Franklin Library: LEGO Club - Jan 15 - 4:00 PM

The LEGO Club returns to the Franklin Library on Thursday. Gather the kids for a fun time building with LEGOs

LEGO Club at the Franklin Library

Good for kids aged 3-12, the club event starts at 4:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/01/lego-club.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 13, 2015

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

The Key to Learning - Franklin Public Schools

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards

1. Madison Wendell
2. Haley Frank

b. Trends in Special Education – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-special-education-update.html

c. Capital

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – Elimination (First Reading)

o GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules

BICO Collaborative Agreement 

2015-2016 School Calendar Draft

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-school-calendar-for-2015-2016-draft.html

4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving Policy GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules to a second reading for elimination as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the BICO Collaborative Agreement as discussed.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks Davis Thayer Elementary School totaling $550.00:
1. $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc.
2. $500.00 from BOKS, Reebok Foundation
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,260.26 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for supplemental curriculum materials at Keller Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the RMS PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of six checks for FHS totaling $3,914.67:

1. $175.29 from PBC
2. $459.38 from All American Publishing
3. $1,800.00 from Franklin Music Boosters
4. $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer Jobin
5. $243.00 from various parents
6. $987.00 from various parents

g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,481.20 ($1,186.20 & $295.00) from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of computer monitors from Sy Tech Inc. for the Technology Department. (approximate value $100.00)
i. I recommend approval of the Capital plan as presented.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/18-19/15 for a Hockey Competition.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,300.00 from the Music Boosters for district-wide extra-curricular music.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

FPS: Special Education Update

The presentation released for discussion at the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015.




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

screen grab of Pupil Services page

For additional information on the Pupil Personnel Services, you can visit their webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_PupilServices/index

FPS: School Calendar for 2015 - 2016 DRAFT Only

One of the documents released for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 is the draft calendar for the next school year.

You can view the calendar here

community entrance to Franklin High School

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

FHS boys basketball tops Mansfield at TD Garden

The FHS basketball and hockey teams had games on Saturday. The girls hockey team lost while the other three teams won according to the results from Hockomock Sports. 

While most Franklinites were likely watching the Patriots, the FHS boys basketball team beat Mansfield on the parquet floor at the TD Garden.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 58 @ New Bedford, 19 - Final

Boys Hockey

Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 10 - Final - Foxboro's Gus Herlihy scored the Warriors' lone goal.

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Medway, 3 - Final

FHS benchreactsto the game - Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry

Additional results from Hockomock League action on Saturday can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-011015

Game of the Week - Boys Basketball

Mansfield, 54 vs. Franklin, 57- Final (@ TD Garden) - Dylan Reno scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to help Franklin come back from 49-44 to go on a 13-2 run to take control in the final minutes. Tim Prunier led the Panthers with 17 points and had four assists, Shawn Hanley had 13 points, and Marcus Geise finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Mansfield was led by Ryan Boulter with 13 points (nine in the third) and seven rebounds. Michael Boen had 12 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, and Nicholas Baskin scored 11 points.

An extended write up of the game against Mansfield can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/late-run-helps-franklin-edge-mansfield-at-td-garden

Including Hockomock Sports photos of the game here
http://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/Franklin-Mansfield-Boys/

You can volunteer to help run Franklin

The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.

Conservation    Conservation Commission 

Cultural Council        Cultural Council 

Disabilities Commission 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member      ZBA

screen grab of Franklin webpage with town committee openings

The application form can be found here
http://www.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

BFCCPS Information Sessions Scheduled

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) has scheduled two events at the school

• one on January 22nd from 6-8pm 
• one on February 7th from 10am to noon 

Both events at BFCCPS will include building tours and an arts showcase


They will also offer information sessions 

• at the Bellingham Public Library on January 27th from 6-8pm 
• at the Milford Town Library on February 5th from 6-8pm

BFCCPS school sign

The BFCCPS brochure can be reviewed and downloaded from here

Hockomock Y: Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites area families to enjoy a free Winter Wonderland evening event on Friday, January 16th from 6:30pm-8:00pm at its Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro) and North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro). 

This free family community event offers lots of interactive winter games, activities and crafts for members and non-members alike. Some of the activities at our North Attleboro Branch include ‘snowman dress’ relays, S’more making, and Face Painting as well a dinner option for a nominal cost. 

Some of the Bernon Family Branch activities will include Ana’s Hot Chocolate station, winter freeze dance party, and journey through the ice tower. Some of the activities at our Invensys Foxboro Branch will include a bouncy house, winter games, music, crafts, and a dinner option for a nominal cost. 

These are just a few of the fun activities planned at our annual Winter Wonderland, an event sure to express the beauty and magic of winter.  

