In the News: Motte named principal, Senior Center renovations funded

The Franklin School District on Thursday named Rebecca Motte as the next principal of Horace Mann Middle School. 

Motte is currently the assistant principal at Annie Sullivan Middle School.In an announcement to the school's students, parents and faculty, Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski shared positive feedback from the stakeholder groups that interviewed Motte for the position. Members of the groups said she was, among other things, well-organized, friendly, thoughtful and hard-working. 

Motte will replace the school's current principal, Shawn Fortin, who has accepted a position in the western part of the state and will be moving there with his family.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927281/1994/NEWS

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the project is estimated at $1.5 million in total, and noted the town had previously set aside approximately $1 million toward the renovation effort. The work, he said, would focus on the building's second floor. 

"The senior center was built about seven years ago, and the second floor remained unfinished," he said, noting that the town had anticipated completing the floor as the demand for programs increased. 

Nutting said the renovation would also encompass the addition of an elevator and electronically operated doors in the building's bathrooms.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927279/1994/NEWS

All New October Stroll Thursday, October 15, in Downtown Franklin: Pumpkin Decorating, Entertainment, Crafts, Activities Planned

It has been said that fall is the best time of year in New England, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership plans to celebrate autumn in downtown Franklin with the October Stroll on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The October Stroll was created after organizers postponed the Harvest Festival this year because of downtown streetscape construction. Festival organizers embraced the opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy a pumpkin decorating contest, crafts, entertainers, seasonal treats and other activities on a smaller, more intimate scale.

FDP Logo

“Our shops are open, groups and businesses want to connect with residents in Franklin and surrounding communities, and we are excited to offer some fun activities in many locations around our downtown,” says Nicole Fortier, Franklin Downtown Partnership president.

Many activities are planned for the kids. Dean Bank will be giving out pumpkins along with decorating kits to children at its 21 Main Street location.

The Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch will create a kids’ sports center in the parking area behind Rockland Trust. It will be the ideal place for children to burn off extra energy while trying out games and learning new sports skills.

Music and entertainment are planned for seven different venues, including Dean Bank, Rockland Trust, the Main Street parking lot, Jane’s Frames, The Cake Bar, Simon’s Furniture and The Black Box.

Jamie Barrett is scheduled to perform at Jane’s Frames, and Kevin Wolfe will entertain visitors on Main Street. Franklin High School student musicians will perform at The Cake Bar and Dean Bank. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for details about performance times as they are finalized.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present a preview of “The Addams Family” at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street. Stop in between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and take a photo with a costumed cast member from this production, based loosely on the 1960s TV show.

DJ Domenic Cotoia of Music Odyssey Productions will entertain crowds browsing booths in the parking lot on Main Street, and WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast live from the event.

Downtown stores and restaurants will offer specials and fall-themed treats at their locations. Make time for cider and cookies at the Franklin Historical Museum and take a tour of the latest displays.

Local businesses, crafters and groups will have booths at Simon’s Furniture on Summer Street and the patio on East Central Street. More vendor booths will be found along Sponsorship Row in the Main Street parking lot.

Gold Sponsors for the October Stroll are Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. Silver Sponsors are Dean Bank, DCU, Franklin Ford and The Estate at Franklin.

The Bronze Sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance. Friends of the Stroll Sponsors are Alumni Restaurant, Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Crossway Church, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Jane’s Frames, Nexamp, Next Step Living, The Franklin Historical Museum and WMRC.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Go to the www.franklindowntownpartnership.org to learn more.

Comedy, juggling and a touch of the bizarre

Comedy, juggling and a touch of the bizarre. All this at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, Sep 27 at 3:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/09/comedy-juggling-act.html

"a final interview of the candidate"

As reported during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, the School District is apparently close to selected their new principal for Horace Mann.

The school district is in the midst of finding a new principal for Horace Mann Middle School, and will soon begin the same process for Oak Street Elementary School. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski told the School Committee at its meeting this week that one candidate had gone through a round of interviews for the Horace Mann principal position. 

"(The candidate) met with parents and students," she said. "The candidate and myself walked through classrooms at the school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927991/1994/NEWS

6th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is Monday, September 28th!

Celebrate the 6th Anniversary of Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin with laughter and milk and cookies and feel like a little kid again! Boost your joy factor, lighten up, release happy chemicals and open channels of expression and well-being to source your natural aliveness! 

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Monday, September 28th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

get your happy on!

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety.

