"Tri-County's Positive Attitudes for Work Success (PAWS) program"

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

"Because students quickly alerted authorities, a possible dangerous situation was thwarted at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School this week. 

Tri-County officials on Thursday said that though the topic of online threats may have not come up directly in a student's course of studies, they work to create a school culture in which students can talk to teachers and staff about issues that worry them. 

"Our administrators and faculty make every effort to create an environment where students feel comfortable reaching out to an adult with any matters of concern," Principal Michael Procaccini said in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161215/tri-county-student-reports-led-to-threat-arrest

This is similar to the 'See Something, Say Something' program that arose from Sandy Hook http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/see-something-say-something.html

See something, say something

On the anniversary of Sandy Hook, CBS did this news piece:






If the video above doesn't play properly, try this link
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/schools-training-students-to-look-out-for-warning-signs-four-years-after-newtown-massacre

Live reporting: Zoning Board of Appeals - Dec 15, 2016

Present: Kerwin, Hunchard, Twardowski, Acevedo, Luke,
Absent: Brunelli 

21 Peck Street and 180 Cottage Street, 

Madalene Village - MV Cottage Development LLC
Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 40 unit townhome style development. The building permit is denied without a comprehensive permit from the ZBA.

abutters who wish to speak need to sign in on the sheet at the meeting

added a sewer lift station to the plans
32 units, approx 9,000 gallons for project
tunnel tank to hold storage, approx 15,000 gallons
equipped with a valve pit for maintenance
located adjacent to the stream

adjusted calculation for stream flow
relocation of stream actually should calculate as getting less water with the proposal

issue with infiltration affects the flow
and affects the number of units

constructing the waiver list to get to the board

will be requesting an extension
waivers to be submitted next week
next week is Jan 5th

will write up extension

looking to negotiate on the number of units pending a  connection for sewer

Angela Wislaw, Bob
haven't had a chance to see the sewer station, so the extension is a good thing
Conservation Commission has sent letters to the Office
Dr Craig here to talk about impact to the wetlands area
streams sometimes to need to be field verified, rather than just using an application

applicant seeking waivers from the local bylaws which should be addressed

Army Corp of Engineers has jurisdiction over the re-routing of the stream
has spoken to the developers in regarding the re-direction

the storm water report raises questions
Q7 - did the drought factor in for the measurement of the water table
test pits dug over the course of time, how did that affect the calculations
it is extensive to keep the basins clear and free to enable drainage flow, is there something build in to cover the cost in the future for repairs
Fire Chief has concerns expressed in a letter to the Board

the density of this project is still a concern, something needs to be designed for the safety of the residence

the plot plan raises a question, inconsistencies about a section appearing to be owned by Town of Franklin
A - the land is owned by the developer

relocation of the sream would move the boundary to the Town lands as it owuld abut Fletcher Field

Dr Craig - to speak a little more to the environmental issues
the area is wetland, and greenspace
(doctor of biology and background in wildlife management)
strong stream present even in a drought, definitely a wetland issue to be addressed
does provide wildlife habitat in the center of town

A - test pits were done and evaluated by certified personnel

A - condo association would be responsible for the costs in the future
there is a maintenance schedule specified by the manufacturer


Joanne Pasquentonio - why does the brook need to be re-routed?

A - The brook runs down the center of the proposed roadway

Chris Parish - if under the Town's jurisdiction today
If the stream re-routed, who owns the stream then?

Hunchard, I would assume it would be the Condo association responsibility

Responsibility of the stream re-routing lies outside the area of the ZBA
9.35% affordable, we are not at 10%

waivers of local ConComm being asked for, hence the State regs would come into play

the applicant will be more specific in the waiver declaration
make the extention nfor the 19th to cover for winter events, coming up the for the next meeting Jan 5th

motion to continue the public hearing at 1/5/17 at 7:35PM
seconded, passed, unanimous





The video replay for this meeting is now available from Franklin TV
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=417

MBTA Commuter Rail: Cold Weather Preparations

With bitter cold temperatures expected throughout the region, Keolis Commuter Services is making preparations now to ensure normal operations for the MBTA Commuter Rail system over the next few days.

“Our number one goal is to operate every MBTA commuter rail train on time, every day, for the more than 127,000 passengers who rely on a well-functioning, safe and reliable system,” said Ernest C. Piper, Chief Mechanical Officer for Keolis. “Our riders deserve nothing less – even in the face of extreme cold and other winter weather – and that is what we are relentlessly focused on.”

Specific steps being taken to prepare for extreme cold include the following:

• Patrolling all lines and inspecting the rails for signs of weakness, which can occur during times of extreme temperature fluctuations 
• Pre-treating platforms, walkways and stairs at stations and facilities with salt and sand to prevent icy conditions from developing in case of precipitation. 
• Activating heaters on switches to ensure they are fully operational 
• Making de-icers and bagged sand available in control cars and at select stations to use as needed 
• Checking equipment and parts, such as air hoses and air reservoirs, to safeguard against moisture infiltrating the locomotive air systems 
• Ensuring continuous fueling and re-fueling of locomotives 
• Conducting ongoing safety audits at all facilities to catch any potential impacts on mechanical service, and to ensure that all train doors remain closed.

To reduce the risk of impact to the locomotive fleet, and the ability to operate the commuter rail in extreme cold weather, Keolis will also keep all trains in idling mode overnight from just before midnight on Thursday until regular service begins on Friday morning, and again from Friday night to Saturday morning. The extreme cold temperatures, coupled with high winds, can put certain systems within the locomotive, such as radiators and toilet lines, at risk for freezing, and can cause damage to piping, hoses, and the locomotive engine itself.

