Enrollment Open at BFCCPS

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from all 13 communities in the school's district will have an equal chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on, March 5th, 2018. Applicants from outside of the region, who reside within the state of Massachusetts, will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and is located adjacent to the town common in Franklin. The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. The school's integrated character education, community service, and strong parent partnerships, have lead to local, state and national recognition. BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance local public high schools as well as independent high schools including The Commonwealth School, Noble and Greenough, Walnut Hill, and many others.

Enrollment Open at BFCCPS

Enrollment information sessions will be held at the school on January 20 from 10 AM to noon and also on February 10 from 10 AM to noon. Information sessions will also be held in the community on February 1  at the Milford Public Library from 6:30 -8:30 PM and at the Walpole Public Library on February 15 from 6:30-8:30 PM. All of the enrollment details, including applications can be found on the school website under the Enrollment category. Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 28 at 4 PM EST.

If you'd like learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

Recovery Yoga offered by SAFE Coalition and Sacred Tree Yoga Studio

The SAFE Coalition, in partnership with Sacred Tree Yoga Studio and Wellness Center announces FREE Recovery Yoga to all those struggling with Substance Use Disorder.

Sessions will run every Friday night beginning Friday December 22nd with two offerings each Friday night.

Sacred Tree Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

65 Holbrook Street, Suite 110

Norfolk, MA 02056

1. “Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga” is for Parents and Loved Ones at 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga is for parents and loved ones of those who suffer from the disease of addiction. This practice slows down the body and mind through passive movement while using props for support. Receive nurturing, comfort, inspirations, insights, and tools for daily living during a series of restorative poses that are supported with bolsters, blocks, straps, sandbags, blankets, and pillows. All props are provided. Honor yourself by allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual body to integrate and heal through relaxation and restoration.
Please join us!

2. “Yoga for Recovery” is for those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder at 7:00 – 8:00 PM Yoga for Recovery explores the parallels between yoga and the twelve-step path weaving together a tool for enhanced healing. This integrative practice offers breathing, stretching, inspiration, relaxation, and meditation while offering support for self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-care on the road of recovery. Absolutely no yoga experience is required. Dress comfortably. All props are provided. Come with an open mind and open heart for an opportunity that can improve the moment with a supportive community where people help people.

Please join us!

http://safecoalitionma.com/2017/12/22/recovery-yoga-offered-by-safe-coalition-and-sacred-tree-yoga-studio/

FHS girls and boys swim top Attleboro and girls and boys basketball top Taunton

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2018

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 55 @ Taunton, 41 – Final 
– Sophomore center Ali Brigham recorded a triple-double to help the Panthers earn the road win and stay within a game of first place Mansfield. Brigham scored 15 points, recorded 13 rebounds, and had 10 blocks on the night.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 130.85 @ Oliver Ames, 136.6 – Final
– Franklin junior Mia Lizotte won the all-around for the third straight meet with a 35.95, edging out Oliver Ames’ Hannah Moynihan (35.5). Lizotte earned an 8.85 on beam, an 8.7 on bars and a 9.2 on both vault and floor. Franklin senior Liz Traphagen was second for the Panthers on the vault (8.2) and the floor (9.0). Junior Sadie Rondeau was second for the Panthers on both the bars and the beam.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 126 @ Attleboro, 45 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 103 @ Attleboro, 67 – Final

Boys Basketball = Taunton, 60 @ Franklin, 72 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief of Hockomock Sports, provided the game recap

"The Franklin boys basketball team had little trouble finding its defensive identity this season, which is a big reason why the Panthers have won six of their first seven games. 

The search for an identity on the offensive end, however, has taken a little bit longer. But the Panthers seemed to find the balance they need in a 72-60 win over Taunton on Tuesday night. 

The Panthers exploded for 27 points in the third quarter, turning what was just an eight-point lead into a comfortable 20-point cushion with just eight minutes left. 

“I think we were just more aggressive and shared the ball,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “When we play aggressive and guys look to attack the paint, and then when they get in there and make good decisions that can be the difference."

Continue reading the game recap ->
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-dominant-third-quarter-lifts-panthers/

For the photo gallery of the Boys Basketball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-09-18/

For the rest of the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-18/

Franklin’s Jalen Samuels goes up for a shot against Taunton’s Malik Charles (35) in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Via the Twitterverse

Beyond proud! @FHSSports pic.twitter.com/ILtqneqHzy

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2018

[Girls Winter Varsity Swimming] Franklin HS defeats Attleboro HS, 103 to 67.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

[Boys Winter Varsity Swimming] Franklin HS defeats Attleboro HS, 126 to 45.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

G V Swimming: FHS defeats Attleboro 103-67. Ashley Loomis and Katie Cashin were double winners. Senior Kat Gillies took 1st in the 100 fly (her first win ever!!)

