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Saturday, September 19, 2015
Taste of the Region Oct. 27
In the News: viral meningitis precautions, FSPA Dance Company, SADD walk at Tri-County, power plant opposition
The news briefs from the Milford Daily News for Saturday:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915662/1994/NEWS
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915530/1994/NEWS
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915521/1994/NEWS
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915519/1994/NEWS
School Principal Peter Light confirmed Friday that a faculty member had been diagnosed with the disease, which causes inflammation of the tissue near the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is usually considered less dangerous than its bacterial form.
Light said, on learning of the diagnosis, the school worked quickly to take precautions.
"We've disinfected all surfaces in any room that person might have been in," he said. "I think we've taken a lot of precautions."
The school also sent home a letter to area parents about the disease and its symptoms.
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| FHS Community entrance |
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915662/1994/NEWS
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts introduces the FSPA Dance Company this fall, providing expanded options for students in many disciplines with opportunities to travel to New York City and Walt Disney World for classes and performances.
Building upon FSPA’s dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop, the Dance Company will provide students with the chance to develop their craft and performance experience.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915530/1994/NEWS
A Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School group will be holding a walk this Sunday to benefit and raise awareness for a designated driver campaign.
The three-mile walk will be hosted by the school's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and will take place at 10 a.m. at the building's athletic track.
Spokeswoman Jessica Silva said this will be the first time SADD has had such a walk at Tri-County.
"SADD students participated, two years ago, in a similar walk at Gillette Stadium," she said. "They and their advisers took the lead in bringing this to Tri-County."
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915521/1994/NEWS
A day after more than a dozen residents stood outside Town Hall protesting the planned expansion of Exelon’s power plant, the seventh letter opposing the plan was filed with the state board that oversees permits for the project.
Beth Buckley, who identifies herself as a Medway resident, is the latest to write a letter to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board protesting Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street facility.
The proposal would add two highly efficient simple-cycle peaking turbines capable of producing electricity in just 10 minutes.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150915519/1994/NEWS
Friday, September 18, 2015
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/18/15 - THU 9/24/15
12-6pm Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon at the Dean College
6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
SATURDAY 9/19/15
9am-4pm Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library, classical music by Betty Kushner from 9-10am
2-4pm Check Out Cub Scouts at the King Street Field
4-7pm Beer Extravaganza at Pour Richard's in Franklin. Free event, donations for the Franklin Food Pantry will be appreciated.
SUNDAY 9/20/15
9am-12pm Bag Sale at the Franklin Public Library
9am The HERO Walk at the Tri-County RTVHS. Registrations start at 9am, walk at 10am.
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
"we need to respond with the best solutions that medicine and behavioral therapy can provide together"
The Obama administration announced a major policy shift Thursday in its efforts to combat the nation's opioid abuse epidemic. Speaking at a conference on opioid addiction in Northern Virginia, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said her agency would rewrite regulations to remove some of the obstacles that have prevented greater involvement from doctors in treating those addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers.Continue reading the article online here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-administration-heroin_55fa058ee4b0fde8b0ccf192
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| heroin use is part of a larger substance abuse problem |
The CDC webpage has additional information on the heroin problem here
http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin/index.html
Current listing of candidates for Franklin's election Nov 3
The "Current" listing of candidates for the Franklin election on Nov 3. The next three important dates leading to the election are as follows:
Last day to object or withdraw (5:00pm) Thursday, October 1, 2015
Last day to register to vote (8:00pm) Wednesday, October 14, 2015
and a 'candidates night' has been booked for Tuesday, Oct 6. Beginning at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. "for only contested races. It will be live on cable and then repeated each day (if possible) after so that people will get to know the candidates."
Additional details to be shared when made available.
Offer to candidates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
The "Election Collection" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html
Last day to object or withdraw (5:00pm) Thursday, October 1, 2015
Last day to register to vote (8:00pm) Wednesday, October 14, 2015
and a 'candidates night' has been booked for Tuesday, Oct 6. Beginning at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. "for only contested races. It will be live on cable and then repeated each day (if possible) after so that people will get to know the candidates."
