Saturday, April 13, 2013

In the News: mission to Kenya, celebrate the seasons, commits to Babson

Franklin officer to go on mission to Kenya

As a school resource officer, Eric Cusson regularly deals with kids who have an aversion to sitting quietly in class, who want nothing more than to get the heck out of school.


Partnership celebrates the seasons


The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set the dates for its well-attended yearly events.


On the sports side, HockomockSports reports:


Franklin's Bohmiller Commits to Babson


Franklin point guard Sam Bohmiller announced tonight via Twitter that he will be taking his talents to Wellseley next year, pursuing a college basketball career at Babson College. 


Friday, April 12, 2013

MassBudget: Analyzing the House Ways & Means Budget



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Analyzing the House Ways & Means Budget
On Wednesday, the House Ways & Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2014--its blueprint for what we should do together through state government over the coming year.

Our new Budget Monitor describes how the proposal would affect core programs, from Health Care and Education to Youth Employment and the Environment--including information on how it would raise the necessary revenue. It also compares the new proposal with prior years and the Governor's earlier proposal.

The House Ways & Means budget includes some limited new funding for Higher Education, Local Aid, and Transportation, but it doesn't include the broader investments that the Governor had proposed to improve the long-term economic prospects of our Commonwealth by strengthening our pre-K and K-12 education systems.

  • While the Governor's plan would greatly expand access to high-quality Early Education & Care programs, the House Ways & Means budget actually cuts funding for those programs.

  • To support his broader investments in our schools, our transportation systems, and our economic future, the Governor proposed a revenue plan that would ultimately raise $1.9 billion per year. The House Ways & Means plan includes much less new tax revenue, roughly $500 million.

Read our BUDGET MONITOR

See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Reminder: Trash pick ups delayed one day



Patriots' Day is observed April 15th trash and recycling will be delayed a day for the week.

If your normal pick up day is Friday, it will be picked up Saturday.
Large item pick up will stay the same for Thursday.


Franklin, MA: new twin bins
trash bins or totters

In the News: casino regulations, FHS track teams



Gaming commission may tweak regulations


The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) may adjust its protocol and allow host communities to decide on a casino agreement before it finishes vetting the applicants.


Franklin boys, girls sweep Milford on track



The Panther boys and girls squads both got their first wins of the year with clean sweeps of an extremely undermanned Milford squad. Franklin’s boys won their meet 91-44 while the girls’ had a bit more of tough time, coming up with an 86-50 win.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

"this will revive it"

The Milford Daily News has an article on the new sculpture park being built at the old town pool.
The park’s grand opening will take place in the fall, Kabat said. Depending on available space, the center would like to display between 10 and 15 sculptures, rotating new ones in whenever possible. 
"Some of the sculptures will have containment areas, and some we are going to hide in the trees," said Kabat, adding that the center will accept art from students and professional artists. 
After the park is established, Kabat said he would like to hold art classes there, through the center and the new high school. 
The Department of Public Works has to install fences and create paths, Nutting said. He noted that the park will be handicap-accessible.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1148861843/Art-to-breathe-new-life-into-former-swimming-spot-in-Franklin#ixzz2Q98g1LMm


Franklin_Sculpture3
the old town pool
To contribute to the sculpture park, or buy a brick, you can visit this page http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html

"Understanding behaviors"

The Alzheimer's Association will be at the Senior Center on Wed, April 24th to make a presentation on "Understanding Behaviors".


Franklin_SeniorCtr_Apr24

for additional information on this and other programs at the Senior Center, you can check their page on the Franklin website http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

or subscribe to their newsletter (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Apr13connection.pdf


Baseball: Franklin 10, Attleboro 1



Offensive Outbursts Help Franklin Past Attleboro


ATTLEBORO - Hot bats and a solid performance by Brendan Kuzio gave Franklin a big 10-1 win on Wednesday against the previously undefeated Attleboro.