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

B V Swimming: Attleboro 45 Franklin 126
Cashin '18 achieved a Sectionals cut in the 200IM
Franklin went 1-2-3 in the 200 Free, 500 Free & 100 Breaststroke

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

In the News: State primary set for Sep 4; School District seeking input on budget

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

"The 2018 statewide primary elections will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day, and Secretary of State William Galvin has asked legislative leaders to pay for a five-day early voting period leading up to the primaries. 

The date of the state primary is usually settled without much discussion or public attention, but this year Galvin was required by law to move the primary to an earlier date in September due to a conflict with a Jewish religious holiday. His choice, Sept. 4, is the earliest possible date Galvin could have set for the elections. 

Galvin’s office said his determination came after consultation with House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Acting Senate President Harriette Chandler, and that it comes with a request that the Legislature pay for cities and towns to hold five days of voting before the Sept. 4 primaries. 

“Given the interest we are already seeing in the primaries and the successful implementation of early voting in the 2016 State Election, I believe offering early voting for the State Primaries would provide a greater opportunity for voter participation,” Galvin said in a statement Tuesday morning."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180109/state-primary-set-for-sept-4

"The (Medway) school district is seeking public input this week on its upcoming budget, moving up a forum so community input could be better integrated into the process. 

The School Committee will host the forum at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Town Hall. The event will be followed by the committee’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. 

Superintendent Armand Pires said that though the forum is a yearly occurrence, it usually takes place when the budget is more fully formed. This year, the committee opted to convene the meeting earlier, allowing more leeway for resident suggestions to be taken into account. 

″(The committee) is interested in hearing from parents and community members - identifying priorities in the budget process and having an open dialogue,” he said. “Typically, when this conversation is held, we’re further along in the process.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180109/medway-schools-hosting-budget-forum



Please stay involved and informed as the Franklin School Committee develops the FY 19 school budget.

School Committee Preliminary Budget Timeline -- FY 19 Budget

• October 10, 2017 -- School Committee Budget Workshop  (you can find the notes from this meeting and audio here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/fm-133-school-committee-budgeting.html)
• December, 2017 - Budget Subcommittee Meetings
• December, 2017 and January, 2018 -- Budget Development with Principals
• January -- March, 2018 -- Budget Subcommittee Meetings
• February 13, 2018 - Community Forum at FHS Lecture Hall with Senators Ross and Spilka, and Representative Roy (additional details to be released)
• February 27, 2018 -- Proposed FY 19 Budget presented to School Committee
• March 13, 2018 -- School Committee Budget Discussion
• March 27, 2018 -- Budget Public Hearing
• April 10, 2018 -- School Committee adoption of FY19 budget

Davis Thayer School in the snow

Live reporting: New business to closing

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 28, 2017 and December
12, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
b. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,802.65 for FHS as detailed:

i. $832.65 from All-American Publishingii. $3,970.00 from Vicario Studios

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Hockomock Area YMCA for in-house enrichment at Parmenter Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 125 Science eye goggles valued at $216.25 from the Keller PCC.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an iPad with case and a communication App for a non-verbal child valued at $707.98 from Linda Bishop.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc.
for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an area rug, valued at $409.47, from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,550.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in house enrichment for the Music Department.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A Wagner III for
a FHS Scholarship.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brian Wildeman to declare the attached list of books as surplus from RMS.
k. I recommend approval of the request of Dr. Joyce Edwards to declare the attached list of books as surplus from Central Office.

motion to accept consent items, seconded, passed 6-0


8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Ms. Douglas

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 6-0


The School Committee agenda and associated documents as released for the meeting Jan 9
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/

Live reporting: Discussion only and Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items
a. ACCEPT 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/ACCEPT%20Collaborative%20Annual_Report_FY17.pdf

and BICO Collaborative Annual Reports
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/BICO%2012%2007%202017%20annual%20report.pdf

membership fee, obtains reduced rates for out of district placements
professional development opportunities also available

in ACCEPT, graph page 6 - about 34 students
rebranding and move to new building
18-22 program (page 9) assistance from companies in helping students transition to world of work

BICO collaborative, located down the street
14 students participated
some operate within host schools, i.e. at Keller

part of the team process, assessment on meeting the students needs with the least restrictive environment; sometimes student disabilities don't have peers, so going out of district to get those peers is needed; cost sharing through the collaborative vs private placement