Additional details to be shared when made available.
| POSITION | NAME | Total |
| Assessor | Donna Greenwood | |
| W.Kenneth Norman | ||
| Assessor Total | 2 | |
| Bd. Of Health | Donald G. Ranieri, Jr. | |
| Gail P. Chirdon | ||
| Philip M. Brunelli | ||
| Tara E. Gurge | ||
| Bd. Of Health Total |
4 | |
| Constable | Daniel J. McCahill | |
| John S. Power | ||
| Philip M. Brunelli | ||
| Constable Total | 3 | |
| Planning Bd | Gregory T. Rondeau | |
| John F. Carroll | ||
| William D. David | ||
| Planning Bd Total | 3 | |
| School Com. | Anne K. Bergen | |
| Cynthia J. Douglas | ||
| Denise L. Schultz | ||
| John S. Jewell, PHD | ||
| Kevin P. O'Malley | ||
| Mary Jane Scofield | ||
| Trevor A. Clement | ||
| Vanessa A. Bilello | ||
| School Com. Total | 8 | |
| Town Clerk | Diane M. Padula-O'Neill | |
| Elizabeth F. Simon | ||
| Paul J. Cheli | ||
| Teresa M. Burr | ||
| Town Clerk Total | 4 | |
| Town Council | Andrew M. Bissanti | |
| Brett S. Feldman | ||
| Deborah L. Pellegri | ||
| Glenn F. Jones | ||
| James D. Schultz, Jr. | ||
| James V. Gianotti, Jr. | ||
| Judith Pond Pfeffer | ||
| Matthew T. Kelly | ||
| Peter E. Padula | ||
| Richard W. Power, Sr. | ||
| Robert D. Dellorco | ||
| Robert R. Vallee | ||
| Sean P. Slater | ||
| Thomas D. Mercer | ||
| Town Council Total | 14 |
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| Franklin Town Common |
Offer to candidates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html
The "Election Collection" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html
Victory in all competitions on Thursday for FHS sports
From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the wins recorded by the FHS volleyball, cross country and golf teams in their competition on Thursday, Sep 17
Girls
For all the results across the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-091715/
Volleyball
Sharon @ Franklin, 3 – Final– Franklin swept the Eagles by scores of 25-16, 25-15, 25-13. Beth Neal had nine assists, six kills and three aces for the Panthers while Dayna McCue added seven digs and six aces and Aubrie Kutil had five kills. Franklin head coach Catherine Horsmann said Rose Morrissette and Sam Campbell played well defensively for the Panthers.
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| FHS Panthers |
Cross Country
BoysFranklin, 23 @ Attleboro, 35 – Final
Girls
Franklin, 15 @ Attleboro, 50 – Final
Golf
Attleboro, 184 @ Franklin, 153 – Final– The Panthers carded a season-low 153 to pick up their first win of the season. Sophomore Bryan Woelfel shot an even par 35, junior Matt Dao carded a 38 and Matt Pleshaw and David Hardin each shot 40. Attleboro’s Tyler Letendre shot a team best 44 on the day.
For all the results across the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-091715/
FSPA Launches New Dance Company
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| Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) |
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) introduces the FSPA Dance Company this fall, providing expanded options for students in many disciplines with opportunities to travel to NYC and Walt Disney World for classes and performances.
Building upon FSPA’s dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop and more, the Dance Company will provide students with the chance to develop their craft and performance experience. There’s flexibility for dancers to choose how they'd like to be involved – across which disciplines and with what time commitment.
The ensemble will present a Dance Company Concert at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin in June, along with several showcase performances throughout the school year. The company will perform works of longer length and technical challenge, giving dancers more of a pre-college experience. Requiring greater endurance to sustain longer repertory performances and the ability to comprehend and retain lengthier choreography, dancers will develop the skills needed by today’s dance majors and professionals.
