Friday, October 26, 2012

Lifelong Learning Updates

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 10/25/12

Last evening was Panther Pride Night at Franklin High School. This program welcomes incoming grade 8 students to the high school and shares information about academics and extra curricular activities. The high school was alive with activity as 8th grade students and their parents visited different information tables hosted by school clubs, listened to the Pep Band and a string ensemble, saw a video on the High School Experience, and listened to a presentation by the FHS principal. Very nice.

Tonight, October 25, over 100 high school students and faculty will be attending the Cabaret dress rehearsal at Dean College. This is an exciting partnership between FPS and Dean College.

Tonight is the second of two classes taught by Mr. Phil Hulbig as part of the Adult Education Continuing Education program for child care providers. The class: Behavior Modification and Designing Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, provides a platform for child care providers to learn how to achieve successful positive behavioral approaches and practical solutions to documentation and intervention.

Sunday, November 4,Franklin Adult Education will be hosting an Afternoon Tea, A La Downton Abbey at Pinecrest Country Club in Holliston. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who love tea and/or Downton Abbey to gather and share an afternoon of delicious food served in a welcoming setting.

Indoor walking at FHS has resumed on Monday and Tuesday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. It will expand to include Wednesday and Thursday evenings, after Daylight Savings Time. For questions about these or any LLL programs please email us at lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Things you can do from here:

In the News: K9 calendars, Ballot Q2



Gotta love that calendar dog: Fundraising calendars for police K9s on sale in Franklin

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Tour three schools in one night

You can get an inside view of Franklin schools tonight with a tour of the Horace Mann, Oak St and ECDC complex that starts at 6:00 PM. I think this among all the scheduled tours should be the one single tour you make an effort to attend. I happen to believe that this tour can reveal the real secret to Franklin's successful school program.

Gee Steve, that is a bold statement!

Yes, it is. I don't usually step out so far but in this case I am not alone in the belief that early childhood education is what drives success in life. A recent podcast (or radio show) from NPR's Planet Money talked about this.

Episode #411 - Why preschool can save the World
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/10/19/163256866/episode-411-why-preschool-can-save-the-world

Two studies are referenced in this show that confirm gains made by students enrolled in preschool created an advantage for those students compared to the control group that lasted for years. Impressive  results.

Maybe you'll take the tour tonight? You'll be able to see what Franklin does in the classrooms for early childhood education, elementary and middle school all on the same tour!



Note: I will only be a participant tonight,the School Administration, School Committee members and building principals are the tour guides. I do hope to stop by to see Mrs Sherlock's room at Oak St.


Franklin's Wendy's new and improved (video)

The new Wendy's opened on RT 140 here in Franklin has made the news as it is one of the first of 10 stores and one of two in MA to convert to this new format.




Reminder: Preschool Fair



The MOMS Club of Franklin, in cooperation with the Franklin Public Library, invites the public to attend a preschool fair. This fair, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Franklin Library on Thursday, October 25th from 5:30-8:00 p.m
Representatives from local preschools in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Wrentham will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information to parents seeking preschools for the 2013-2014 school year. 
Please join us in the Community Room of the Library at 118 Main Street in Franklin.

In the News: ticket sales, dealing heroin, cosmetology class



Tickets on sale for the Nutcracker and Humbug in Franklin

Hurricane SANDY Graphics

from the National Hurricane Center

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY by nhcwebmaster@noaa.gov (nhcwebmaster) on 10/25/12

Hurricane SANDY 5-Day Uncertainty Track Image
5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:38:44 GMT

Hurricane SANDY 34-Knot Wind Speed Probabilities
Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:06:23 GMT

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Make time for Friday Night Soccer!


You may have heard that the Franklin HS Varsity Girls team is doing very well this season. They are currently undefeated with only 2 games to go in the regular season.

One of the games will be played this Friday night, Oct. 26th, at the FHS turf at 7:00pm. It is also Senior Night for the senior girls and parents.


This sounds like a good time to watch a soccer game and support the team!


Feed the Need - Turkey Trot - Nov 22


If you are a runner, or walker you can help the Franklin Food Pantry.


Registration, course map and additional race information can be found at http://www.feedtheneed.org/

In the News: Gerry's Place, dance, disc golf


Attention all Business Owners and Members

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 10/23/12

Let's Light Up the town of Franklin this Year!
In conjunction with the Holiday Stroll on Thursday, November 29th, the Franklin Downtown Partnership would like to encourage you to decorate your store windows in an effort to create a festive atmosphere for the stroll and for the holiday season.

Need ideas? How about a winter scene with snowflakes and a snowman or something as simple as a wreath with electric candles to create a warm glow. Whatever you decide, we are thankful that you are helping make the season merry and bright!
Holiday Stroll Happenings
Below this post is the list of participating businesses. If you would like to be added to the list and join the festivities please e-mail our event coordinators Cindy Kozil or Roberta Trahan at ckozil@dean.edu  roberta_icu1@verizon.net  But hurry...we want to make sure you get included in the handouts.
Franklin Food Elves
Any business interested in being a drop off location for the annual "12 Days of Donating" campaign for the Franklin Food Pantry should e-mail the FDP as soon as possible. The Food Elves would love to have a few more sponsors which is a $200 commitment if the Elves collect 1,200 lbs of food.   The Elves do all the work....and it is a great cause for everyone!  E-mail us today at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com and say you would like participate this year! 
Let's make this Holiday Season one to remember....

FDP General Meeting... more info coming.
We hope to see you at the FDP meeting next Thursday, November 1st at 8:30 am at Dean College.  Bring your ideas for 2013.  We want to hear from you!  