For more information, call 508-695-7001 (North Attleboro Branch); 508-543-2523 (Foxboro Branch); and 508-528-8707 (Franklin Branch) or visit our website at www.hockymca.org.

Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

Representative Roy Host’s Franklin Economic Development Meeting

On Tuesday, January 10, 2015 Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D - Franklin) hosted a Life Sciences Development Meeting in Franklin, MA. Local biotechnology companies, Franklin town officials and members of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center joined the discussion about the opportunities within the Life Sciences Industry, the potential for future development within the region and what Franklin has already done to successfully attract and retain life science companies. 

Cornerstones of Life Sciences Industry range from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics and biotechnology. Thanks to its world-class academic institutions and medical centers, its talented and innovated workforce and its industry-sector leading companies, Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a global leader in the Life Sciences and has fully committed the state's economic well-being to the development and advancement of these Industries. 

"Franklin has positioned itself well to attract life science businesses to the area," said Representative Roy "In 2014 its BioReady ranking was elevated from Gold to Platinum signifying Franklin's readiness to work with biotechnology companies interested in locating in the area. On top of that, it has great schools and reasonable housing prices, making it a great place to live, work and raise a family." 

"Franklin has been the perfect community for growing my start up business to the point of having close to a hundred employees," said Dr. Gregory Chiklis, President and CEO of Franklin's ZeptoMetrix Corporation. "It has been due to the support and resources available to me in Franklin that we have been able to grow ZeptoMetrix." 

"The Life Sciences are the fastest growing industry sectors in Massachusetts," said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the agency charged with implementing the state's ten-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative. 

"All regions across the state and workers at all skill levels are benefiting as the life sciences ecosystem continues to grow and thrive. We are excited about Representative Roy's efforts to bring leaders together to discuss strategies for regional life sciences growth in and around Franklin, and we look forward to a continued partnership in those efforts." 

 "I am very excited that Rep. Roy brought together this group of educators, government officials and industry leaders to shine a light on all that Franklin has to offer to biotech and other businesses," said Attorney Michael Doherty of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to encourage businesses to locate to one of our industrial parks in Franklin."  Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C.  is a firm that represents local business in Franklin and surrounding communities." 

"As Chief Medical Officer of a well-established Boston biotechnology company, I believe that Franklin offers all the attributes and ingredients to create a dynamic and vibrant environment for the development of innovative treatments to address unmet medical needs of patients," said Dr. Michael Sabolinski, founder of Sabolinski, LLC.  

"Among these are access to medical centers of excellence, key opinion leaders in multiple therapeutic areas, and experts in clinical research. I look forward to the growth of biotechnology in Franklin, and am excited about the opportunities that the town presents for both start up and well established Companies." 

"It was wonderful that Representative Roy brought the players to the table to help jumpstart Franklin's efforts in economic development and the life sciences," said Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator. 

"I would like to thank Rep. Roy for putting together the life sciences meeting. He and our Town Administrator Jeff Nutting are doers and put together an excellent program," said Robert Vallee, Franklin Town Council's Chair. "I look forward to getting the entire Town Council involved in the discussion and pursuing this issue as hard as we can." 

"Franklin has done much to attract a higher level of commercial and industrial investment to our industrial areas, including creation of priority development sites and economic development areas, and streamlining of permitting processes for biotechnology uses," said Bryan Taberner, Franklin's Director of Planning and Community Development. "The Town currently contains a cluster of life sciences companies, including bio-storage, robotics, medical devices and instrumentation, and biotechnology.  I look forward to working with Representative Roy to attract additional life science companies to this great community." 

"What sets Franklin apart from many communities is the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders," said Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools "Our elected and town officials work in concert with business and higher education to meet the needs of our community members and always strive to improve all public services. The shared sense of community enables stakeholder to establish a shared vision and mission." 

With Massachusetts as a foundation, Franklin's attractiveness for business development has created a unique opportunity to provide positive economic growth, help advance the development of the Life Sciences and benefit the global community.

Franklin Police: B&E Suspect Looked For

If you recognize this person please call Franklin Police Dept.

screen grab of wanted poster

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.

If you would like to subscribe, follow this link 
http://www.franklin.ma.us/subscriber-news

Benjamin Franklin's Birthday Party - Jan 18th - Historical Museum

Printer, author, scientist, musician, inventor, diplomat and revolutionary.

On Sunday, January 18th the museum will be celebrating the birthday of our town's namesake, Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, 1706.

The town of Franklin was originally to be named Exeter. As our forefathers made their way to Dedham to establish the charter of incorporation, word of Ben's success in establishing the French alliance with Louis XVI had made it's way to the Colonies. 

