The Turf Grass Forum asks "Is the Beaver Street field safe to use?"

PROBLEM: 

• The Beaver Street field is still slated for use in the spring of 2016
• Precautions the Town of Franklin should take: GMAX testing and LEAD testing

photo of Beaver St field conditions

QUESTIONS:

• Who was the synthetic turf/carpet and in-fill material supplier for the Town of Franklin's Beaver Street Field?
• Is the town liable or the manufacturer for maintenance which effects safety or warranty of the current field?

WHY GMAX and what is it?

You can read all the scientific details but simply put:

It is a test to measure the Surface hardness and applies to natural grass and synthetic turf.
GMAX is important because of the increased potential of concussions and other injuries cause by impact on a hard surface.

Read the full posting online
http://turfgrassforum.blogspot.com/2016/02/franklin-massachusetts-beaver-street_24.html

FHS girls swim team results from MIAA Division 1 meet

The MIAA held its division meets over the weekend at Boston University. Hockomock Sports has posted the results for female Hockomock swimming athletes focusing on the FHS swimmers. For all the Hockomock results follow the link at the bottom of this listing.

FHS Panthers

GIRLS DIVISION 1

Teams
1. Westford Academy – 312

• 12. Franklin – 85.5

23. Sharon – 22
24. King Philip – 19
35. Taunton – 2
37. North Attleboro – 1

PLACEMENTS

200 Medley Relay
1. Beverly – 1:46.39

• 21. Franklin (Jennifer Ayotte, Colleen Proulx, Leah Zogby, Helen Huang) – 1:59.38

200 Free

• 1. Ashley Loomis, Franklin – 1:51.96

200 IM
1. Sarah Welch, Beverly – 2:03.31

• 19. Colleen Proulx, Franklin – 2:21.19

100 Butterfly
1. Kaitlin Harty, Beverly – 54.69

• 15. Leah Zogby, Franklin – 1:01.12

500 Free

• 1. Ashley Loomis, Franklin – 4:58.50
• 21. Molly-Catherine Brown, Franklin – 5:35.60

200 Free Relay
1. Westford Academy – 1:37.84

• 9. Franklin (Colleen Proulx, Jennifer Ayotte, Helen Huang, Ashley Loomis) – 1:44.06

100 Breaststroke
1. Kelsey Johnstone, Westfield – 1:05.50

• 15. Colleen Proulx, Franklin – 1:11.88
• 21. Megan Lazarek, Franklin – 1:13.49

400 Free Relay
1. Beverly – 3:29.71

• 11. Franklin (Molly-Catherine Brown, Jennifer Ayotte, Leah Zogby, Ashley Loomis) – 3:48.23

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hock-girls-swim-results-miaa-division-meets/

Real time reporting: Town Council Meeting - Feb 24, 2016

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer (via phone), Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none

screen grab of Spectra Energy presentation via the video broadcast

Here is the Storify capture of my notes for the meeting recorded via Twitter:
(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

screen grab of video replay for Town Council meeting 2/24/16

There will be a Part 2 to cover the portion of the meeting missed.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/town-council-meeting-22416-missing.html

Town Council meeting 2/24/16 - missing portion

I was able to report on the Council meeting via the live broadcast for a portion of the Wednesday meeting. Left to handle a business meeting and returned to catch the end of the lengthy meeting. This portion I caught via the video replay.

As with the other Storify summaries I have posted, be sure to scroll within the widget to see all the entries.

A member of the Conservation Commission and the Franklin Conservation Agent George Russell

Dean Children’s Center will host an Exploration Open House - Mar 21

Dean Children’s Center will host an Exploration Open House on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Parents of children 2 years old to 6 years are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about our program. Applications are being accepted for 5-day morning, 2-day morning, 3-day morning preschool programs or 4-day Pre-K program. 

Dean Children's Center

Innovative and progressive, the school is NAEYC accredited and well known in the community for an inspiring preschool experience. Dean Children’s Center is a lab school for ECE majors, with teachers-in-training alongside credentialed teachers. The center has a very professional and caring environment for children to learn through exploration. 

The school uses a developmental approach to education which reflects current research in child development and peer conflict resolution. Director Faith Nickolas states “We are a regional resource to parents and educators on peer conflict resolution in young children and our lab school is a demonstration site for best practices in early education of children.” 

Dean College Children’s Center is located at 144 School Street in Franklin. For more information, call 508-541-1598.

Franklin Girls Softball Association 2016 season - register now

Registration for the Franklin Girls Softball Association 2016 season will close March 7.

The Franklin Girls Softball Association provides girls 3 to 18 years old instruction, competition and fun playing fastpitch softball.

League costs:

• Instructional $65;
• Intermediate $95;
• Minor and Juniors $125; and
• Seniors $140

Visit fgsafastpitch.org for more information and to register.

lawn sign touting the Franklin softball registration 

American Legion 5 Miler Scholarship Fund Road Race - June 25

Jointly organized between the Franklin and Medway American Legion Posts for the benefit of students at Medway H.S., Franklin H.S and Tri-County Regional Vocational H.S. The 5 mile and 5k Road Race helps us raise money for our scholarship funds. 