Franklin Library: Wally the Green Monster



Wally the Green Monster





Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Downtown Partnership - Event Listing for 2013


Franklin Downtown Partnership Sets 2013 Events

The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces the dates of its exciting events and festivals for 2013, including the Strawberry Stroll, the ever-popular Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll. The Partnership also has scheduled its General Meetings and invites all businesses and residents to attend and learn more about what's happening in and around Franklin.
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Franklin Downtown Partnership

Downtown Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 18th, at 9 a.m. The FDP will join the Franklin Garden Club to spruce up the downtown center for spring and summer. Volunteers will plant more than 1,200 flowers, and community service hours will be available for students. Contact Eileen Mason at emason11@verizon.net about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Winter Decorating Day will be Sunday, November 24th.

The Strawberry Stroll will be Thursday, June 13th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Partnership plans its famous strawberry shortcakes, entertainment and a sidewalk sale. The FDP is currently looking for sponsors for this popular event. For more information please contact event Co-Chairs Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com or Bryan Taberner at btaberner@franklin.ma.us.

This year's annual Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each year this popular fair draws more than 6,000 visitors. Booth registration information will be available on the FDP website in June.

The Holiday Stroll will be Thursday, December 5th, at 4:00 p.m. A tree lighting, carolers, a visit from Santa, refreshments and shopping specials will kick off the holiday season. Roberta Trahan and Gregg Chalk will be the co-chairs for this festive event.

The Partnership will hold General Meetings on May 2nd, September 5th and November 7th. All business owners and residents are invited to learn more about the Partnership's efforts in revitalizing downtown Franklin. The Thursday meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the Dean College Campus Center.

1st Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament



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Friends of Best Buddies - Franklin

First Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament
at
Horace Mann Middle School - Franklin!
Sunday, May 5, 2013 
2pm-5pm
Upcoming Events
Dodgeball Registration Form 2013




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Best Buddies
           Best Buddies
First Annual Dodgeball Tournament
Horrace Mann Middle School
Sunday, May 5, 2013
2pm-5pm

  

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You can also find event info on the Facebook page

Italian Wednesdays & Comedy Night at 3!



Italian Wednesdays,
Comedy Night
April 26 & May 31 at 3!
3
461 W Central Street (Rt.140), Franklin, MA 02038 • 508.528.6333www.3-restaurant.com

Forward email




Let's Eat, Inc. | 461 Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Tri-County, Senate race



Tri-County students participate in clinical visits


Sophomores enrolled in the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Medical Careers program are halfway through their experiential clinical learning at the Wrentham Developmental Center, a state-run, residential facility for developmentally disabled adults in Wrentham.


Follow our Senate race Twitter account


To get news about the U.S. Senate special election - including links to WickedLocal stories, news links and candidate statements - follow the Twitter account we have set up for the race at twitter.com/WLsenate.

And a reminder to follow Franklin Matters via Twitter - twitter.com/FranklinMatters


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Safe prescription drug disposal

If you have prescription drugs that you are no longer taking, why leave them in your cabinet?

What should you do to dispose of them properly?
Drop them in the trash? NoFlush them down the toilet or drain? No
Bring them to the safe disposal drop box at the Franklin Police Station.

Franklin_PoliceSta
911 Panther Way, Franklin, MA


The kiosk is located just inside the front door.

  1. Open the handle 
  2. deposit your prescription containers 
  3. close the handle

As easy as 1, 2, 3!

------------

Coincidentally, the newspaper has this article today:


Drug drop-off day is April 27


Local police departments will once again join forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration to get rid of residents' unused prescription medicine when the sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held Saturday, April 27.

Note the DEA site does not list Franklin but the kiosk is at the Police Headquarters!

