Franklin Public Schools: 90 minute delayed opening for Wednesday, March 15

Due to cold and icy road conditions the Franklin Public Schools will open 90 minutes late on Wednesday.

Emergency busing will be in place for student walkers. 

All offices will open at the regular time.


Thank You and Stay Safe,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: 90 minute delayed opening for Wednesday, March 15

Tri-County Announces Class of 2017 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Superintendent Stephen F. Dockray is pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Tri-County Regional Class of 2017. Samantha Frey, of Medway, has been named Valedictorian, and Kathleen Loonie, of North Attleborough, has been named Salutatorian.

“Samantha and Kathleen have excelled in their vocational programs and academic classes over the past four years at Tri-County, while still finding time to participate in numerous extracurricular activities,” said Superintendent Dockray. “We are truly fortunate to have these outstanding young ladies represent Tri-County now and in the future.”

Samantha achieved a 4.39 GPA by mastering rigorous academic classes that included Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Statistics and Honors History. The Dental Assisting student is committed to expanding her knowledge of the field through professional experience. During her junior year, Samantha participated in the Externship where she assisted and observed in several dental offices in the area. She received the Cougar Culture Award in her sophomore year and the Shop Excellence Award for the past three years.

In addition to being an excellent student, Samantha is also an exceptional athlete. She was captain of both Tri-County's Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Softball teams. Samantha also played on the Varsity Women’s Basketball team. Over the past four years, she has received multiple Coaches awards, MVP, Rookie of the Year, and All Star awards for the sports in which she played.

Samantha is the President of the National Honor Society and dedicates much of her time to community service. Her volunteer efforts include working at My Brother’s Keeper and the Community Education Art Class through the Medway elementary school. She also volunteers at concession stands for the Tri-County Boosters at a multitude of events as well as is a Student Ambassador at Tri-County.

Samantha has been a member of the Math Team as well as participating in SkillsUSA. She is also a member of Congressman Kennedy’s Youth Cabinet, the Central Massachusetts Regional Student Advisory Council, Program Advisory and Ski Club.

In December, Samantha was selected as this year's recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Certificate of Academic Excellence. The certificate is awarded each year to a student of excellent academic standing who has made significant contributions to the Tri-County community.

After graduation, Samantha plans on attending Merrimack College where she will major in Psychology.

Superintendent Stephen Dockray met with Class of 2017 Valedictorian Samantha Frey (left) and Class of 2017 Salutatorian Kathleen Loonie (right) on to commend them for their commitment to scholastic excellence. (Photo courtesy of Tri-County)

Kathleen Loonie maintains a 4.37 GPA and has taken Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Calculus and Honors History. As a student in Tri-County’s Medical Careers program, Kate has acquired several medical certifications and is in the process of obtaining her Medical Assisting certification.

As a member of the National Honor Society, Kate devotes herself to community service projects. Her volunteer efforts include working at a park and zoo for the past four years as well as serving as a camp counselor for Camp Sunshine in Casco, ME.

Kate is an avid athlete. She has been a member of Tri-County’s varsity soccer, basketball and softball teams and was the team captain for soccer and basketball. She has been awarded multiple athletic accolades including All-Star, MVP, and Rookie of the Year.

Kate plans on attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she will pursue a pre-veterinary program. She aspires to become a veterinarian.

As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Samantha and Kathleen will help to lead the procession at their Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, June 4.

Public Presentation on Spectra Pipeline Potential Impact - March 26

Public Presentation on the potential impact of an additional gas pipeline on the Franklin and Norfolk communities as well as surrounding towns.

Learn about:

• Proposed route through Franklin, Norfolk and other towns
• Possible safety, health and environmental impacts
• What other towns are doing nearby
• Question and answer period following the presentation

Sunday, March 26, 2017 

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM 

First Universalist Society  

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

OPEN TO PUBLIC

For more information, contact Jim Hill, 508-528-4888 www.NOspectraMA.org

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

The Pub Crawl Fundraiser is set for April 29th. We'll go to 5 bars in Franklin

1. Alumni
2. Coles'
3. Teddy's
4. Rome
5. Jimmy D's

We'll have a bus that will tour people to each bar. Tickets are $25 per person

10% of your total bill at each bar will be donated back to Make Change for Change (erasing homelessness).