The process will take dancers beyond simply learning steps and provide a greater emphasis on artistry. Bringing many pieces of original choreography to the stage, dancers will be encouraged to contribute to the creative process to help communicate the choreographer’s vision. Company members will work with FSPA dance faculty as well as guest teachers to present pre-professional pieces in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater genres. Dancers will have the opportunity to delve deeper to explore new types of dance and to pursue a broader range within a particular discipline.
With travel opportunities to Walt Disney World, New York City and a New England dance convention, Dance Company members may choose just one option or all three. The January NYC weekend provides a full-on dance experience within the Big Apple’s vibrant dance world and scene. Students will have the opportunity to see a dance show and take classes at the city’s top schools, such as Broadway Dance Center, American Ballet Theatre and The Ailey School of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
In the fall, a local dance convention in the Greater Boston or Providence areas presents the chance for Dance Company members to take a full day’s worth of classes by choreographers and dancers specializing in different genres. Drawing dancers from all over the country, it’s a chance to glean fresh perspectives and experiences from new teachers and talents.
Rounding out the year, FSPA’s annual spring trip to Walt Disney World is full of fun and camaraderie, with time to explore the parks, take master classes with Disney performers and choreographers, and present two shows on Disney stages.
With three tiers of participation and tuition, FSPA Dance Company is open by audition to FSPA students in grades 8-12. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 3:30-5:00 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin.
Please note that auditions for eighth graders will begin at 2:00, which is also the audition time for Next Step, FSPA’s junior dance company for students in grades 5-8. For more information about dance at FSPA, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.
"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center
FINAL COUNTDOWN IS ON!
"NUTCRACKER" AUDITIONS, this SATURDAY 9/19 AT Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center. OPEN TO ALL!
Audition Times for
- ages 5-7 -> 1-1:30
- ages 8-9 -> 1:30-2:15
- ages 10-12 -> 2:15-3
- ages 13 plus -> 3:00-4:00
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| Patti Eisenhauer Dance photo |
Auditions will take place at the Dance Center 31 Hayward Street Franklin, MA.
We look forward to seeing you all there to be a part of this timeless classic.
More info can be found on the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Patti-Eisenhauer-Dance-Center-119810176867/timeline/
In the News: state police alert on scams, eagle scouts recognized, development along RT 140, MCAS argued for
Massachusetts State Police issued a scam warning on their official Facebook page Thursday. According to the posting, scammers pretending to be members of the state police or affiliated with the police are calling people and soliciting money for drug prevention and intervention programs.
The scammers may claim to be part of a narcotics unit, police said.Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916356/1994/NEWS
Boy Scouts Patrick Cunniff, Jonathan Tomaso and Joseph Kroon, from Troop 99 of Franklin, were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Aug. 1 for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
Each scout completed a community service project that benefited the community: Cunniff worked with the Franklin Girls Softball Association to build four dugouts at the Remington-Jefferson fields; Tomaso constructed a walkway between the front and back entrances to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School benefiting both charter school students and St. Mary Parish CCD students; and Kroon, sponsored by the Town of Franklin, built an arched foot bridge over a stream on the disc golf course at Dacey Fields.
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| arched foot bridge at Dacey Field disc golf course |
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916212/1994/NEWS
"There will be several different buildings," he said. "There's a gas station and, adjacent to that, a lube place and at least one restaurant. There will be several other retail spaces as well."
According to Taberner, the developer has not labeled all of the proposed buildings, meaning it is uncertain which businesses will occupy them.
Taberner said the board has requested more information from the developer, and would likely be considering the project for some time. He said he did not know how long the process might take.
"The matter was continued to the next Planning Board meeting," he said. "It could be two, three, four or five - I have no idea how many meetings it might take."Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150916038/1994/NEWS
In a meeting with the Daily News editorial board on Wednesday, Pioneer Institute’s Jamie Gass and Tom Birmingham, former Senate president and co-author of the Education Reform Act of 1993 which created the MCAS, cautioned against switching from the long-standing test. Instead, the pair recommended working within the current system for better results.
