Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/20/17 - THU 1/26/17

FRIDAY 1/20/17
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Pizza Showdown at Franklin Public Library
7pm   FYHA Face-Off Fundraising Event

SATURDAY 1/21/17
9am-3pm   Book Sale - Buck a Book @ Franklin Public Library
11am-1pm   Sunrise Montessori Open House @ 31 Hayward Street
8pm   Broadway Series: Matthew Scott @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 1/22/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Bag Sale - $5 a bag @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 1/23/17
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 1/24/17
6:30pm   Dean College Executive Lecture Series: Angela McKay - free, registration required @Guidrey Center

WEDNESDAY 1/25/17
9-11am   Connections That Work - Small Business Owners Info Session @ Franklin Town Hall
3:30pm   Teen Lounge @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 1/26/17
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com and/or shersteve@gmail.com

Circle of Friends: Peter Mulvey January 28th with Pamela Means

View this email in your browser PETER MULVEY with Pamela Means Jan 28th 8PM $20 Peter Mulvey is an amazing songwriter and singer, an extremely entertaining storyteller, and a guitar wizard. He is returning to The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse stage in Franklin on Saturday, January 28th at 8PM. He has developed a strong national following in the indie folk/rock scene through his relentless touring and critically acclaimed albums.  Twenty-odd years on the road, performing songs from his own catalog and from a vast, varied, and deep well of classic and obscure covers, has prepared Mulvey to deliver an outstanding concert. Night after night, the process of divining the heart of a song, being alert to where the moment can lead, has shaped him as an artist. To each rendition, he brings the soul of a singer, a light touch in a heavy world.  http://www.petermulvey.com/ "Peter Mulvey is all substance, which is his style." - The Boston Globe Opening the show will be Pamela Means, a singer-songwriter and jazz musician, with "mad guitar-and-vocal skills" (Time Out New York) who has toured throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, winning awards, delighting audiences and impressing critics with her seven independent releases. With virtuosic musicianship, razor wit and a disarming sense of humor, Pamela Means is building a vibrant and remarkable career.  http://www.pamelameans.com/ "You groove so deep, so deep. I can't get out. And, I wouldn't want to." - Ani DiFranco The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Feb 11      Joe Crookston with Emily Mure Mar 4        Celtic Band RUNA Mar 18      The Boxcar Lilies

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FHS girls Indoor track win vs. King Philip

Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

Boys = Franklin, 43 vs. King Philip, 57 – Final

Girls = Franklin, 79 vs. King Philip, 21 – Final

All the Indoor track teams competed in Hockomock League activity for Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-011917/

• The complete meet results for the Boys (via Coolrunning)

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Jan19_Hockom_set2.shtml

• The complete meet results for the Girls (via Coolrunning)

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Jan19_Hockom_set3.shtml

FHS Panthers

Library Book Sale weekend

The monthly Franklin Public Library Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 22 from 9:00 - noon buy 'books by the bag' sale.

Library Book Sale weekend

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

"Students get targeted support in areas where they struggle"

"Calling for a personalized, student-centered approach to reforms, state education leaders gathered Thursday to mark the release of an annual report on the state of education in Massachusetts. 

"Unless we change the rules of operations in our state and give more schools the types of freedoms we allow charters, we will not see that type of personalization, and we will see a continuation of a top-down approach," said Board of Higher Education Chairman Chris Gabrieli, who advocated for empowering individual schools to lead the way on reforms.

A crowd of approximately 300 filled the ballroom at the Omni Parker House Hotel, where the Boston-based Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy released its annual "Condition of Education in the Commonwealth Report." While Massachusetts is a national leader in education, there are still deficiencies in the system that need to be addressed, Rennie Center Executive Director Chad d'Entremont said. 

"Even as a leader, if we stand pat, we will fall behind," d'Entremont said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/education-leaders-call-for-student-centered-reforms

Download the full PDF for the Rennie Center report
http://www.renniecenter.org/sites/default/files/2017-01/ConditionOfEducation%202017%20ActionGuide.pdf

screen grab of Rennie Center data dashboard

In the News: Superintendent search narrows to 3; another 'safest city' recognition

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

"In daytime work session Thursday, a special town committee narrowed its list of candidates for school superintendent to three. 

Making the cut following a series of meetings are Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. The committee did not advance Wareham Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood. 

The committee - which includes the Franklin School Committee as well as Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, high school Principal Paul Peri, teachers association President Donna Grady and parent Sarah Mulcahy - will now visit the home districts of the candidates. The group also scheduled a public forum with the candidates for Feb. 1."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-superintendent-candidates-narrowed-to-three

Spruce Pond sunrise

"A website has named Franklin the fourth-safest city in America, continuing a multi-year streak in which the community's safety has been lauded. 

The site - location-based analytics search engine NeighborhoodScout - released its lists of both the top 100 safest cities and top 100 most dangerous cities on Jan. 9. A company spokeswoman said the list is based on the latest FBI crime data - in this case, from 2015 - as well as the population of each city. 

