Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break

Reminder: There is no school on Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving break. 

All Schools and District offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. We hope you enjoy a happy and safe holiday! 

Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break
Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton

Now that the Chateau Restaurant is open, folks have noticed construction in the lot next to them. What is it going to be? Another hotel. 

construction underway at 725 Union St
construction underway at 725 Union St


This one per the site plans (see links below) a "Home 2" suite style hotel by Hilton.   https://www.hilton.com/en/home2/

original plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-site-plans
 
revised plan (1/14/19)
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-revised-11419

application
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-application
 
color rendering
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-color-rendering
 

All links from the Planning Board page for Approved Projects
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
 

Walk Off That Turkey - SNETT Group Walk - Nov 29

Join us to walk off that turkey dinner on Friday, November 29 at 10 AM. We will meet at the Grove Street trailhead parking lot at 10 AM. Dogs on a leash are always welcome.

Friday, Nov 29  at 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Hosted by Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

trail head for the SNETT on Grove St
trail head for the SNETT on Grove St

License Modification (Change in Location) - Avocado, Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant - Dec 18


The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Avocado,Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, located at 371 Union Street, Franklin, MA for a license modification - change in location

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin,MA.

Information on this application may be obtained in the Town Administrator's Office.

What was the Union Grille will become Acapulcos
What was the Union Grille will become Acapulcos

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/acapulcos_legal_ad_-_abutters_2.docx_2.pdf


In the News: distracted driving legislation effective February; additional electric vehicle charging stations being installed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts drivers will soon face fines for virtually all cellphone usage behind the wheel after Gov. Charlie Baker signed an anti-distracted driving bill into law Monday. 
Starting in three months, motorists will be prohibited from using a handheld electronic device while driving except for a single touch or tap to activate hands-free mode. Voice commands will still be allowed, as will viewing a map on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or console, but all other uses are banned. 
State law has forbidden texting while driving since 2010, but because other actions such as dialing a phone number were not covered, police have found it difficult to enforce and distracted driving has proliferated. 
“When a driver on an electronic device hits something or someone, that’s not an accident,” Baker said during a crowded signing ceremony in the Statehouse Library, joined by advocates and families of victims killed in collisions. “It’s a crash that was avoidable, so this is a very proud day for Massachusetts where we join the other states in New England and do more to help prevent further injuries and horrible tragedies.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/hands-free-law-begins-in-february


"New electric vehicle charging stations will soon be installed at the Framingham Logan Express and the Franklin Village Shopping Center. 
The Baker-Polito administration, using $2 million in state funds received as settlement money in connection with the 2015 Volkswagen emission scandal, has awarded MassEVIP grants to 49 entities for the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations. 
The DEP made the announcement in a press release last week. 
“By putting the infrastructure in place to ensure the reliability of electric vehicles and encourage electric vehicle adoption, we can lower transportation costs for families and businesses, enhance the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and improve the environment,” said Gov. Charlie Baker said in the release."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/vehicle-charging-stations-coming-to-framingham-franklin

Franklin’s first marijuana dispensary expected to open soon

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The town’s first recreational marijuana dispensary has been given the green light to begin operations, although it’s unclear when its doors will open. 
Proponents of the retail establishment at 1256 West Central St. - GTE Franklin, LLC - had their proposal approved for the project by the Planning Board on Sept. 23, said Town Planner Amy Love. The shop will be located within an industrial site in the town’s Marijuana Overlay District, next door to a Milford Regional Medical Center office. 
Other shops with signs on-site include Franklin Yoga & Wellness, William Raveis Real Estate and Forge Auto Works."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191124/franklins-first-marijuana-dispensary-expected-to-open-soon

The Planning Board site plan documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/1256-west-central-st-marijuana

The community meeting held in September by GTE Franklin, LLC and facilitated by the SAFE Coalition presentation document and audio recording is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/the-audio-and-presentation-copy-for-gte.html



MBTA: Thursday - Thanksgiving Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, 11/28.

On the Lowell and Franklin Lines, Sunday train service will run. Weekend bus shuttles will resume on both lines on Saturday 12/7.

On the Rockport Line, Sunday train service will run as well. Weekday bus shuttle will resume on Monday 12/2

Last Updated: Nov 25 2019 12:16 PM

MBTA: Thursday - Thanksgiving Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line
MBTA: Thursday - Thanksgiving Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line

Franklin Library: Zentangle for Children - Nov 26




Zentangle spoken here
Zentangle for Children
Grades 1-6
Free at
Franklin Public Library
with Jane
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Anything is possible, one stroke at a time


Through the Zentangle Method of Drawing you can:

  • Relax
  • Focus
  • Expand your imagination
  • Trust your creativity
  • Increase your awareness
  • Discover the fun and healing in creative expression
  • Feel Gratitude and appreciation for all that you can do
  • and more importantly
HAVE FUN!
my first Zentangle tiles
Please arrive promptly at 3:30 so we can begin the teaching of the lesson immediately.
Space is limited to 25 children.
Jane's Tangles | 18 Park Rd, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by janesframes60@gmail.com in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
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Monday, November 25, 2019

Preparedness: Presume the best, prepare for the worst

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 11/24/2019
"On Wednesday 11/20, I attended an emergency readiness meeting of Bellingham and Franklin officials. The day was given to analyzing our emergency preparedness, and assessing our strengths and limitations.