If you'd like to see more info about the charity, check out makechangeforchange.org.

They can now accept payment via PayPal by sending money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org. 

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda revised for rescheduled meeting - March 15

The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 14 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 15. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Bldg.

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

the key to learning

In the revised agenda (due to Tuesday's storm)

• Superintendent Search – HYA Associates

The School Committee gets to find out who the short list of superintendent candidates are and schedule them for interviews on Friday, March 17

In the News: superintendent search priority; Charles River meadowlands; where the Irish are

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

"The School Committee has canceled this week's meeting because of snow, but hopes to continue its superintendent search effort unabated. 

The committee had been set to receive a slate of candidates from its search consultant - Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) - at that Tuesday night session, and to interview those prospects during the day on Friday. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the district had taken steps to avoid any delay. 

"We're very concerned," he said. "We have a schedule that's very short."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170313/franklin-committee-keeps-superintendent-schedule

"A local group is hoping to have a say in plans for the future of the Charles River Meadowlands. 

The area consists of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers properties that abut the river. 

The group has submitted a response to the corps' master plan for the land, which includes parcels in Bellingham, Franklin and Medway and is intended to provide a buffer for river flooding. 

Alan Earls, a leader of the local effort, said the corps had solicited his group's feedback, and that it had responded with remarks that encourage the government to preserve the land and promote recreational opportunities there."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170313/franklin-group-considers-management-of-land

"While there's a saying that everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, more than one in five people in Massachusetts can trace their roots back to the emerald isle all year round. 

Massachusetts and New Hampshire have a higher concentration of Irish-Americans than any other state in the country. According to 2015 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 20.2 percent of Massachusetts residents and 20.6 percent of New Hampshire residents claim Irish ancestry. The difference between the two states' estimates is within the margin of error, making the figures statistically even. 

"People of Irish descent form the largest ethnic group in Massachusetts," said Seamus Mulligan, president of the Canton-based Irish Cultural Centre of New England. "The state changed dramatically in the 19th century following the arrival of Irish immigrants. The [Irish] famine of the 1840s caused an enormous change in the demographics. The Yankees during the period hired the Irish as workers and servants and they became more assimilated into society. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170313/where-are-most-irish-towns-in-massachusetts

screen grab of interactive map on Milford Daily News article

Franklin Public Schools - No School Tuesday, March 14, 2017

"Due to snow all Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday - no activities /all school buildings closed"

Due to snow all Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday-no activities /all school buildings closed @giphy https://t.co/dO5YDltYOL

— Franklin Public, MA (@FranklinPSNews) March 13, 2017

flags on the Town Common pegged  out due to the wind

Note: With Tuesday as a snow day- the new last day is June 21- a half day

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for pending storm Tuesday, Mar 14

Commuter rail will operate Blue Level service Tues, 3/14/17. Trains shaded in blue on paper schedules will not run and expresses will run local.

Passengers who plan to travel tomorrow are reminded to use caution in parking lots and on platforms. Please allow additional time to travel to local stations and wear plenty of warm clothing as blizzard conditions are expected throughout the day.


Last updated: Mar 13 2017 02:28 PM

Franklin/Dean Station in the snow

For convenience, the Franklin schedule can be found here
http://mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Franklin.pdf

And a copy is located here

Trash/Recycling - no pick up Tuesday, March 14, delayed by 1 day remainder of week

Via the DPW Facebook page

Due to the predicted winter storm, trash and recycling WILL NOT be picked up Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 and will therefore be delayed for the remainder of the week 

(Tuesday trash will be picked up on Wednesday, Wednesday trash will be picked up on Thursday, etc). 

For additional information, please call the DPW Office at 508-520-4910.

