Downtown Partnership: General Meeting Agenda - April 6

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com April General Meeting Agenda *Please note:  this meeting has been moved back to the Campanella Board Room, 1st floor of the Dean College Campus Center.  Franklin Downtown Partnership  General Meeting Agenda Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Dean College Campus Center Campanella Room I.      Open Meeting                                                            8:30 a.m. II.     Adoption of Agenda                                                 8:32 a.m. III.    Member Introductions                                              8:33 a.m. IV.    FDP Board Update - Roberta Trahan                      8:38 a.m. V.     Town Update - Jeff Nutting                                      8:40 a.m. VI.    FDP Event Updates - Lisa Piana                             8:55 a.m. VII.   Beautification Day - Eileen Mason                          9:00 a.m. VIII.  Progressive Dinner - Jane Curran                          9:05 a.m. IX.    Strawberry Stroll -           Lisa Piana/Jen Hurst/Beth Wierling                       9:10 a.m. X.     New Business                                                           9:20 a.m. XI.    Adjourn                                                                     9:30 a.m. Save the Dates: Horace Mann Sculpture Ceremony - Sunday, May 7 Beautification Day - Saturday, May 20 Progressive Dinner - Sunday, May 21 Strawberry Stroll - Thursday, June 8 Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

FHS Music students perform with elite All-Eastern Honor Ensembles Band

Matthew Dao, trumpet and Cameron Cawley, tuba from Franklin High School have been selected as members of the 2017 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honor Ensembles.

Matthew Dao, trumpet and
Cameron Cawley, tuba from Franklin High School

Matthew and Cameron joined more than 500 of the most musically talented and skilled high school students from the Eastern sea board of the United States and performed at a gala concert on April 8th, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

The students performed in the Adrian Philips Ballroom at the historic Boardwalk Hall. The young musicians were led under the baton of Mark Scatterday, conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and the Eastman Wind Orchestra of the Eastman School of Music. 

Matthew and Cameron are both members of the Franklin High School Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and have both previously performed with the Massachusetts All State Band. 

Earlier this year, Matthew travelled to Grapevine Texas to perform with the National Honor Band. Both musicians plan to pursue a career in music education.

FHS girls lacrosse preview for the spring 2017 season

Hockomock Sports .com provides a preview of the FHS girls lacrosse team for the spring 2017 season.

2016 Record: 19-5
2016 Finish: Reached the Div. 1 State Semifinal
Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino

"Another spring and another league title for Franklin, which completed another perfect season in the Hockomock and then carried that success into the playoffs to win a second Div. 1 East title with a dramatic, one-goal victory over Acton-Boxboro. Even though they only return five players, the Panthers enter the season as the favorite in the Kelley-Rex division and with sights set on challenging for a state title. 

There is experience coming back for the Panthers with seniors Grace McDermott and Dana Lewandowski coming back to control things on the defensive end, while former Underclassman of the Year Kendall Reardon and fellow senior Caroline Lounsbury will provide leadership in the attack. 

Franklin always seems to have players ready to step in and, despite there being a youth movement on the varsity team, the Panthers have already started 2-0 with wins against Needham and Lincoln-Sudbury. Sophomore midfielder Annie Walsh and her freshman sister Erin have both gotten off to strong starts with sophomore Halle Atkinson helping out with a hat trick in the win over L-S as well. 

“I am very excited for the 2017 season!” said Igoe Guarino. “Our freshmen and sophomores bring a lot of energy and competitiveness to practice and games, while our juniors and seniors bring the discipline and experience. The two combined could bring us very far again this year!”

For the complete Hockomock League preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-girls-lacrosse-preview/

FHS Panthers

2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 2

Tickets Now on Sale! Dear Friends, I am excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for our 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner to be held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 6pm-8pm in the Franklin High School cafeteria. This family-friendly event serves to raise funds and awareness for the Franklin Food Pantry as we work towards a hunger-free community. This very special evening is made possible through a wonderful collaboration with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club, and reflects the hard work of the EB Club, FHS parents, Franklin community members, and many middle school students from Annie Sullivan and Horace Mann. At the dinner, you will have a simple meal of soup and bread.  You will also leave the event with a handmade ceramic bowl to keep as a reminder that "somewhere, someone's bowl is empty."  All proceeds from the event including onsite giving opportunities like a Silent Auction (special objects made by Empty Bowls Club members) and a Giving Wall (where you can purchase a bag of groceries for a family in Franklin) will be donated directly to the Franklin Food Pantry.  We will be selling 350 tickets through our website on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year's event sold out, so we encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible by visiting http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/empty-bowls-dinner-tickets-sale. Thank you so much for your support, I hope you can join us! Erin Erin Lynch Executive Director Additional leadership gift and corporate sponsor opportunities available, for details please email Erin Lynch erin@franklinfoodpantry.org Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org  Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

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“It’s not just young drivers”

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

"It’s a situation that has become more prevalent in recent years: a driver is cruising along a country road, splitting attention between the other cars and a cell phone. 