Residents living in close proximity to commuter rail layover locations may experience some extra noise on Thursday and Friday night. Local officials have been notified of these plans.

“While we recognize that this represents a temporary inconvenience for local residents, it is absolutely necessary to support continuous operation of the commuter rail system in the face of extreme weather,” said Piper.

Passengers will be alerted about the forecasted cold temperatures, with suggestions that they dress warmly, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and if there are any delays expected as a result of cold-related speed restrictions. Passengers and local residents are encouraged urged to contact Keolis Customer Service with any questions or concerns:

Email: customerservice@keoliscs.com 
Phone: Keolis Commuter Services customer service call center operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and holiday. 
Contact us at (617) 222-3200 (Deaf or Hard of hearing TTY 617-222-5146) 
Twitter: @MBTA_CR

Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Franklin Public Schools: yes, school on Friday, Dec 16

To Parent/Guardians/Faculty and Staff:

We have had a few inquiries about the status of school on Friday, December 16, 2016 due to excessively cold temperatures. We anticipate school being open at the regular time. We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC/power problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a status change at a specific school.

In the interest of safety, we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want students waiting outside of any school in these frigid temperatures. Additionally, our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who are normally walkers. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. Bus stops can be found on district web site (Click on Departments-/Scroll down to Transportation -Click on 2016-2017 Bus Routes). This accommodation is only in effect on Friday 12/16.

If the impact of weather changes, we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

For Your Information:

• Plan to start cars early to warm up
• Make sure students are wearing coats, hats and gloves/mittens while standing at bus stop
• Wear layers of clothing
• Note that Crossing Guards will be on duty. However, they will be permitted to park cars near crosswalks so they can stay warm and be safe - they will watch for students and cross them safely.

Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski

cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin

The full memo can also be found here:

S.A.F.E. presents Resource Manual to First Providers

Representatives of S.A.F.E. Coalition’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council met with area police and fire department personnel on December 2 at the Wrentham Public Safety Facility to distribute the First Edition of the Resource Booklet “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.” 

“WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating
The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.”

Police from Franklin, Medway, Walpole, Plainville, Wrentham, Foxboro, Millis Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police as well as Franklin and Wrentham Fire Departments were present. 

Guests and members of the S.A.F.E. Coalition were introduced by Michelle Kelley (Clerk-Magistrate of the Wrentham Court and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and including Steve Spiewakowski (S.A.F.E. Board member; Wrentham Court Probation Officer), Leslie Hazeldine (Assistant Clerk-Magistrate and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council), Rep. Shawn Dooley (Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and Jordan Warnick (Secretary, S.A.F.E. Board of Directors).

Both Michelle Kelley and Steve Spiewakowski explained that the manual was developed by S.A.F.E. volunteers in consultation with area first responders and with the express intent of having them distributed by first responders to loved ones when they are called to the scene of a non-fatal opioid overdose. 

These easy to understand manuals contain a wealth of information on the many complicated and often confusing aspects of the Substance Abuse treatment system in Massachusetts, as well as resources for families and individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The goal is to assist loved ones in more easily navigating and understanding the signs of abuse and the steps taken in treatment, as well as ongoing support for all. It is expected that Resource Manual would be updated based on feedback from first responders.

“The need for these resource booklets is immense as the addiction crises continues unabated. These booklets will serve as an invaluable resource for those personally battling the disease of addiction and their loved ones as they navigate the sometimes-complex system of treatment services that are available in our area and throughout the Commonwealth. 

It answers many of the common questions people ask regarding addiction, but more importantly it provides treatment options, resources and contacts to obtain additional information and assistance. The SAFE Coalition has provided a much needed and tremendous resource to the communities it serves."

Chief T.J. Lynch, Franklin

L to R: Dr. Jordan Warnick, Walpole Chief of Police John Carmichael, Trooper Kevin Collins, State Representative Shawn Dooley,  Walpole Officer Billy Madden, Stephen Spiewakowski, Franklin Officer John Maloney

---


S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Additional info can be found at http://safecoalitionma.com/

Victories all around for the FHS hockey teams, swim teams and wrestling

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final

– Juniors Luke Downie and Brendan O’Rielly each scored a pair of goals while classmate Jeremy Miller scored once. O’Reilly and senior James Kilroe each recorded two assists as the Panthers opened the season with a win.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 6 vs. Leominster/St. Bernards, 3 – Final

– Sophomore Reagan Paterson netted a hat trick to pace the Panthers in their first game of the season. Junior Jackie Connelly added two goals and an assist while Maddie Hinkley scored once.

Wrestling = Sharon, 15 @ Franklin, 52 – Final

– Franklin’s Jordan Carlucci, Brian Farrell, Ian Bakalars, Dylan Maclean, Ed Cropper, Seamus Cogavin, Myles Polito, Kyler Colella, Jack Coughlin, and Brian Perry all won for the Panthers.

Swimming - Boys = North Attleboro, 70 @ Franklin, 86 – Final

Swimming - Girls = North Attleboro, 80 @ Franklin, 85 – Final

– Junior Ashley Loomis was a double event winner, taking first in both the 200 and 500 freestyle. Franklin swept the 100 freestyle with senior Helen Huang taking first, senior Leah Benoit coming in second and junior Audrey Finn finishing third.

FHS Panthers

From HockomockSports, all the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121416/