"I heard you can get me help"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Law enforcement members, educators and parents said at a conference Thursday that communication is key to ending the opiate abuse epidemic. 

The conference, held at the Franklin Elks Club, was organized by area police chiefs, Franklin's Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) and Milford's Juvenile Advocacy Group as a means to spur that communication."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160505/franklin-opiate-conference-looks-to-bolster-communication

SAFE Coalition

The SAFE Coalition Drop In Centers are open
http://safecoalitionma.com/2016/04/08/safejag-substance-abuse-intervention-drop-in-centers-open/

41 medals for Tri-County

Tri-County Regional’s high school and post-secondary students brought home 41 medals from the SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference Championships held from April 28 to April 30 in Marlborough.

Tri-County sent 115 students to the state conference, with 29 high school students and 12 post-secondary students receiving medals. The gold medal winners advance to the National SkillsUSA Competition to be held in Louisville at the end of June.

Students from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School pose with their medals after the SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference Championships held from April 28 to April 30 in Marlborough

Tri-County's high school gold medalists are Caroline Aspinwall (Career Choice Commentary), of Walpole, Devan Clark (Career Pathways Team – Human Service), of North Attleborough, Dalia Flanagan (Career Pathways Team – Human Service), of Norfolk, Abby Pacheco (Action Skills Job Demonstration), of Seekonk, and Jeremey Piemonte (Career Pathways Team – Human Service), of North Attleborough.

The gold medalists from the post-secondary programs are Eli Agbenya (Medical Math) of North Providence, Zilpa Auma (Practical Nursing), of North Attleborough, Jenn Boucher (Health Knowledge Bowl), of Wrentham, Olivia Dafonte (Health Knowledge Bowl), of North Attleborough, Kerith Moore (Health Knowledge Bowl), of North Attleborough, Musu Saygbe (First Aid/CPR), of Providence, Kasey Spencer (Health Knowledge Bowl), of Plainville, and Kathryn Troy (Cosmetology), of Millis.

The high school silver medalists are Lauren Albee (Career Pathways Team – Arts and Communication), of Medway, Esmirna Amaya (Occupational Health and Safety Single Division Team), of North Attleborough, Torin Amoling (Urban Search and Rescue), of North Attleborough, Allyson Bettencourt (Non-Traditional Portfolio Team), of North Attleborough, Alivia Carney (Occupational Health and Safety Single Division Team), of North Attleborough, Katrina Chapman (Occupational Health and Safety Single Division Team), of North Attleborough, Hannah Graveline (Occupational Health and Safety Single Division Team), of North Attleborough, Zachary Keeler (Urban Search and Rescue), of Bellingham, Robert Malcolmson (Information Technology), of North Attleborough, Amy O’Brien (Non-Traditional Portfolio Team), of Franklin, Ashley O’Handley (Career Pathways Team – Arts and Communication), of Plainville, and Cara Wolfe (Career Pathways Team – Arts and Communication), of North Attleborough. Post-secondary student Kristina Last, of Millis, also won a silver medal for Medical Terminology.

Bronze medalists are Jeffrey Blenkhorn (Additive Manufacturing), of Medway, Wayne Boone (Collision Repair Technology), of Medway, Jennifer Bowness (Career Pathways Team – Health Services), of North Attleborough, Shaina Flanagan (Costello Community Service Award), of Norfolk, Gina Greene (Career Pathways Team – Health Services), of Medway, Zachary Knight (Career Pathways Team – Engineering), of Franklin, Aaron McLean (Career Pathways Team – Engineering), of Bellingham, Katherine Pensak (Criminal Justice), of Walpole, Justin Quaranto (Additive Manufacturing), of Franklin, Olivia Ryan (Career Pathways Team – Health Services), of North Attleborough, Michael Sarazin (Architectural Drafting), of Franklin, and Nicholas Young (Career Pathways Team – Engineering), of Franklin.

Jane Annis (Practical Nursing), of Wrentham, Carol Collela (Cosmetology), of Franklin, and Samantha Zabel (Medical Terminology), of Plainville, all won bronze medals in the post-secondary division.

Tri-County senior Shaina Flanagan was nominated as a National Voting Delegate. Since SkillsUSA is a student-run organization, Shaina will represent Massachusetts in governing the affairs of the program during the national conference in June.