And, as noted in the History of Franklin by Mortimer Blake, a last minute decision was made, '... and it was with graceful tribute to the successful diplomatist, Franklin, that the town, just at that date applying for incorporation, should bear his name.'

As a special treat, Vera Meyer will return to the museum to perform on the glass harmonica, a unique instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin.

Vera Meyer and Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri in 2011

About the instrument:

The glass harmonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. The instrument enjoyed wide popularity in Europe (where Franklin was living at the time) for about 40 years until it was banned by German police around 1830. 

It was feared by people and thought to cause insanity, nervous disorders, convulsions in dogs and cats, marital disputes, and even wake people from the dead. 

It is possible that the lead in the glasses used at the time caused a neurological problem for people. However, maybe it was the haunting tones of the instrument, or maybe it was because Anton Mesmer used the instrument to hypnotize his patients. 

We have discovered about 300 compositions originally written for glass harmonica, including works by Mozart and Beethoven.

Prior posts:

Ben's birthday in 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/the-glass-harmonica.html

in 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/historical-museum-photo-essay-jan-29.html

in 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/01/vera-meyer-glass-harmonica.html

Five issues that will shape the news of 2015 - The Climate Minute Podcast

New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) Five issues that will shape the news of 2015- The Climate Minute Podcast by massclimateaction What are the underlying issues that will drive climate progress in 2015? We discuss a Congress that denies global warming, low oil prices, the Trans-Pacific partnership, upcoming negotiations in Paris, and the impact of the Pope's views on global warming. First, we note that Cape Wind is in jeopardy. There seems to be enough momentum behind the wind industry the progress in other areas is likely. Congress is targeting the Keystone pipeline. Read Dave Roberts who says about the whole controversy that "This is the first time since cap-and-trade that the movement defined a clear fight specifically about climate. They picked something Obama could block and then set out making the case that he should block it. It was something that could could have passed without a blink from anyone, and they charged it with meaning. They marched, protested, organized, wrote, and marched some more. They got big money to enter political races behind the issue. They got key allies to speak out against it. They've managed to delay and delay it. They even got Obama to say that he'll reject it if it has any impact on greenhouse gases. (Imagine that standard applied to all future infrastructure projects!)" It seems the President will veto the bill, but this is just the beginning of a long fight. Bill McKibben said "This is a tribute to the millions of people who have made this one of the center pieces of a fast growing climate movement. So far their desire to protect the land and climate have been a match for the fountains of dirty money that constitute the oil industry's only real argument." If you want to find your rep's phone number, click here, for your Senator, click here. Robert Reich says this about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) "Even better for global companies, the tribunal can order compensation for any lost profits found to result from a nation's regulations. Philip Morris is using a similar provision against Uruguay (the provision appears in a bilateral trade treaty between Uruguay and Switzerland), claiming that Uruguay's strong anti-smoking regulations unfairly diminish the company's profits. What does the acronym INDC mean? "Intended Nationally Determined Contributions." Say that three times fast! It is a statement of how much carbon each country will promise to cut in the preparation for negotiations in Paris at COP21 next December. Pope Francis is said to be preparing an important statement on climate next year, but will likely anger some conservatives. Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon. Thanks for listening. …Ted McIntyre massclimateaction | January 9, 2015 at 6:57 am | Tags: Cape Wind, Climate Change, COP21, global warming, Keystone XL, Koch Brothers, Pope Francis, TPP | Categories: Climate Action | URL: http://wp.me/p14L3C-12m Comment    See all comments    Like Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser:  https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/five-issues-that-will-shape-the-news-of-2015-the-climate-minute-podcast/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

Mass Climate Action Network

You can listen to the podcast here or download it to your mobile device

One Simple Solution for Medication Safety (video)

New year, new year's resolutions, may be you do that. May be you don't.

Our individual health is important and this brief video has a good tip that everyone should follow.

Easy to do....




For more Dr Mike videos you can visit him on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/docmikeevans

or his webpage  http://www.evanshealthlab.com/

"we shouldn’t have to feel like we are being judged"

Those who attended the first public hearing for the change Wednesday and a few who watched from home felt the council came across as flippant in listening to their thoughts on the measure. 

If approved, the new zoning would authorize multi-family homes at the property, located off Interstate 495; hotels and office buildings are permitted there now. 

Councilors who support the measure say expanding the zoning will attract more developers, improving the town's chances of finally making much-needed revenue - in the sale of the land and from taxes - off the former sewer beds. 

But Wednesday, dozens of residents who live on or near Pond Street expressed concerns over the measure as it is written now. 

Most of the comments were about the prospect of increasing traffic on a roadway that is already nightmarish during rush hour. Residents also sought assurances from councilors that only a certain number of apartments or condominiums be allowed.

