Blackstone Valley: Join us for this week's Ranger Walkabout

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Ranger Walkabout on Thursday, August 14 Slatersville: America's First Mill Village Thursday, August 14  Slatersville: America's First Mill Village North Smithfield Public Library 20 Main Street North Smithfield, RI Start time: 6:30 pm Join a National Park Service Ranger to explore America's first planned mill village.  Learn how John Slater came to this site along the Branch River to expand the Textile Empire that his brother Samuel had begun in Pawtucket in 1790.  Slatersville is not only the first planned mill village in America, it is one of the best preserved. Almost all of the elements of the original village, from the mill, to the worker housing, the church and the company stores still remain.  Parking: Parking is available at the North Smithfield Public Library parking lot at 20 Main Street, Slatersville, (North Smithfield), RI.  See the full schedule Event Calendar Check out the event calendar for a more complete, detailed listing of Blackstone Corridor Events: Event Calendar  We are glad to include Corridor-related news and events, both on our web site calendar and in our monthly newsletter, Corridor Currents. Send us your stuff! About The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Congress established the National Heritage Corridor in 1986 to restore and preserve the nationally significant heritage of the Blackstone River Valley, where the industrialization of America began. It has become a successful program of partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations, pooling their resources and pursuing a common agenda of preservation and revitalization.  Ongoing Blackstone Corridor programs and projects include historic preservation, river cleanup, land conservation and stewardship, visitor centers, ranger walks, programs with schools, recreational programs and events, support for arts and cultural events, training for partners and volunteers and assistance to towns trying to preserve their heritage while also improving the local and regional economy. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor One Depot Square Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895 Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor 401-762-0250

Forward this email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by brvnhc@gmail.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895

Talithia Williams: Own your body's data

I'll admit I am also a 'data geek' although I did not get my degree in statistics. Talithia Williams gets into how she captures her data and how she uses it. I learned how the body temperature can vary and with good reason.

The new breed of high-tech self-monitors (measuring heartrate, sleep, steps per day) might seem targeted at competitive athletes. But Talithia Williams, a statistician, makes a compelling case that all of us should be measuring and recording simple data about our bodies every day — because our own data can reveal much more than even our doctors may know.

You can find more info about Talithia on the TED site
http://www.ted.com/talks/talithia_williams_own_your_body_s_data

Concert on the Common - Wednesday at 6:00 PM

6:00 PM - Lolly the Clown
6:30 PM - The Leeds

Concerts on the Common

Next week - Aug 20th (last concert this summer)
Mike Rutkowski DJ


In the event of rain, the concert will be held across the street at the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

MassBudget Report: Uplifting the Whole Child

Uplifting the Whole Child: Using Wraparound Services to Overcome Social Barriers to Learning   Making sure that every child has a real opportunity to thrive in school often requires strategies for helping students to overcome non-academic challenges. Students may be facing physical or mental health issues, homelessness, other economic challenges, and family instability. To help children and families overcome these barriers to success, a number of school districts across the country have implemented wraparound services in their schools. Recent research shows that these programs can improve both the academic and life success of the students who are served. Effective wraparound services have several elements including: Comprehensive health service clinics Mental and behavioral health, wellness, & prevention programs Family resource centers MassBudget's new paper, Uplifting the Whole Child: Using Wraparound Services to Overcome Social Barriers to Learning, examines evidence on the effectiveness of best practices across the country, describes progress being made in Massachusetts, and estimates costs for implementing evidence-based practices more widely. This report is part of a shared project--the Roadmap for Expanding Opportunity: Evidence on What Works in Education--led by MassBudget and the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy. The project is composed of a series of reports that identify evidence-based strategies for supporting all children in achieving college, career, and life success. Click HERE to visit the project website and read the reports.   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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	~ Free Computer Seminar ~ Thurs., Sept. 25th 4:30pm to 5:30pm Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell will host a free informational seminar on computer assisted land records research at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, September 25, 2014. The seminar is intended for both real estate professionals and the general public. The program will include a brief presentation, written reference materials, and hands-on exercises. There will be opportunities for both basic and advanced questions and answers. Computer assisted land records research is currently available both at the Registry and on the Internet at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "These services have proven to be valuable tools for our customers and we hope that this seminar will be both helpful and informative." said Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell. There is no charge for the seminar, but anyone planning to attend is asked to register by calling Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or by email to agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. Please include your name, address, email and a daytime phone number when you register. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: agardner@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6104 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 12, 2014

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.