Samantha Knox, of North Attleborough, will also advance to the National T-Shirt Competition after designing the official 2016 logo for the Massachusetts championships. Samantha’s design appeared on all official materials during the state conference.

Tri-County received the Chapter Excellence Award for having the largest student participation in SkillsUSA student activities.

SkillsUSA is a national professional organization for career and technical students that provides leadership, citizenship and character development programs. Competitions run at the local and state level give students the opportunity to demonstrate both occupational and leadership skills. All Tri-County students are members of SkillsUSA.

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Performance Opportunities Application

The Performance Opportunities Application for the second annual Franklin Cultural District Festival is now available. 

This year the festival will run for four days: Wednesday, July 27 through Saturday, July 30. 

Opening Ceremonies will be on the Franklin Town Common and the Closing Ceremonies will be at THE BLACK BOX. 

Saturday's Festival will happen at THE BLACK BOX, both inside and outside (under a covered tent).

Take a moment to look at the application. Responses are due no later than Monday, May 23. 

If you have questions, please email us at
franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com


Thank you,

The Franklin Cultural District Festival Steering Committee

2nd Annual Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here! - July 27 - July 30

HMEA receives funding from The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation

In its continuing efforts to support local vibrant nonprofit organizations, the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation recently awarded HMEA (Horace Mann Educational Associates) $7,500 to support HMEA’s incredABLE Day 2016 fundraising event occurring on May 22nd at EMC2 , 50 Constitution Blvd in Franklin. 

All proceeds from this one day event go to support the programs and services offered by HMEA’s 750 staff to 4000 children and adults with autism and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. They include the programs offered in HMEA’s children’s services ABA division (applied behavior analysts) for therapists to help diagnose children on the autism spectrum with Early Intervention Assessment Kits. 

The kits include games, puzzles, toys, blocks, and other tools which are designed to assist in evaluating skills and identifying specific educational needs for children who have been newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

One assessment tool in the hands of a qualified ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst) Therapist can touch the lives of many children. They help ensure children are properly assessed so they receive early treatment, much to the satisfaction and comfort of the parents waiting desperately for answers to questions about their child’s situation.

HMEA celebrates receiving funding from Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation focuses its charitable giving on four main areas, education, health and human services, youth programs, and community development. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $4 million in grants to qualified non-profit organizations. For information about the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, please contact Jeanne Travers at 781-982-6637 or visit www.RocklandTrust.com.

Massachusetts-based HMEA is a private, not for profit agency that supports 4000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, and their families in more than 110 Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. HMEA affirms and promotes the values, dreams and potential of people with developmental disabilities through education, support and life experiences. HMEA is committed to working in partnership with people with developmental disabilities and their families to create individualized supports that best meet their unique needs. HMEA believes that each person with a disability has a desire for a rich and varied life, including a physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual dimension. For more information, visit www.hmea.org

FHS softball tops Canton, both lacrosse team top North Attleboro

Baseball

• Franklin, 0 @ Canton, 2 – Final 

– Kevin Powers got the win on the mound for the Bulldogs, going the distance by tossing a complete game, giving up six hits while striking out three and issuing just one walk. Powers helped his cause at the plate, going 2-4 at the plate with an RBI. Jim Jenkins was 2-3, Mike McMahon was 1-3 with the run scored in a stolen base and junior Kevin Monagle had two hits for Canton.

Softball

• Franklin, 14 @ Canton, 2 – Final 

– Franklin broke the game open with an eight run third inning, tacking on five more in the final two innings after scoring one in the opening game. Alexx Niss went 3-4 with two RBI, a triple, and three runs scored, Olivia DiGiacomo went 4-5 and knocked in four runs and Olivia Haba, Julia Arms and Alyssa DaSilva combined for five RBI. Courtesy runner Kerry Blaney scored three runs for the Panthers. Emily Sawyer tossed a complete game, striking out four to earn the win.

Boys lacrosse

• North Attleboro, 6 @ Franklin, 11 – Final 

– Franklin held a two goal lead at halftime (5-3) and went on to score six second half goals. Eric Civetti had five goals and an assist and Austin Kent Scored twice with one assist. Justin O’Callahan pitched in with three assists and freshman Jacob Alexander won 17/21 faceoffs.

