Stop Addiction In Its Tracks - Liz's Story

The MA Department of Public Health has a series of videos about the opioid epidemic. This is Liz's Story.

MA DPH webpage

You can find additional resources on the "Stop Addiction" page here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/

Alert: Forest St Closure

Good Evening. This is Gary Premo calling with an important traffic alert. 

Due to a major gas leak, Forest Street is CLOSED from King to Stage Harbor. 

Columbia gas and others are actively working on this, so please avoid the area. 

Detours are in place, and officers are in the area. This is expected to be long term, possibly through the weekend. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We will keep you updated as we receive more information. Thank you and good night.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.


Where is this in Franklin?

Atlantic Bridge Project - Letter to Franklin

Dear Town of Franklin: 

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, ("Algonquin") previously informed you of its intent to develop the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project ("Project") by expanding its interstate natural gas pipeline system. In that earlier communication, we described new and replacement pipeline facilities that were being considered as determined by system design studies based upon expressions of interest from customers to move new volumes of needed natural gas along Algonquin's pipeline system. In the earlier mailing, we informed you that the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project may involve your property and that we had identified your property within the initial study corridor. 

Since that time, Algonquin has finalized its commercial agreements which has resulted in a reduced scope of the previously proposed expanded pipeline facilities in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Based on the revised project design, your property, as identified above, is no longer under consideration for the Atlantic Bridge Project. 

Atlantic Bridge Project - image from Spectra Energy webpage

However, you should know that Algonquin continues to consider separate and unrelated pipeline expansion projects that are currently in the development phase. If Algonquin ultimately determines that one of these projects may involve your property in the future, there may be a need to contact you if and when a project proposal moves forward. Nevertheless, with respect to the Atlantic Bridge Project, we presently do not have the need to access your property as previously requested outside of the existing Algonquin rights-of-way. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this process with regard to our earlier request for survey permission. Please feel free to call our toll free number (888) 331-6553 if you have any questions.

This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0213DF1E-000F8513

The full PDF of the doc can also be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdDhVNFd0emVuaUE/view?usp=sharing

4th of July Celebration - Schedule Wednesday

Wednesday, July 1st:

• 6pm-10pm Food Booths and Amusements Open
• 7pm-9pm Phantom Band with Tyler Zajac

2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

Note: This is one of the many great events happening in Franklin that is put together by an private/volunteer organization and not the Town. You can contribute to the cause here
http://july4thfranklinma.com/donations.asp

You can volunteer for the cause here  http://july4thfranklinma.com/volunteers.asp

Live reporting: Community Coalition - June 30, 2015

While I had some technical difficulty in the auditorium at Franklin High School on Tuesday, I was able to send out updates via Twitter. The updates and additional info is captured here.

I created #opioidFranklin as a tag for the Twitter updates and then was able to collect them via Storify. 

For those reading this via email, you will need to click through to the Franklin Matters webpage to read the full "storify"

Rep John Fernandes, Milford provides an update to the group

Anthony Delasanta - Bishop Feehan - All Scholastic in Track

When reporting on the Franklin All Scholastics, I missed one. Thankfully, members of our community notified me and I can correct that.

Globe All Scholastic Photo - Anthony Delasanta

Anthony Delasanta, a junior from Franklin attending Bishop Feehan, made the All Scholastics in the 400 meter event for Boys Track

Delasanta won the Division 3 400 in 49.83 seconds and the EAC crown in 49.13. He was second in the 400 at the All-State meet by .02 seconds, running in 48.37, and second in the 300 (35.29) at the indoor All-State meet.

You can find all the Boys Track All Scholastics here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/06/27/boston-globe-boys-track-all-scholastics/6RBZ5hKWRA5t5g9YrFnaSL/story.html

You can find all the spring 2015 All Scholastics here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/Sports/HighSchools/specials/all-scholastics/allscholastics

"Our whole community is talking about it, and that really does make a difference.”

Matt Dowling shared his experience with heroin addiction, describing it as several years of a vicious cycle that saw him getting clean, relapsing, then finding himself in trouble again with the police and his parents. 

“Five years clean, I live a normal life now,” Dowling, 27 and a 2006 Franklin High School graduate, said Tuesday night at the first meeting of a local coalition on the drug epidemic plaguing the state. “Drugs don’t own me anymore. If anyone is suffering or knows someone suffering, you can talk to me: I’d love to help in any way I can.” 