The SUV ahead slows unexpectedly. The driver sees this too late. There’s a screech as the brakes struggle against the car’s momentum, and a smash as the vehicles collide. 

This time the scene took place in a simulator, housed in a trailer in the parking lot of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Tuesday morning. The spiderweb pattern on the monitors is an image, not an actual smashed windshield. 

The high school this week is playing host to an Arbella Insurance “Distractology” simulator, an effort to educate students on the consequences that distracted driving can entail."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170404/tri-county-hosts-distracted-driving-simulator

Meditation Class - Saturday - April 8

Still Time To Register

Meditation Class - April 8 DON'T FORGET REGISTER TODAY Join us for a blissful 75 minutes of relaxation and meditation that will leave you refreshed and revitalized. 11:00 am Tranquil Souls Yoga  15 East Central Street  Franklin Cost: $25 Franklin Public Schools        Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning 508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Cultural Council awards 23 grants for 2017

"The Franklin Cultural Council held a reception for their 2017 grantees on March 23 at the Franklin Historical Museum.

The FCC awarded 23 grants this year totaling $15,000 for programs with a projected attendance of 26,770 members of the community. FCC Chairman Stacey David presented each recipient with a certificate acknowledging their award, which was followed by an a capella performance by Prolatio Singers, one of this year’s grantees.

Lisa Simmons, the local cultural council and festivals program manager from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, also spoke, praising the FCC for their efforts and the town’s support of arts and culture."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170404/franklin-cultural-council-holds-grantee-reception

The new Franklin Cultural Council logo

The Franklin Cultural Festival Steering Committee is pleased to be one of the grant recipients. The fund will help to produce this year's 3rd Annual Cultural Festival.

Stacy David, Sue Sheridan, and Pandora Carlucci with the award
for the Cultural Festival (Cultural Council photo via Facebook)

For a complete listing of the grant awards, the Franklin Town News has published an article including the full list.

 

MBTA: Back Bay Underpass Closure Extended to June 1

Due to the Simon Company's Copley Place construction, Back Bay Stations Dartmouth Street underpass will remain closed until June 1, 2017.

Due to Copley Place construction being performed by the Simon Company, the Dartmouth Street underpass leading to and from the west side of Dartmouth Street at Back Bay Station will be temporarily closed until June 1.

Customers are encouraged to use the station's main entrance on the east side of Dartmouth Street during the underpass closure.

Affected routes:

• Orange Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line

Last updated: Apr 04 2017 10:48 AM
Sent by the MBTA

Franklin train approaching South Station during the morning

Music Department Spring Jazz Night - April 11

Do you like Jazz? Are you looking for a great live jazz performance close to home? 

Then come to the Franklin High School auditorium on Tuesday April 11th, at 7:00pm. Through grant money provided by the Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Music Boosters, Franklin welcomes the Brian Thomas/Alex Lee-Clark Big Band to our annual Music Department Spring Jazz Night! 

Featured performances include the FHS Combos, FHS Big Band, a combined Franklin Middle School group, and a performance by the Boston based professional big band. It’s sure to be a blast with jazz standards including Caravan, Blue Bossa, Terry’s Song, and Steppin’ Out as well as some original tunes by both students and professionals. 

Admission is free, however we will be accepting $5 donations at the door.

Come hear local live jazz across multiple generations! 

Please contact Franklin High School Band Director, Leighanne Rudsit at rudsitl@franklinps.net or 508.613.1400x1652 with any questions.

Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark

Since the group’s formation in 2011, Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark have gained a reputation for featuring some of the best players in Boston, great compositions, and being undeniably unique. By taking the tradition of the big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thad Jones and infusing it with funk music of their idles like Parliament Funkadelic, The Crusaders, The Meters, James Brown & the JB’s, and many more, they have created a sound that pushes the art of big band forward, while still being pure entertainment for both the band and the audience.

