Memorial Day Parade - 2015 (photo essay)

Here are the photos taken at the Memorial Day Parade as it made its way up Main St in Franklin, MA passing in front of Dean College.

https://plus.google.com/photos/101938843903614700481/albums/6152870241964330273?authkey=CLqQ_MT8g9TNNw

Community Health Survey - Open until May 29th

FYI - I did participate in the survey and it does take less than 10 minutes!

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Dear Community Resident,

We are requesting a few minutes of your time in completing an important survey.

Milford Regional Medical Center and its partner organizations are conducting a community health assessment of the Greater Milford region to develop a new vision of how health and wellness programs can best serve area residents, and we want you to be part of that planning.

As part of this effort, we are asking you, as someone who also lives in the communities listed in the survey, to give us your feedback and suggestions about health services in the region by completing a 10 minute survey by Friday, May 29th. 

All responses are anonymous. Your feedback is valuable since the information gathered from this survey will be used to inform future health programming.

Please click on the link below to take the survey. If the link does not bring you to the opening page of the survey, copy and paste the web address into your browser.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MilfordCHASurvey

Thank you again for your participation, and please feel free to contact Ellen Freedman at EFREEDMAN@milreg.org or 508-422-2627 if you have any questions about the survey or the larger assessment.

Milford Regional Medical Center

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Communities: Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge.

Partner Organizations: 

Center for Adolescent & Young Adult Health Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center Family Continuity Inc. CHNA 6 Hockomock Area YMCA Tri County Medical Associates Milford Public Schools 
Tri River Family Health Center

Trash/recycling schedule delayed one day this week

Given the Memorial Day holiday is one of the few where the normal trash/recycling schedule is delayed, be aware this is the week to delay one day.

The following are the only holidays where trash and recycling will be delayed:

Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years’s Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day

trash/recycling delayed one day this week

You can find additional information on the trash/recycling process on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

Franklin High School hosting benefit concert on Tuesday, May 26

The Franklin High School “Tri-M” Music Honor Society and “Change for a Chance” club are hosting a benefit concert on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin High School Courtyard. 

Suggested donation is $5 and all proceeds will go to the East African Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (EAC) based in Takaungu Kenya. The EAC nonprofit helps people improve their own lives by empowering women and children, providing assistance to communities and providing access to resources and tools for change.

The concert, open to the public, will feature musicians, singers, bands and chamber groups from Franklin High School.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.

Change for a Chance is a student club that organizes events to support local and international charities.

Tickets are available at the door on the night of the concert

Franklin High School

New Hope Virtual Fund Raising

What had been scheduled for June 6th is now going to be a virtual fund raising event.

The race goes virtual! 

New Hope is an organization founded on the principles of strength and community partnership in the face of adversity.  So, we’re taking our previously-scheduled race to the online superhighway!  

Show your support for New Hope by donating to our virtual race today!  

NewHope virtual 5K and Family Fun Walk

Virtual race fund raising page:

https://www.crowdrise.com/NewHopeVirtual5K

Website:

www.new-hope.org

Networking at The Estate at Franklin

Network with Franklin Downtown Partnership members at The Estate at Franklin:

Share this:     Expand your palate and your network at our Wine & Cheese Networking Reception. Sample a variety of fine wines and cheeses, connect with professional colleagues and tour our community. It's a great way to unwind at the end of the day and to learn how we can help you serve your clients well. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Join us for wine sampling, mingling and fun. Discover why Brookdale communities are such exceptional places to live. For reservations, or to schedule your personal visit, call (508) 520-1150 by May 27. Reserve my spot today The Estate at Franklin Assisted Living  |  Alzheimer's & Dementia Care  656 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038 brookdale.com

This was shared from The Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/05/networking-opportunity-next-thursday.html

DelCarte Playground closed, trails wide open

The playground at DelCarte is closed for repairs. Apparently the winter weather created some separation on the support structures that is being checked out and repaired before the playground will be open.

We regret to inform you that the DelCarte Playground is not safe to use at this time and will be closed for repairs until further notice. 

