Blackstone Valley: Volunteers are Going Places!

Pedal, Paddle and Learn with VIPs July 19 - July 30

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Volunteer-led Events July 25 - July 30 Tuesday, July 25th -  Can Kids Trash Responsible?  Of course! Enjoy a youth-focused GearHeads Trash Responsibly program and earn your Junior Ranger badge! Tuesday, July 25th - Join the Paddle Club at Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park Wednesday, July 26th - Pedal from Woonsocket to Manville (RI) during this week's Ride of Discovery! Don't Forget! - The deadline for submissions to the 2018 Calendar Contest is coming up!  Monday, August 14th, 2017 will be the last day to submit your photo entries. For a complete list of our volunteer-led events and other events  throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor,  Visit the events page on our website. BHC's online events calendar is updated faster than we can say  "Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor"  so check back often to see what's happening. * Afraid that weather is a factor? Check out BHC's Facebook Page for any updates!

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

”(Butterflies are) such an important part of the ecosystem"

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

"The converted carport behind Holliston’s Prentice Road golf course contains a riot of color and movement. 

Blooms in shades of pink, purple, and yellow soar up from islands of loam on the gravel floor, pour from boxes along the walls, and hang from baskets in the ceiling. Black and orange butterflies flit from flower to flower, and a few head for the netted walls and arched ceiling, where visitors can hear the rapid drumming of their wings against the barrier. A mural of the colorful insects takes up a back wall. 

This is the Holliston Butterfly Aviary, which opened for its third season this past weekend, behind the town-owned Pinecrest Golf Course. 

Watch where you step: some butterflies nestle into the gravel at visitors’ feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170718/hollistons-butterfly-aviary-is-open

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage:



The Agricultural Commission in Holliston established the butterfly aviary as part of their regular programs including a community garden, farms day in September and a Spring event in April. Franklin is in the process of getting an Agricultural Committee together to help foster the farm environment. Hmm, what will Franklin do?

"Butterfly Aviary Rules

• Aviary is open 7 days a week 8am-7pm (During "open" season)
• Please no children should be inside the aviary without adult supervision
• Please no touching or trying to catch the butterflies
• Watch your step as butterflies are often on the gravel and you could step on them
• No running, bug repellants, picking up the butterflies or the plants, dogs, food or drinks allowed inside
• Please do not place hands on the netting
• Before you leave, please check yourself to make sure you don't have any butterflies on you"

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage
http://www.hollistonagcom.org/butterfly_aviary.html

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage

Franklin Library: Wild cats - July 19 - 10:30 AM

Wild cats at the Franklin Library, Wednesday, 10:30 AM for children 6 and up.

Wild cats at the Franklin Library, Wednesday, 10:30 AM for children 6 and up

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/wild-cats

“They’ve worked out very well. These are for our protection.”

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

"State Rep Jeff Roy, D-Franklin and Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, made a trip to the fire station Monday morning to get a firsthand look at the newest tools they helped purchase for the department. 

Roy and Spilka worked together to secure a $65,000 grant to fund 60 hearing protection devices for Franklin firefighters. 

The new items will help avoid potential hearing loss, said Fire Chief Gary McCarraher. 

“The hearing protection devices are headsets that reduce the noise firefighters are exposed to within and around the fire apparatus,” McCarraher said. “They incorporate an intercom system so they can talk to one another as well as connection with the radio system.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170717/roy-spilka-appear-at-franklin-fire-dept

Paul Molla demos the new headsets (Jeff Roy Facebook photo)

Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race - Sep 16

Hello to all past participants in the Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race at Wrentham Developmental Center. 

Your support was greatly appreciated! I hope to see you again for the 37th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic Race on September 16, 2017. 

You can preregister on line through Runreg.com 

Thanks in advance, 
Rich Katno, Race Director

37th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic - Sep 16

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 18, 2017

I missed having this meeting on the Franklin Matters calendar (and it wasn't on the official Town calendar, oops...)



1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. 2016-17 District Improvement Plan Update

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading
o IKB – Homework Policy
o JICH – Substance Abuse Policy

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the following Policies as discussed:
1. IKB – Homework Policy
2. JICH – Substance Abuse Policy
b. I recommend acceptance of the following donations for FHS totaling $2,200.00:
1. $275.00 from various donors for the Paul Castelline Scholarship.
2. $150.00 from Mariko Tamate for the K. Kitanosono Scholarship.
3. $1,150.00 from Rebeca Shrager Memorial Fund – Temple Beth Am for inhouse enrichment at FHS.
4. $625.00 from various donors for the Maureen Sabolinski Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of the following donations for Davis Thayer totaling: $3,135.16:
1. $2,897.64 from the DT PCC for Supplemental supplies.
2. $237.52 from O’Connor Portraiture for supplemental supplies.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee – Ms. Scofield
School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Band - July 19

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the Town Common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

July 19 - Sharon Band

• DJ Rich Green - Children's Program

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the Town Common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Children's Programs 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Band - July 19