What does that look like? The day produced a list of action items to improve our readiness to mitigate emergencies great and small across the municipalities, facilities, areas and neighborhoods. They addressed issues that none of us think about as we go about our day-to-day lives, but they are important issues nonetheless."
 
Preparedness: Presume the best, prepare fo rthe worst
Preparedness: Presume the best, prepare for the worst


Questions? 508-541-4118. 

As always – Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thanks for watching.


For the full program guide for Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm
 http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Library Hours for Thanksgiving Week

The Franklin Public Library will close at 2:00 PM on Wednesday. It will remain closed on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day and re-open on Friday. 

Avoid the "Black Friday" shoppers and enjoy a book or do some research in the calm and quiet of the Library.


Library Hours for Thanksgiving Week
Library Hours for Thanksgiving Week
For more about what is happening at the Library, visit their web page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Please help send these girls to their first ever AYC National Championship!

"Our 14U Franklin Cheer team just qualified to compete at the AYFC National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida from December 11-16, 2019. Please help send these girls to their first ever AYC National Championship!!!

Their journey has been long, their effort...tireless, and their desire to be the best can only be topped by their dedication and commitment to “team above self”. This is more than just a competition for these girls. This is the culmination of hours and hours of practice, persistence and sacrifice. Now it’s time to show our support for all their hard work. Every donation helps no matter how small. Please consider giving.

This trip to National’s will be an experience every single one of them will remember for a lifetime. For some, this will be the first time leaving the New England. For others, this will be the first trip they take with teammates but without their families. For most, this will be the only time these girls have the opportunity to represent our community and state at a national level.

This will be a competition where they learn the value of hard work, determination, commitment, sacrifice and teamwork. They will learn , because of their work ethic, all things are possible. For those very reasons, they will return from Nationals as “winners” regardless of their scores.

The cost per cheerleader is approximately $1,300.00 inclusive of airfare, lodging, food, transportation and other costs/fees. We need to raise $18,000.00 in two short weeks to enable all of the girls on our team to go.

The team has done their hard work, practice after practice, to get this far. They’ve overcome injuries, icing noses and lips, sprains and strains, all for the sake of a team. They’ve missed social events and other opportunities for one shot at rocking a flawless 2 ½ minute routine where one mistake, one slip by one girl, can mean the end of the season for all. Please help us send them the rest of the way!! Donate now and make their dreams come true!!!"

Donate via this GoFundMe page
https://www.gofundme.com/f/franklin-cheer-2019-ayf-national-competition


Please help send these girls to their first ever AYC National Championship!
Please help send these girls to their first ever AYC National Championship!

Register O'Donnell Welcomes Chinese Delegation


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Welcomes Chinese Delegation

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources, Bureau of Natural Resources Registration. O'Donnell provided the delegation, headed by Yang Zhuhui, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Natural Resources Registration, with an overview of land document recording procedures at the Registry.

Commenting on the event, O'Donnell noted, "No matter what the level of government, having an open dialogue with a foreign country improves cooperation and understanding between the parties. As the Bureau of Natural Resources Registration ramps up their land registration system, they hopefully will be helped by what they learned and observed here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds when it comes to our best practices."

A lively question and answer session followed with Register O'Donnell and the Chinese delegation. "Some of the questions touched on issues of property ownership, including property development, zoning restrictions and how they affect property development here in the states, and recording of public land documents dealing with highways and water," noted the Register.

At the end of the event, Register O'Donnell, representing the Registry of Deeds and the citizens of Norfolk County, was presented with a gift of Chinese silk tapestry. Register O'Donnell stated, "I want to thank the Chinese delegation for their kindness in presenting this wonderful gift to Norfolk County. We were honored that they chose to learn from us. I wish the delegation all the best as they begin the process of creating a land document recording system."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

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Register O'Donnell Welcomes Chinese Delegation
Register O'Donnell Welcomes Chinese Delegation


FREE Mediation Skills Training for Veterans - Jan 10, 2020

FREE Mediation Skills Training for Veterans

Learn how to resolve disputes with improved communication skills

When: Jan 10, 2020
Where: Brockton Main Library
Register: send email with name, email and phone number to mediators@gbcdr.org

FREE Mediation Skills Training for Veterans - Jan 10, 2020
FREE Mediation Skills Training for Veterans - Jan 10, 2020

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-mediation-skills-training-veterans

Sunday, November 24, 2019

FPAC, Franklin TV, and Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology Team Up to Bring Broadway to THE BLACK BOX for the Holidays

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Franklin TV, and The Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology will team up this December to bring a special holiday show to THE BLACK BOX. Together, they will present the world premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! based on Rice's viral #TAPPY video series which has been seen by more than 3 million people worldwide. Audiences are invited to be a part of the live studio audience at a magical, tap-dance infused, holiday special being filmed at THE BLACK BOX. The space will be transformed into a classic soundstage where Broadway's Christopher Rice will bring his Christmas variety show to life and whirl the audience away to a world filled with classic holiday songs, tap dancing feet, and special Broadway guests.