After education reform went into effect, Birmingham said the state set and met new standards that have pushed school performance to the top in the nation. If Massachusetts signs on to the PARCC test, Birmingham said he worries standards will drop to accommodate students in other PARCC states that don't have tests as rigorous as those in Massachusetts.
“Before you outright jettison what has been coincident, at least, with our historic, unprecedented education success stories … I think you should bear in mind the words from the Hippocratic Oath, which is first, do no harm,” Birmingham said. “I’m fearful that if we do jettison MCAS and replace it with something else that is yet completely untested, we are inviting regression in terms of our education success.”
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150917/NEWS/150915990/1994/NEWS
Info on MCAS can be found here http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/
Downtown Project Update #10
Note the dates added in parenthesis ( ) are my interpretation of the schedule. This was posted on Wed 9/17 and by the time this gets out and around the reference points can change.
Next Wednesday they will be setting the curbs on West Central Street (they were waiting on the subcontractor). (9/24)
Mid to late next week they will be line striping the new top that they are putting down this week. (approx 9/24)
At the end of next week or into the following week the landscapers will be spreading loam and seeding in the area that has been paved and completed. (approx 9/25 through 10/2)
Starting tomorrow and into next week they will be finalizing walk ways between Moore Ave and Pleasant Street. (9/18 through 9/25)
The week after next they will be paving Emmons Street and Summer Street, possibly at night. (approx week of 9/28)
In about two weeks they will be working in front of the Fire Station entrance.
They are not excavating any more sidewalks on West Central Street for now.The sidewalk widening on Main Street will be done when the subcontractor gets back, in the next few weeks.
We are waiting on National Grid to move a few telephone poles.
If anyone has a question please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.
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| Main St when it was closed for paving |
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Political signs - bylaw restriction removed
The ballot is not yet finalized yet signs are already appearing. How is that you ask?
There used to be a bylaw restricting signs for a specific time before and after an election. However
You can find the bylaw section on the Franklin webpage here
http://ecode360.com/FR1096?needHash=true
When you find the section it reads as follows:
"Political signs shall not be subject to a time limit. Political signs shall otherwise comply with the requirements for temporary signs contained in Subsection D(1)(c) through (g)."
There used to be a bylaw restricting signs for a specific time before and after an election. However
"Federal courts have determined that the First Amendment prevents municipalities from imposing limits on the time period that political signs may be displayed.
In response to these decisions, the Town Council amended the provisions of the Franklin Zoning Bylaw regulating signs in 2012 to remove the time limitation for political signs; this applies to both candidate signs and “public policy issue” signs.
Political Signs subject in the Town Code can be found at Chapter 185 Section 20 D (3)."
You can find the bylaw section on the Franklin webpage here
http://ecode360.com/FR1096?needHash=true
When you find the section it reads as follows:
"Political signs shall not be subject to a time limit. Political signs shall otherwise comply with the requirements for temporary signs contained in Subsection D(1)(c) through (g)."
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| Franklin Town Common |
FHS soccer and field hockey tops Sharon
Franklin High School sports teams had a good day versus Sharon with both soccer teams and the field hockey team recording wins. The Golf team dropped their match against Mansfield. All the results shared from Hockomock Sports.
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091615/
Boys Soccer
Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final– Kevin Hall opened the scoring for the Panthers off an assist from Farley Asmath while Austin Kent scored once in the first half and also set up Nick Parent. Hatim Brahimi converted a service from Brian Czuba in the second half for the Panthers.
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| FHS Panthers |
Girls Soccer
Franklin, 8 @ Sharon, 0 – FinalField Hockey
Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 7 – Final– Julia Jette paced the Panthers with a pair of goals an assists in the win. Franklin senior Kelsey McPhee opened the scoring on assists from senior Kenzi Pleshaw junior Caroline Lounsbury. Senior Diana Griffin, sophomore Christina Quinn, junior Caroline Lounsbury, junior Kayla Marshall each added goals and junior Alex Sullivan had two assists. Senior Kate D’Entremont earned the victory between the pipes.
