LAUGH MORE IN 2020! Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin - Jan 14

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Tuesday, January 14 and is now FREE!

LAUGH MORE IN 2020! 

LAUGH MORE IN 2020

Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin is on Tuesday, January 14th (and every second Tuesday once a month) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. It is now FREE! Enjoy this delightful practice, appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. 

Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin

When we laugh, we energize our bodies and revive our spirits. All that is involved is deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. 

It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers and Laughter Ambassadors, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. If you have any questions, just e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

Franklin Police: Man receives 7 years for Franklin stabbing

A 27-year-old Woonsocket, Rhode Island, man has been sentenced to 7 years in state prison after he admitted he stabbed and almost killed another man in a Franklin apartment in 2015, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

Keinan McKenna burst into the West Central Street apartment of his former girlfriend shortly before 11 p.m. on January 11, 2015 and attacked an adult male who was there visiting the woman. McKenna stabbed the unarmed man 13 times, including 10 times in the back, before fleeing the area.

"Franklin Police responded to the scene and saw evidence of a violent and bloody struggle," District Attorney Morrissey said after the suspect entered guilty pleas on each of the three indictments against him: Armed Assault in a Dwelling; Assault with intent to Murder; Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Causing Serious Bodily Injury) on Jan. 6, 2020.

"Franklin officers administered emergency first aid to stem the loss of blood that could have cost the victim his life. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and survived those injuries," Morrissey said. "Investigating officers quickly learned the identity of the suspect, the type of vehicle he was traveling in, and the probability that he was headed to the Woonsocket. They contacted Woonsocket PD, who intercepted the defendant, pulled him over, and took him into custody."

Assistant District Attorney David Omiunu presented evidence gathered by the Franklin Police to a Norfolk County Grand Jury, who issued the indictments in 2015. "Franklin Police did a very professional and thorough job gathering the physical and testimonial evidence in this case," Morrissey said.

"The defendant will serve seven years in state prison, followed by 4 years of probation supervision," Morrissey said. "During probation he must stay away from and have no contact with the victim, abide by any restraining order, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random chemical use screening, and submit to a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment."

Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch added "I'm proud of the work the initial responding officers did to not only save a life, but also recognize the fluid and dynamic situation as it unfolded." Lynch continued, "this incident only began on that night, countless hours of work by Franklin Police Detectives, investigators from the District Attorney's office, and Assistant District Attorney Omiunu brought this case to a successful conclusion." Chief Lynch praised all involved, and added "this job is a team effort, everyone plays a part, and in working together we can successfully bring these perpetrators to justice."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-man-receives-7-years-franklin-stabbing

Franklin Police: Man receives 7 years for Franklin stabbing

EPA "has a long history of failing to act"

Via the Environmental Working Group:

"This week the House voted overwhelmingly to pass H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act, which President Trump has threatened to veto.

The bill would set deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce ongoing releases of toxic fluorinated chemicals, known as PFAS, and to set a drinking water standard for two notorious PFAS chemicals.

“It’s never been clearer that it’s time for Congress to set tough deadlines to reduce PFAS releases into the air and water, set PFAS drinking water standards, and clean up legacy PFAS pollution,” said EWG Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. “If the Trump administration won’t take the necessary steps to protect the public from PFAS, it’s up to Congress to act."

In other news about the PFAS Action Act, EWG broke down EPA’s history of inaction when it comes regulating PFAS and told the story of a military firefighter pushing for Congress to act on the PFAS crisis."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2020/01/ewg-news-roundup-110-trump-threatens-derail-pfas-action-california-fails

Related links

H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act
https://www.ewg.org/release/ewg-applauds-historic-bipartisan-pfas-vote

Trump threatens veto
https://www.ewg.org/release/trump-threatens-veto-after-missing-key-pfas-drinking-water-deadline

EPA's history of inaction on PFAS
https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2020/01/it-s-time-end-epa-s-long-history-failing-act-forever-chemicals

Environmental Working Group

In the News: college closure rules "a watershed moment"; Polar Park construction estimates rise

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

"State higher education officials on Friday approved a new set of regulations that will govern how they screen colleges and universities for financial risks and potential closures.

Education Secretary James Peyser said the Board of Higher Education’s vote marked a “watershed moment.”

“On the one hand, it’s an incremental shift,” Peyser said. “On the other hand, it’s really a major change in the nature of our relationship as a board and as a state in terms of our responsibility for ensuring the health of our higher education system writ large, not just the public system.”

The sudden 2018 closure of Mount Ida College in Newton drew new attention to the challenges faced by small, private colleges grappling with enrollment declines and other demographic trends, and sparked calls to protect current and prospective students from being blindsided by a closure."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200110/college-closure-rules-called-watershed-moment

In the News: college closure rules "a milestone"

"Construction costs for Polar Park have increased by $9.5 million over initial estimates, while costs to acquire the properties needed for the ballpark, relocate businesses and prepare the site for development have run roughly $20 million more than what was anticipated.