Girls lacrosse

• Franklin, 13 @ North Attleboro, 9 – Final 

– Franklin freshman Annie Walsh paced the offense with four goals while Julia Jette had two goals and two assists and Caroline Lounsbury scored once and had one assist. Head coach Kristin Igoe said Dana Lewandowski played well on defense with two draws and two ground balls.

Both tennis team played Canton on Wednesday but no results were available. For the other results around the Hockomock League
http://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-050416/

FHS Panthers

FPAC Yard Sale on Sunday, May 15

THE BLACK BOX hosts the first ever Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Yard Sale on Sunday, May 15 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Item donations will be accepted at THE BLACK BOX on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contributions to FPAC are tax-deductible. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

For more information about FPAC’s community yard sale, call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX, 15 W Central St Franklin

Searching For: Volleyball Coach/Player

SEARCHING FOR: Volleyball Coach/Player Summer Sand Advanced Beginner Volleyball     Mondays 6 - 8 PM Please call by 5/11/16 if interested 508-613-1480 The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning 218 Oak Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 (508) 613-1480 Franklin Public Schools                  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

"I think, quite frankly, this is overblown"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Officials from the town's facilities department fielded concerns from the Town Council about the maintenance of town buildings at a recent meeting. 

Department members came to the last week's council meeting to give a presentation about the work they do, including information on the recent move of the library to a temporary location. 

Council members, though, said they wanted additional information about needed repairs to town buildings and the length of time it takes to complete them. 

"One of the things the council has asked for in the past is a report that tells us how many work orders... are out there, and how long they take to complete," said Councilor Thomas Mercer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160504/franklin-council-discusses-maintenance-concerns


The "Actions Taken Summary" post also includes the presentation document that the Facilities Dept used at last week's Town Council meeting.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/town-council-actions-taken-summary.html

Page 8, 9 and 10 have nice charts showing the volume of work orders by year and by building. In some cases, the amount of work orders decreases year over year. One item not mentioned is how long it takes to close a work order. This is the information still being looked for. I have heard it asked for several times over the past several years. Once it is provided, the numbers should speak for themselves and this is could be confirmed as 'overblown' or not.

from 2014, a new kind of 'green' on the Jefferson Elementary School

From the Archives

• Deja Vu 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/i-think-were-pretty-much-staying-on-top.html

• Deja Vu 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/update-remingtonjefferson-exterior.html

Strawberry Stroll planning begins

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership is organizing this spring’s Strawberry Stroll and invites participants and sponsors to sign up for the June 9 event. 

The Stroll will take place in downtown Franklin that Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. Entertainers, crafters, businesses, community organizations and other vendors are encouraged to register early, as booth space is limited. 

Booth registration forms are available through the FDP website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/events, and on its Facebook page. Contact Co-Chairman Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com, with questions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160504/franklin-strawberry-stroll-planning-begins

strawberry shortcake, a featured favorite of the Strawberry Stroll
(Franklin Downtown Partnership photo)

MBTA: This weekend - Suspension of service on Franklin Line between Readville and Back Bay Stations

Due to railroad tie replacement, Franklin Line service will be affected between Readville and South Station in both directions on the following dates:

• Saturday May 7, 2016
• Sunday May 8, 2016

All Franklin trains will operate via Dorchester Branch between Readville (Fairmount Line platform) and South Station.

Outbound Franklin Line service will operate from South Station via Dorchester Branch (Fairmount Line platform at Readville), omitting Back Bay and Ruggles Stations. Passengers desiring outbound Franklin Line service from Back Bay or Ruggles must board train at South Station. Passengers desiring Inbound Franklin Line service from Readville to South Station must board train along Fairmount Line platform. Any inbound passengers destined for Ruggles or Back Bay may remain aboard train to South Station via Dorchester Branch and transfer to Red and Orange Lines, or utilize MBTA bus #32 from Readville to the Orange Line. Passengers for Back Bay and Ruggles Stations should allow additional travel time.