Thank You for your patience!

there is a separation in the support columns that needs to be checked

another view of the closed playground

However, the trails are wide open and ready for you to explore! These photos were taken at the beginning of the month. By now, the leaves have fully broken out to create the green canopy.

along the waterside on one trail

at one of the dams

the new floating bridge allows for a complete trail loop

Photos from the official opening June 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/delcarte-opening-day-photo-essay.html

photos from October 2013 (playground under construction)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-open-space-photo-essay.html

video from December 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html

Distinguished Young Women - Performance Show - May 31

PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR PERFORMANCE SHOW

Sunday May 31. 2015 6pm

The Black Box 15 W. Central Street Franklin MA

Tickets $18 Adults, $12 Students

All Proceeds go Directly towards the DYW scholarships

Additional information on DYW can be found on their webpage

http://distinguishedyw.org/programs/state_n_local_programs/massachusetts/local_programs/franklin/

“The Father of American Education"

The Town Council has named seven residents to serve on a committee to oversee the building of a sculpture and small park on the corner of Emmons Street. 

Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri, Charles Oteri, state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Historical Commission member Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, council member Robert Dellorco and council member Tom Mercer will together draft the plans for a sculpture depicting Horace Mann, an education reformer born on a small farm in Franklin in 1796. 

The statue and humble park surrounding it were decided on during the negotiations last year to sell the town-owned property at 150 Emmons St. When Franklin developer Roger Calarese purchased the property in January, he agreed to grant the town a roughly 1,000 square-foot easement at the front of the parcel.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150525/NEWS/150527764/1994/NEWS

The space for the proposed statue would be at the corner of Emmons and West Central St.

proposed location of Horace Mann statue

Franklin has a completed P&S agreement with a closing date in November to sell the property to developer Roger Calarese. Approx 1,000 sq. ft. will be reserved in an easement as greenspace for the statue.

The complete set of notes from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday May 20th can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/new-videos-touting-franklin-previewed.html

Friends of Franklin Library to fund the 2015 Summer Reading Program

A JPG copy of the letter from Library Director Felicia Oti to the Friends of Franklin Library is shown below. The body text has also be replicated for easier reading.

"We are delighted with the decision of the Friends of Franklin Library Board to fund the Library's entire request of $10,000 for the 2015 Summer Reading Program. The money has been deposited into an FOFL account and copies of invoices will be provided as expenditures are made. 

Your generous gift will make it possible for the library to expand summer reading collections for all Franklin students and offer engaging and entertaining programs to the community. FOFL will receive the appropriate recognition in all promotional materials. 

We are counting on your continued financial support for forthcoming library projects. Together we can strengthen the community by providing dynamic services and meaningful library experiences."

The JPG copy:

JPG copy of  Letter to FOFL

Library sign announces movies for May 30 and May 31

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 28, 2015

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 May 12, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. JF Kennedy Elementary School Update – Joan Toye, Ashley Bodkins
b. Oak Street Elementary School Update – Corine Minkle,Kathleen Gerber
c. School Wellness Advisory Council Update – Sally Winslow, Team.

3. Discussion Only Items

2015-2016 School Committee Meeting Calendar – DRAFT
2015-2016 School Calendar Consideration – Additional PD Safety Training.

4. Action Items
a. I recommend appointment of the Superintendent to the Board of Directors, Bi-County Collaborative.
b. I recommend appointment of the Superintendent to the Board of Directors, ACCEPT Collaborative.
c. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the request of Nancy Schoen for a recurring field trip to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June
12, 2015 with middle school music students as detailed.
e. I recommend the acceptance of three checks totaling $488.77 for in house enrichment at Franklin High School:

1. Great American Opportunities - $99.20
2. Chipotle Mexican Grill - $139.57 – Student Activity Account for Ultimate Frisbee Club
3. Norfolk DA – Operation Graduation, 2015 All Night Party – $250.00

f. I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $4,000.00 for FHS Scholarships:

1. $1,000.00 - Peter A. Baglioni
2. $1,000.00 - Mr. & Mrs. Peter Coppola
3. $1,000.00 - Franklin Country Club
4. $1,000.00 - Friends of the Franklin Library

g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $3,148.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,320.00 for district wide in-house enrichment:

1. Franklin Music Boosters - $1,100.00
2. BJ’s Wholesale Club - $220.00

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $362.08 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Supplemental Curriculum Materials.

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
Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

Memorial Day - Parade Schedule and Route

Thanks to Councilor Matt Kelly for providing the updates to share.

Memorial Cemetary Visits before the Parade

Memorial Day 2015 - Schedule

Parade Route:

The 2015 Memorial Day Parade route will begin at the Franklin Fire Station and proceed up Main St to Church St. The parade will no longer go down School St, Union St, or Beaver St. The parade will not stop at Union St or St Mary's Cemetery's (Ceremonies at both locations are scheduled to occur before the parade itself.)

Please see the update Parade Route.