That has prompted city officials to negotiate changes to the agreements with the ballclub that will be playing at Polar Park starting in 2021 and for the private development that will be built as part of the overall $240 million redevelopment of the Kelley Square/Canal District area.

Those revisions, which are detailed in an 11-page report to the City Council for its meeting Tuesday night, primarily deal with actions to generate more revenue to cover those additional costs.

It also includes a bigger private development program that will be brought online and generate new tax revenues sooner."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200110/polar-park-costs-increase---adjustments-made-to-cover-added-expenses

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

The e-mail that follows this brief message was sent earlier today to high school families and we feel it is important to share it with all Franklin parents/guardians. The video to which we refer may also be circulating among students at other grade levels.

We wish to take the opportunity to emphasize the District's core value of inclusivity and our emphasis and commitment to making our schools safe and welcoming for all.

Counselors, administrators and trusted adults are available to support all students. Additionally, we ask for your help in discussing appropriate use of social media with your children.  Please read the message below.

Regards,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent

----------------

January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Families,

We are writing to make you aware of a concerning video that has been circulating among students on social media.  This video contains statements that are profoundly offensive based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  We condemn such statements; they violate our core value of inclusivity and threaten the safe and welcoming environment we have committed to provide for each student, family, and our faculty/staff.

The administration promptly initiated an investigation based on our protocol of responding to incidents of hate and bias. Please know that a big part of our response is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.  Counselors, administrators, and other trusted adults are available to anyone who feels they need support.

We ask families to talk with their children regarding the appropriate use of social media and if your child has received a copy of the video, to delete it, as continued sharing perpetuates deep hurt across the community.

If you would like a resource to assist you in talking with your child, these links may help:

Free Library of Philadelphia -- Resources for Responding to Hate
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3031

American Psychological Association "Talking to Kids about Discrimination" https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Paul Peri                Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Principal                Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jan 10 to THU - Jan 16

Friday, January 10

10:00am

 Knitting Group

10:30am

 Happy Feet!

8:00pm

 Zajac Brothers Band and Grab Brothers Band

Saturday, January 11

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:00am

 Technology Help

10:30am

 Drive-In Movie!

1:00pm

 Girls Who Code!

3:00pm

 Cookbook Club

8:00pm

 No Static

Sunday, January 12

8:00am

 All You Can Eat Breakfast

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:10pm

 Second Sunday Speaker Series

Monday, January 13

10:30am

 Move Along

3:30pm

 D&D for Kids

Tuesday, January 14

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

4:00pm

 Toe-Tapping Tuesdays!

6:00pm

 School Committee - Budget Workshop

6:30pm

 Documentary Film Night

7:00pm

 School Committee meeting

7:30pm

 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

7:30pm

 Let's Laugh Today

Wednesday, January 15

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

3:30pm

 Creation Station!

6:00pm

 RAD Storytellers Club!

Thursday, January 16

8:30am

 Town Council Office Hours

9:00am

 Ben Franklin Readathon!

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story Xplorers

4:00pm

 Chess Club for Kids

4:00pm

 Bookworm Bounce Storytime!

6:00pm

 Volunteens

For the interactive version, please visit

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

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jan 10 to THU - Jan 16

Special Announcement from HMEA

Happy New Year! We've got some great news to share with you as we kick off 2020 here at HMEA!

The first piece of news is that starting on July 1, 2020, Jule will become the new President and Chief Executive Officer - CEO - at HMEA. We are really excited to share this news with you.

Jule Gomes Noack

We have been working closely over the past five years planning for Jule to take over the CEO role. As many of you know, she's already doing most of the job and doing it really well. So, this transition will be easy.

And by the way…for those of you who don't know…Jule has been with HMEA for 32 years! She joined HMEA in 1987 as the agency's first clinical coordinator and has worked directly in or managed nearly every program, service, and administrative role within the organization. For the past 13 years, she has been a key member of HMEA's executive leadership team and has served as President/COO for the past six years, so she knows the organization pretty well by now!

As part of this planned transition, Mike will be moving into a new role here at HMEA as Executive Vice President for Government and Community Relations. In this role, he will continue to be an advocate and statewide leader on issues that matter to all of us, such as better pay and benefits for all staff.

All of us here at HMEA have benefited from Mike's incredible leadership over the past 20 years. During this time, he has led and overseen a tremendous amount of growth and positive change at HMEA. When Mike took over as CEO from HMEA's founder Susan Darnell, we were an organization serving 550 people. Today, we serve more than 5000 people.

