In the News: recount adds one to Burr, roadwork wrapping up, cupcake decorating class, PARCC results for Charter School

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"After a four-hour recount session, Teresa Burr was affirmed as the winner of the town clerk election. 

Burr, who led the election-night tally, widened her margin of victory over second-place finisher Diane Padula-O'Neill by one vote, taking the race 1,114 to 1,081. 

The recount, which took place in the council chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building, had election workers hand-counting the cast ballots. They were overseen by observers from both campaigns."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151115003/1994/NEWS

"Roadwork in town is wrapping up as the winter months near, according to town officials. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting told the Town Council at its Wednesday night meeting that projects in town were drawing to a close. 

"We're hoping the weather holds while we finish up Oak Street," he said, noting that the road there needs paving. 

Nutting spoke about the downtown improvement project, which will be ending for the season, but will resume next year."

new traffic calming island on Oak St

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151114990/1994/NEWS

"Franklin Public Schools, Lifelong Learning Institute and the Center for Adult Education & Community Learning will host a cupcake-decorating event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151115477/1994/NEWS

"Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School students outperformed state averages on all tests on the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests taken last spring. 

Across all grade levels tested, students at BFCCPS averaged an 81 percent proficiency rate on PARCC English language arts exams and 70 percent in math, compared to average statewide proficiency rates of 46 percent and 45 percent, respectively."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129981/1994/NEWS

Franklin Lions Candy Drop collects over 550 pounds

From November 1 - 7, the Franklin Lions Club collected candy for their 3rd Annual Candy Drop. All candy donated is delivered to troops overseas through Operation Gratitude. 

This year, thanks to the parishioners of St. Mary's, and families of Jefferson Elementary, Parmenter Elementary and Stapleton Elementary in Framingham, a total of 556 pounds was collected, sorted, boxed and shipped to support our troops. The largest collection yet. The club also donated 25 tooth care kits. 

Upcoming events include the Bellingham/Franklin Senior Luncheon on Saturday, December 5 and Painting with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 12. Please be on the lookout for more details. 

candy collection 01

candy collection 02

Any questions please contact the club directly at franklinmalions@gmail.com or visit our website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma.

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars

Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league, shared from Hockomock Sports.


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Angela Connolly, Stoughton

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Samantha Jones, Franklin
• Taylor Reutlinger, Franklin
• Kenzie Pleshaw, Franklin
• Annie Walsh, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Abby Egan, Franklin

For the complete listing of All Stars follow the link here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-field-hockey-all-stars/

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Golf All Stars

Below are the official Hockomock League Golf All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league and shared from the Hockomock Sports.


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Ryan Tomaso, Milford

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Bryan Woelfel, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Matt Dao, Franklin

For the full listing
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-golf-all-stars-honorable-mentions/

Franklin Federated Church to Host Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 22, 2015 – 7 pm

People of faith in the Franklin community have a long-standing tradition of gathering annually for an Interfaith Thanksgiving worship service. Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council, this year’s Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday evening, November 22 at 7 pm at Franklin Federated Church. 

Thanksgiving Service and Prayer

The Interfaith Thanksgiving service is a shared celebration and remembrance for the blessings in our lives for which we are grateful. The service is a wonderful occasion for people of various faith backgrounds to come together as an interfaith community to give thanks for the goodness in our lives and express our gratitude for God’s blessings. 

The community gathers in worship to share some readings, reflections and prayers from Franklin’s clergy leaders and to enjoy special musical offerings by the Franklin Interfaith Choir. The service opens our eyes to the various faith communities within Franklin and reminds us of the religious freedom we enjoy in America. 

The event also provides the opportunity to support Franklin’s Fuel Assistance program administered by the Interfaith Council. A free-will offering will be received to fund this important resource to help Franklin families pay their heating bills during the winter months. 

As we express our thanks we also remember those within our community who are financially stressed and need a helping hand. Checks may be made payable to the Franklin Interfaith Council. Your generosity is encouraged! 

Join with your fellow Franklinites of faith on Sunday evening, November 22nd to give thanks with a grateful heart. Amen.

Downtown Project Update #18 - traffic flow map for 2016

The Downtown Project Update #18. Page 2 shows the detail on the traffic flow that will change some time in 2016.  When will the date/time for the switch from one-way to 2-way traffic be? Stay tuned. No one knows today.

There are detail sections for the corner of Emmons and West Central as well as at the railroad bridge (triangle).

patched spot on West Central St

Note: when traveling east to get to Main St from West Central, you'll need to turn at Emmons. Once you get to the bridge, there is no left turn to Main St.

Senator Spilka Honored for Juvenile Justice Leadership

Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) received the 2015 Leadership Award from Citizens for Juvenile Justice at the organization’s annual Leadership Celebration last week, in recognition of her work to reform the juvenile justice system, invest in children and support communities in Massachusetts.

“If we want to truly reform the juvenile justice system, we need to invest in our children,” said Senator Spilka. “I am honored to work with such a caring, compassionate community of juvenile justice reform advocates in Massachusetts. I look forward to continuing the work to create a society where more children have opportunities to learn and succeed.”

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC; Senator Karen Spilka; Naoka Carey, Executive Director, Citizens for Juvenile Justice

“Senator Spilka is an exceptional leader on behalf of young people in the Commonwealth,” said Naoka Carey, Executive Director of Citizens for Juvenile Justice. “As a result of her work, thousands of children and families are benefiting from a more effective, more community-based system of services. Seventeen year olds who once faced time in adult jails are now receiving far more appropriate services in our juvenile justice system. She is as compassionate as she is tenacious.”

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC, and a group of young people from the Teens Leading The Way advocacy coalition presented the award to Senator Spilka. Senator Spilka is working closely with Teens Leading the Way on legislation related to the expungement of juvenile criminal records, to give young people a chance to learn from their mistakes and the clean slate they need to pursue jobs, higher education and stable, productive lives as adults.

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC; Senator Karen Spilka; Teens Leading the Way youth

Senator Spilka worked for seven years on a comprehensive overhaul of the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) system, which handles children who consistently get in trouble at home or at school, including runaways and students who are habitually truant. In 2012, the Legislature began the process of establishing a statewide network of community-based Family Resource Centers, which provide mental health, substance abuse and family counseling services to children and families outside of the court system.

In 2013, the Legislature passed legislation to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction by one year, bringing 17-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction acknowledges that teenagers have unique developmental needs and gives young people the chance to receive the support services they need to get back on track and succeed in the future.

In the 2015-2016 legislative session, Senator Spilka is working with juvenile justice reform advocates on an omnibus bill to address a wide array of reforms, including expungement.