Kids' Corner: Art, Science, Yoga & Cooking Fun

Franklin Public Schools                Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning Art, Science, Yoga and Cooking Fun All At Kids' Corner   Kids' Corner Franklin…..     Where fun and learning meet Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity……a place where fun and learning meet. Click on the yellow button below and explore the opportunities we have created just for kids. Check Out The Classes Here....and Register Today  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com (click on Adult Education) adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us  508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: cultural district application being prepared, St Mary's presents "A journey in Faith"

"Efforts to name the downtown area a "cultural district" are moving forward, with those involved hoping to complete an application to do so in the coming months. 

The designation - is given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council - would recognize the area as a place in which cultural opportunities and resources are concentrated, and make it eligible for state support and incentives. 

Alan Mercer - a member of the effort and official with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts - said the state has noticed that such areas encourage economic development. 

"A cultural district is a walkable area that contains things like performance venues, farmers markets, restaurants - cultural assets which, by their nature, bring tourists in," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/franklin-seeking-cultural-district-designation

as part of the application for 'cultural district', the annual cultural festivals have been organized

"St. Mary Catholic Church will present A Journey In Faith from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings at the church’s conference room, 1 Church Square, Franklin, starting Oct. 17. 

The events are for anyone interested in learning more about or joining the Catholic faith. 

The sessions are based on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA’s main purpose is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to become active members of the church community and for Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/st-mary-catholic-church-to-present-journey-in-faith

#shopFranklin speaks with Devin Gray of Optimize Fitness and Performance (video)

#shopFranklin speaks with Devin Gray of Optimize Fitness and Performance. Optimize Fitness & Performance is a strength and conditioning facility in Franklin, MA that specializes in 100% personalized fitness programs.

For more about Devin Grey, visit his webpage http://www.optimizefp.com/

http://www.optimizefp.com/

For more about #shopFranklin, follow them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/ 

Coffee with School Committee - Sep 24, 2017

The Community Relations sub-committee, of the Franklin School Committee is starting back up with our monthly coffee sessions. 

First one is next Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9 AM. 

With a new superintendent search upon is, now is a great time to share feedback about the Franklin Public Schools. We will be launching a quarterly newsletter soon, too. 

Would love feedback on what you'd like to see from the committee. Thanks!

When: 9 AM - 10 AM at Franklin TV on 20 23 Hutchinson St

Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

FHS volleyball tops OA

From Hockomock Sports we share the result from the Volleyball match held on Monday. Due to the inclement weather, the field hockey game was rescheduled for Oct 13.

FHS Panthers

*** Volleyball = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin earned the sweep over Oliver Ames with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-20. Erin Skidmore had five kills, five digs and four aces, Maggie Doyle had four kills, three aces and a block and Lizzie Boynton added six assists and four aces for the Panthers.

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-091916/

Franklin Art Association Meeting - October 5, 2016

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Franklin Art Association

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and Art Swap. Artist members bring art materials and related items such as frames to share. Time permitting there will be art videos to view.

Meetings are free and open to the public. 

For more information log on to www.franklinart.org

Did you register for the Ladybug 5K - Saturday, Oct 15?

This year's Ladybug 5K will be on Saturday, October 15th, starting from Kennedy School at 551 Pond St. In addition to the 5K, there will be kids races, games, face painting, and raffles. Fun, family friendly event.

• Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
• Kids race at 9:30
• 5K at 10 AM
• Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K

Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.

Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650

For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

"The only way we're doing this is if residents will see savings"

"Town officials are hoping for state approval of a municipal aggregation plan in the next few weeks, a move that could end up saving residents money on their utility bills. 

The town presented its aggregation plan - in which it would go out to bid for its energy supply, using the number of energy customers in town as leverage - to the state Department of Public Utilities in August. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said that process had gone well, and the town has been in contact with the firm it hired, Colonial Power Group, to guide it through the approval process. 

"There were a lot of municipalities ahead of us - seven of them at the DPU hearings," he said. "Four of those seven have received orders to move forward."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160919/franklin-awaiting-aggregation-approval

• The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

School Committee - recap Sep 13

The meeting summary for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Sep 13 is as follows:

The superintendent search proposal from MASC was heard. This was the final of the three search firms scheduled. The explanation for missing the original meeting in August was that the appointment was entered in the calendar on his mobile device for 2017.