Mike Moloney

Now, as Jule prepares to become only the third CEO in the history of the organization, she sees many opportunities to grow and improve the services we provide, to use technology to make all of our lives easier and more productive, and to ensure that our diversity work guarantees that this agency is a respectful and safe place for everyone we serve and all who work here. Jule also sees incredible opportunities to continue to develop partnerships that will allow us to build upon our many accomplishments and to ensure a long and bright future for this organization.

We look forward to continuing to work together with you to advance HMEA's mission to teach, support and empower people with developmental disabilities and their families to live meaningful lives of their choice.

We encourage you to reach out to either of us with any questions you might have. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Mike Moloney, CEO mmoloney@hmea.org

Jule Gomes Noack, President and COO jnoack@hmea.org


Video link: https://youtu.be/iE8sjtJnI9w

Special Announcement from HMEA

Learn more about HEMA at their web page https://www.hmea.org/

Note: I am proud to be part of the group supporting their annual road race for over a dozen years. The road race is part of their key fund raisers incredABLE 5K.

FM #189 - Board of Health meeting Jan 8, 2020 (audio)

FM #189

This internet radio show or podcast is number 189 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the Room 106 at the Municipal Building at 5:00 PM.

Board of Health Agenda
1) Reading and acceptance of December 4, 2019 minutes

2) OLD BUSINESSA. Keeping of Animals Regulations
Chairman opens the floor for any other old business 

3) NEW BUSINESSA. Shiva MarketB. Tobacco legislatureC. Site Plan Modification-122 Chestnut StreetD. Local Upgrade Approval-416 Maple Street 

4) HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Chairman opens the floor for any other new business 

5) CITIZENS COMMENTARY
6) ADJOURNMENT

Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 5:00 pm in Room 106

The meeting runs about 40 minutes, so without further ado here is the Board of Health meeting of Jan 8, 2020.


Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBpSm17X

Town of Franklin  = Health Dept or Board of Health 
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department




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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?

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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS gymnastics team tops OA for first time

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Thursday.


Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 137.2 @ Oliver Ames, 135.4 – Final
– Franklin took the top two spots in the all-around, earning a season-high score and its first ever win over Oliver Ames. Kate Rudolph (35.5) and Emma Nelson (33.7) finished first and second, respectively, in the all-around.

Franklin results:
Vault – Kate Rudolph 8.8 | Lexi Lupien 8.6 | Caroline Woelfel 8.4 | Emma Nelson 8.1
Bars – K. Rudolph 8.8 | E. Nelson 8.6 | Elizabeth Schirduan 8.2 | C. Woelfel 7.8
Beam – K. Rudolph 9.0 | Ashley Hammann 8.8 | E. Nelson 8.6 | E. Schirduan 8.5
Floo – C. Woelfel 9.0 | K. Rudolph 8.9 | A. Hammann 8.6 | L. Lupien 8.5

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-09-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

TEAM - Train, Encourage, Achieve, & Motivate! When I coach this group of girls these are the words I hold myself and them too... come see what this amazing group is all about!! @FHSSports @HockomockSports @FranklinMatters @MetroWestSports @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook pic.twitter.com/mOnqw6DDCn

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 9, 2020

FHS makes history tonight. 1st time since the gymnastics program started back up 4 years ago we beat a very strong OA! FHS 137.2 OA 135.4. These girls were amazing tonight. Also highest score we have ever put up!! Highlights to follow @FHSSports @HockomockSports @FHSPantherbook pic.twitter.com/wXtJkMPeby

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2020

Great job tonight so proud of this group!! Highlights below!! 💙🤸🏼‍♂️ @FHSSports @FHSPantherbook @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @FranklinMatters @FranklinHS pic.twitter.com/kbGxh2tJFR

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2020

FHS makes history tonight. 1st time since the gymnastics program started back up 4 years ago we beat a very strong OA

Franklin Veterans' Council - Jan 16

Franklin Veterans' Council

Next meeting - January 16, 2020

The Franklin Veterans' Council meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

Meetings are open to veterans and non-veteran members of the community who are interested in learning more about veterans' issues, activities and events.

For more information, contact the Veterans Services Office at:(508) 613-1315

Franklin Veterans' Council - Jan 16

Franklin Library: Technology help - Jan 11

Staff from Nerds To Go Computer Service will be available to assist patrons with common technology issues such as email access, password reset/recovery, cell phone feature usage, getting onto public Wi-Fi, and accessing information on line.

This service is free and is on a first come, first serve basis.

When: Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

For more info about Nerds To Go, visit their web page
https://www.nerdstogo.com/location/franklin-ma/

Franklin Library: Technology help - Jan 11

Republican State Committeewoman, Patricia Saint Aubin, seeks reelection

Jan 7, 2020 Patricia Saint Aubin of Norfolk, an experienced businesswoman, athlete, and activist has announced her bid for reelection to a third term on the Republican State Committee. First elected in 2012, Saint Aubin currently sits on the Executive Committee of the MassGOP as the Budget Chair, where she is spearheading efforts to improve efficiency and transparency in party operations.

