The 20th Annual Trivia Bee is looking for sponsors and teams

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will be held April 12, 2017

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will focus on TV trivia

The sponsor form can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczc0FFQ0VuUXdFcEJMUVh1c1dWTVNBam9EdkpN

"That’s impressive for humans who can’t yet tie their own shoes and still need to be reminded to share"

"I was only in the classroom for 45 minutes, but that was long enough to compel me to write a letter to the teacher once I left. 

I’ll be honest, I have zero qualifications as it relates to child education. My only qualification and reason for being in a kindergarten class that day is my oldest child is a kindergartner. He attends a public school and I was in his classroom as a parent volunteer. 

His teacher had asked parents to sign up to help during the daily Literacy Center portion of the morning. I was excited to go in, see my son in his classroom, and meet his classmates. When I arrived, the class was sitting on the floor, singing, and drawing the alphabet in the air with their fingers. Mrs. G gave me a quick rundown on how I was to help. She introduced me to the class and then quietly asked the children to go to their first center."

Continue reading the article about 45 minutes in a kindergarten classroom
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/01/24/the-letter-i-had-to-write-to-my-childs-teacher/?utm_term=.31e5a4107a83

While this article is published in the Washington Post, the writer could have been a mother visiting a Franklin kindergarten classroom. I recognize the concepts of the centers in the classroom. Having visited a kindergarten (although not yet this year), I also recognize the sentiments expressed by the writer/mother.  

By way of disclosure, my wife (Mrs Sherlock) is one of the three kindergarten teachers at Oak St Elementary. You can see some of what they do in the classroom when they share via their new Twitter account @OakStKinders

Kindergarten Writers working on their pattern books.#oakststories pic.twitter.com/R0ekEunbmv

— Oak St Kindergarten (@oakstkinders) January 20, 2017

kindergarten writers working on their pattern books

"you people - and the teachers and kids - provide us with an excellent school"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri says he wants to encourage C's but that isn't a bad thing. 

In his first year at the school, Peri said he and other administrators came up with a list of core values after conducting a listening tour at the school. 

"We wanted this to be a year of communication; collaboration; comfort and care; and culture," he told the School Committee Tuesday. "As a new team, we felt our role was to listen, learn and support." 

Peri noted that, while there is often a sense of community in the district's elementary and middle schools, that is less true at the high school. He said the school was making efforts to remedy that by communicating with the public through several means, including Twitter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170127/franklin-high-principal-talks-about-nurturing-positive-culture

This video was embedded in the presentation and deserves to stand on its own:



The presentation document Principal Peri used on Tuesday:

Franklin High School - update 1/24/2017 from Franklin Matters

The program of studies document can be found at this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/real-time-reporting-fhs-update-program.html

Other posts with notes and presentations recorded in "real time" for the Tuesday, Jan 24, 2017 School Committee meeting

FHS athletics presentation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/real-time-reporting-fhs-athletics-update.html

Action items through to Closing
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/real-time-reporting-action-items.html

The full video of the meeting is available for replay on demand from the Town of Franklin
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=429

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell Thanks Contributors to Registry’s Annual Holiday Food Drive

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Registry’s 2016 Annual Holiday Food Drive in making it another great success.

“I am thankful,” O’Donnell stated, ”that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and help those living through hardships such as the loss of a job or an illness. The non-perishable food collected during the drive was dispensed to several pantries throughout Norfolk County.”

Register O’Donnell with Sue Kilcoyne, Operations
Manager at the Franklin Food Pantry

Register O’Donnell stated “Obviously, while the holiday food drive has ended, it does not stop hunger from affecting many of our neighbors. A report done by Project Bread noted that 1 out of 9 households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure.”

The Register, however, was heartened to see how Norfolk County communities are dealing with the issue of hunger. “Some of these communities were pretty innovative in addressing the problem with mobile pop-up pantries going into neighborhoods and to creating classes on how to cook and shop for food more efficiently. Additionally, I was struck by the large number of people that were involved in the fight against hunger through their local pantry.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “Obviously hunger doesn’t end when the holidays are over. I urge residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. Most pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need.”

For a list of food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on Twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101,
or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/27/17 - THU 2/2/17

FRIDAY 1/27/17 
9am-5pm   Patron Appreciation Day @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library

SATURDAY 1/28/17
8am-12pm   Franklin Youth Baseball Walk-in Registration @ Elks Lodge
6:30pm   Electric Youth 2017 @ The Black Box
8pm   Peter Mulvey @ Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, FUSF
8:30pm   Electric Youth 2017 @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 1/29/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Fundraiser @ Pour Richard’s
3:30pm   LiveARTS: Sari Gruber, soprano and Cameron Stowe, piano @ FUSF
4pm   Classical Series: Captivating artists performing romantic music @ The Black Box

MONDAY 1/30/17
6:30pm   Superintendent Search Public Forum - come meet the 3 candidates @ Franklin Town Hall, Town Council Chambers
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