Page 1 of the attachment is the flyer and page 2 is the registration information. 

The Road Race is on June 25th at 8:00 AM and is at Medway H.S.

The registration website is:
https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=32237654

Flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeWJ2enByZXJyeUhOSldaS1VnTFZGcHVrWDc0/view?usp=sharing

Event details and schedule

• Course is a 5 mile loop on paved roads. Post race refreshments. Prizes awarded by category. T-shirts for entrants. Raffle prizes. Help support our effort to give scholarships to high school students looking at the high cost of secondary education. All profits from this event will go to the Scholarship Funds for Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75.

• Start time is 8am. Course start in parking lot to Summer Street to Highland Street to Oak Street, to and thru Choate Park to Winthrop Street to Levering Street and back to Summer Street. for the last mile back to the high School entrance and the finish line in the parking lot.

American Legion 5 Miler Scholarship Fund Road Race - June 25

FHS Boys varsity and JV teams win at Worcester South High School

Via Twitter and Facebook, the results of the FHS boys basketball varsity and JV games at Worcester South High School on Wednesday

• JV won 72-33

• Varsity won 70-41

FHS Panthers

Franklin boys basketball win 70-41 over Worcester South High @HockomockSports #hockomock

— Tim Rodgers (@timrodg) February 24, 2016

Scores from tonight from Worcester South High:

JV won 72-33

Varsity won 70-41 

Great season JV! Onto the tournament varsity!!
Posted by Franklin Panthers Boys Basketball Team on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

"Iris, the Greek Word for Rainbow" - Mar 1

Stephanie Markham, a noted iris cultivator, will be the featured speaker at the Tuesday, March 1 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club that will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. The program is open to all residents.

Markham’s talk, entitled “Iris, the Greek Word for Rainbow,” will provide information on growing and maintaining a colorful iris garden. She will show pictures of the many varieties of irises that she grows and breeds. For many years, she and her mother, Lynn Markham, have introduced new breeds of irises that are sold through Aitken’s Salmon Creek Garden. 

Franklin Garden Club

 Her three-acre Toadland Gardens in Norfolk, MA display a colorful array of irises, particularly in early June when irises are at their peak. An active member of the Iris Society of Massachusetts, she will also discuss the resources available through that organization. 

Markham is also a member of the Norfolk MA Garden Club and manages the Butterfly Garden at Stonybrook, the Audubon Nature Center in Norfolk.

The Franklin Garden Club was founded in 1987 and became a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. in 2015. The Club sponsors a variety of educational programs. Members volunteer to plant and maintain the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at the Town Common, distribute pine tree seedlings to all first graders in Franklin schools, and provide a scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing an education in environmental or horticultural studies. Membership is open to all area residents. 

For further information, visit the Club website at: http://gcfm.org/franklingc/Home or email franklingardenclubma@gmail.com

Franklin Chargers - registration begins March 1

Registration for football and cheer opens on March 1st.

Time to schedule those physicals!

The forms for 2016 can be downloaded on our registration page.

Franklin Chargers registration - Mar 1

In the News: pipeline presentation, high school water leak, Culinary Cabaret

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Representatives from a company looking to run a controversial natural gas pipeline through town made their case to the Town Council Wednesday. 

The council heard a presentation from Spectra Energy officials regarding the pipeline, which would also go through such area towns as Milford, Medway, Bellingham and Millis. 

Spectra's Jon Bonsall gave a slideshow presentation in which the need for such a pipeline was discussed. He said a lack of natural gas in New England had led to large price spikes in recent winters.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160224/franklin-council-hears-pipeline-presentation

A water leak at the high school has displaced the principal but did not affect students. 

The leak, said Principal Peter Light, appears to have taken place on Presidents' Day. He said the facilities department, which was doing sweeps through the building during school vacation, noticed that the temperature in his office was low and worked to remedy that. 

Unfortunately, though, that effort did not prevent a leak that night, as two sprinkler heads burst, Light said. 

"They ended up doing significant damage," he said. "About 70 percent of the damage was isolated to the principal's office itself, though some water leaked out into the main office."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160224/franklin-high-school-water-leak-displaces-principal

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Culinary Cabaret 2016 from 7 to 11 p.m. March 4 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

The annual food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by the ACME Jazz Quartet and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160224/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-present-culinary-cabaret

Employees of Tegra Medical-Franklin raise $2100 for American Heart Assoc.

Employees of Tegra Medical-Franklin held a February event benefitting The American Heart Association through a Valentine's fundraiser. 

Employees purchased valentines and candy for fellow co-workers to be delivered by Tegra's own "cupid" on Friday, February 12th. 

The fundraiser was a success and raised $2,100 for the cause.

Valentine's being prepared

Valentine delivered by Tegra Medical's own 'Cupid"

Photos submitted by Tegra Medical, Franklin

6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race

5 K Run, 5 Mile Run, 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10 AM

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM ( + or - )
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 or 3.1 mile mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of the race, $15 Students

The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin to the CT line

Register online at: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

 6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

Legislators to Host Life Science Day in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy, Senator Karen Spilka and Senator Richard Ross will host Travis McCready, the President and CEO of the MA Life Science Center in Franklin on Friday. They will participate in a number of roundtable discussions centered on education and economic development.