AGENDA

"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."

Franklin Public Schools "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 15, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Elementary Handbook Presentation
b. Middle School Handbook Presentation
c. High School Handbook Presentation

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings

IHBB – Service Animals in Schools
JFAA-R – School Admission / Residency
JFAA-E1 – Residency Statement
GA – Personnel Policies / Goals

Policy – Second Reading

JJE – Student Fundraising

4. Action Items

a. I recommend Policies discussed be moved to a second reading:

1. IHBB – Service Animals in Schools
2. JFAA-R – School Admission / Residency
3. JFAA-E1 – Residency Statement
4. GA – Personnel Policies / Goals

b. I recommend adoption of Policy JJE – Student Fundraising as discussed.

c. I recommend adoption of the Elementary Handbooks as presented:

1. ECDC
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter

d. I recommend adoption of the Middle School Handbooks as presented:

1. Horace Mann
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan

e. I recommend adoption of the Franklin High School Handbook as presented.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for Davis Thayer.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $446.17 from O’Connor Portraiture for Keller.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from James and Virginia Scott for FHS (in memory of Joe DeNapoli).
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from John and Amy Wendell for Remington.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $421.03 from Lifetouch Photography for ECDC.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

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

7. Executive Session

Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Job Search Jam Sessions returns Sep 12th

The 5th edition of Job Search Jam Sessions returns Sep 12. If you are looking for work, or know someone who is, this is the event to be at.

What will the Job Search Jam Sessions be like?

Additional details on the event can be found here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/expections.html

Job Search Jam Sessions - Sep 12

What is the schedule for the day?

The schedule will be similar to that held in 2013
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/schedule.html

Where will this be held?

Job Search Jam Sessions #5 will be held in Hopkinton at the St John Evangelist Parish Center
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/location.html

How much does it cost?

$8 you can pay online or at the door. Tickets can be purchased online or reserved so you can pay at the door. (To pay at the door - choose 'Show other payment options.'  Advance registrations are highly encouraged to ensure we have a good count of participants to plan for the food and refreshments).

Online Ticketing for Job Search Jam Sessions 5 powered by Eventbrite

Franklin Library: Book Sale - Sat/Sun -> Aug 16-17

The August edition of the monthly Library Book Sale will happen this weekend.

• Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Sunday the bag sale occurs from 9:00 AM to noon.

Library Book Sale - Aug 16-17

This was re-shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/library-book-sale.html

Firefighter Chad Larivee Fund

A local Franklin family is truly in need of our community support - please click on this Gofundme page to donate  http://www.gofundme.com/ci2rmk

screenshot of Firefighter Chad Larivee Fund

On Tuesday morning, July 29th, Taunton Massachusetts Firefighter Chad "Choggy" Larivee suffered severe neck and spinal injuries resulting from a fall from a roof. 

Chad, along with two other off-duty firefighters, was repairing the roof of a brother firefighter when he fell approximately twenty-five feet. Chad was immediately flown to Rhode Island Hospital Trauma Center where he underwent over 9 hours of extensive surgery. 

At this time, we still do not know the extent of Chad's injuries but we do know his road to recovery is going to be long, difficult and costly.

Chad grew up in the community he works in and comes from a great, hard-working blue-collar family. Chad himself is a hard-working, devoted husband to his wife, Jeanne, and father to 3 young children ranging in age from 8 to 13 years. 

He has been serving whis community on the Fire department for over 16 years. As a firefighter, Chad routinely risks his own life to help preserve the life and safety of others, most of whom are total strangers. 

Firefighters, by nature, are never ones to ask for help, and Firefighter Larivee fits that profile to a T. The reality is, however, that everyone needs help at some point in their lives. Yes, even firefighters. The costs of an injury like the one Chad has suffered can be insurmountable. 

Hundreds of people have come forward to express their concern and ask what they can do to help, with many expressing feelings of helplessness. The truth is, there is a way people can help and that's by way of monetary donations. 

If you are able to give any amount, no matter how big or small, the good it will do for Firefighter Larivee and his family is immeasurable. 

In the coming weeks and months, we will update everyone on Chad's status and the progress he has made. All donations will be used to offset medical expenses and ensure that the family can remain by his side to facilitate his recovery. Thank you, in advance, for your donation, and please continue to pray for Firefighter Larivee and the entire Larivee family.