5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

Budget - put together fact sheet, town is going to be under pressure this budget year; meeting next week on how to disseminate the fact sheet; brochure has a schedule for budget meetings

Community Relations - first moved to this Sat, 10;30 AM, educator award program for discussion at school committee next meeting; coffees and possible themes; looking to have an overall comprehensive strategy

Policy - really exciting meeting, reviewing policies, some coming forward to future meetings
Monday, 1/22, 7:00 Snow date of Feb 6th

Transportation - question raised on how many students did take use of the emergency busing program

Public Schools Advocacy - forum first Feb meeting Feb 16? - Spilka, Roy, Ross invited, to be held at Lecture Hall; getting info out to community

Joint PCC - data gathering on equity; fabric fund raising

Substance Abuse Task Force - Feb 27 next meeting

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC] - discussing student use of technologies; revision of the wellness policy coming to the Policy committee before coming to the SchComm; working on the BOXX program for consistency, looking at high needs students to see how many of them are participating

Live reporting: Policy on Advisory Committees

3. Discussion / Action Items

a. Policy – First Reading
I recommend moving Policy BDF – Advisory Committees to the School Committee to a second reading at the next meeting.

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/Discussion%20Action%20-%20Policy%20BDF.pdf

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 6-0

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 9, 2018

Present: Linden. Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: Feeley


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes

b. Citizen’s Comments
no comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
online store has opened up for Franklin wear, not just school logos, open to all the community

d. Superintendent’s Report
Welcome back
Keller update - sprinkler head burst, Dec 11
removal of materials before break, no mold growth expected
construction over break repairing walls and carpet
teachers were back in classrooms to set up yesterday
students were using the classrooms today
some cubbies remain out of service in some areas, on order will be several weeks for delivery
insurance company investigating root cause

application out for use to apply for School Start Advisory Committee, due Jan 17
40 applications as of this morning
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_StartTimeAdvCom

website to curate information, a subsection of the School Committee website
Superintendent report in District news

commend effort to DPW for clean up of the storm
thanks for their efforts on the weekend so we could open on Monday

school and district report cards distributing this week (State provided)
distributing via email 
link to district report card as part of Superintendent's report


2. Guests / Presentations
a. Social Emotional Learning Presentation (DIP 1) – Peter Light, Deborah Dixson

update on the District Improvement Plan for Social Emotional Learning
video shown copied here



5 items from the CASEL framework, adopted by MA State

4 components to strategy

1 - school climate and culture
responsive classroom - K-5 teachers trained, training also moving to middle school
expansion of advisory program piloted last year
partially different among the schools due to the personalization
World of Difference training for 6-8 as well as 9-12 (2018-19)
discrimination and harassment awareness and training
mandatory training for all on Wednesday

screen capture of presentation (hopefully doc will be available later)

2 - focus on classroom practices

screen capture of presentation on 2nd focus on classroom practices

leadership framework expanding to include K-12 school and district respresentation

CASEL Framework = https://drc.casel.org/

3 - Identification of students at risk

Identification of students at risk

assessment in its infancy, how to identify properly
shouldn't be first adopter of the assessment system
balance assessment and cost

4 - Ensure a Robust System of Support

Ensure a Robust System of Support

drafted tier level support for 16-17, communicating to educators, then to parents

William James partnership, Lesley Univ are resources to be used in this arena
also works with substance use referrals

Y.O.U. Inc. possibly to provide some counseling during the school hours, only in discussions at this point, not ready for prime time yet

Q - how does this work with the technology the students are using, i.e. social media 
digital learning standards are being incorporated, also working on the Wellness Advisory Group with screen time and how that fits with overall students health

C - thanks for this

C - we are doing this in the corporate environment as well

Q - is this info being shared with the parents to let them know of the issues with social media on the students life

A - each school newsletter has items on this, sometimes the information is incomplete
book club using "Distracting"


b. FHS Program of Studies Update/ School Improvement Plan Update – 
Paul Peri, Principal; William Klements, Deputy Principal


involved in multi year journey to incorporate curriculum changes
new courses being added
Ceramics 3, Theater Workshop, Art and Narrative through Podcast

incorporating art and unified studies
English teacher writing on narrative, creating a podcast at the end of the session

highlighting an over 100 pages of courses, briefly presented

courses would be added as necessary as part of the overall puzzle of what to offer and what is wanted

screen grab of presentation of the FHS school improvement plan mid-year update

Working on time and staffing, will use video (shown earlier) at a staff meeting

Deputy Principal Klements and Principal Peri addressing the School Committee

focus on inclusion, looking for 2-way communication, meaningful and tangible

full circle of communication happened today, a question from a parent on hand sanitizer, lead to phones calls and ten 8 sanitizer stations were distributed around the school and celebrated via social media