Trash/Recycling - no pick up Tuesday, March 14, delayed by 1 day remainder of week

Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 14

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is happy to announce the return of the weekend Harvest Festival this year. The favorite fall event will be Saturday, October 14, from Noon to 5 p.m., and in case of rain the festival will happen Sunday, October 15.

“We’ve waited a few years to bring the Harvest Festival back to a weekend day and now we are planning an event that will be bigger and better than ever,” says Partnership President Nicole Fortier.

Organizers anticipate nearly 8,000 people will visit Franklin for the Harvest Festival to enjoy the music, entertainers, delicious foods, crafts, informational sessions, and visit with friends and neighbors.

Crafter and vendor participation sign-up information will be shared this summer on the Partnership’s website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, Facebook and Twitter. Booth space is included in membership dues, and there will be a charge for non-member booths. Membership information is posted on the FDP website under the Membership tab.

The FDP is accepting sponsorships for the Harvest Festival and its other events and beautification efforts now. Sponsor forms are posted on the website, or business owners can contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of 240 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. For more information, please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com

Downtown Franklin dressed up for the Harvest Stroll in 2016

Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club Meeting Update - March 15

Franklin School Committee Vice Chair Dr. Anne Bergen will be speaking at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club on Wednesday, March 15th. She is joining Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and Deputy Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

Come hear updates and have your questions answered about our Public Schools and our Town. We welcome you to join us at 7:30 pm at "3" Restaurant. Appetizers and beverages will be served.


Previous meeting notification

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, March 15th our Town Administrator, Jeff Nutting, will be filling us in on all that is happening in our town. Deputy Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, will be joining him. 

Typically, we meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We adjusted this month's schedule to accommodate our guest speakers. 

Additionally, in order for us to participate in the 20th Annual Franklin Education Foundation Trivia Bee, we need to cancel our April Meeting. Our members will be cheering on our team at the event on Wednesday, April 12th at 6:00pm in the Horace Mann Auditorium at 224 Oak Street. It is a town-wide event open to the public. We'll resume our monthly meetings in May.

Our meetings are open to Members and Prospective Members! Non-residents in towns that do not have a Newcomers Club are welcome to join us. 

Come join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

Reminder: "The Adolescent Brain & The Physiology Of Addiction: Effects of Drug-Taking Behavior on the Brain"

'Community Conversations about Substance Use Disorders’ 
A Program of the S.A.F.E. Coalition

7:00 pm, THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

Franklin High School Auditorium 

218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038

"The Adolescent Brain and The Physiology Of Addiction: Effects of Drug-Taking Behavior on the Brain"

Dr. RUTH POTEE

Board Certified Family and Addiction Medicine Physician
• Physician at Valley Medical Group (Greenfield, MA) with special interest in women’s health, pediatrics, addiction treatment, psychiatric illness and pain management
• Chair, Department of Medicine, Baystate – Franklin Medical Center
• Medical Director, Franklin County House of Corrections
• Pioneer Valley Regional School District and First Step Recovery and Treatment Center

http://safecoalitionma.com/

"Looking for a Part-Time Job? Become a US Census Bureau Field Representative"

From the US Census Bureau

"Our Mission

The Census Bureau's mission is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. We honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally, and conduct our work openly.

We are guided on this mission by scientific objectivity, our strong and capable workforce, our devotion to research-based innovation, and our abiding commitment to our customers.

Our Authority

The Census Bureau operates under Title 13 and Title 26 of the U.S. Code.

Our Goal

Our goal is to provide the best mix of timeliness, relevancy, quality and cost for the data we collect and services we provide.

What Data We Collect & When

Decennial Census of Population and Housing

The U.S. census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years."

http://www.census.gov/regions/new_york/www/jobs/massachusetts_jobs.php

Excise Taxes Due - March 15th

Excise Taxes are due Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Many payment options available:

• Visit our friendly office to pay in-person
• Drive Through Window
• White drop box outside our building
• Easy Online Pay

Please Note: Online payments will be accepted with interest up to 60 days after the due date.