Rail Trail Committee - Meeting - Apr 9, 2013


The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the YMCA in Franklin.  The meeting will start at 7:30.  At this meeting will will discuss the final details for the 3rd Annual Road Race (May 11), future outreach programs, and our upcoming presentation at the Franklin Town Council meeting. 
Also, registration for the 5k Run / 1m Walk can be found at www.FranklinBellinghamRailTrail.org/3-annual-road-race

Southern New England Trunkline Trail: SNETT
SNETT Trail Head, Grove St, Franklin, MA


The agenda for the meeting

You can also download and print the trace application from here



Ready to Run Program at Team Fitness Franklin



Ready to Run Program at Team Fitness Franklin
Greetings!

A number of you have expressed interest in the 5K training program and we're getting ready to kick it off in early May, with a target of the "Finish at the 50" -5K to be held at Patriot Place on July 3rd. What an amazing experience it will be to run in Gillette!

 

Jenn Champion Goebel, Certified Personal Trainer and experienced runner, will run the program. It is open to both members and non-members of any age and fitness level. In 8 weeks you'll go from "just thinking about it" to the starting line of your first event.

For $295 (less than $19/session!) you will receive: 
  • a week-by-week plan to get you running 3 miles or 30 minutes non-stop; 
  • 1 running workout per week, scaled to your ability; 
  • 1 conditioning session per week, focusing on injury prevention and flexibility; 
  • one-on-one feedback to help you achieve your goals; 
  • advice on everything from diet and hydration to race day strategy and recovery tactics; 
  • registration in the "Finish at the 50" -5K to be held on July 3rd; 
  • and a team t-shirt.
We'll have two groups:

DAYTIME:
  • Running workouts on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Franklin HS track
  • Conditioning workouts on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 AM
EVENING:
  • Conditioning workouts on Mondays from 7:30-8:30 PM
  • Running workouts on Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Franklin HS track

Groups are limited to 5-10 participants, and will start the week of May 6th. 

If you have any questions or would like to register, please email jenn@teamfitnessfranklin.com

**The registration deadline is April 22nd, so don't delay!** 

How Will You Stay Fit??

The Team at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin
Have you tried one of our healthy, protein smoothies?
Here is your chance. print out and bring in this coupon
(and PLEASE, ONE PER MEMBER)
and present it to one of our fabulous, incredible, talented and expert smoothie makers and we will hand you over a delicious, tasty
post-workout smoothie to help you preserve your muscles and help them to re-cooperate, recover, build, and burn calories. 

YOU MUST BRING IN THIS COUPON TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SMOOTHIE!
Please sign your name on the back of the coupon..........................!

Thank you and ENJOY!!!!


Offer Valid from April 8, 2013 through APRIL 30, 2013 @ 9:00 PM

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by tricia@teamfitnessfranklin.com |  
Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS Coach Kristin Igoe

HockomockSports.com interviews FHS girls lacrosse Coach Kristin Igoe



Read the full article
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/04/new-coach-looks-to-take-franklin-lax-to-next-level.html


In the News: Price is Right, Falk's Market



Franklin woman appears on Price Is Right


The typical bucket list entries look something like this: seeing all of Europe, skydiving, swimming with dolphins or maybe great white sharks. Not always, though. Take, for instance, Kimberly Howley’s dream to-do list. On it, the number one item was to catch a live taping of "The Price Is Right."

End of an era in Plainville: Falk's Market comes down

A couple of well-placed nudges against the front of the more than 100-year-old Falk’s Market with the demolition claw of an excavator on Monday morning collapsed the landmark in Plainville center with a loud, resoundingly final crunch of snapped wood.



Monday, April 8, 2013

Construction progress - new FHS

The steel continues to rise at the new Franklin High School. On my walk around Franklin on Saturday, I managed to capture these photos to share here:

Franklin_FHS_front
From Oak St, main entrance to site
Peeking over the green covered fence was a challenge in the strong breeze Saturday.

Franklin_FHS_cranes
The cranes are TALL
Getting closer, the cranes are really tall!

Franklin_FHS_frontrightcorner
Front corner of new building
The coordination of the construction site is amazing. As a IT project manager I can appreciate the level of detail that must be required to get this job done.