Important NEWS from Charles River Meadowlands Initiative

Greetings to all ...

Please note ​

-- We are NOT meeting this week. INSTEAD, we are encouraging EVERYONE with an interest in the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative to ATTEND the Army Corps Master Plan input/review session. This event will be a discussion of the document that will guide the future of these large landholdings in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway. Let your voice be heard AND show your interest. In the 40 years since the Army Corps got involved, citizen involvement has been almost ZERO…This is your chance.

The event will be held on April 19 from 5-8 pm at the Millis Town Library, 961 Main St, Millis… If you plan to attend, please email alan.r.earls@gmail.com so we have a rough headcount. If we have any updates about this we will post them to the website.

OTHER NEWS:

* Our March Meeting 
We had a very constructive meeting in March and agreed on some specific outreach efforts. One of those efforts was a meeting with Bellingham Town Administrator Denis Fraine. He was broadly supportive and asked us to suggest some first steps and priorities relating to signage or possible parking and access points. We hope to have a similar meeting with other towns soon.

* EarthDay Walk 
Sue and Paul Sager have graciously offered to lead a trail walk (and cleanup) on Earthday in Franklin. We will probably schedule this for Saturday morning, April 22, leaving from the end of White Avenue with a rain date of April 29. No "paddle" event has been scheduled yet but we are working to get a waterborne activity of some kind.

* The May 2 Meeting will be held at First Universalist Society, Franklin, at 6:30

Question, comments, suggestions? 

Please contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com or visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

FHS baseball, boys tennis, and girls lacrosse teams post wins on Monday

From Hockomock Sports .com we share the results of Monday's spring sports action

Baseball = Franklin, 5 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final

– Five different Panthers recorded a hit and junior Jake Noviello shined in his season debut on the mound to lead Franklin past North Attleboro. Noviello tosses six inning, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Bryan Woelfel struck out two in a shutout inning in relief. Noviello also recorded a hit and scored a run on offense. Sophomore Alex Haba went 1/3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored, senior Cam Lupien added a hit, a run and an RBI, senior Josh Macchi had a double and a run scored and senior Jake Lyons had an RBI and a hit for the Panthers.

Softball = Franklin, 1 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final

– North rallied from a run down in the bottom of the seventh inning to open the season with a win. Sam Courtemanche led-off the inning with a double. Ashley Cangiano came in to run and scored on an Abbie Gallagher grounder. With the bases loaded, Meg Barlow (2-for-3) provided the walk-off hit with a double. Bella Erti threw a complete game for North with four strikeouts and five hits allowed.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 13 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 7 – Final

– Franklin built a 6-3 lead by halftime and then continued its strong offensive showing in the second half. Sophomore Annie Walsh and freshman Erin Walsh each scored goal goals apiece and Caroline Lounsbury added a pair for the Panthers. Dana Lewandowski played well on defense with three ground ball and freshman Gianna Cameron made nine saves in net.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 4 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final

– Senior Rahul Herur and freshman Rohan Herur each won in singles while while the Panthers swept doubles in a victory over North. Rahul Herur won 6-3, 6-1 at first singles while Rohan Herur took third singles, 6-1, 6-1. The team of James Johnstone and Derek Wu won 6-3, 6-1 at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Saketh Saripalli won 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at second doubles. North Attleboro’s Barsomo Nuay won 6-4, 6-1 at second singles.

Girls Tennis = North Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– North Attleboro didn’t drop a game at either second singles or first doubles while also getting victories at third singles and second doubles. Jordan Willis won 6-0, 6-0 at second singles and the team of Gabby Duva and Azka Siddiq won with the same score at first doubles. Shurobhi Nandi won 6-1, 6-2 at third singles and the team of Katie Demontigny and Hana Hershey won 6-1, 6-0 at second doubles. Franklin’s Hannah Sweeney won 6-0, 6-1 at first singles.