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

Live reporting: Legislation, through closing

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 15-57: Appropriation Water Enterprise –Prior Year Bill
bill not received until August
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Resolution 15-58: Dissolution of High School Building Committee
there still is a listing of punch items to be worked but the chair will remain to handle those issues
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Resolution 15-59: Appropriation: Insurance Recovery: Fiber Optic Network
authorizing the payment from insurance money, amounts over $20K required Town Council to vote
amount in this payment $27,000
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Resolution 15-60: Appropriation: Insurance Recovery: Police Department
authorizing the payment from insurance money, amounts over $20K required Town Council to vote
amount in this payment was about $100,000
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Resolution 15-61: Appropriation: Senior Center Renovation Project
amount requested should be $601,500
Finance Committee did not have a quorum to vote on this or the items above
had set aside $1M earlier, this is also to set aside
still go out to bid and find out how much the total work will be
elevator to the second floor, doors on 1st floor bathrooms need to open electronically
the second floor was primary, as they started they realized other things were needed to be done
Mercer quipped that he finally will be working on something that he will be able to use

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Union St at the Mill St closed to work on the tracks
access to the store from the Cottage St sign
be aware of detours

parking meters coming out as they cut the sidewalks to put the conduits
parking will still be 2 hour and watched

letter from the Ashland Fire Dept
in recognition of work by one of the fire fighters

Linda Naughton retired from Fire Dept
Beth Weirling will be leaving the Planning Dept to take another position

Emmons will be paved before winter, gas line to be disconnected first

L. OLD BUSINESS
Padula - study on fish to be stocked at DelCarte, study due back next year
containers to be painted with donated paint to clean up the Recycling Center

State folks did not show up to the meeting on downtown this week, meeting next Tuesday

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - is there a way to organize the detours better?
other than the striping everything north of Emmons should be done
the poles will take some time
they should finish West Central and Emmons this year so that next year only Main St will be affected

Dean purchased East St building
deed in this case does provide for tax revenue as a normal citizen

update on solar panels at Parmenter?
3 sump pumps at Parmenter, sometimes the pumps can't keep up

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded

Live Reporting: Town Council - Sep 23

Present: Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: Feldman

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– September 9, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Neighbor Brigade

Proclamation read before the presentation

Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferri and Council Chair Bob Vallee

Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferry (co-leader)
over 200 volunteers

in existence for 5 years, founded by a woman from Wayland
inspired to bring this community service to Franklin
virtual network of services, 3rd of service here in Franklin
15 requests in the first year, 400 requests last year
requests are coming in
delivering meals and other help as needed

volunteers go above and beyond
cancer related, surgery
mother loses a husband and doesn't know how to start a lawn mower
mother dealing with impending surgery, no other family support, the volunteers provide that help

in contact with the hospital, Schools, Fire Dept, Police Dept
and thankful for the help that Steve Sherlock provides

Franklin Candidates Night - Oct 6

Sponsored By:

• Town Of Franklin
• Milford Daily News/Gazette
• Dean College
• United Regional Chamber Of Commerce

Franklin Candidates Night - Oct 6

Date: Tuesday, October 6th,

Place:

Municipal Building
Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Time: 6:00 PM.


********     Note: Only Contested Races Will Participate    ********

• Board of Health
• School Committee
• Town Clerk
• Town Council

LiveARTS: Linda Bento-Rei, flute and Vytas Baksys, piano

Looking over the upcoming LiveARTS season, the realization dawns: this will be a season of friends, both old and new. Fourteen years ago when LiveARTS was just an idea in the minds of a few dreamers, a council of expert music professionals was formed to advise the dreamers of the practicability of their dream. 

One of the counselors was flutist Linda Bento-Rei; officer in the Massachusetts Flute Association; leader of the Arlington Street Chamber Players; soloist; private teacher, one of whose students went on to study with James Galway. In other words, an artist and leader. Her advice was enthusiastic: go for it! So we did. 

In the meantime, this longstanding friend and supporter has gone on to do wonderful work herself. Most recent is her Jongen project CD that has won exceptional notice. Linda Bento-Rei returns to LiveARTS to open the 2015-2016 season, along with her enormously talented partner--and new friend to LiveARTS--pianist Vytas Baksys, long associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It is an honor to bring to the LiveARTS audience these two creative and original musicians.

LiveARTS image of Bento-Rei and Baksys

Sunday, Sep 27 - 3:30 PM

Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street

Doors open at 3 pm. Open Seating. Handicapped accessible.

For additional information, visit http://www.liveartsma.org/

Union St closed between Cottage and East St on Saturday

The Union Street Railroad Crossing (next to The Mill Store) will be closed on Saturday September 26th from 5 AM to 8 PM so the Railroad can make repairs to the tracks. Please avoid the area.

This confirms the MBTA alert posted this past weekend:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/attention-commuter-rail-alert-september.html

fresh dig safe markings on the railroad crossing at Union St

In the News: food drive, Harlem Wizards, golf tournament, improvement plans

The brief extracts from the Milford Daily News with articles of interest for Franklin.

The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Mary’s Parish, 1 Church Square, will hold its monthly food collection on Oct. 3 and 4. 

The society is requests personal items for men and women, such as shampoo, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and laundry detergent. 

In conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, the society also requests donations of cat food and dog food.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150929370/1994/NEWS

The Harlem Wizards will be in Franklin 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School gymnasium, 147 Pond St., for a two-hour charity tournament. 

The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball will play teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools on Team FPS to raise funds for the Franklin Education Foundation. The show includes tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150929288/1994/NEWS

The first annual Emma Frances Dalton Memorial Golf Tournament is planned on Oct. 9, starting at 9 a.m., at Juniper Hill Country Club, 202 Brigham St., Northborough. 