Affected trains:

• Saturday May 7, 2016 - All
• Sunday May 8, 2016 - All

Affected stops:

• Back Bay
• Ruggles
• Readville

Last updated: May 03 2016 02:55 PM

Franklin train approaching South Station during the morning

FHS girls lacrosse tops Lincoln-Sudbury 10-9

The weather the past couple of days has played havoc with the spring sports schedule. The baseball, softball and tennis matches scheduled for Monday were rescheduled to Tuesday and then rescheduled to TBD. The FHS girls lacrosse team did manage to get in their match against Lincoln-Sudbury winning 10-9. All results courtesy of Hockomock Sports

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 10 @ Lincoln-Sudbury, 9 – Final 

– The teams combined for 19 goals but Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe said goalie Dani Lonati was the difference, making 11 saves in net. Freshman Annie Walsh won a crucial late draw and the Panthers were able to run out the rest of clock. Kendall Reardon scored an empty net goal with a minute left to put Franklin up 10-8 before L-S cut it to one off the next draw. Kenzie Pleshaw led Franklin with four goals and Emily Spath netted three goals.

For the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-050316/

FHS Panthers

THE BLACK BOX: No Static on Friday, May 6

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents No Static on Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Playing the music of Steely Dan, No Static features 10 Boston-area musicians including Fil Ramil (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Lydia Harrell (Vocals), Rosemary St. George (Vocals/Keys), Mitch Rodriguez (Lead Guitar), Rob Currier (Lead Keyboards), Jamie Sheldon (Bass), Barry Lit (Drums), Brad Kohl (Sax), Walter Platt (Trumpet), and Robert Holfelder (Trombone).  

The group has performed Steely Dan’s bluesy jazz-rock music for more than a decade. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or at the door. A cash bar is available. 

The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

No Static at THE BLACK BOX, May 6

Kennedy School Recycling Drive - June 4, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Save your cans and bottles and get ready to clean out the garage!  

Kennedy's Recycling Drive is approaching smile emoticon Most electronic items are $5.00 with a max of $25.00 (Larger appliances and TVs additional).  

Get the junk out, keep it out of the landfill, and help out the kids. join us on JUNE 4th! 10-1

Kennedy School Recycling Drive - June 4, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

For more about the Kennedy School visit their webpage
http://kennedyelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

First Annual 5k Race - May 21

Join Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) in Norfolk as we put on our First Annual 5k Race for Hope!! Our goal is to create an environment where the church and community can join together in raising awareness and hope for those in our midst who suffer from human trafficking, drug addiction and other areas of injustice.

5K Run/Walk (rain or shine)

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2016

Time: Registration opens at 8:30am; Race begins at 9:30am

Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church (63 Rockwood Rd., Norfolk, MA) - Additional parking is a short walk away at the Freeman-Kennedy school located on 70 Boardman St. in Norfolk

Donations: Money raised will go towards supporting the Amirah House, a faith-based nonprofit organization located in the Boston area that strives “to provide a refuge for those seeking to break free from exploitation and heal in community on their journey toward lasting hope.” The Amirah House provides safe homes for those that want to break free from sexual exploitation. They believe each human life is sacred, created in God’s image, and therefore, worthy of love, mercy and justice. It’s their goal that each woman served at Amirah will be restored and empowered with a sense of her inherent value and God-given strengths.

We are asking all race participants to raise/donate a minimum of $25.00* to help cover the event costs.

How to participate:

1. Click "Join the Team" on the website https://www.crowdrise.com/5k-for-hope
2. Ask people to sponsor you. All of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Amirah House in Boston (www.amirahboston.org). Spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, everyone! Help us bring hope to victims of injustice.
3. Show up on race day! Come to run, walk or just spend your morning with us as we gather together as a church and a community.

Race for Hope

In the News: Exelon traffic to be minimal, two arrested for car breakins

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the power generation company’s existing Summer Street facility is not expected to cause any traffic impacts, engineers said at the Planning and Economic Development Board’s Tuesday meeting. 

Bob Michaud of MDM Transportation Consultants, a firm hired by Exelon, said the site will produce a less than a one-percent increase over existing traffic volumes during peak commuter hours. 

Exelon’s proposal to use fuel oil as a backup to natural gas – the primary fuel source - will result in a maximum of five vehicle trips over an hour, Michaud said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160503/medway-exelon-says-traffic-impact-minimal

"Two men were arraigned in Wrentham District Court Monday after being arrested in Franklin on suspicion of breaking into cars. 