Memorial Day 2015 - Parade Route

Parade Information:

Date: Monday, May 25, 2015

Muster: 10am -10:15am 
- Group leaders must check in at the Franklin Historical Museum "Hats Off to Franklin" statue

Parade: 10:45 am

Ceremony: 12noon at the Franklin Town Common


You can download and print this one page schedule and map




https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZzd0dWQycWtoejhTbWhpRDdTcm53aC12QTI0/view?usp=sharing


Information on the 2015 parade was posted here on May 6th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/2015-memorial-day-parade-information.html

honor guard from 2014 Memorial Day Parade

FHS Baseball tops Natick; FHS Softball splits with Abington

Franklin baseball topped Natick and softball splits a double header with Abington in Hockomock League action on Saturday. Hockmock Sports reports the results which we can share here.

FHS Panthers

Baseball

Franklin, 8 @ Natick, 4 - Final

- Franklin punched its ticket to the postseason with the win. Zane Byrne got the win on the mound, tossing a complete game with three strikeouts with just two earned runs. At the plate, Nick Burgos had two RBI and two runs scored, Nick Santucci had a two-run triple, Ant Chaiton was 2-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI, Kyle Skidmore went 2-3 with a double, Andrew Parent added a double with a run scored and Alex Bissanti had a hit and a run scored.

Softball

Franklin, 5 @ Abington, 7 - Final
Franklin, 6 @ Abington 4 - Final


For the remiainder of the Hockomock League action on Saturday, check this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-052315

US Flag Code - how to properly display

To share information on the US Flag Code you can find a readable version here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

and the US House version here
http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title4&edition=prelim

and the US Senate version here
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf


Note: the versions differ in the presentation of the information. Technically, they are all the same US Law. It is also worth noting that while it is a law 

failure to comply with it is not enforced and the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that punitive enforcement would conflict with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.^[2]   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

Why share the info now?
Given the presence of so many flags for Memorial Day, it is also apparent not everyone knows the proper protocol for the display of our US flag.

flag flying midday at Pisani Field, Peck St

• Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, although the Flag Code permits night time display "when a patriotic effect is desired" and the flag is illuminated.^[17] Similarly, the flag should be displayed only when the weather is fair, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.^[18]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

flag flying at sundown at Pisani Field, Peck St

Honor Massachusetts Veterans This Memorial Day

There are more than 40 parades around MA this Memorial Day. Oddly, the Franklin parade is not listed so there may be well more than the 40 listed. 

There are more than 40 Memorial Day parades scheduled this year in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Check with your municipality or the sponsor that organizes the parade in your area for start times and routes.

If you make your way to Boston, there is a flag garden set up on the Boston Common. 37,000 flags are set up to commemorate the more than 37,000 who have died defending us from the Revoluntionary War though the present conflicts.

I work in downtown Boston now so I managed to have lunch at the Public Garden and include a stop by the Common to take these photos on Friday.

The flag garden is supposed to remain up through the weekend. I expect they would take it down no earlier than Tuesday.

flag garden - view 1

flag garden - view 2

flag garden - view 3

flag garden - view 4

flag garden - view 5

The MA Gov blog posting provides listing of other Memorial Day events
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/honor-massachusetts-veterans-this-memorial-day/

Door to door solicitation notice

If you heard the Councilor Comments section of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, you heard discussion about some solicitations being done after 8:00 PM. Franklin has posted this notice as a reminder on the policy for solicitations.

SOLICITORS 

With the coming of better weather, the Police Department is beginning to receive applications for door to door solicitation. 

The Town Code (Chapter 128) allows permitted solicitors to solicit door to door from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They cannot enter or remain on private property that is posted no soliciting or if they are told to leave the property by person in charge of property. 

Never open your door to strangers. Ask for proper identification; they must carry and present identification when asked. If in doubt, please call the Franklin Police Department, 1-508-528-1212, and the police will send an officer to check on the subjects’ credentials. If you feel threatened in anyway, call 911. 

Persons engaged solely in political or religious advocacy or discussion (not soliciting funds) are not subject to the Town Code, however residents have a legal right to refuse such overtures and to request that the solicitor leave. As above if you feel threatened in any way, please call 911. You can also preempt solicitation of these groups by posting a “no solicitation” notice on your property.

Franklin Municipal Building

For the details on the Town Code (Chapter 128) this link should take you directly there
http://ecode360.com/10433859?highlight=solicitation,soliciting#10433859

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/020EA964-000F8513