Excise Taxes Due - March 15th

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/excise-taxes-dues-march-15th

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 14

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

the key to learning

1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 28, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
• Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Health / Physical Education Update – Kristen Letendre
b. Superintendent Search – HYA Associates

3. Discussion Only Items
• none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to Boston from 3/9-3/11/17 for the MA All State Music Festival as detailed. (pre-approved remotely 7-0)
b. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $675.00 for the Robert Lima Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $385.00 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $300.00 from Columbia Gas of MA as a Teacher Appreciation Award for Sarah Murphy (Gr. 4) to be used for supplemental classroom supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union for the Robert Lima and Keiichi Kitanosono scholarships.
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $2,245.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips as detailed.
g. I recommend approval for the recurring field trip for 8th graders to Providence Place Mall on April 13, 2017 as detailed.

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Budget Sub Committee – Dr. O’Malley
b. Community Relations – Ms. Schultz

• School Committee Liaison Reports
a. PCC Liaison – Dr. Bergen
b. SWAC Liaison – Mrs. Douglas

6. New Business
a. To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
a. Contractual Negotiations

8. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

Mr Dooley made a brief appearance at the Historical Museum

Alan Earls presented on the the arrival of the Irish in Franklin and then shifted to introduce Mr Dooley to an attentive audience at the Franklin Historical Museum on Saturday, March 11.

Alan Earls and Mr Dooley

The presentation document he has allowed us to share here:

The Most Famous Irishman Who Never Was from Franklin Matters

Alan presented to an attentive audience with mostly Irish roots 9by show of hands)

"she believes the post office actually created the United States of America"

One of the podcasts I listen to recently covered the book by Winifred Gallagher who "believes the post office actually created the United States of America". Ben Franklin is referenced as a significant contributor to the Post Office.

"For thousands of years, governments have devised ways of sending communications. But for most of history, these systems were used only by a small elite. The postal system of colonial America was much the same. The Crown’s post was established by the English monarchy and used primarily for communications between the colonies and England. 

For a while, the colonies themselves weren’t that interested in communicating with each other. They were, like fractious siblings, only seeking the attention of Mother England. And if you were a commoner in the colonies you also didn’t use the Crown’s post, you handed your message to a traveler and asked them to take it as far as they could and then pass it on. 

Benjamin Franklin, one of the early postmasters for the Crown, traveled to every colony to make improvements in the system. As he did so, he began to see the colonies differently. In 1754, at a meeting of colonial representatives in Albany, New York, Franklin proposed a plan for uniting the colonies and electing their own representatives rather than having them appointed by the Crown. Franklin’s idea didn’t go anywhere at the time.

Continue reading the article online
http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-revolutionary-post/

Listen to the podcast via iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/99-invisible/id394775318#

1847 United States postage stamp of Benjamin Franklin denominated 5 cents

The link to Winifred's book on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594205000/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594205000&linkCode=as2&tag=99pi-20&linkId=d778a76a74ef5abb5e03b41fd136c020

The next Downtown Progressive Dinner to be May 21

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is planning a Progressive Dinner for Sunday, May 21, beginning at 5 p.m. Building upon the success of the organization’s first two dinner events, the FDP is looking forward to an evening celebrating downtown Franklin and its eateries.

Diners will begin their culinary tour of the downtown with a soup or salad at one restaurant, and then stroll down the street to a second restaurant to sample an appetizer selection. Groups will then move to a third restaurant to enjoy an entrée, dessert, a silent auction and raffle and some excellent local entertainment.

The Partnership is currently looking for sponsors of the Progressive Dinner. Gold sponsorship is $300, Silver sponsorship is $200 and Bronze sponsorship is $100. Businesses or groups interested in backing the event should contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Tickets for this event will go on sale in April and organizers will announce the details on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, and on Facebook and Twitter. Contact event organizer Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information.

Save the Date: May 21 FDP Progressive Dinner