Thanks to a parent recommendation and a quick response from Franklin facilities we now have these at 8 strategic locations around the building. Doing what we can to combat cold and flu season! pic.twitter.com/MJ55WrHh2u

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) January 9, 2018

crossing fingers, but numbers on underage drinking and substance abuse are down

suggestion to have a student driven African-American club; first meeting Friday before the break, attended by some adults and a number of students; happy to have it underway

exciting to see the student voice come forward

C - happy to see the NEASC recommendations woven in, looking at assessments together admin and faculty; all budget implications, keep pushing for that

A - we are happy to hear you repeat that, staffing has not increased, class sizes are going up; some students are coming back from private schools to FHS. The faculty will be happy to hear

Open Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Jan 24

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Auditions for teens and adults will take place on Wednesday, January 24 from 7-9 p.m. Auditions for the show’s Children’s Choir will be held on Saturday, January 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Children’s Choir auditions are open to ages 6-12, with a maximum height requirement of no more than 60 inches. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater song. For more information, including a character breakdown of available roles, visit www.FPAConline.com.

FPAC will present the hit family musical, with professional orchestra and special guests, on March 9-11 (with Choir 1) and March 16-18 (with Choir 2) at THE BLACK BOX. Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-energy, high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco and rock ’n’ roll. The endearingly popular Joseph is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

FPAC Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer and her creative team have ties to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat extending back to the musical’s 1996 National Tour starring Donnie Osmond, when students from Mercer’s Franklin School for the Performing Arts were cast in the production’s three-month Boston run. FSPA students were cast again by Broadway In Boston when tours of Joseph played The Colonial Theatre in 2000 and again in 2005. FPAC presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as part of the company’s 27th season. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

Open Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Jan 24

Annual Report 2017: Recreation Advisory Board

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. 

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 98 (actually 105 of 264)


The Recreation Advisory Board’s purpose is to assist other town agencies in meeting the recreational needs of the community. The Board works closely with the Director of Recreation, the Town  Administrator, the Department of Public Works Grounds Division, and the Athletic Director. The Recreation Advisory Board also advises the Town Administrator, Finance Committee, and Town Council regarding the expenditure of monies from the Fletcher Fund. 

The Recreation Advisory Board meets monthly to discuss issues pertaining to youth recreation, development of additional playing fields, field dedications, and spring/fall field allocations. 

During the past year, the Recreation Advisory Board worked on the following:
1. Advised Public Works regarding safety concerns of fencing at Dacey Field, Fletcher Field and recommended replacement fencing. 
2. Completed the conflict of interest law examination and submitted to Town Clerk.
3. Reviewed and commented on the 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
4. On-going discussions with Public Works on our successful trash and recycling program for public facilities.
5. Reviewed and accepted all field permit applications with assistance from Director of Recreation.
6. Monitor capital projects at DelCarte Recreation Area.
7. Advised Director of Recreation on Fletcher Tot Lot components.

Goals of the Recreation Advisory Board

• Development of multi-purpose facilities in various locations of town.
• Continued partnership with the Department of Public Works Grounds and Maintenance Division, and their efforts to maintain all town and school fields.
• Bring all recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, making facilities accessible to all users.

Members of the Recreation Advisory Board are:
Chairman; Wayne Simarrian, Larry Pollard, Mark Eccher, Kinjal Patel, and Robert Dellorco.

Ex-officio members include: Jeff Boudreau, FYBO, Bjorn Dragsbaek, FYSA, A.J. Grant Pop Warner Football, Gail Hamilton, Franklin Girls Softball, Pete Davis, Franklin Boys Lacrosse, and Tom Angelo, FHS Athletics.

Respectfully submitted,
Wayne R. Simarrian, Chairman

High School Field Concession Stand has a GoFundMe page

Visit the Recreation Advisory Board on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-advisory-board

You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

FHS boys hockey ties Malden Catholic 1-1

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Monday, Jan 8, 2018


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. Malden Catholic, 1 – Final
– Malden Catholic took the lead in the second period but Franklin junior Joe Lizotte took advantage of a shorthanded breakaway chance, burying the tying goal to help the Panthers earn a tie. Senior Owen Ginley had a strong game in goal with 33 saves.


For other results around the Hockomock League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-18/

****

Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief of Hockomock Sports, provided the game recap for the Boys Basketball win over OA on Sunday

"Sunday night was Franklin’s first division game of the season, and likely a preview of what the Panthers will see over the next two weeks, and again later this season. 