His willingness to help – offering his cell phone number to anyone who asked – captured the essence of the meeting in the Franklin High School auditorium, where a 12-person panel gathered to discuss the drug crisis in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150630/NEWS/150639605/1994/NEWS

regular schedule for trash pickup this week

There is no delay for Curbside Collection this week.

regular schedule for trash pickup this week

Globe Spring 2015 All Scholastics for Lacrosse includes 2 from Franklin

In case you missed the Boston Sunday Globe, the spring 2015 All Scholastics were published including two from Franklin for Lacrosse.

Globe All Scholastics Photo - Emily Jeffries

The full set of All Scholastics for Girls Lacrosse can be found here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/06/27/boston-globe-girls-lacrosse-all-scholastics/IYBTYcRu1AuvPeDFPAkOWO/story.html

Globe All Scholastics Photo - Jack Vail

The full set of All Scholastics for Boys Lacrosse can be found here
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/06/27/boston-globe-boys-lacrosse-all-scholastics/MoQ9XuhlXjBdLJUO5NOCVN/story.html

FHS All Night Party - 2015 (video)

You'll recall I was able to capture some photos of the All Night Party at Horace Mann Middle School as it was set up and before the high school graduates arrived. Those photos were combined with others taken during the event by the All Night Party Committee to produce this cool video.

Curl up with a refreshing drink of your choice and enjoy this collaboration.

The FHS Seniors did have a great and safe graduation party!




The 'master' collection of photos can be found on Shutterfly here

https://fhsallnightparty2015.shutterfly.com

FHS All Night Party 2015

FHS All Night Party 2015

Some of my photos from the All Night Party were shared here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/fhs-all-night-party-2015.html

To get involved with next year's All Night Party keep this site in mind for updates
http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

Community Coalition - Formation Meeting Agenda - June 30, 2015

The agenda for the meeting Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM at the auditorium in Franklin High School


I. Welcome and introductions – Jeff Roy

II. Speakers (3-5 minutes each)

A. Mike Morrissey, Norfolk District Attorney
B. Robin Chapell, Walpole, www.drugfreewalpole.com
C. Jeffrey Hopkins M.D., Emergency medicine perspective
D. Amy Leone, Community Impact and JAG Coalition, Milford
E. Ed Hurley, Hockmock YMCA President
F. Jennifer Knight, Franklin family support group
G. Matt Dowling, recovered addict
H. Roy Scipion, Pharmacist at CVS Franklin
I. Reinhard Straub, American Addiction Centers
J. Maureen Sabolinski, Franklin Superintendent of Schools
K. Robert Dellorco, Franklin Town Councilor & Coach
L. Steve Semerjean, Franklin Police Chief
M. Robert Donovan, Franklin Fire Department

III. Mission, objectives, organization

A. “Saving lives by empowering individuals and communities to prevent
and eradicate addiction.” Or other suggestions.

B. Coalition name

1. Franklin Against Drugs (FAD)
2. Franklin Against Opioids
3. Other suggestions

C. Organization of group

IV. Ideas for future

A. Fed Up Rally (http://feduprally.org)
B. Development of website with resources
C. Speaker series
D. Other ideas

E. Next meeting

use the community entrance at FHS to get to the auditorium

MUST WATCH: Are We Treating Women Athletes Like Guinea Pigs? (video)

via @turfgrassforum

MUST WATCH: Are We Treating Women Athletes Like Guinea Pigs? http://t.co/vUr3umgrRX #toxicturf #WWC2015 @FranklinMatters @hhsboyslacrosse

— Turf Grass Forum (@turfgrassforum) June 28, 2015

https://twitter.com/turfgrassforum

Main St paving today - from Pleasant St to High St

• Mass DOT will be paving Main Street Tuesday, June 30th

• Starting from in front of the Charter School to just past High Street 

• They will also be paving High Street itself

Main St approaching High St

In the News: social media renews case work, Community Coalition meeting

Thirty-five years later, the homicide investigation remains open, with detectives from Bellingham, Franklin and the State Police continuing to develop sources and pursue leads. 

The departments are using social media to stir up new information about the murder. 

“It is believed that those involved are still out there,” Bellingham and Franklin police said in a joint statement. “Someone knows just what happened to Theresa. Whatever the circumstances were or may have been, Theresa should not have perished in such a cruel and careless manner.” 

In an interview with the Daily News last week, Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said the departments have an obligation to “keep the fire going.”

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150630/NEWS/150639954/1994/NEWS

A community coalition on opioid abuse will meet with the public for the first time Tuesday night to introduce its mission and provide insight from experts on the statewide epidemic. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, will host the 7 p.m. session in the Franklin High School auditorium. In bringing together doctors, drug counselors, educators, police officials and town leaders, the coalition members hope to establish a local support network for residents struggling with addiction. 