WEDNESDAY 2/1/17
6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting with demonstration by Adam O’Day @ Franklin Senior Center
7-8pm   School Committee Coffee Hour @ Franklin TV (23 Hutchinson St.)
7:30pm   Laughter Yoga - Let’s Laugh Today @ FUSF

THURSDAY 2/2/17
8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting @ Dean College
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

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 and/or shersteve@gmail.com

Save the Date for the 6th Annual Culinary Cabaret

Save the Date!  Culinary Cabaret 2017 Friday, May 05, 2017 7:00 to 10:00PM Franklin, MA THE BLACK BOX Hosted by Franklin Performing Arts Company EVENT DETAILS Culinary Cabaret 2017 at THE BLACK BOX   Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, wine and entertainment! The 6th anniversary Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and delectable desserts!  Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth's 2017 European tour and EY's mission to give back through musical performance, education and ambassadorship.

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Franklin Performing Arts Company P.O. Box 16 Franklin, MA 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Reminder from the Franklin Town Clerk regarding Census, Dog Registration, and Town Election

Greeting Franklin Residents! Here is what’s happening this week of January 22. 

Census Forms

Everyone should be receiving their Census and Dog Registration Forms for 2017 in the mail. Please return your Census form within 10 days of receiving it. This is mandated by the Massachusetts General Laws.

Biennial Town Election

This year will be our Biennial Town Election, November 7, 2017. To register to vote you may visit (registertovotema.com) or request a registration form from the Town Clerks office. Last day to register to vote is October 18, 2017

Dog registration

Dog registration is due April 1st. NEW: A late fee will apply after April 1st. You may register your dog online at https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

Town Clerk Contact info

Please visit our website http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk for further information or please contact us at (508)520-4900 (townclerk@franklin.ma.us) with any questions.

Thank you,

Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-town-clerk-regarding-census-dog-registration-and-town-elections

Town Clerk page on the revised Town of Franklin website

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, February 1st !

LET'S LAUGH TODAY

Bring more laughter into your life in 2017 by attending Let's Laugh Today on Wednesday, February 1st from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. 

It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience!

They laugh together on every first Wednesday of every month. $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating.  Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns.  If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

Franklin School Committee - Newsletter #2

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"the bill is currently being reviewed, and will be assigned to a committee"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A local legislator has proposed a law that he hopes will protect student data as technology becomes more prevalent in the classroom. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, filed the bill last week. The bill builds off one he put forth during the last legislative session. 

It aims to prevent the use of data garnered through students' technological activities in such things as targeted advertisements. 

"We want data to inform thinking and make education better, but we don't want the data out there in the marketplace," he said. "I think it's fairly obvious that, through the educational community, we have amassed tremendous amounts of data on our students; we haven't, legislatively, kept up with it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170126/franklin-legislator-files-student-data-bill

Rep Roy at the School Committee meeting

Representative Jeff Roy appeared before the Franklin School Committee at their January 10, 2017 meeting. He presented and overview of his legislative agenda including the bill on student data privacy. Find more from the meeting in the notes summary

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/rep-roy-world-languages-and-district.html

MassBudget: A first take on the Governor's budget FY 2018

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. A First Take on the Governor's Budget The most significant new initiative in the Governor's budget is a common-sense proposal to address the problem of costs for private sector employee health care being shifted from employers onto state government. Fixing that problem should create a more sustainably balanced budget and reduce the pressure for budget cuts that could harm people and communities across the Commonwealth. The budget also includes some targeted new investments, such as to reform Bridgewater State Hospital and to increase funding for the Department of Children and Families. It does not, however, propose substantial new investments to make higher education more affordable, or expand access to early education, or fix our transportation systems. MassBudget will publish a detailed examination of this budget early next week. Based on our first look, these are a few of the more significant elements proposed by the Governor's budget: Creates a $2000 per employee assessment on employers of 11 or more (full-time equivalent) employees who fail to provide health insurance for their employees. Massachusetts' health reform law had included a similar assessment (at a lower amount) previously. That assessment was repealed and subsequently we have seen an increase in the costs incurred by MassHealth to pay for health care for employees not receiving health care coverage from their employer. The proposed assessment could encourage employers to provide coverage and provide revenue to offset state costs when employers don't provide coverage. Leaves early education funding essentially flat - increasing by 0.1 percent to $568.0 million, a funding level unlikely to decrease a waitlist of over 23,000 kids across Massachusetts. Increases Unrestricted General Local Aid to cities and towns by $39.9 million, a 3.9 percent increase over FY 2017 levels, but still 40.5 percent below its FY 2001 level, adjusting for inflation. Makes short-term online rentals - like those available through websites such as Airbnb and VRBO - that are rented 150 days or more during the previous calendar year, subject to the same room occupancy tax applied to regular hotel and motel rooms. The proposal is similar to but narrower than one put forward last year by the Senate (see MassBudget's factsheet on this earlier proposal). The Administration estimates this proposal would generate some $12 million in FY 2018. Increases Chapter 70 Education Aid for local schools by $91.4 million (2.0 percent), roughly in line with the projected rate of inflation. This is less of an increase than has been provided in the state budget in the past couple of years. Reduces state aid for MBTA operations by $60.0 million below FY 2017 levels, while making this sum available to the transit agency's capital budget. In other words, this is a transfer from funds available to pay for regular spending such as for electricity, salaries, and supplies; but provides additional funds avail for one-time expenditures, such as for contracting repairs or purchasing new buses or signal systems. Significantly increases funding by $16.7 million (222.6 percent) for the Turning 22 program under the Department of Developmental Services. This program pays for a share of services provided to eligible young adults with disabilities during their transition year from services that they are no longer eligible for upon turning 22. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today screen grab of MassBudget webpage