Although the Panthers led from start to finish and had a double-digit for most of the second half, the win wasn’t secured until the final buzzer. Oliver Ames refused to go away, even cutting the deficit to six with two minutes to play but Franklin was money at the free throw line late, coming away with a 63-50 win over the resilient Tigers. 

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter how it looks, as long as you get the win…it wasn’t our prettiest game, it wasn’t our best performance but we grinded out a win in a tough environment,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “The OA kids played hard, I thought they were all over the place rebounding wise and they were first to all the loose balls. I thought out first half defense was excellent…but 31 points is too much in the second half. It was a tough game, ugly game, but we’ll take it.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-fends-off-oliver-ames-late-surge/

The game photo gallery can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-Oliver-Ames-Boys-Basketball-01-07-18/

All the Hockomock League results from the Auerbach Frosh-Soph Indoor Track meet
https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-auerbach-frosh-soph-meet/

Franklin’s Jalen Samuels (right) makes a pass against Oliver Ames in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

“It’s part of the rhythm of what I do”

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

"At Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm, it’s already summer. 

Well, on paper, anyway. Or “in” paper, to be more accurate. 

Thousands of summer flower seeds in paper packets and plastic vials arrived at the farm a few days ago, and grower Laura Tangerini is fully immersed in thinking about the cheerful sunflowers, black eyed Susans, marigolds, cosmos, globe amaranth, and foxgloves -- among many others -- that will fill the pick-your-own flower beds come July. 

When the snow is deep and the air is icy, Tangerini says, “I prefer to think about flowers,” and every year when the seeds arrive she can’t help but think about them as she begins planning the summer wildflower garden in anticipation of another busy season."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180108/summer-takes-seed-at-tangerinis

Painted Lady Flower CSA shares are available, follow the link for details
https://squareup.com/market/painted-lady-flower-farm

Painted Lady flower shares will be offered for the 5th year in 2018

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Goals Workshop - Jan 10, 2018

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018 is to be a workshop on goals for 2018/2019.

The meeting will be held in the 3rd floor training room. In this location, it is not usually broadcast by Franklin TV. I will have my recording device and assuming all works well technically, I'll share the audio after the meeting.

Fiscal

• Annual Capital Plan - Council subcommittee to review shortly
• Annual Operating Budget - Large shortfall projected for FY 19
• Review/update/adopt Fiscal Policies - Budget Committee to review
• Continue to ask for OPEB options with state officials
• Determine Sewer rate increase for FY 19
• Determine Water rate increase for FY 19
• Explore new revenue options

Economic Development - I suggest a separate workshop

• Continue to look at downtown redevelopment
• MBTA parking Lot
• Cultural District Marketing Plan
• Zoning - R-7, C-1, "over 55", inclusionary, lot lines, other zoning issues
• Marijuana tax - increase from 2 to 3%

Facilities

• Transfer/Recycling Center improvements when land transfer complete
• Review Police Station space - Commence study in 2019
• Future of Red Brick School - Charter School pulled building permit.
• Future of Old South Meeting House
• Implement Preventative Maintenance (PM) for Facilities

DPW

• Road Funding
• Fund sidewalk plan for Beaver Street and Washington Streets
• Finalize and begin to implement Bike lane plan
• Water - Continue Water line replacement plan, Water Treatment Plant, Water Tanks, other improvements
• Continue sewer system improvements
• Future of Beaver Street interceptor
• Storm Water Plan - Potential fee?

Recreation/Open Space

• Purchase Open Space as may be available
• Continue to implement 2016 Open space/recreation plan
• Continue supporting SNETT trail development and other trail projects
• Continue on Delcarte - weed and fish issues, etc
• Develop Bike lanes and Trails plan - Staff has started

Community - Generally

• Implement Electric Aggregation when appropriate
• Continued work on the recommendations in the Master Plan
• Continue to work with SAFE Coalition
• Continue to accept Public Ways
• Continue Nu-Style project
• Transition to Regional Dispatch
• Purchase 120-122 School Street from Dean for additional Library Parking .
• Plan for charging stations for electric vehicles
• Implement "Green Community goals"
• Adopt Affordable Housing Plan
• Customer Service technology improvements
• Historical Commission "Master Plan"
• Town Council Procedures review
• Successful Collective Bargaining - Spring of 2019

Thoughts/questions/ideas from Councilors

• IT security
• Open Space
• Poultry bylaw
• Temporary sign bylaw
• Sale of Town owned land
• Other

The workshop document can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/council_potential_goals.pdf

The agenda document can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/january_10_agenda.pdf

Fletcher Field is cold and quiet Saturday morning