“We are expecting a large group at the meeting, and we have arranged for a number of speakers to address topics surrounding opioid abuse and ways that the coalition can help curb this epidemic,” Roy said in an email update Monday.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150629/NEWS/150626450/1994/NEWS

Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update - Meeting June 30th

The first meeting of the coalition is Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at FHS. View this email in your browser Meeting reminder Here is a quick reminder about the Franklin Community Coalition meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th at 7 pm in the Franklin High School Auditorium. We are expecting a large group at the meeting, and we have arranged for a number of speakers to address topics surrounding opioid abuse and ways that the coalition can help curb this epidemic. The goal is to jumpstart a community conversation and establish a coalition that will meet on a regular basis and provide consistent programming in this area. In addition, many of you have already completed the survey included with last week's email. Thank you. Please click here or on the image to the right to view the document which includes the names and information on the people who have already responded. You can also download a copy that you can print out if you choose. I trust that you will find it valuable to know about some of the folks who will be with you on Tuesday. If you haven't already submitted your information, and are still interested in adding it, simply click here to complete a short survey. We will then incorporate your info into the final list. In the meantime, last week Governor Charlie Baker released the findings of his Opioid Working Group, a comprehensive report detailing 65 actionable steps to curb the deadly opioid epidemic. You can view the report by clicking here. The findings by the 18-member Working Group include short and long term action items to be implemented between now and the next three years, some requiring legislative action and funding and some will be achieved through partnerships with private industry and federal leaders. The announcement comes just days after the launch of a statewide public service campaign to alert parents about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse by their kids. You can link to the campaign by clicking here. Finally, below I have again included some links to two timely videos on the subject. One is a short film called If Only which was produced by James Wahlberg and filmed in Tewksbury. It tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. One of the boys gets help to beat the addiction, while the other dies of an overdose. The other film is an 87-minute documentary titled The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts. It's the work of a recent Andover High School graduate who is trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. I thought the films would be of interest in preparation for our first community conversation on Tuesday. I look forward to seeing you then. If Only, a film produced by James Wahlberg, tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. Click the image above to view the movie. The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts is the work of a recent Andover High School graduate trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. Click on the image above to watch the movie. Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community. Our mailing address is: Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov State House - Room 527A Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

Rep Jeff Roy: What's happening in the district - June 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. Facebook Twitter Website Email Newspapers to publish legal notices on the web The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a history-making bill that will require newspapers to publish legal notices on the Web. The bill, H 1566, "An Act Concerning Electronic Publication of Certain Legal Notices," was one that I sponsored with help from the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association.  For centuries, public notices only appeared in print. But as we well know readership of print papers has taken a sharp decline. At the same time, overall readership of newspapers has been on the rise because of the Internet and online access. It's time that public notices take part in this increased readership. During the debate, I had the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech on the House floor.You can view the video by clicking here or on the image above, and photos by clicking here. The House voted 153-0 in favor of the legislation. The bill now goes to the Senate. As always, I thank you for he opportunity to serve and I urge you to contact me with any questions about the bill or any other matter.

View this email in your browser

Franklin School For The Performing Arts Slates Summer Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold summer Open Houses for prospective students and families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 30 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class during the summer session, which runs through August 21.

Celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary season, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes for all ages and levels, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. 

FSPA

Programs are provided in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction. FSPA is also the home of the Little Music School, an innovative program teaching children as young as 18 months to play the piano. 

An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, Glee Club, performing troupes, dance companies, a classical ballet variations ensemble, and instrumental ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

Summer programming features week-long performing arts camps, 3-day workshops, two 3- and 4-week ballet intensives, and an 8-week session of dance, voice and instrumental private lessons and classes. An all-new FSPA Summer Theater program provides opportunities for hands-on immersion in a cabaret show, concert musical (Schoolhouse Rock!), behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play or musical theater production (High School Musical). Registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. 

For more information, including fall class schedule and summer session brochure with full program descriptions and dates, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Recap: School Committee meeting June 23

Among the items for discussion at the School Committee meeting were two policies. One a set of documents covering the "Community Use of School Facilities". The other covering "Domestic Violence Leave." Both policies were moved to a second reading (meeting in July).

The Community Use of School Facilities can be read here




Domestic Violence Leave can be read here




The presentation documents for Horace Mann Middle School and High School Guidance updates were posted to those sections after the meeting and can be found below.

Maureen Barker was recognized for her many years of keeping the minutes for the School Committee.

School Committee Chair Paula Mullen, Maureen Barker, School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski

• Live reporting: Closing
• Live reporting: Action Items
• Live Reporting: Policy updates
• Live reporting: Jefferson / FHS Guidance Presentat...
• Live reporting: School Committee - June 23, 2015