More than thirty Life Science experts, educators, legislators, town and state officials, and advocates are slated to attend the various roundtables. The forums will focus on the life sciences industry in Franklin and the surrounding communities. They will explore the economy and education looking at the strengths, deficiencies, and areas for future growth.

The first roundtable will be held at 9AM at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. It will focus on Life Science education and will be followed by a brief school tour highlighting Life Science investments and successes. The afternoon roundtable will be held at 11:45AM at ZeptoMetrix in Franklin, and will focus on economic and business development and will include a tour of the facility.

MA Life Sciences Center

Over the past eight years the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, our state's investment agency in life sciences, charged with implementing our state's $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative, has made nearly $600 million in investments that support scientific research, early-stage companies, workforce development and life sciences infrastructure across the entire state. Among U.S. states, Massachusetts is 1st in life sciences venture capital funds per capita, 1st in life sciences employment per capita, 1st in federal research funds per capita, and 1st in educational level of workforce.

"At the MLSC we are pursuing an intentional strategy to support life sciences growth throughout the entire Commonwealth," said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. "I look forward to our visit Franklin to understand the region's capacity for attracting life sciences investment and to continue our collaboration with local leaders to find ways in which we can work together to grow the industry in the region."

"Massachusetts is world renowned for both its educational opportunities and its innovative technology industry, and the life sciences are a big part of our success,," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), "Every year billions of dollars are injected into the Massachusetts economy through medical, biotech and other life sciences from all over the world. Franklin has been committed to supporting the life sciences and has already taken the necessary steps to zone accordingly and invest in industrial zones. As a result Franklin was rated Platinum by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council for BioReadiness. Companies look for a town like Franklin with its great schools, low rent and geographical location, and our discussions will emphasize these and the many other attributes."

"I am pleased that the President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Travis McCready, is taking the time to visit Franklin. The town of Franklin is built upon the strength of our schools, hardworking taxpayers, and innovative small business owners and I am looking forward to discussing how we can continue to build upon this growth for the good of our constituents," said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

"The life sciences companies in MetroWest are the backbone of our state's innovation economy," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As Chair of the legislature's Biotech Caucus, my goal is to facilitate partnerships with this thriving sector to support innovative research, maintain and create jobs and make sure our life sciences workforce and companies continue to grow. I look forward to thoughtful discussion and continued collaboration with Franklin employers, workers and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center."

"As the recipient of grants in 2014 and 2015 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Tri-County RVTHS and the entire vocational community are very appreciative for your investment in our students." said Stephen Dockray - Tri-County High School Superintendent.

These efforts are in conjunction with the Massachusetts Life Science Center which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that affect the Life Science industry.

Reminder: Random Smile Gala - Mar 12

Random Smile Project (RSP)  is celebrating 10 years of community service with our Gala on March 12th at the Providence Convention Center there will be 

• Live and Silent auction
• Dinner and Dancing with the Grab Brothers Band 

Discounted room rates available at the Omni Hotel in Providence. 

Complete information available at www.randomsmile.org/gala/

Random Smile Project Gala - March 12

The Grab Brothers Band will play for your entertainment and dancing

FHS Boys Hockey tops Mt Saint Charles 2-1

Boys Hockey

• Franklin, 2 vs. Mt. Saint Charles, 1 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt scored a goal in the first period and another in the third period, breaking a tie game for the win.

FHS Panthers

http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-022316/

In the News: math specialist touted, Dean explores Division III

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Officials from Davis-Thayer Elementary School are extolling the value of employing a full-time math specialist. 

Principal Evemarie McNeil told the School Committee at Tuesday night's meeting that because of the position, the school has improved instruction in the subject. 

"I'd like to express our sincere thanks for the support from district leadership and the School Committee for allowing us to have a full-time math specialist," McNeil said. "I assure you that it was an excellent decision and money well-spent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160223/franklin-benefits-of-math-specialist-touted

"The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Membership Committee approved Dean College’s NCAA Division III exploratory application. 

Dean College will officially begin the NCAA Division III exploratory process on Sept. 1 and will be considered a Division III exploratory institution for the 2016-17 academic year. 

“We are very excited for what the 2016-17 academic year holds for Dean College athletics,” said Dr. Paula Rooney, president of Dean College. “Division III is the perfect fit for an institution, such as Dean College, that focuses on the complete scholar-athlete experience.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160223/dean-college-awarded-ncaa-division-iii-exploratory-status

Medication and Your Child - Feb 25

Dr. Kirk Lum, child psychiatrist from Children and Family Psych Services in Norwood, will be speaking to us about the ins and outs of medication as part of a treatment plan for children with Special Needs. This workshop is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there.

• Thursday, February 25th at 7:00p.m.
• Third-Floor Training Room,
• Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA

To learn more about Franklin SEPAC go to www.franklinsepac.com or like us on Facebook at Franklin SEPAC

Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council