This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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Happy 30th Anniversary, Best Buddies! 🎉  Dear Friends, This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). When I started Best Buddies 30 years ago at Georgetown University, I never imagined that this organization would impact the lives of more than 1.2 million people across the globe, spanning 53 countries and six continents. Furthermore, If someone had told me then that I would live to see individuals with IDD working in a tech lab earning more than $50,000, participating in pension plans and receiving full healthcare benefits; reporting for a national television show, testifying in front of Congress; and delivering the keynote address at an annual corporate conference in Silicon Valley; I would not have believed any of it. Fast forward 30 years to a world that is indeed more inclusive and diverse, although there is still so much more to be done. To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we are excited to launch the organization's newest program, Best Buddies Living. Best Buddies is elevating our mission to meet the significant need for inclusion by establishing a residential living experience for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their peers.  This new program represents our organization's newest and fourth key mission pillar, Inclusive Living. Best Buddies Living will provide individuals with and without IDD the opportunity to live together in a vibrant community that supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.  Located in Los Angeles in partnership with UCLA, the first house will create innovative residents and pioneer ways to support individuals with disabilities and their peers. As the program expands, Best Buddies Living residences will continue to be near college campuses, cultivating mutually transformative relationships and growth opportunities for people of all abilities. For more information about Best Buddies Living, please visit: bestbuddies.org/living. Our 30th Anniversary is a special milestone and I am beyond blessed that I get to wake up each day and do what I love. My appreciation and gratitude for this gift is unimaginable! As we look ahead, I am excited to watch a new generation of leaders step up to the plate to guide our global movement to new levels. I was only in my early 20's when all of this began, and I have never lost faith in the endless creativity, genius level talent, leadership and power that young people have. We will need each of you to help lead our movement forward as I am confident that the spirit of Best Buddies will continue to live on through each of you. As we celebrate the impact Best Buddies has had on millions of lives, please know that I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you who have supported this organization over the past 30 years. Without you, we would not have reached this momentous milestone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this world a better place for people with special abilities.   Forever grateful, Anthony K. Shriver Founder, Chairman & CEO Best Buddies International

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to  establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities  for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment,  leadership development, and inclusive living for people  with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

“The president doesn’t just walk in"

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

Teaching the government shutdown

"When U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested delaying the State of the Union amid a government shutdown in January, Massachusetts educators jumped at a teaching opportunity. 

“The shutdown highlights separation of powers that people don’t think about until an unusual moment like this occurs,” said Peter Ubertaccio, dean of the school of arts and sciences at Stonehill College in Easton. “Simple questions like, ‘How does this happen?’ suddenly become really relevant.” 

The longest shutdown in U.S. history, which ended on Jan. 25, left thousands of furloughed workers without pay checks for weeks, and put numerous federal programs at risk of losing resources. But it also created new opportunities for Americans to learn more about how government works and what it means when it doesn’t work."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190125/teaching-government-shutdown

"The practice arises from a duty of the President under the State of the Union Clause of the U.S. Constitution:^[5]

He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.

— Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution

Though the language of the clause is not specific, since the 1930s, the President has made this report annually in late January or early February. Between 1934 and 2013 the date has been as early as January 3,^[6] and as late as February 12.^[7]

While not required to deliver a speech, every president since Woodrow Wilson, with the notable exception of Herbert Hoover,^[8] has made at least one State of the Union report as a speech delivered before a joint session of Congress. Before that time, most presidents delivered the State of the Union as a written report.^[6]"

For more on the State of the Union
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_the_Union

A full copy of the US Constitution can be found online
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript

Page one of the original copy of the Constitution (via wikipedia)

Be part of ArtWeek 2019

ArtWeek, a statewide art festival, will be in Franklin April 26-May 5. The FCC is looking for artists, art orgs, schools & businesses to participate.