Franklin_FHS_scale
front right corner, closer this time for a new angle view
There will be more steel put in place. Follow the line created from the upright sections and you can connect the dots in your minds eye.

Franklin_FHS_backrightcorner
around to the back corner of the right side
Now walking around to the back side of the right. The field house of the existing high school is behind me. That the new building is 3 stories tall is telling!

Franklin_FHS_back
stairway to the roof
The building is impressive. The back is full across but the front is not yet complete. The front that we see currently is the front side of this back section. There will be an open space and then another section like this will get laid out in front. The open space will be a courtyard open on the first floor and letting light into the interior sections of the second and third floors.

The building will be one to treasure as an educational institution!

Yes, there is a Neighbor Brigade in Franklin


Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a resourceful group of volunteers ready to help when immediate friends and family can’t do it all. We are ready to help families in times of crisis, such as illness, serious injury or tragic events. “Help is next door” is what we look to achieve in connecting with others to help during times of temporary crisis.




How do you reach out to the Neighbor Brigade?

You can contact
Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org

2013 Solarize Mass Program


Medway to Participate in Massachusetts Solar Incentive Program

MEDWAY –– Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D – Franklin) announced that Medway will participate in the first round of the 2013 Solarize Massachusetts program (Solarize Mass), a grassroots clean energy marketing, education and group-buying program. Roy is a member of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

The program – run by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) – is designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and further reduce the overall cost of solar power, and offers residents and businesses discounted pricing for solar. The more people in a particular community who participate, the greater the savings for everyone in that city or town.

"Medway has made strides towards reducing municipal energy consumption, including becoming a Massachusetts Green Community and installing solar panels on the High School and Middle School," noted Roy.  "The town is committed to creating a green and energy efficient community and this grant will undoubtedly be an asset to making the town's goals a reality."

Solarize Mass is an innovative initiative sponsored by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) and the Green Communities Division of the Mass Department of Energy Resources (DOER). It provides a structured program for local residential and commercial property owners to access and install competitively priced small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The program will begin in May and the time period for site assessments and sign ups will run through September 30, 2013.

"This year's program will build on the success of the last two years, saving residents and businesses money while creating local jobs," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

"This program brings together residents, local and state officials, and solar industry workers to form a truly grassroots effort," said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton. "With everyone at the table, we can spread the word about the economic and environmental benefits of solar power across ten communities."

"This new round of Solarize Mass continues to build on the clean energy leadership we've seen over and over again at the community level," said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. "When neighbors encourage neighbors, it creates local excitement and greater participation. This grassroots commitment is fueling Massachusetts leadership in energy efficiency, clean energy jobs growth, and renewable energy adoption."

Last year, 17 cities and towns participated in Solarize Mass, with 749 residents and businesses signing contracts to install solar electricity systems with the capacity to generate 4.8 megawatts of clean, renewable energy – enough to power the equivalent of 719 average Massachusetts homes annually. During the 2012 Solarize Mass program, participating customers were able to purchase solar electricity systems for 20 percent less than the statewide average price at the beginning of the program. The program last year also created at least 32 new jobs.

Due to state renewable energy incentive programs like Solarize Mass, residential solar electricity prices dropped 28 percent in Massachusetts in 2012, according to a report issued by the Solar Energy Industries Association in March 2013. This was the second biggest drop in the nation last year.

Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar PV by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is close to reaching its goal – with 220 megawatts of solar electricity installed to date, the equivalent of powering 33,000 homes for a year.

For additional information on the Solarize Mass program visit this webpage

Rep Jeffrey Roy's profile page on MA.gov can be found here

Fenway 1912 author at Library


If opening day is not enough for you, you might be interested in meeting author Glenn Stout at the Franklin Library Monday, Apr 8th at 6:30 PM. He'll talk about his book "Fenway 1912"

library: Glenn Stout
Library: Glenn Stout

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Franklin Sculpture Park - imagine the future

I took a walk around the location of the old town pool on Panther Way on Saturday. The photos in this sequence will take us as we approach on Panther Way and then walk around the pool counter clockwise.