In the News: club lacrosse, meals tax

Kristin Igoe, the girls lacrosse coach at Franklin High school and Tanner Guarino, the incoming lacrosse coach of Holliston High are in a joint venture.

"That’s late by today’s standards," says Igoe. "A lot of kids start in fourth grade, some even younger." 

To give girls the opportunity they didn’t have, Igoe and Guarino this year launched Gold Star Lacrosse, a Medway-based club lacrosse team for girls in fourth through eighth grade. 

"A lot of girls play lacrosse, but there’s not a club in this area so we wanted to bring a quality youth program here," says Igoe.

Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140811/NEWS/140819848/2000/NEWS


The Milford Daily News has an article on the local implementations of the meals tax and makes reference to Franklin..

Slightly larger than Milford, Franklin adopted the meals tax in 2010 and has received an average of $465,000 in added annual revenue over the last two years. 

Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said he recommended passage to Town Council in 2010 because Franklin was "desperate’’ at a time of fluctuating state aid. 

With many non-residents staying in Franklin’s three hotels and patronizing local restaurants, he said the extra 75 cents charge on a $100 meal was barely felt but brought significant revenues that were put to good use. 

"We used it to save jobs,’’ said Nutting. "We kept people working."

Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140811/NEWS/140819738

Saturday's photo walk around Franklin

On my Saturday walk around Franklin I found lots of opportunity to take some good photos. The sky was so blue, the air so clean and the weather overall a delight. Here are some of the highlights of my 'reporting by walking around.'

siding at the new Franklin TV studio

flags flying in the breeze over the World War I memorial

flowers in full bloom on the Town Common

bus entrance looking towards Oak St

bus entrance to Horace Mann/Oak St being redone to provide access to the new FHS cafeteria and service area

sidewalks and entrance to cafeteria and service area

entrance to the new FHS is level with the ground for easy handicap access

the entrance to the old building had steps to the front and steps to the fieldhouse

a different and closer view of the fieldhouse remains

Franklin Kids Hiking Group

Franklin parents and grandparents who want to be out and about enjoying the wonders of a nature hike have a group to join and participate in. Leah Christina has organized such a group for Franklin. It started this summer and has gathered a following already.

You may have seen the article by Marjorie Turner Hallman in the August issue of the Franklin Town News.

Franklin, MA Kids Group

A PDF version of the article can be found here (look on page 12)
http://www.localtownpages.com/sites/default/files/newspaperpdf/2014_08_franklin.pdf

from their Facebook page:

This group is a work in progress and I will continue to update on the group as well as any planned events and activities coming forward. 

The rules are very simple:

• Please act like adults. Be kind, courteous, and respectful.

• Please be careful of info you are posting that you may not want to share with others.

• Feel free to share your adventures and experience while on a hike.

• You may share negative comments and let the group know of disappointment in a hike but please do so in a well respectful manner.

• Enjoy the site, the trails, and the new friends you will meet along the way.

Please feel free to invite those you feel would benefit from the group and please remember the group is open to any and all feedback to help us continue to grow!!

August hikes

The calendar for August shows hikes at Foxboro State Forest on the 12th and Franklin's SNETT Trail on the 13th. Some activities are age specific. Some also have size limits, others are open to all.

August calendar for hiking group

The August calendar can be found on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/835869489771703/

Contact Info

For more information visit their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

If not on Facebook, you can contact them via email at FranklinKidsHike@yahoo.com

Franklin Library: "Reading is Magic"

Ed the Wizard will bring his "Reading is Magic" performance to the Franklin Library on Tuesday at 3:00 PM

"Reading is Magic" is a 45 minute interactive magic performance using many volunteers
with reading as the emphasis behind the program. Suitable for all grades, PreK-12, as the message, routines, and understanding levels increase with each grade level. What are the goals of Reading is Magic? The message of each performance is to emphasize upon your students the importance and power of reading; how reading and comprehension are tools that they will use everyday, how I taught myself the art of prestidigitation, how each and every student can use their reading skills to learn anything that they choose to learn, and how reading encourages independent thought.

Magic books from your library's collection will be put on display as I briefly discuss some of them and perform a routine from one. I also highlight the new book that I donate to your collection and perform a routine from that book. Now your students have seen the magic and have been pointed to the resources; the rest is up to them! And of course how I mention the fact that I was inspired by Albus Dumbledore from "Harry Potter" into becoming a fully fledged wizard!