Be part of ArtWeek 2019! FCC ArtWeek grants close Jan. 31! ArtWeek is a 10-day festival, April 26 - May 5, 2019, featuring unique and unexpected arts and cultural experiences that are participatory, interactive, or offer behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process. Anyone can host an ArtWeek event…organizations, businesses, schools and individual artists. And while the VENUE has to be in Franklin to be part of ArtWeek Franklin, the HOST or participating organization does not! Successful events are often partnerships between artists and venues, such as a theater or dance performance in a restaurant, or an art workshop in a retail space.   So let's talk money... ArtWeek events must be open to the public (though you can limit the number of attendees through ticket sales or other means), but they don't have to be free. All events must be under $50, and you keep all revenue. Want to host a free event? Well, that's certainly encouraged too! The Franklin Cultural Council is once again providing special grants just to those programs offered free of charge! Don't miss out...grants close Jan. 31.  Apply Now  https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/55593-Franklin-Cultural-Council What makes an event an ArtWeek event? ArtWeek events should be unique, memorable and inspired experiences that offer a taste of the arts, culture, and/or creativity unlike others that you can traditionally experience throughout the rest of the year. Plenty of events are outside-the-box, but you can also easily transform an existing event or performance that would normally be available to the general public by adding a simple "ArtWeek twist" like: Inviting the public to what is typically a closed rehearsal or offering a free pre- or post-show talk or discussion  Hosting a hands-on workshop or demonstration (and it's extra cool to host them in an unexpected place) Adding a twist to open studios by including a 30-minute mini-workshop or how-to session with an artist Creating a partnership event between artists and businesses Offering a tour, hosting a lecture or creating a panel to discuss a relevant topic in arts, culture or creativity If you're a restaurant, consider participating in the Art of Food. Learn More  http://www.artweekma.org/

Franklin Cultural Council · 355 East Central Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. If there was a link for the full set of contents, I'd share it but the sender did not include one. If you want the full email, let me know and I'll forward a copy.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Jan 25 - THU Jan 31

Friday, January 25

9:00am

 ECDC New Student Open House

10:00am

 Knitting Group

7:00pm

 "You Can't Take it with You"

Saturday, January 26

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:00am

 Franklin Children's School Open House

10:00am

 Franklin Library: Adult collections and technology

7:00pm

 "You Can't Take it with You"

8:00pm

 Circle of Friends: Dar Williams (sold out)

Sunday, January 27

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm

 January FUNDraiser for Rail Trail Committee

2:00pm

 "You Can't Take it with You"

Monday, January 28

10:30am

 Move Along

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

3:00pm

 Monday Crafternoons

3:30pm

 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids

7:00pm

 Library Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 29

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

Wednesday, January 30

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

4:00pm

 Construction Junction

7:00pm

 Parent/Guardian Sleep Education Forum

7:00pm

 Town Council Meeting

Thursday, January 31

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story & Craft

4:00pm

 Fandom Thursdays

6:30pm

 Genealogy Club Meeting

For the interactive version, please visit

http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Jan 25 - THU Jan 31

Franklin Town Clerk: Updates for residents

2019 ANNUAL CENSUS FORMS

You will be receiving your 2019 Annual Street Listing Census Form and Dog Registration Form in the mail this week. The annual census form must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk’s office within 10 days of receipt. Residents are reminded that census forms must be returned even when no changes are needed to your census information. 

In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. If you do not receive a census form, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.

2019 DOG REGISTRATION

All dog owners must register their dogs annually. Registration runs from Jan. 1st to April 1st.

Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply.

If you already licensed your dog, please disregard the form included with the census.

If you have any questions, please visit our website
www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or email tburr@franklinma.gov

********* Top Dog Contest! ********** 
Please visit our website or contact us for details.

We wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2019!

Thank you,
Teresa M. Burr

entries to the Top Dog Contest as of Tuesday night (1/22/19)

The link to the MA General Law referenced above
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVIII/Chapter51/Section4

Traveling to Italy? Take the course "Conversational Italian for the Traveler"

Conversational Italian for the Traveler

DATES:  6 Wednesdays, February 6 - April 3

TIME:  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

LOCATION:  Franklin High School

COST: $80

Buongiorno! Are you planning a trip to Italy? Through situational vocabulary
framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy
even more pleasant. Get ready to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering
food and shopping – Italian style!

Register online
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-0e4c00bfd8d043199dc7abf0f6d5736c

Traveling to Italy? Take the course "Conversational Italian for the Traveler"

In the News: Rep Jeff Roy travels to Plains, GA; ArtWeek scheduled to kick off Apr 27

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

"A couple times each month, former President Jimmy Carter sits down in front of the congregation at the Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to teach Sunday school. 

Hundreds line up in the parking lot hours before dawn to ensure they get a seat. It’s become a pilgrimage of sorts to see the 94-year-old former Democratic president do what he’s been doing most Sundays since leaving the White House in 1981. 

This past Sunday, three state representatives from Massachusetts were among that crowd, traveling together on the weekend of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to spend a few days taking in the experience of listening to a former president and visiting The King Center in Atlanta. 