Lukas Montano, 19, of 237 Monument Valley Road in Great Barrington, and Zachary Mendes, 18, of 11 Country Lane in Berkley, pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering a vehicle during the nighttime for a felony, larceny of more than $250 and receiving stolen property. Bail for each was set at $1,000."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160503/franklin-teens-charged-with-breaking-into-cars

Oak Street Elementary School: Walking Wednesday - May 4

Tomorrow, May 4th is our first Walking Wednesday of the spring. It's also MA Walk/Bike to School Day. 

Keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates with us since we hope to have lots of students walk to school. 

It's a great way to start the day with family and friends!

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Oak Street Elementary School News mailing list.

Oak St School

A weekend in Franklin (photo essay)

I did my walk on Saturday, Sunday, and then some, but did not get around to take all these photos. The diversity of what you can do in Franklin on a weekend is amazing!

Earth Day

At Beaver Pond coordinated by the DPW

The map outlined the clean up options for adults and kids (DPW photo)

With the Metacomet Land Trust along Mine Brook

Mine Brook flowing north, i495 through the trees in the distance (Metacomet Land Trust photo)

On the Walk

The new construction on the former Cook's Farm land is coming along.

The Village at Cook's Farm

One listing I found confirmed that these were to be priced in the $500,000 range  31 Village Way - Unit #4

I love collaboration of all kinds and especially when it is found with local businesses helping each other! 

Noelle Day Spa and Stobbarts get together to collaborate for Mother's Day

• Stobbarts and Noelle Day Spa 

DPW coordinating sewer line work:

The replacement sewer force main project on East Central Street is in full swing! This project is using a technology called Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to install a replacement sewer main. The old main was installed around 1940 and is undersized and in poor condition, and therefore needs to be replaced. By using HDD we save the Town the headache and costs associated with digging up East Central Street and get a new larger sewer line! Please be patient with temporary traffic delays, and remember it could be a lot worse if we had used the traditional method of pipe installation!

Yes, the equipment to do this drilling is what is located next to Franklin Liquors

horizontal drilling equipment replacing a sewer main along East Central St

another view of the horizontal drilling equipment

Saturday afternoon was full of art

THE BLACK BOX for the Franklin Art Association show

balloons to catch your attention outside

once inside, there was plenty of art in several categories of media to view and experience, this photo  took the blue ribbon

this water mixed media entry by Lisa Bailey took a red ribbon for "7 of 9 Lives"

Then on to Franklin High School where student art from schools in the 4th Congressional District were being shown. Congressman Joe Kennedy III was there to recognize their work.

A sampling of the fine work by the students

Winner of photo award at Congressional Art Show sponsored by Congressman Joe Kennedy at FHS. pic.twitter.com/GSsYSy9uMC

— Franklin Public, MA (@FranklinPSNews) April 30, 2016

Congressman Kennedy makes his way along the works

another view of the display, the photo does not do the individual works justice,
they really need to be experienced one at a time

Sunday morning walk

Parmenter PCC meets this week in the morning and next week in the evening

it is always good to wish someone happy birthday!

Chilson films were showing bring oos and ahs, and recognition from some of the onlookers 

the cake had not yet been cut!

across the street at the site of the 150 Emmon St building, the last of the old building is gone
and site prep is underway for the new construction

another view of the site prep at 150 Emmons St

School Committee to host a series of Coffee Hours

All of our community benefits when our public schools are strong. To make sure our schools stay among the very best in the state, the school committee will seek input from all members of the community. 

The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will be hosting a series of coffee hours over the next two months. We would like to hear from the citizens of Franklin as we begin to review the mission and vision of the Franklin Public Schools. With the goal of meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students, we would greatly appreciate your input. 

• How are we doing? 
• What are our strengths? 
• Where would you like to see us put more of our resources? 

All members of the community are welcome to attend any/all of these sessions. Join us:

• Thursday, May 12, 7:00 P.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
• Friday, May 13, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Senior Center
• Saturday, May 21, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
• Thursday, June 9, 7:00 P.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
• Saturday, June 11, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Cable Access TV Station
• Friday, June 24, 9:00 A.M. Franklin Senior Center

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee: 

• Anne Bergen
• Vanessa Bilello
• Denise Schultz

Contact us with your concerns, questions at the Franklin School Committee 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_About/members

Front Row:  Cindy Douglas, Vice Chair; Dr. Kevin O'Malley, Chairman; Dr. John Jewell
Back Row:  Vanessa Bilello, Dr. Anne Bergen, MaryJane Scofield, Denise Schultz