Coast Guard Active Duty and Veterans Affected by Furlough

If you are a veteran employed by the Federal Government or active duty Coast Guard directly affected by the current federal furlough, contact the
Franklin Veterans Office 508-613-1315

Coast Guard web page - screen grab

Updated: 1/20/19 with corrected info

Franklin Cultural District - Partners Meeting - February 11

Dear Cultural District Partners,

The Cultural District Committee would like to thank all of you for your help throughout the cultural district application process. It is exciting that Franklin has received the Cultural District distinction.

Having this Cultural District status makes the Franklin Cultural District (FCD) eligible for a variety of state grant programs, state economic development opportunities and monies, strategic planning and historic preservation assistance, as well as marketing through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

The committee would like to invite you to our February quarterly Cultural District Partners meeting. We would like to provide an update on the district's website development, review our goals, and then brainstorm about potential cross partnership activities for the future. We look forward to continuing our work together to promote the arts and the economic growth of downtown Franklin.

The meeting will be held on Monday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be at the Franklin Senior Center in the community room.

We look forward to seeing you all on February 11.

Sincerely,
The Franklin Cultural District Committee

Franklin Cultural District

FHS gymnastics tops Medway in match on Saturday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports action that did manage to happen despite the weather on Saturday, Jan 19, 2019

Gymnastics = Franklin, 132.6 @ Medway, 130.8 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin vs. Norwood – Postponed to a date and time to be announced.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-19-19/

FHS Panthers

Great article congratulations FHS! So peoud of you!! https://t.co/P0xKXEpiBp

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 20, 2019

#Franklin vs #Medway/ #Holliston/ #Millis #gymnastics at #Elite Gymnastics in #Ashland. pic.twitter.com/d14fhpp2z3

— Marshall Wolff (@mwolffMWphoto) January 20, 2019

Great work Rudy! https://t.co/QbRIZBlZy6

— FHS Girls Frosh Lax (@fhsgfroshlax1) January 20, 2019

Franklin’s Lizzie Brown on beam @FHSSports @fhs_gymnastics @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/VEg8gH8ptk

— Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) January 19, 2019

Franklin’s Lizzie Brown during floor @FHSSports @fhs_gymnastics @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/daDeXy1Xm9

— Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) January 19, 2019

In the News: State budget Medicare expansion possible, budget challenges loom with economic uncertainty

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

"Low-income seniors would see a break on how much they pay for health care under a plan Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is including in his state budget proposal. 

Under the plan, seniors who earn 130 to 165 percent of the federal poverty level — from just under $16,000 to about $20,000 each year — would be eligible for Medicare savings programs, which help reduce health care expenses, including out-of-pocket costs. 

Currently, seniors earning from 100 to 135 percent of the federal poverty level — from just over $12,100 to $16,400 — are eligible for the savings programs, which also help cover hospital and general medical services. They also automatically qualify for help with prescription drug coverage. 

Baker’s budget would set aside about $10 million in state dollars for the expansion, which would leverage about $100 million in additional federal Medicare dollars for nearly 40,000 seniors — 25,000 of whom are currently not eligible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190120/baker-proposes-expanding-medicare-program

"Gov. Charlie Baker is preparing to submit his latest state budget to the Legislature amid signs of a looming economic slowdown and calls by some on Beacon Hill to raise taxes for education and other initiatives. 

With a booming economy and record job growth, Massachusetts ended its most recent fiscal year with a more than $1 billion surplus. About half the extra cash was used to replenish the state’s reserves, better known as the “rainy day fund.” 

Robust revenues continued through the early months of the fiscal year that began July 1, triggering an automatic reduction in the state income tax."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190119/fiscal-clouds-loom-as-baker-preps-budget

The MA budget process kicks of in earnest when the Governor delivers his proposal by the 4th Wednesday of January. (Jan 23)

Franklin depends upon State funding for its budget. Funding for schools, local aid and roads account for approx 30% of the total Franklin budget. Getting a reasonable estimate of this funding from the State enables Franklin to start its own budget cycle for FY 2020.

The State budget cycle for FY 2019 (the current budget) is shown here. The steps are the same for the new budget cycle for FY 2020.