Things you can do from here:

10th Norfolk: candidates debate

The Milford Daily News writes about the final candidate debate for the 10th Norfolk District. I was unable to participate having already committed to the Taste of the Region for the Franklin Food Pantry.  Jeff Roy did have time to stop by and make the rounds before heading over to Horace Mann for the debate.
The candidates, in a far less contentious debate than last week’s, pared down their ideas and focused on what they would do immediately to help residents of Franklin and Medway, from ramping up local aid to collecting more money for the towns’ school departments. 
And in their last public meeting before Election Day, 13 days away, they took a few moments to reflect on their respective campaigns, sharing hardships and joys experienced in their months spent going door to door.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890065024/Election-2012-Eustis-Roy-debate-priorities#ixzz2ACvEMPTC

The MDN article recapping the first debate can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/10th-norfolk-eustis-and-roy-state.html

My complete set of notes from the first debate outlining both Richard Eustis and Jeff Roy's answers to each of the topics for their debate can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/10th-norfolk-candidates-state-positions.html

For additional information, feel free to visit the candidates webpages

Richard Eustis  http://www.richeustis.com/

Jeff Roy  http://jeffreyroy.com/


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Reminder: Lots to do today!


1 - Help the Hockomock YMCA by shopping at Whole Foods

Whole Foods is donating to the YMCA next Tuesday, Oct 23 to promote 'healthy futures'
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/help-ymca-shop-whole-foods-oct-23.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/help-ymca-shop-at-whole-foods-oct-23.html


2 - Taste of the Region

Sample the variety of delicacies offered from around the region at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of the Region event. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving a variety of dishes. Enjoy wonderful music and bid on exciting items in a silent auction.

The Taste of the Region is Tues., Oct. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin.

Tickets are available at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce offices in Attleboro (40 Union St.) and Franklin (4 West St.). Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-528-2800, 508-222-0801 or 508-695-6011 for more information.


3 - School Committee meeting
Agenda for the meeting is posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct_21.html


4 - 10th Norfolk Debate
The second debate between Richard Eustis and Jeff Roy will be held at the Horace Mann Middle School beginning at 7:00 PM

Franklin participates in confined space training


Hi Steve,

Your readers may be interested to know that Franklin municipal employees recently participated in a free confined space training held in Williamsburg. The town of Franklin is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through participation in loss prevention and risk management programs such as this one. Please feel free to contact either Jeff Nutting or me with any questions. Thanks in advance for your consideration.



Franklin participates IN CONFINED SPACE TRAining
OCTOBER 22, 2012 -- Municipal employees in water, sewer, lighting and fire departments regularly work among the most hazardous conditions – including confined spaces. To limit risk and ensure safety, 25 municipal workers from Franklin, Williamsburg and surrounding communities participated in a comprehensive, two-day Confined Space Training on September 20-21 at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg. The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), Williamsburg's property and casualty insurance provider, in collaboration with The New England Consortium (TNEC), a worker health and safety training organization, offered the training free of charge to the communities as a membership benefit.
 According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) confined workspaces are those which, "Hinder the activities of any employees that must enter into, work in, and exit from them." Confined spaces present increased risk of serious injury and exposure to hazards such as entrapment, engulfment in water, soil or other debris, and dangerous atmospheric conditions (presence of toxins or lack of oxygen). On average, 80 fatalities occur each year in the Unites States because of confined space hazards; about 50 percent of them are would-be rescuers. "We are grateful to MIIA for training opportunities like this one, which will help us enhance our community services, keep Franklin's employees safe, and reduce municipal risks – without additional cost to the taxpayer," said Jeffrey Nutting, town administrator. Training participants learned about OSHA-recommended protocols for entering Permit Required Confined Spaces including procedures and checklists for eliminating or controlling hazards and preventing injury. They also evaluated confined space scenarios and learned about the roles of the worksite entrant, attendant and supervisor. Trainees were educated on personal protective equipment, gas meters, air monitoring equipment and blowers; how to calculate hazardous chemical flash points and exposure limits; as well as "lock-out/tag-out" procedures for controlling kinetic or mechanical energy. Hands-on activities in actual permit spaces included group communications exercises and demonstrations of confined space access and retrieval using harnesses and tripod systems.
Upon completion of this and other MIIA risk- and loss-prevention programs, the town is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through the MIIA Rewards Programs thereby reducing its property and casualty insurance costs.
 About MIIAMIIA is the non-profit, member-based insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association insuring nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in the state. In fiscal year 2012, nearly 8,000 city and town employees participated in close to 350 MIIA-sponsored technical trainings and management seminars offered throughout the Commonwealth. Member municipalities' collective efforts yielded more than $2.6 million in premium credits through the MIIA Rewards incentive program which has a 10-year total of $17.3 million. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.
 About TNECThe New England Consortium (TNEC) is a worker health and safety training organization based at UMASS Lowell. Since 1987, TNEC has provided dynamic hands-on, participatory health and safety training. It partners with MIIA to bring several training programs to municipal employees in Massachusetts. Through simulated work tasks and mock incidents, TNEC students gain a better understanding of work site hazards and how to properly respond in an emergency situation. TNEC is one of 20 national programs administered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

39th Annual Craft Fair - Nov 10th

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends will be holding their 39th Annual Craft Fair





Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry will be accepted at the entrance to the Craft Fair

For additional information on Newcomers and Friends visit their webpage here
http://franklinnewcomers.com/