Monday, April 29, 2013

Earth Day, every day

Franklin celebrated Earth Day on Saturday with a coordinated clean up effort. Bags and sanitary gloves were provided to help with the sweat and effort that the many volunteers brought to the event. Coffee and donuts to start, pizza at the finish.


EarthDay_Tshirts
earth day, every day
I talked with Ryan Jette about the turnout and he was pleased. Those who helped got a t-shirt.


EarthDay_Collections
DPW Truck with trash collected
Good weather for the day, what more could you ask for?


EarthDay_Partof
part of the trash collection
I was there towards the end but before everyone else had returned for the pizza so this pile is only a sample of the good work done around town. There is more to be done which is one reason why the t-shirt says "Earth day, every day."

EarthDay_Seedlings
tree seedlings were available for planting
In addition to picking up trash, tree seedlings were available for planting. Ron Clough shared his insight by saying: "Do you know how to tell which seedlings are dogwood trees? You can tell by looking at the bark!"

As with most things, a little humor goes a long way.


"a wonderful community service"

The Milford Daily News covers the Neighbor Brigade here in Franklin.
The goal is to get every town in Massachusetts to join," said Gagnon, who started recruiting for Franklin’s chapter early last summer. 
As chapter leader, Gagnon’s job is to schedule volunteers when new requests roll in. Depending on the circumstances, their work takes on many forms, from shopping for groceries to cleaning a home to preparing dinner. 
For instance, Gagnon has volunteers aiding a 37-year-old mother who’s preparing to undergo cancer treatment. They will help the woman’s family for two months while she recovers. 
"We need everything covered so the family can go on in a somewhat normal way," Gagnon said. "We are going to do weekly house cleaning and whatever else comes about. I have volunteers set up to go in there each Tuesday for two to three hours.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179153788/Franklin-Neighbor-Brigade-provides-help-for-any-task#ixzz2RqPKASVh


Related posts:
Yes, there is a Neighbor Brigade in Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/yes-there-is-neighbor-brigade-in.html

The Neighbor Brigade was highlighted in the recent Schools update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-schools-updates.html

Visit the Neighbor Brigade website http://www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA


Kennedy: Recycling Day Fundraiser


J. F. Kennedy Elementary School PCC and Cub Scout Pack 126 Recycling Day Fundraiser - The J. F. Kennedy Parent Communication Council (PCC) and Cub Scout Pack 126 have joined together to sponsor a Recycling Day Fundraiser on Saturday, May 18 from 9 am -12 pm at the Kennedy Elementary School Parking lot at 551 Pond St., Franklin.

Please bring clean redeemable soda, seltzer, beer bottles and cans. Please, no water bottles, trash or regular recyclables.

A vendor will be on-site to accept computers, electronics and appliances for recycling. The vendor will erase all hard drives.

Fees for recycling, CASH payment only. $5 for Cameras – Photo and Video, Computer Mice, Computer Accessories and Keyboards, Phones, Walkmans, CD Players; $10 for Computer Monitors, CPU’S, Servers, Drives and Disks, Laptops, Fax Machines, Printers, Scanners, UPS Systems, DVD and VCR Players, Home Stereo Equipment; $15 for Microwaves, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Freezers, Dehumidifiers, Hot Water Heaters, Heaters and Stoves, Washers and Dryers, Dishwashers. Special Pricing for TV’s: in plastic cases under 27” - $17, in plastic cases over 27” - $25, in wood cases - $25, projection TV’s - $30.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by the Kennedy PCC for educational programs for the J. F. Kennedy Elementary School students and by Cub Scout Pack 126 for programs for their members. For more information, contact Lisa Lipson at lisalipson@comcast.net.


Stats and standings for Hockomock League softball, baseball

Hockomock Sports has published the current stats and standings for softball

http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/04/hockomock-softball-stats-standings-42813.html?utm_source=feedly


and baseball

http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/04/hockomock-baseball-stats-standings-42813.html?utm_source=feedly


In the News: Franklin 5K, TerraCycle

Franklin 5K, 'The K Girls' set to run May

On Saturday, May 4, celebrate Kris and Kayla Biagiotti’s (The K Girls) incredible accomplishment of becoming the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon

New TerraCycle program kicked off at Franklin's Helen Keller School

Helen Keller Elementary School in Franklin is participating in an innovative "green" program that, in addition to reducing waste and raising students’ awareness about recycling, will also earn extra money for the school by joining TerraCycle’s Chip Bag Brigade recycling program.


Sunday, April 28, 2013

Franklin High School Tour (photo essay)

The tour of Franklin High School on Wednesday, Apr 24 drew the best attendance of all the school tours this year. Principal Peter Light welcomed all and was joined by Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow, and School Committee members Pamela McIntyre and John Jewell. The tour started outside as it was still daylight and a good time to get a teaser of what the new building looks like before getting into the current facility.


FHS_Tour_MagicHappening
magic underway
There is magic underway! Steel and concrete are being transformed into a wonderful learning place.

FHS_Tour_CornerView
front right corner, Principal's office
In this front right corner, the Principal's office will be located where the circular section appears.

FHS_View_D
design view of entrance and principals office 
This is one of the design views showing by comparison the front right section of the building as it will look when finished.

Additional design photos can be found here or on the NewFHS website


FHS_Tour_CraneView
crane view
The cranes are raising the additional sections along the front where the library and gymnasium will be.

FHS_Tour_Walls4MediaClassroom
Classroom walls
In the back right corner of the new building, they are just starting to frame out the walls. This would be one of the classrooms in the new media center.