MASC Superintendent Search - Jim Hardy 

After listening to the presentation and getting clarifications on multiple points, the meeting moved to the school improvement plans for the middle schools and the high school. (It was during this time that I stopped reporting as I had a work phone conference to participate in.)

L to R: Chairman O'Malley, Denise Schultz, John Jewell

I came back from my meeting to catch the end of the high school discussion and get into the superintendent search decision. The HYA or ECRA group was chosen by a 6-1 vote. There was some discussion to make it unanimous but the decision was to leave it as is.

The Franklin TV video of the meeting can be viewed on demand 
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=392


The detailed notes reported during the meeting can be found here:

• Real time reporting: to closing
• Real time reporting: action items
• Real time reporting: superintendent search decisio...
• Real time reporting: Superintendent Search - MASC
• Real time Reporting: School Committee - Sep 13

"We'll likely never get to a point where the project is 'done.'"

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

"The town hopes to launch a new version of its website later this fall, with a focus on mobile accessibility and a smoother flow of information. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the change, set for late October or early November, represents a reorganization and rebranding of the site. 

"We're looking to make it mobile-friendly," he said. "When you look at the site on a smart phone, we want town forms and applications to be available." 

Hellen said the new site will feature a lot of interactive mapping and land-use data, allowing easier access to town information.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-town-website-relaunch-coming

The look and feel of the Town of Franklin webpage will change in Oct or November

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Join Franklin Downtown Partnership members, meet new contacts and strengthen connections, all for $6.55! 

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Networking Luncheon

Tuesday, September 20

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dean College Dining Center 

RSVP:  mlechter@dean.edu

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/09/networking-luncheon-tuesday-september-20.html

Free Flu Shot Clinic - Oct 20

For all Franklin residents, age 6 months or older

At the Franklin Senior Center from 1 - 3:00 PM on Thursday, Oct 20, 2016






This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D127F-000F8513

Franklin Senior Center

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: 2nd human case of West Nile Virus in Norfolk County

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the state’s second human case of West Nile Virus in a 70 year old man from Norfolk County. 

While West Nile Virus can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at a higher risk for severe disease. 

It is important to note that Massachusetts is still in the peak season for possible West Nile Virus infection. The risk will continue until the first hard frost of the year, which typically occurs in October. All residents are strongly urged to follow the recommendations listed below to protect themselves and their loved ones from illness caused by mosquitoes. 

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin. 

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently. 

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants. 

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito"

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D16A3-000F8513

www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

In the News: Gerry's Place opens, Harvest Stroll Oct 6th, some downtown merchants complain

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

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School’s student-run restaurant, Gerry’s Place, opened its doors for the school year on Sept. 14. 

The first quarter menu features an Italian stuffed mushrooms appetizer, homemade soups du jour and a stuffed tomato salad served with a choice of turkey or tuna. Entree options include chicken gruyère, Asian pork cutlets, stuffed cabbage rolls and a low-fat Cajun poached haddock. Lighter fare includes an 8-ounce open steak sandwich and a buffalo chicken breast sandwich. 

Gerry’s Place offers an assortment of Coke products, as well as coffee and tea.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/tri-county-regional-restaurant-opens-doors

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership is in the midst of planning for its annual Harvest Stroll. 

Attendees of the stroll, scheduled for Oct. 6 at 4 p.m., will have an additional reason to celebrate this fall: completion of the two-year streetscape project that has remodeled the downtown area. 

Scott Martin, a partnership member and executive director of the local YMCA branch, said the stroll is one of the group's signature events. 

"Luckily, (with the implementation of two-way traffic) we'll be able to close down the street, allowing for a great street festival feel this year," he said. "We have 17 sponsors, six of them new."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-harvest-stroll-planning-under-way

Downtown Franklin getting dressed up for the Harvest Stroll

"Downtown merchants and organizations have raised concerns - such as traffic-light timing and parking - resulting from the streetscape project that has transformed the area. 

They discussed them at this month's Franklin Downtown Partnership meeting, bringing their thoughts to Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, who was present at the session to give an update on the project's status. 