In her business career, Saint Aubin has worked for Shawmut Bank, John Hancock, Connecticut Mutual (now MassMutual), and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in finance and management roles. A competitive swimmer since age six, each summer Saint Aubin participates in Swim Across America, a 22-Mile Relay Swim in Boston Harbor which raises money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She is always a top fundraiser.

“I am a life-long Republican and I regularly attend nearly 100 percent of the Republican Town Committee meetings in my 11-town and one city district,” which includes Attleboro, North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk, Franklin, Millis, Sherborn, Natick, Wellesley, Needham and Wayland, says Saint Aubin. She is also a member of the Republican Town Committee in Norfolk. “In addition, I have missed only one State Committee meeting since I was elected in 2012,” she says.

Patricia Saint Aubin

Saint Aubin has also worked for the campaigns of numerous Republican presidential, senatorial, and congressional candidates and many, many campaigns for state Representative and Senate within the Bay State. Saint Aubin herself was a candidate for the office of State Auditor in 2014 and was endorsed by the Boston Globe.

The Massachusetts Republican State Committee is the governing body of the Republican Party in Massachusetts. Members of the State Committee play a key role in building the Republican Party in their districts: they recruit candidates, help with fundraising, register new voters, and grow the local Republican City and Town Committees in the district. One state committeeman and one state committeewoman are elected from each state senate district every four years. This year’s State Committee election will be held in conjunction with the Presidential Primary on March 3, 2020.

“I encourage all Republican voters to make their voice heard on March 3 and, especially, that they will give me a chance to continue my work for the party that I care so deeply about,” adds Saint Aubin.

Margaret "Peg" Simpson: Nine Decades in Franklin (video)

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls as he talks with Margaret "Peg" Simpson and discusses her nine decades in Franklin.

"Born in 1922, Margaret "Peg" Simpson is a lifelong Franklin resident who has dedicated her life to helping people with developmental disabilities and cancer. She shares her stories about working at the Wrentham State School, attending the 150th anniversary of the town in 1928, watching zeppelins overhead in the 1930s and dancing with her friends all throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island."

YouTube link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOoHZ2E5BvM&t

FHS boys hockey and wrestling teams post wins, girls hockey team skates to a tie on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Wednesday.

Boys Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 6 – Final
– For nearly two periods, Taunton goalie Sean Bunker thwarted every shot that Franklin put his way. But the Panthers finally broke through with just over two minutes to go in the second and went on to score five more in the third to grab a win over the Tigers. Conor O’Neil put the hosts ahead with Sean Connelly and JT Dwyer recording assists as Franklin led 1-0 through 30 minutes. Kyle Hedvig tacked on a pair of third period goals while Declan Lovett (unassisted), Shea Hurley, and Andrew Demerchant also scored for the Panthers. Colin Hedvig added two assists while Lovett and Dylan Marchand also had helpers. Bunker finished with over 40 saves for Taunton.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Canton, 2 – Final
– Franklin opened the scoring in the second period and took a 1-0 lead into the third period but had to score with less than four minutes to go to salvage a tie. Franklin’s Amanda Lewandowski scored with just under two minutes left in the second period on an assist from Lyndsey Atkinson. But Canton’s Tess Khoury (from Maria Femia and Lizzie Tassinari) scored 14 seconds into the third period to tie the game. The Bulldogs took their first lead with 6:40 to go when Ellie Roberts finished off a pass from Caroline Tourgee but Atkinson scored the tying goal with 3:12 to go with Jordan Dwyer getting the assist.

Wrestling = Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final
– Franklin took control of the dual meet in the middleweight matches and then closed it out with strong matches in the heavyweights, opening league play with a convincing win. OA was fired up in the first match when Nathan Lipski won by fall at 106, but the Panthers got those six points right back with a pin for Dillon Cashin at 113. Drew Difilipio was able to hold on for a 5-2 win at 120, but Remi Creighton tied the meet for OA with an 8-2 win at 126. Jake Carlucci (132) and Nelson Malone traded pins to keep the score tied, 15-15, but then the Panthers took over. Alex Fracassa had a second period tech fall to earn five points followed by back-to-back pins from Ken Sauer and Dominic Sackley. Liam Cogavin battled to win 9-4 at 170, although Onye Nwadiugwu dominated the third period of the match, and Dylan Nawn got a pin at 182. Max Anderson grabbed four points for the Tigers at 195, but Matt Walker (220) and Matt Leofanti (285) closed out the meet with pins for the Panthers.

For a Photo Gallery from this meet:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Wrestling-1-8-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League:
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-20/

Oliver Ames vs. Franklin wrestling (HockomockSports.com photo)