Ed the Wizard - "Reading is Magic"

For more about Ed the Wizard, you can check out his website here
http://www.edthewizard.com/

Ed the Wizard

Some of this was shared from the Franklin Library site (and some from Ed the Wizard's site)
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/reading-is-magic.html

Ladybugs on parade

The Town Common has an infestation of ladybugs but not the kind you'll call an exterminator for. These are works of art showcasing all things Franklin.

The ladybugs will be on the Town Common again Sunday from noon to 4:00 PM.

Ladybug spots

 A couple of the ladybugs are shown here.

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home - detail 1

Home Sweet Home - detail 2

Franklin Art Bug

Franklin Art Bug - detail 1

Franklin Art Bug - detail 2

Franklin Art Bug - detail 3

Franklin Cultural Council

Thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council for pulling this together and to all the sponsors and artists for their contributions.

Megan Washington - overcoming her stutter

There are all kinds of disabilities, some are more visible than others. Megan Washington candidly talks bout her stuttering in this recent TED Talk

Megan Washington is one of Australia's premier singer/songwriters. And, since childhood, she has had a stutter. In this bold and personal talk, she reveals how she copes with this speech impediment—from avoiding the letter combination “st” to tricking her brain by changing her words at the last minute to, yes, singing the things she has to say rather than speaking them.

You can find more about her music on her website
http://www.meganwashington.com/

on wikipedia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Washington

or on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kztAvgm4CNE

Megan Washington's webpage

FHS Boys Basketball Coach - CJ Neely

From HockomockSports.Com we find that FHS has a new boys basketball coach.

Franklin High has hired their new boys basketball coach – and they didn’t have to go very far to find him. 

CJ Neely, who has been the head coach of the Foxboro Warriors for the past seven years, has been selected to lead the Panthers and replace Dean O'Connor, who was relieved of his duties near the end of the school year.

"I’ve been in the league for a long time as a player and a coach and Franklin is one of those places that is really committed to winning," Neely said. "They have a strong foundation at the youth program and obviously the new school is exciting. New gym, new school, new feeling and all that good stuff. It’s a new challenge for me with a Division 1 school that has proven they can go far in the tournament and I look forward to hopefully leading them back to where they went and hopefully further." 

Neely has been apart of the Hockomock League for many years, including a standout playing career at Oliver Ames. He was named a Hockomock League All Star twice during his three years on varsity. OA is the same school he served as an assistant coach from 2005-2007. Neely took over head coaching duties at Foxboro in 2007.

You can continue reading the full article at HockomockSports.Com here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-picks-neely-as-new-boys-basketball-coach

the gymnasium at the new FHS

Franklin Library: Space Adventures

"Space Adventures" with Ms Marsha will be held at the Franklin Library Tuesday, Aug 12 at 2:00 PM. Ideally for toddlers and youth ages 2 to 6. Registration can be done at the Circulation Desk.

Space Adventures with Ms Marsha

This was shared from the Library posting
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/space-adventures-with-ms-marsha.html

In the News: candidates night, St Rocco's

September will bring a primary election to select who the party candidates will be for the November election.

NORFOLK – Democratic town committees from Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham are sponsoring a candidates’ night Tuesday for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex state senate seat. 

Democratic primary candidates Sara-Lynn Reynolds and Dylan Hayre will participate in the 6:30 p.m. forum. 

They are vying to challenge incumbent Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, in the general election. 

Rick Holmes of the MetroWest Daily News will moderate the forum. The event will be held at the Norfolk library, 139 Main St., Norfolk.

From the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140809/NEWS/140807006/1994/NEWS

Asked how day three of the 36th annual Feast of St. Rocco was going, Peter Brunelli looked weary. 

"You really want to know?" Brunelli said Saturday. "I don’t know whether I’m coming or going." 

Brunelli has been organizing the feast with Frank Fiorillo, Mickey DeGrazia and Thomas Olsen since the beginning. It’s a hectic four days, but the longtime friends look forward to it each year. 

The Feast of St. Rocco is a celebration of family and food to benefit St. Mary’s Parish. Some 60,000 people were expected to flock to the four-day festival for the cannolis, meatballs, music and rides, among other draws.

You can continue to read the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140809/NEWS/140806867/1994/NEWS

the Ferris wheel at St Rocco's