Many noted that some of the newly installed traffic lights seem to have odd timing, mentioning that the lights facing certain streets rarely turn green. Others noted inconsistent sign placement at the intersection of Main and Emmons streets; the existence of some stop signs there, they said, give drivers the impression that all cars are supposed to stop before entering the intersection."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-merchants-raise-downtown-traffic-concerns

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Sep 21, 2016 - Agenda

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– September 7, 2016

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
- Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS 
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- TM1 Solutions d/b/a 7-Eleven Store Number 37380A – Transfer of License, Change of Manager, Alteration of Description of Premises

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- Plastic Checkout Bag Bylaw

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-54: Appropriation: FY 17 School Budget (Majority Vote)
2. Resolution 16-55: Acceptance of Deed of Land and Grant of Access Easements off Lincoln Street (Majority Vote)
3. Resolution 16-56: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Developer of Rolling Brook Estates off Lincoln Street (Majority Vote)
4. Resolution 16-57: Grant of Utility Easement Town-Owned Land at 118 Main Street (Franklin Public Library)( 2/3 (6) Majority vote)

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN

Franklin Library under construction to add a wing and renovate some of the interior sections

The PDF version with links to the supporting documents can be found here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D6A1C-000F8513

• The plastic bag ban proposal

• 
  

"We don't want to link clothing and learning"

The School Committee Policy subcommittee will be meeting on Monday evening, Sep 19 at 7:00 PM in the 3rd floor training room. They will be exploring possible revisions to the dress code.

Earlier this year, this post from Upworthy generated some attention when the 7th grade girls in Portland, OR raised the issue to their school board. A copy of the fully approved dress code they initiated is linked to below. (Note: the dress code activity actually took place in 2015. Just took a while for it to gain attention.)

"AnaLuiza, a seventh-grader, told a story of a friend who was pulled aside one day for wearing a skirt deemed to be too short. The friend sat in the principal's office for hours while the staff tried to get ahold of her parents. She missed important classwork, and worse yet, felt humiliated by the ordeal. 

"The only reason I go to school is to get my education," AnaLuiza told the board. "When I get dressed in the morning, my intention is not to provoke or be sexualized. My intention is to feel comfortable in my own skin." 

Sophia, also in seventh grade at the time, spoke last. "My problem with the dress code is that 100% of the students that get sent home are female. ... In a way, you're telling [a girl] that boys are more entitled to their education than she is. And I don't think that's acceptable."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.upworthy.com/tired-of-being-humiliated-these-girls-fought-the-school-dress-code-and-won

Four students from Portland, Oregon, testified in front of the board in May 2015. Image via PPS Communications/YouTube.

From the Portland Public Schools
http://www.pps.net/cms/lib8/OR01913224/Centricity/Domain/219/4.30.013-AD%20Student%20Dress%20Code.pdf

Recycling Center not taking grass or leaves on Sunday

The recycling center will not be taking grass or leaves tomorrow, Sunday September 17th, due to the two fires in the compost pile over the weekend! 

We need rain!

Franklin DPW photo from Facebook

This was shared from the DPW Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/1149179871833148

In the News: parking meters removed, Franklin Art Center classes available

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

"With Franklin voting to permanently remove its parking meters this year, those coin-eating sentinels of the sidewalk have become an increasingly rare sight in the Milford area and MetroWest. 

Even those towns that have kept their meters - Framingham and Natick - have considered ways to modernize them in a world where fewer and fewer people are carrying change. 

The Franklin Town Council voted in August to eliminate parking meter rules from its bylaws, a move that followed the physical removal of the town's 50 meters to facilitate a remodeling of its downtown area. The meters, which collected about $18,000 a year, were deemed inconvenient and aesthetically displeasing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160917/parking-meters-vanish-in-some-towns-modernize-in-others

the parking meters have been removed from downtown Franklin, so they won't be decorated for the holidays

"Franklin Art Center, 391 E. Central St., has added new art classes for ages 2-6 this fall. 

ABC Art will focus on a letter a week. Students will learn letter formation and letter sounds, and will complete a piece of art to go along with the weekly letter. 

Classes are available 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Sept. 20-22, letter C, cat collage; Sept. 27-29, letter D, dog drawings. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160917/franklin-art-center-announces-new-classes

Library Book Sale weekend

• Saturday

9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library

• Sunday

9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library (fill up a bag for only $5)

Library Book Sale weekend

Bottle Can/Drive - Today for FHS All Night Party

There is a bottle and can drive at the FHS parking lot to benefit the FHS All Night Party

 bottle and can drive at the FHS parking lot to benefit the FHS All Night Party

From 9:00 AM to noon on Saturday, Sep 17