There's also a show behind the show: a story about what wondrously marvelous things can be accomplished when three nonprofit organizations combine their resources, skills, and efforts in common cause. Tappy Christmas will be a look back at the golden age of holiday TV specials enjoyed predominantly in the 1960s. Every year, these TV specials captured the festivities of the season. 

But how do you recreate a real 1960s TV special at THE BLACK BOX in 2019? That’s when Franklin TV (http://franklin.tv/) got involved. After taking a moment to contemplate the creative challenges, Franklin TV Executive Director Peter Fasciano said, “We’re all in.”

Then, a third local nonprofit was added to the team: The Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology (http://www.wmbt.org/). Who better to provide real TV studio cameras that are authentic to the period? The museum often consults on and provides authentic studio equipment for major motion pictures and TV series. They ensure that old TV studio and control room sets are faithfully recreated. Together, the three artistic non profit organizations are recreating that old-school holiday TV Special at THE BLACK BOX.

Broadway’s Christopher Rice joined the FPAC family last season when he headlined the sold-out run of Disney's Newsies as Jack Kelly. Having just finished the run of Pretty Woman on Broadway, Rice's other credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, the national tours of West Side Story, White Christmas, and more. Rice’s viral #TAPPY videos rose to fame in 2013 with “‘Cups’ Tap Dance,” an intricate tap routine featuring Rice and other Broadway hoofers dancing to Anna Kendricks “Cups” from Pitch Perfect. 

Since then, he has choreographed, produced, and starred in numerous #TAPPY videos including two “Tappy Christmas Specials” featuring Broadway surprise guests stopping by to sing and dance for the holidays. These videos are the inspiration for the live show.

“We have an exciting lineup of Broadway and professional guest stars as well as some of our FPAC alumni,” says FPAC Director Raye Lynn Mercer. Rice and friends will also be joined by a select group of young local dancers chosen by Rice himself through a rigorous audition process. “That’s the best part about the holidays- you never know who might stop by!”

Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! runs December 20-22 at THE BLACK BOX. General Admission/Tiered Seating is available at $36.00. Premier Table Seating, including reserved table seating, drink voucher, and an autographed cast photo, is available at $48.00. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370

 
FPAC, Franklin TV, and Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology Team Up to Bring Broadway to THE BLACK BOX
FPAC, Franklin TV, and Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology Team Up to Bring Broadway to THE BLACK BOX

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Nov 26, 2019

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”


I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made….
A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment….
The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Roles & Responsibilities of the School Committee
B. School Finance Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. FHS Overseas Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Ayers & Rosanne Achin-Housman to take FHS Students to Germany & Switzerland from June 29 – July 8, 2020 as detailed.
B. FY20 Capital Requests
I recommend approval of the FY20 Capital Requests at detailed.
  • Capital memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/capital-memo

  • Capital items
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-capital
 
C. DECA Nationals Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Miguel Carmo to take FHS Students to Nashville, TN for the DECA National’s Competition from April 29 – May 1, 2020 as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 12, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Franklin Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the following donations/grants totaling $11,595.86 for the purchase of concert attire for FPS musicians as detailed:
Franklin Cultural Council $2,000.00 grant Regency Transportation $ 500.00 donation Franklin Music Boosters $9,095.86 donation
C. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $395.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for in- house enrichment district wide.
D. Jefferson Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of 100 tulip bulbs (valued at $22.00) from Wicked Tulips for the Buddy Garden at Jefferson Elementary School.
E. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $923.82 from O’Connor Studios for in- house enrichment at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
F. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $2,402.28 from the Parmenter PCC for in house enrichment at Parmenter Elementary School.
G. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips as detailed.
H. Remington Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $494.65 from the Remington PCC for supplemental curriculum materials as detailed.
I. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Fidelity Charitable Donor advised fund for supplemental supplies as detailed.
J. FHS/Athletics Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,734.30 as detailed:
$1,000.00 Walmart / Supplemental Curriculum Materials
$734.30 All American Publishing (Athletics)/ Supplemental Supplies
K. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $34.83 from Lisa & Christopher Brady for supplemental supplies districtwide as detailed.
L. Music Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of an electric guitar and 2 amplifiers (valued at $800.00) from Mr. Ramlal to the Franklin Music Department as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll

X. Adjournment


Documents released for this meeting can be found 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-26-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

The agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_11-26-19.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Nov 26, 2019
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Nov 26, 2019