495 interchange (difficult)," Denoncourt said, adding that it’s easier for MPOs to work on projects solely within their jurisdiction. 

Denoncourt and Westborough Town Planner Jim Robbins agreed the political boundaries also make things difficult. 

"When you drive from (I-)290 to the Mass. Pike via (I-)495, you drive through four congressional districts," Denoncourt said, which sometimes makes it tough to find a unified voice.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1606939612/Fueling-future-road-improvements-a-tall-task#ixzz25P3gws6U