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-040317/

FHS Panthers

MassBudget: Beyond zero tolerance: Improving school discipline

Beyond Zero Tolerance: How School Discipline Reforms Can Improve Education Across the Commonwealth, educators seek to establish positive learning environments where all young people can be successful. Encouraging positive behavior is critical to creating the classrooms that our kids need to reach their full potential. Excluding students from the classroom through suspensions and expulsions interrupts their learning time and often creates negative cycles that can harm students and the learning climate. MassBudget's new report, "Learning Uninterrupted: Supporting Positive Culture and Behavior in Schools," examines new approaches to school discipline that have been effective in fostering a positive school climate and reducing student suspensions while contributing to academic achievement. One approach emphasizes preventative measures promoting positive school culture, reinforcing expectations with incentives and logical consequences, and providing additional support for the kids most in need. Another approach, "Restorative Justice" brings together young people who have broken rules with other affected parties to discuss the impact of the bad behavior, determine corrective action, and empower those harmed. As Massachusetts schools move beyond strict "zero tolerance" discipline policies, the report examines how school districts could implement these types of effective reforms and what the costs might be.  The stakes are high for reducing school suspensions and expulsions. Recent research has found a 12 percentage point decline in the probability of graduating high school for suspended students after controlling for other background factors. Students excluded from class time often become more disengaged and alienated. Research links dropping out of school to lower lifetime earnings and increased social costs. In Massachusetts, the passage of Chapter 222 aims to reduce the prevalence of exclusionary discipline by directing schools to limit suspensions to severe issues, increase due process, and to work with the families and provide services for kids facing discipline. These reforms have helped to reduce exclusionary discipline by 17.7 percent over two years. MassBudget's new study identifies ways that our schools could build on this progress by adopting innovative policies that have a strong record of success in other states: proactive strategies to create a positive school climate so that the behaviors that lead to exclusionary discipline are less likely to occur and Restorative Justice programs that rebuild positive relationships when incidents occur. Studies show schools are more likely to suspend black and Latino students, as well as students with disabilities, even for similar kinds of behavior. Massachusetts' Chapter 222 requires schools to monitor and report data on these disparities. To see data on student suspensions for each school district for minor and major offenses going back to 2012, click here. To read the full report, "Learning Uninterrupted: Supporting Positive Culture and Behavior in Schools," click here. 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

FHS Boys Lacrosse preview from Hockomock Sports

The FHS boys lacrosse preview is provided by Hockomock Sports .com

2016 Record: 14-6
2016 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinals
Coach: Lou Verrochi

"The Panthers are going to be young compared to past years, and compared to other teams in the league, but what they lack in age, they more than make up in skill. 

There aren’t much better in the offensive end than junior Eric Civetti, and he’s only been in the league for two years. Already committed to Rutgers, Civetti will be one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. Senior captain Sam Arsenault will also be a top option in the offensive end while midfielders Packie Watson, a senior and Nitin Chaudhury, a sophomore, will also be viable options. 

Defensively, the Panthers have a second Rutgers commit in sophomore Brendan Morrison. Senior Wyatt Arsenault will give the backline some experience while senior Jack Platner will be the team’s LSM. Junior Connor O’Rourke is back in the cage after a breakout sophomore year. 

“We are young as compared to past years, but I feel we’ll be very competitive,” said head coach Lou Verrochi. “We’re very fortunate to have a strong youth program and many boys playing club lacrosse which provides us with talented players every year.”

For the complete preview of boys lacrosse 
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-boys-lacrosse-preview/

FHS Panthers

In the News: agricultural commission proposed; opioid issues continue

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

"Several residents have approached the town about forming an agricultural commission in order to both educate people about farming and help the farms in town. 

Melanie Hamblen, a co-owner of the Franklin Agway store, is one of those leading the effort. She said the group has spoken with town officials and set up a Facebook page. 

“We’ve got a group of awesome people who want to educate the community about the importance of fresh food, and things like what ‘normal farming activities’ means,” she said. “We want to promote the farms we already have, and protect and preserve those farms.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170403/franklin-group-hopes-to-form-agricultural-commission

Prior post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/franklin-agriculture-commission-is.html

Facebook group for proposed Agriculture Commission
https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa/

Franklin Agriculture Commission looking for your help (Facebook photo)

"On Sunday, a 32-year-old woman became the 24th person in Milford to overdose on opioids so far this year. 

She was the second one to die. 

The unidentified woman was unresponsive when her sister found her at 3 in the afternoon. 

A combination of police work, the availability of naloxone, a regional substance abuse program at the Milford Police Department, the Juvenile Advocacy Group and Amy Leone of Community Impact are pushing back hard on an opioid epidemic that is running through Massachusetts communities like a speeding freight train. Even though 80 addicts got help from those programs, some fall back on their dangerous habits."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170403/federal-opioid-report-singles-out-state-local-deaths