This is not the first year NeighborhoodScout's list has recognized Franklin. In 2012, the community ranked as the second safest city in the U.S., and since then has been ranked first in 2013, first in 2014 and seventh in 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-named-fourth-safest-town-in-us

NeighborhoodScout screen grab

DelCarte Pond Herbicide Treatment - Timeline for 2017

During 2017 and 2018, herbicide treatments will be applied to the DelCarte Ponds as part of the restoration and preservation of this important recreation area. The treatments are designed to eliminate the invasive plant species which are proliferating rapidly and threaten to completely “take over” the waterbodies unless action is taken to stop their spread.

The time frame for this work is as follows:

• Prepare and File MA DEP License to Apply Chemicals Permit - APRIL
• Pre-Treatment Survey – MAY
• Variable Milfoil Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Initial Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Interim Survey – LATE JUNE
• Follow-Up Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JULY
• Final Post-Treatment Survey – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
• Year-End Report – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Signs will be posted at the ponds concerning this work it is important to bear in mind that ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENTS, USE OF THE PONDS WILL BE RESTRICTED.

Any questions on this project should be directed to the Conservation office at 508-520-4929.

The northern pond at DelCarte in winter

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/delcarte_pond_herbicide_treatment_notice_0.pdf

"There's no reason to do it, other than financial gain for the landowner"

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

"A controversial proposal to rezone a parcel on Summer Street to allow for denser residential development failed to pass at Wednesday's Town Council meeting. 

A full audience of residents applauded as the measure did not garner the needed two-thirds majority to pass, with only five of the needed six "yes" votes. 

The change would have affected the 11-acre parcel at 496 Summer St., altering its zoning from rural residential to a zone that would allow more residential units. Medway-based developer Grandis Homes indicated that they wished to put 34 single-family townhouses on the land. Developer representatives said the project would generate $270,000 in one-time permit fees, and about $250,000 per year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170118/franklin-controversial-zoning-change-fails

snow covered trail in the Franklin Town Forest along Summer St

My complete notes from the legislation section of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

The roll call votes was as follows: 

• Dellorco - No
• Jones - No
• Vallee - Yes
• Pfeffer - Yes
• Mercer - Yes
• Padula - Yes
• Pellegri - No
• Kelly - yes

vote was 5 yes, 3 no, the measure fails to pass as it need 6 votes to pass

FHS wrestling gets win against Oliver Ames

The FHS winter sports results from the action on Wednesday via Hockomock Sports and Twitter


Wrestling = Oliver Ames, 12 @ Franklin, 44 – Final
– Oliver Ames received wins from Liston Funai (138), Dean Pacini (195) and Jack Mills (285).

Outstanding 44-12 win against Oliver Ames with pins from Carlucci, Racca, MacLean, and Polito including a tech from Remillard #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 19, 2017

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 5 – Final

– Taunton battled to take a 3-2 lead through two periods and then finished off the Panthers in the third period. The Tigers scored an early third period goal to go up 4-2 before Franklin cut the deficit to one with 2:11 to play. However, Taunton scored an empty netter from its defensive zone with 34 seconds to go to ice the game. Zack Albert had four points, registering three assists and scored the game-winning goal. Nick Terry scored twice and had one assist while Jordan Hoey and Mike Volkmann each scored once. Justin Chappell made 24 saves to earn the win.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 45 @ Taunton, 49 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin @ Taunton, 4:00 (no results)

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Medfield, 4 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-011817/

getting ready FHS girls hockey vs. Medfield photo via @CoachMac

and via the Twitterverse

Girls put up a GREAT fight tonight, season bests all around & so much enthusiasm! Let's put this energy towards KP next week! #roadtohocks pic.twitter.com/V1njeaTxFH

— FHS Girls Swim (@FHSGVSWIM) January 18, 2017

8-3 win against Archbishop Williams at their own rink, coon hat to Tasker for a big game and 2 goals. 2nd big win over Archie's this season. pic.twitter.com/MTmPwHCPsF

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Ice Hockey] Taunton HS defeats Franklin HS, 5 to 3.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Swimming] Taunton HS defeats Franklin HS, 49 to 45.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Wrestling] Franklin HS defeats Oliver Ames HS, 44 to 12.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

Medfield comes away w/ 3 goals in the 3P to put this one away. Final from the Vet: Medfield 4-0 over FHS. @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 19, 2017

Getting ready to start 2P here at the Vet with Franklin girls trailing Medfield 1-0. @FHSSports @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/LeTFgEGWIx

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 18, 2017

MassBudget: Budget Explainer: Transportation

Transportation funding in one chart, plus two fact sheets comparing MA taxes to other states

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Budget Explainer: Transportation  Better transportation infrastructure makes the economy more productive, connects people to jobs, and reduces the amount of time people waste in traffic. Where do the resources come from to operate our transportation system, and where is the money invested? The flow chart below displays state revenues and spending, with the width of the arrows representing the dollar amounts. Read the fact sheet with a larger chart. MassBudget has also recently updated two fact sheets that compare Massachusetts taxes to other states:  Massachusetts Ranks near Middle for Taxes in FY 2014 compares state and local taxes in the Commonwealth to other states, and finds we're in the middle of the pack. Where Does the Taxachusetts Label Come From? describes how the state's old label as a high-tax state has more to do with history than reality. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today