Continue reading the article at the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required): http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150110/NEWS/150119699/1994/NEWS#sthash.oKoKsM99.dpuf


My summary of the full Town Council meeting including audio recordings of the Pond St and Emmons St discussions can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/questions-were-raised-answers-sought.html

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/9/15 - THU 1/15/15

FRI 1/9   3:30pm   Science Friday “World of Engineering” - at Franklin Public Library. Registration required.
FRI 1/9   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center: Snowman

SAT 1/10   1pm-3pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
SAT 1/10   7pm   Electric Youth at The Black Box
SAT 1/10   8pm   Brother Sun at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, First Universalist Society Meetinghouse Franklin
SAT 1/10   9:30pm   Electric Youth at The Black Box (see link above)

SUN 1/11   1pm    Jazz4Kids, a free family concert at The Black Box Theater featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends

MON 1/12   7pm   Candle Light Remembrance for Lexi and Sean Munroe at the Franklin Town Common. Donation boxes for Franklin Food Pantry will be set up.

TUE 1/13   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee public meeting at Franklin YMCA.

WED 1/14   6:30pm   Winter Fundraiser for Franklin Downtown Partnership at Pour Richard’s

THU 1/15   4pm   Lego Club (ages 3-12) at Franklin Public Library

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Candle Light Remembrance For Lexi and Sean Munroe

From Facebook, via Gillian Monroe, I find this event scheduled for Monday night Jan 12th:

Lexi & Sean

We will be having a candlelight remembrance for our daughter and son, Lexi & Sean Munroe. 

We will have candles, although you are welcome to bring your own. 

We'll also be releasing lanterns and balloons in memory of Lexi and Sean. 

Donation boxes for the Franklin Food Pantry will be set up. They are in need of toiletry items, peanut butter, tuna, chicken soup and shampoo. 

Thank you all.

This remembrance is scheduled for the Franklin Town Common at 7:00 PM

FM #108 - Emmons St RFP Discussion (audio)

The audio recording (podcast) for the Emmons St RFP discussion from Wednesday (Jan 7, 2015) night's Town Council meeting is available.

The run time is about 34 minutes.





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

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/live-reporting.html


Note: If you have any suggestions/corrections to make, please feel free to let me know.

Norfolk Library: Trivets/Hot Plates Exhibit

On view in the Library foyer for the month of January will be a special exhibit of over 50 wooden Trivets/Hot Plates designed and built by Peter Mulliken of Franklin. 

Mr. Mulliken taught basic woodworking at the Dexter School in Brookline, MA for 41 years, retiring in 2012.

The trivets were an "end-of-term" project for those students who completed their major woodworking project ahead of schedule. They could choose from a wide selection of designs Peter had on hand or could make up one of their own. 

Project plans and drawings for some of the trivets will be on display in addition to basic woodworking reference books Peter found helpful while teaching the students.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, scout and 4-H leaders (and kids!) should plan on stopping by to view this fun exhibit.

screen grab of Norfolk Library home page

The Norfolk Library is located at 139 Main Street, Norfolk, MA 02056

FM #107 - Pond St Zoning Bylaw Discussion (audio)

The audio recording (podcast) is available for the Pond St zoning bylaw discussion from Wednesday's (Jan 7, 2015) Town Council meeting.

The run time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.





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

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/live-reporting-public-hearing-pond-st.html

Note: If you have any suggestions/corrections to make, please feel free to let me know.

A double Panther basketball win over KP

Hockomock Sports provides the scores for the double win by the Panthers over rivals KP. Both games were played in the new Franklin High School gymnasium.


Boys Basketball

King Philip, 43 @ Franklin, 58 - Final - Marcus Giese had another double-double, this time notching 21 points and 16 rebounds while senior Markus Bohmiller dropped a career-high 16 points off the bench. James O'Brien had 13 points for King Philip and Ryan Layman added 10 points.

Franklin's Marcus Giese (42) drives to the hoop against King Philip's Erich Ryan (44). (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Hockomock Sports provides a more indepth report on the boys game here

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/defensive-effort-in-middle-quarters-propels-panthers

Girls Basketball

King Philip, 35 @ Franklin, 65 - Final - Franklin's Jillian Spolidoro led all scorers with 15 points while Lexi Martin added 13 points and Aubrie Kutil chipped in with 10 points. Emily Sullivan led King Philip with 14 points.

Franklin's Jillian Spolidoro takes the ball to the hoop in the second quarter. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Hockomock Sports provides a more indepth report on the girls game here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/spolidoro-gives-panthers-triple-threat-against-kp


For all the results across the Hockomock League on Thursday you can find it here  http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010815