Franklin_Sculpture1
storm water catch basin

You can see the Police Station in the distance beyond the storm water catch basins. These were added to remove phosphorus from the storm water before it gets into Mine Brook.

Franklin_Sculpture2
trees and shrubs have overgrown the pool
Nature has taken over the pool area.

Franklin_Sculpture3
pool wall
Benches are planed to be placed along the wide wall area.

Franklin_Sculpture4
opposite end of the pool
Another pond shaped like a check mark feeds into the old pool area. (See map detail below)

Franklin_Sculpture5
water control

A water control point along the wall

Franklin_Sculpture6
pool overgrown by nature

At the back of the old pool looking towards Panther Way. The police station is to the right.


View Larger Map

You can navigate within this map pinned to the Police Station to see the water flow from the pond to the pool and eventually across RT 140 to Mine Brook.

For more information about the sculpture park, please visit the Franklin Art Center page here
http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html

You can contribute financially or buy a paving brick to help the cause!

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 9, 2013

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens. 
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 26, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Keller Elementary School Update – Julie Vincentsen, Dan Atwell

3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice for 2013-2014
School Committee 2013-2014 Schedule-DRAFT

4. Action Items
a. I recommend not participating in the School Choice program for the 2013-2014 school year.
b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $242.28 from the Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign for employee Douglas Lee for the FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Robert and Margaret Bean for a FHS scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Richard and Janice Parmenter for a FHS Scholarship.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Gordon Bibbins for a FHS Scholarship.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from David V. Anderson for a FHS Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Cheryl and Anthony Tullio for a FHS Scholarship.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Larry and Joan Kerpelman for a FHS Scholarship.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Phyllis and Joseph Mueller for a FHS Scholarship.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Phyllis and Ugo Ciannavei for a FHS Scholarship.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from William Bardol for a FHS Scholarship.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Albert and Cheryl Mucciarone for a FHS Scholarship.
m. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request of Anthony Joseph to take the Keller 5th Grade class to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on Friday, May 3, 2013 as detailed.
n. I recommend adoption of the 2013-2014 School Committee Schedule as discussed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn


Franklin Public Schools: School Choice Enrollment History

The history of school choice enrollment for the Franklin Public Schools from 2003 to the present. This will be an input to the discussion on whether to offer school choice for the next school year.




The recommendation is to continue the recent policy of not enabling school choice. Those students already here can remain but no new enrollments would be accepted.


The full agenda for the School Committee meting Tuesday, Apr 9, 2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-apr.html



School Committee - Draft Meeting Calendar

For the FY 2014 Fiscal year, this is the proposed calendar of meetings for the School Committee. The calendar is up for discussion and approval at the next School Committee meeting.




The full agenda for the School Committee meting Tuesday, Apr 9, 2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-apr.html

In the News: crisis training, medical marijuana, robbery suspect


Franklin firm trains businesses, schools to respond to crises

With repeated exposure to harrowing experiences, the average person can learn to make quick, potentially lifesaving decisions amid the chaos and confusion. That’s the guiding principle behind Synergy Solutions.

Towns struggle for balance with medical marijuana proposals

When local officials discuss the pros and cons associated with a raft of local medical marijuana proposals and restrictions what becomes evident is that the challenge to strike a balance between voters who passed this fall's referendum and legal and health concerns is no small task.
Note: This coverage of what local communities are doing leaves out that Franklin is moving forward with a proposal to establish an overlay zone for these potential businesses in the industrial park areas. There were a series of zoning bylaw proposals referred to the Planning Board at last Wednesday's Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/town-council-040313.html



Franklin police looking for robbery suspect


Police are searching for a man who they say robbed the East Central Street CVS Pharmacy late Friday night with a gun.