State budget cycle for FY 2019

Winter/Spring Sports Coming Your Way

Register Today

‌ Lifelong Community Learning Get ready for winter / spring sports Beginning February 4 REGISTER TODAY Intermediate & Advanced Co-ed Volleyball Intermediate: Build your strong foundation in the basics of volleyball. A fun, competitive time is guaranteed for all! Click here for more info. https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-38a23fe895c34850976565a3c4a65509 Advanced: If you have played competitive volleyball in the past and would like to find something closer to home or get back into it after an absence, then this class is for you! Click here for more info. https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-fe29d551362c420b8743d41c52a38d6a Badminton Badminton is a racquet sport played by two people or four people. Unlike other racquet sports, badminton involves hitting a shuttlecock – a cone-shaped projectile that moves differently than a ball - the ideal sport for those who like to be kept on their toes. Click here for more info. https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-6045335e41ff41ebbd2db02fa40a4116 Men's Spring Basketball on Tuesdays Beginning in March REGISTER TODAY Looking for a night of fun and exercise? Basketball is great way to de-stress and add variety to your routine.  Click here for more info. https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-6a64814584204e3c9fab8b8e1950944b ‌

Lifelong Community Learning - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

"a quality education that will last beyond their time here"

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

"Dean College was recently awarded a grant of $180,150 to help fuel a new internship experience. 

The grant money was donated by the Davis Educational Foundation, a Yarmouth, Maine-based public charitable foundation that supports undergraduate programs of public and private colleges throughout New England.  Funds are being used to support what the college is calling “The Bulldog Experience: Curriculum and Career Integration.”

The idea of the program is to link classroom experiences with practical, real-life encounters. The proposed four-year curriculum will integrate the classroom and internships, said Associate Vice President Wendy Adler. 

“Dean College is thrilled to receive funding from the Davis Educational Foundation,” said Adler, who is the project co-director."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190119/dean-college-receives-grant-to-support-internships

"a quality education that will last beyond their time here"

[Residents] Winter Weather 1/19/19

Hello,

As you now know, we are expecting our first major winter storm of 2019 beginning this evening. Over the last several days we have been in constant contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.

Based on this information, we believe we may experience scattered to numerous power outages due to ice accumulation.  Ice, combine with high wind gusts, may cause numerous and long term power outages.  Therefore, we urge everyone to make preparations for the possibility of power outage at your home.

Also, please note that the Town's Transfer Station will be closed on Sunday and a Parking Ban will be in effect as of 10 PM on tonight.

We will keep you updated with emergency information as the situation warrants. You can also find emergency information by visiting the Town's web site at www.franklinma.gov.  Thank you and have a safe and warm weekend.

Thank you,
The Town of Franklin, Police, Fire and DPW

Franklin Municipal Building

Town of Franklin looking for "expressions of interest" for the Red Brick School House

The Town of Franklin invites any interested parties to submit an expression of interest to the Town of Franklin for the lease of the Town Building located at 2 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038 known as the “Red Brick School House,” and adjacent property.



Get a copy of the instructions here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkxdTCzUuDB9lfnTwotWRvXbSzX5l25F/view?usp=sharing

or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/red_schoolhouse_rfpei_final.pdf

Town of Franklin looking for "expressions of interest" for the Red Brick School House

FHS girls and boys basketball and swim teams all post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Jan 18, 2019

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 @ Oliver Ames, 40 – Final
– Franklin limited Oliver Ames to just 16 points in the second half, turning a six-point halftime advantage in a double-digit win. The Panthers led 16-12 after one and 30-24 at half but didn’t allow the Tigers to score double digits in either the third (14-9) or the fourth (17-7). Senior Jalen Samuels led the Panthers with 15 points, including eight in the fourth quarter while classmate Jake Macchi added a career-high 14 points (five in the fourth), connecting on four three pointers. Senior Ethan Eckstrom and sophomore Amari Brown each had eight points for the Tigers.

Girls Basketball = Oliver Ames, 36 @ Franklin, 62 – Final
– OA led by three after one quarter, but Franklin rallied to grab the lead by halftime. In the third quarter, the Panthers broke the game wide open, going on a 24-6 run that put them in front for good. Megan O’Connell had a big game for the hosts, scoring 18 points, to help Franklin stay unbeaten in the league and remain two games ahead of Mansfield in the title race. Bea Bondhus had 15 points, on five three-pointers, and Ali Brigham had 13 in the win. Hailey Bourne was the top scorer for OA with nine points.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 86 @ Westwood, 57 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 89.5 @ Westwood, 80.5 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-18-19/

FHS Panthers

Beat a good OA team with a balanced effort from @megan_oconnelll 18, @bbondhus7 15 and @ali_brigham 13. Blue Collar award goes to @elizabeth_w17 #PantherPride

— Franklin Girls Basketball (@fhsgvbasketball) January 19, 2019

End of three quarters of play OA Boys Basketball trails by 11 to Franklin 44-33 pic.twitter.com/kJAPgi3CTD