Golf
Franklin, 181 @ Mansfield, 165 – Final– Mansfield’s David Craig was the match medalist, shooting a 38. Kyle Swansburg carded a 41 while Matt Chirichiello and David Norris each shot a 43. Franklin’s Bryan Woelfel shot a team best 42 for the Panthers.
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091615/
MassBudget: How Business Taxes in MA Compare to Other States -- and Context
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FSPA To Present 'How To Audition' Workshop
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Director Raye Lynn Mercer will lead a How to Audition Workshop on Saturday, September 26 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the school’s Recital Hall at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The workshop is open to the community.
Students and parents are invited to learn about the audition process in an entertaining and interactive format, with demonstrations and time for questions. The workshop will explore what to expect, ways to prepare, and how to make a positive impression at any audition. Recommended for all beginner and intermediate performers, the session is beneficial at many stages of the process, whether students are preparing for a first audition or seeking to raise the level of their audition presentation.
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
Founded by Mercer in 1985, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts celebrates 30 years of quality arts education in music, dance and drama. The school’s alumni credits include Broadway, national Broadway tours, American Idol, cruise line casts, film, television and regional theater. Broadway In Boston has cast FSPA students in the Boston run of national tours of Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Showboat.
Mercer and her FSPA staff annually prepare high school seniors for college and conservatory auditions, with placement at such prestigious programs as Baldwin Wallace University, Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Eastman School of Music, Elon University, Emerson College, Hartt School of Music, Ithaca College, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, NYU-Tisch School of the Arts, Oberlin Conservatory, Oklahoma City University, Pace University, Pennsylvania State University, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London), Syracuse University, and University of Miami (Frost School of Music).
The workshop fee is $20 per person or $30 for student and parent, with a cost of $5 for each additional child or family member. To register, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit the main office at 38 Main Street.
In the News: GMO food labeling law, Tri-County kids group, cub scouting registration, Solar Challenge extended
Before eating an ear of sweet corn on the cob or opening a package of cookies from the grocery store, do you want to know if it contains genetically modified organisms?
With science now allowing for crops to be genetically manipulated to better tolerate herbicides and produce their own insecticides, a growing group of advocates and legislators want to let consumers know if there are GMOs in their food.
The group Citizens for GMO Labeling is gearing up for a big hearing at the Statehouse next Tuesday on a bill that 75 percent of the Legislature is co-sponsoring.
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150917086/1994/NEWS
The Tri-County Regional Children’s Center, 147 Pond St., seeks to fill openings in its weekly toddler playgroup.
The Toddler Program is open to children who are between 18 months and 30 months by Oct. 1.
Sessions are held on Mondays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Parents or caregivers are required to stay during the toddler session. The cost of the Toddler Program is $8 per week.
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916839/1994/NEWS
Franklin Cub Scouts are now accepting registration for the 2015-2016 school year. Cub Scouts is for boys grades 1-5.
A registration event to learn more about scouting and join in on some scouting activities is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-4 p.m., at the King Street baseball field in Franklin.
At 2 p.m. there will be a live entertainment event.
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150915/NEWS/150917474/1994/NEWS
Officials announced this week that the Franklin Solar Challenge had been extended for a month to encourage as many residents as possible to sign up for solar systems.
The challenge's original deadline was Tuesday, but it has been extended until Oct. 15.
Town Councilor Brett Feldman, who coordinates the challenge, said he felt it was appropriate to extend the program given the interest.
"We still have people thinking over existing proposals, so we wanted to give them more time," he said. "Also, when you're near a deadline, you start to get new interest, so we wanted to accommodate that."
Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916685/1994/NEWS
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Franklin Solar Challenge: Program Extension!
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