The event benefits the Emma Frances Dalton Research Fund, established in 2012 by William and Nicole Dalton, of Franklin, in memory of their daughter, Emma.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150928511/1994/NEWS

Principals from across the district spoke to the School Committee Tuesday night about how they would implement district improvement plan goals in their various schools. 

The principals - from the middle and elementary schools - said they would be working to increase curriculum complexity, ensure all students meet educational standards and communicate further with the community.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150928464/1994/NEWS

UNITE to Face Addiction: Additional Program Participants Announced

U.S. Surgeon General and White House Director of National Drug Control Policy to Join Over 650 Diverse Organizations in a Coalition Effort to Mark "The Day the Silence End at the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally  Additional Special Guests Just Announced Include Doctor Mehmet Oz, The Cast and Co-Creator of TV Show Mom – Allison Janney, and Chuck Lorre – and Many More  Event to Feature All-Star Musical Performances by Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler with his Nashville-based band, Loving Mary, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, The Fray, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls "The Day the Silence Ends" will feature powerful remarks from celebrities, public officials and advocates, including U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, Director of National Drug Control Policy at the White House Michael Botticelli, Dr. Mehmet Oz, The Cast and Co-Creator of TV Show Mom – Allison Janney, and Chuck Lorre – Darryl Strawberry, Patrick Kennedy, Alex Newell, Chris Herren, Pat O'Brien, William Cope Moyers, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Tara Conner, Dr. David Satcher, Governor Bill Weld, Chef Natalie Young, Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Richie Supa, Elisa Hallerman, members of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several others. Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler with his Nashville-based band, Loving Mary, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, The Fray, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls will join these speakers on stage at UNITE for moving musical performances. "We live in a time when addiction touches every segment of our society – our friends, loved ones, and our communities," said Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General. "We need to stop treating addiction as a moral failing, and start seeing it for what it is: a chronic disease that must be treated with urgency and compassion." "Those of us who have lost loved ones and those of us in in recovery from substance use disorders must speak up and tell our stories," said Director Botticelli, who has been in recovery from a substance use disorder for more than 26 years. "By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can challenge the stereotypes and misperceptions that still keep too many people from getting the help they need." "On behalf of myself and everyone associated with Mom I want to say how proud we are to participate in this ground-breaking event," said Chuck Lorre, co-creator and executive producer of Mom.   "Since our first episode three years ago, our goal has been to highlight a simple fact - that there is laughter, joy and camaraderie in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.  It is not a lonely and glum process."   "Addiction affects people everywhere, regardless of political viewpoints, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, race or geographic location," said Greg Williams, co-founder of Facing Addiction. "The coalition coming together for this historic event is made up of diverse groups from across the country – from church councils to LGBT support groups and youth-focused organizations to labor unions. Though all of these groups vary in scope, size and purpose, they all have one thing in common. Together we are uniting to face addiction and end the silence, once and for all."  About Facing Addiction The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations. For more information, visit FacingAddiction.org. To donate to Facing Addiction, you can text FACING to 41444 or visit FacingAddiction.org, where you can also find more information including updates about the UNITE to Face Addiction rally. Please also visit and follow @FacingAddiction and #UNITEtoFaceAddiction on Twitter.         Unite To Face Addiction · The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations.

Live reporting: closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
nutrition nuggets newsletter going out monthly

Horace Mann candidate search
met with parents and students, and faculty
final interview scheduled and looking for feedback to make final decision
extending thanks to all those who participated in the process

FHS accreditation process will begin Mar 2017
committee leads appointed, training starting
more info to come

October 24, 9-11 in the morning - open house

October 15, music students will be performing at the October Stroll

gearing up for first snow planning meeting
some refinements on the listing for the FHS parking lots

last FHS building Committee will be officially disbanded as the work is now complete
scheduled for the Town Council agenda on Weds


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
none

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

Harlem Wizards - FEF fund raiser
major event this year
team to compete against the Wizards in process

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update
motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting

8. Adjourn

Live reporting: Action items

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the Early Childhood Development Center’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

b. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

c. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

d. I recommend adoption of the Keller School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

e. I recommend adoption of the Kennedy School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

f. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

g. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

h. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

i. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light for Music students trip to New York City to attend a Broadway show and Metropolitan Opera from April 16 – 18, 2016 as detailed.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

O'Malley - heartily endorse seeing an opera at least once

j. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light for students to travel to New Hampshire on February 8, 2016 to hear presidential candidates speak as detailed
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

Live reporting: Horace Mann Middle School

Horace Mann Middle School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczelJlX2I2Z0NNbUU/view?usp=sharing

Shawn Fortin, Katelyn Demers

making community engagement a priority
involving students in the decision making process with the families

Jewell - question on meeting standards

rigor is not just giving more homework
achievement is important, even when standards are being met


Jewell - how are you going to educate the parents on how they can help

it can't be just putting out information, needs to be two-way
taking the core values, turning them into expectations
taking the opportunity to teach without being explicit