Franklin Library: Patron Appreciation Day

Patron Appreciation Day at the Franklin Library on Friday, January 27. 

Music by Jamie Barrett at 3:30 PM.

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/patron-appreciation-day

https://twitter.com/JamieBarrettGTR/status/824010493975285760

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/patron-appreciation-day-friday-january.html

License your Dog today. New easy online registration!

ViewPoint Cloud is the vendor whose software is being used by the Town of Franklin for their online dog licenses and future expansion to include other online transactions. ViewPoint published this article on their company blog about the work they are doing with Franklin.

"Franklin’s vision for customer-service means rising to meet the expectations of residents in a digital age. While staff at the counters are friendly and knowledgeable, Town Hall is only open from 8am-4pm. To Hellen, providing better government services looks a lot more like what you’d expect from Google or Amazon. 

“The world’s operating in a global, 24/7 environment, and people are conducting business at all hours of the day. My hope is in the very short-term we can transition our little place in the world, Franklin, MA, into a 24/7 storefront. We want people to expect that out of government, and we want to deliver on it. When someone says, ‘oh shoot I need to license my dog and today’s the deadline,’ we want that service to be a Google search away. We want to be a one stop shop for people’s questions and services,” explains Hellen. 

With this idea in mind, Hellen and other department heads agreed that updating their permitting system was an important step in providing citizens with greater access to government services.

Continue reading the article online
http://viewpointcloud.com/blog/case-studies/franklin-ma-changes-paradigm-government-service-epermitting/

License your Dog today. New easy online registration!
https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

License your Dog today. New easy online registration!

FHS wrestling dominates Mansfield, boys hockey tops Foxboro

"On Wednesday, the Panthers were recognized for their impressive season, which includes only one dual meet defeat to Marshwood (Maine) in a tournament in Merrimack, N.H. over the weekend. 

Mass Wrestling named Franklin the top team in the state, across all divisions, and the Panthers went out on Wednesday night against Mansfield in the James Albertini Gym and showed why they are so highly regarded. 

Franklin won the opening eight weight classes of the dual meet, four of them by pin and another by tech, and lost only two of the 14 matches on its way to a comprehensive 59-8 team victory. With King Philip losing to Oliver Ames in another of Wednesday’s dual meets, the Panthers also clinched at least a share of the league title with one dual meet remaining. 

“I told the kids that we have a target on our backs,” said Franklin coach Carmine Collace about the message before the meet against the Hornets. “Teams are going to come out and wrestle us hard and they’ve got to step up. If they want to remain the No. 1 team in the state, then you’ve got to wrestle tough and they did.”

Continue reading the wrestling recap by Josh Perry online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-wrestling-dominates-at-mansfield-clinches-share-of-title/

Additional photos from the wrestling match can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Mansfield-Franklin-Wrestling-1/

Ian Bakalars won his match at 113 pounds by pin, as Franklin rolled to a big win over Mansfield and clinched a share of the Kelley-Rex dual meet title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final

Girls Hockey = King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012517/

Via the Twitterverse

Panthers pick up another division over Foxborough 6-0. Hard hat to @Holmesy183 pic.twitter.com/pLBNJGe0fC

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) January 26, 2017

Franklin 6 Foxboro 0, hard hat to Holmes @FHSSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 26, 2017

4-0 against Bridgewater-Raynham, making that a 3 games without a goal allowed, coon hat to Colin Hedvig pic.twitter.com/NLrS6VHoWI

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) January 26, 2017

Great 59-8 win over Mansfield with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, Racca, Zogby, MacLean, Hernandez, and Johnson also a tech from Farrell. pic.twitter.com/boC05wosjI

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 26, 2017

Final: Franklin 59, Mansfield 8, Brian Perry picks up the win at 285 to wrap it up for the Panthers #hockomock

— Josh Perry (@Josh_Perry10) January 26, 2017

KP skates to 5-0 win over Franklin @HockomockSports @SunChronSports @In_The_Slot @MassHSHockey

— KP Girls Ice Hockey (@KPGHS_IceHockey) January 25, 2017

[Girls Winter Varsity Ice Hockey] King Philip Rgnl HS defeats Franklin HS, 5 to 0.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 25, 2017