— Wes Paul (@OAHSTigers) January 19, 2019

Swimming: First time winners Jr. Mike Newton
Sr. Arun Kavishwar
Double winners:
Roy Wang and Chris Carey Girls double winners
Katie Cashin
First time swimming the 500 AND the win..
Alyssa LaPuma #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 18, 2019

CONGRATS SWIMMERS! DOUBLE win over Westwood.
G: 89.5-80.5
B:86-57

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 18, 2019

First W's for Fr. LaPuma, So. Newton & Sr. Kavishwar 🔥
Sectional cuts for So. Chew & Boys Medley and 4freelay 🔥🔥
STATE CUT for Fr. Tang! 🔥🔥🔥
And one more W for both @FHSBVSWIM & @fhsgvswim1 🐾#proudcoach pic.twitter.com/dteiJWOuoC

— Coach Balliro (@coachB_fhs) January 18, 2019

OUTSTANDING meet against Westwood tonight. Big week for us next week! And don’t forget, practice on Monday. You MUST be there (talk to Coach P if you cannot attend)! pic.twitter.com/m4sUP1GB5s

— FHSGVSWIM! (@fhsgvswim1) January 18, 2019

...one more shoutout to Sophomore Katie Chew Sectional qualifying time in 100 backstroke

— CoachP_FHS_Swim (@CoachP_FHSswim) January 18, 2019

Shoutouts to Mike Newton, Arun Kavishwar, and Alyssa LaPuma for their FIRST wins tonight!
Elizabeth Tang our newest STATE qualifier.
Boys 200 Medley AND 400 free relay qualified for Sectionals!

— CoachP_FHS_Swim (@CoachP_FHSswim) January 18, 2019

JV Wrestling Tournament on Monday at Redding has been cancelled. @FHSPantherbook @FHSWrestle

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 18, 2019

Cancellation: Due to travel concerns on Saturday morning, our Wrestling team will not be attending the tournament in Chicopee. @FHSPantherbook @FHSWrestle

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 18, 2019

Parent/Guardian Sleep Education Forum - Jan 30

Dear Franklin Families,

The School Start Times Advisory Committee is hosting a parent/guardian education forum on Sleep Research and Adolescents on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 7 PM at Franklin High School. 

Please see the attachment for more information and to kindly RSVP for planning purposes.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQsD-YfvOb0bGABqWK1GrLkFU6Ccsl56o-X7EnPREIJdENMw/viewform

Kind regards,
Franklin Public Schools

--
Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Franklin Public Schools
355 East Central Street
Suite 3
Franklin, MA 02038
508-553-4819

Follow Us on Twitter: @FranklinPSNews


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMTdfNUp1N2RmeHJ5cTUwSERWU0ZpcXN3dVVj/view?usp=sharing

Parmenter School sign - reminder no school on Monday, Jan 21

"local aid will increase each year apace with state tax revenue"

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

"The annual spending bill Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration will file next week will increase general local aid by $30 million this year, the lieutenant governor told a conference of municipal officials Friday morning. 

Administration officials said they will proposed $75 million in spending to protect communities from impacts of climate change, with the spending supported by an increase in the excise tax paid on real estate transfers. 

The administration this year will also seek a $200 million authorization for the Chapter 90 road and bridge repair program. City and town officials have sought larger and multi-year authorizations, saying road conditions warrant more spending."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190118/gov-baker-proposes-30m-increase-to-local-aid

The MA budget process kicks of in earnest when the Governor delivers his proposal by the 4th Wednesday of January.

Franklin depends upon State funding for its budget. Funding for schools, local aid and roads account for approx 30% of the total Franklin budget. Getting a reasonable estimate of this funding from the State enables Franklin to start its own budget cycle for FY 2020.

The State budget cycle for FY 2019 (the current budget) is shown here. The steps are the same for the new budget cycle for FY 2020.

State budget cycle for FY 2019

The Franklin budget cycle is shown here

Franklin budget cycle

For more info on the Franklin budget cycle or process
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

The MA Budget timeline can be found
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/budget-process-timeline

Franklin Food Pantry offers help to Federal Employees

January 18, 2019 Special Announcement  Pantry Opens Doors to Federal Employees    Dear Friends, We are opening our doors to offer food assistance to federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.  Special food shopping hours will be held for government workers from 5 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22 and Thursday, January 24.  After next week we will offer shopping appointments during regular Pantry hours of operation for those in need. If you or someone you know is in need, the Pantry is here to help. Please visit our website for more information, and share with others you know who might be impacted by the government shutdown.  Please Like our Facebook page  to receive future updates so that you can help us get the word out to others in our community who might need assistance. Thank you! 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.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by erin@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today