“I refer to these as my magical history tours,” said Rep. Jeff Roy, a Franklin Democrat and self-described history buff. “I’ve wanted to do this for years.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190124/franklins-jeff-roy-sits-in-on-president-carters-sunday-school

Rep Kevin Honan (left) Mrs Carter, President Carter, Jeff Roy (Facebook photo of Jeff Roy)

"The Franklin Cultural Council announced that it will be hosting Taste of ArtWeek, a kick-off celebration to Franklin ArtWeek, part of the statewide ArtWeek festival, from 4-8 p.m. April 27 on Franklin Town Common. 

Taste of ArtWeek will include food trucks, a juried craft fair and live performances, as well as a beer garden and fine art exhibition at Hayward Manor. The FCC is looking for professional and semi-professional artisans to participate in the craft fair. 

The event will also include a youth section of booths for crafters 18 and younger."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190124/strongfranklin-cultural-council-to-host-franklin-artweeekstrong

"it’s very much like you’re welding when you’re inside the helmet"

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

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School recently received a state grant that will go toward expanding the school’s metal-fabrication program. 

The so-called Skills Capital Grant will allow the school to purchase new equipment, including the AugmentedArc - a virtual training simulator for welders and metal workers. 

Tri-County, which was among 31 schools to receive funding, was awarded $123,115. 

“We are grateful and honored to have been awarded this grant by the Baker-Polito administration and are looking forward to seeing our students graduate with the competitive edge needed to compete for exciting career opportunities,” said Tri-County Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190124/tri-county-lands-123k-skills-capital-grant

The grant notification had been previously posted here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/tri-county-regional-awarded-123115-in.html

 left-right are:  Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kenneal, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Metal Fabrication Instructor Robert Pierangeli, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Vocational Director Cathy Rebelo, Governor Charlie Baker

Finance Committee - Jan 15, 2019

My notes recorded via Twitter during the meeting

Live reporting from FinCom meeting - starting off with Recreation Dept. Proposal to fix Fletcher Field courts like as done at King St fields basketball courts #fincom0115

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom next up is schools, #fincom0115 - special ed van, double stack combo oven, school technology. Replace about 500 Chrome books each year for incoming freshman. About 6000 chrome books district wide.

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom #fincom0115 have 11 vans, 2 from 2009, in a couple of years start a cycle of replacement process. Chrome books stored on powered carts at middle schools. $25 covers insurance for chromebook/year, a great buy

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom #fincom0115 some roof top heater units to be replaced at Keller/Sullivan, building 17 yrs old with a 15 yr life cycle for the units, after this should be good for 15 yrs. Parmenter canopy to be replaced. All designed ready to go to bid, get work done over summer

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom #fincom0115 a million dollar request spread over 4 years. Would bring the middle/elem school combo and the standalone elementary schools up to modern (i.e. high school ). Which schools would be done is not to be shared for security reasons. Work to be done in summer

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom #fincom0115 Horace Mann drain problem to be addressed, municipal generator on for town side due to risk assessment. Municipal building window project coming up the list for funding, but not now

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom #fincom0115 now to the votes, 19-02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 all motions passed by votes of 7-0 (2 absent)

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

FinCom last vote was to recommend approval for fiscal policies as discussed at last meeting #fincom0115 schools public hearing 2/26 and school committee votes scheduled for 3/12 . FinCom to use used chromebooks to save paper

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

Motion to adjourn passed, meeting over reporting done #fincom0115

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 16, 2019

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

The documents for the Capital Budget discussions can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

Note: the document is a single PDF file with 166 pages, so it will take some time to download/open.

The Finance Committee as it begins the Jan 8 budget hearing (part 1) at the Senior Center

FM #158 - Finance Committee sends Capital Budget recommendations to Town Council

FM #158

This internet radio show or podcast is number 158 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held at the Municipal Building, Third Floor Training Room on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

The meeting is the second of two to review the Capital Budget by the Finance Committee. Today’s meeting will review the following agenda:

• Schools
• Facilities
• Technology
• Recreation

After hearing all the presentations, the Finance Committee will vote to recommend some or all of these (with or without modifications) to be brought to the Town Council for their review and vote.

The complete agenda documents for Jan 15 meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin pages

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

The documents for the Capital Budget discussions can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

Note: the document is a single PDF file with 166 pages, so it will take some time to download/open.

The total meeting recording runs just about 48 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording:





My notes recorded via Twitter during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/finance-committee-jan-15-2019.html

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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