FHS_Tour_GrandStaircase
grand stairwell
The steel pieces sticking up with the orange caps are the footings for the stairway that will be the grand stairway up from the main entrance.

FHS_Tour_CourtYard
interior courtyard
There is an empty space just beyond this first section of building. This will be the opening for the interior courtyard. It will allow light and air into the interior sections of the building.


FHS_Tour_Art_Hallway
art in entrance hallway
As we moved inside to the current facility, I spent time capturing some of the art work along the halls and murals on the walls. Discussions are underway on which of the mural and other art work will move to the new building and which will not. The students in the new building will need to make it their own space while carrying some of the past with them.

FHS_Tour_RomanMural_Hwing
Roman mural - H wing
Walking along H Wing, there are several large murals on the walls. This one of a Roman scene.

FHS_Tour_FrenchMural_Hwing
French themed mural

This one of a French scene

FHS_Tour_BeatlesMural_Hwing
The Beatles
The Beatles

FHS_Tour_SpanishMural_Hwing
Spanish themed mural
Spanish themed mural

FHS_Tour_WaterFountainArrow
directions to water
The arrow points to the water fountain.

I did not complete the tour on Wednesday evening. I left before it finished to get to the Town Council meeting and report on the happenings there. You can find my notes updated with the DPW presentation copy here

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 30, 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 April 9, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Oak Street Elementary School Update – Corine Minkle

3. Discussion Only Items
Bi County Collaborative Board and ACCEPT Collaborative Board

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Linda and Elizabeth Lachuk for a FHS Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Stephen, Cheryl & Kirsten Miller for a FHS Scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Richard & Janet Silloway for a FHS Scholarship.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Ralph Parette for a FHS Scholarship.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $35.00 from Carole Andrews for a FHS Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment at FHS.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an ipad from John Thomas and Special Friends Fund for Jefferson Elementary School.
i. I recommend approval of the request of Chris Mahan to take 55- 65 ASMS Presidential Fitness winners to a Pawtucket Red Sox game in Pawtucket, RI on May 21, 2013 funded by a grant as detailed.
j. I recommend approval of the request of FHS to take students to Barnstable HS for the Junior Classical League competition on May 10 to 12, 2013 as detailed.
k. I recommend the Franklin School Committee appoint the Superintendent of Schools to be appointed to the Bi County Collaborative Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 academic year.
l. I recommend the Franklin School Committee appoint the Superintendent of Schools to be appointed to the ACCEPT Collaborative Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 academic year.
m. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request of Nancy Schoen to take music students to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 14, 2013 as detailed.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2580.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment.
o. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Kannon Communications for supplemental curriculum materials for the District.
p. I recommend acceptance of a check for $57.75 from Follett for consignment sales for supplemental curriculum materials for Jefferson Elementary School.
q. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Peter Baglioni for a FHS Scholarship.
r. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5664.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips.
s. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1500.00 from Whitson’s Food Service Corp. for a FHS Scholarship.
t. I recommend acceptance of a check for $117.74 from PBC for in-house enrichment for FHS.
u. I recommend approval of the request of HMMS for a field trip to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on June 18, 2013 as detailed.

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

Get out and vote - Apr 30


A primary election on Tuesday, April 30, will whittle the field of candidates in the race to fill John Kerry’s former U.S. Senate seat from two Democrats and three Republicans down to one contender from each party. 
Democrats will choose between U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch, D-9th, and Ed Markey, D-5th. The GOP candidates are private equity investor and former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and state Rep. Dan Winslow, R-Norfolk, a former judge.
Primary Election - Apr 30

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x715749372/Senate-candidates-ready-for-Mass-primary#ixzz2RktyYjaW

Democrats websites

Stephen Lynch = http://www.stephenflynch.com/

Ed Markey = http://www.edmarkey.com/


Republican websites

Gabriel Gomez = http://www.gomezforma.com/

Michael Sullivan = https://www.mikesullivanforsenate.com/

Dan Winslow = http://www.danwinslow.com/

Working on a silent film in North Attleboro "Right There"


Film Production Company, IM Filmworks is at it again preparing to film their 9th film this May. IM Filmworks is a local production company run by North Attleboro resident, Nathan Suher, and Seekonk resident, Gregory Capello. Their collaboration over the years has yielded an impressive portfolio of creative projects almost exclusively shot in town of North Attleboro, or surrounding communities. 
Their current project, RIGHT THERE, is a romantic comedy about a simple man’s persistent attempts to gain the attention of a beautiful woman eating lunch on a park bench over the course of 30 days. “This isn’t your average romantic comedy”, says Nathan Suher, director. By this he means that RIGHT THERE will be a silent film. Nathan says that this film will have a heavy influence from the early era of filmmaking. “I’ve always been a gigantic fan of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Our film’s goal is to recapture this golden era of cinema.” 
Production is slated to take place this May in downtown North Attleboro, MA and will use many storefronts and local businesses for locations, including Bistro 45, Mackie’s Restaurant, Cut, and Speed of Though Playhouse. Many local actors and crew have been brought on to participate in this film including Ryan Hanley, Andre Boudreau, and Brooklyn, NY actress Lauren Ashleigh. RIGHT THERE is written by longtime collaborator Ian Taylor, as well as Nathan Suher and Gregory Capello. 
For more information on IM Filmworks, their movie RIGHT THERE, and Nathan Suher, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/IM-Filmworks/156110034436445

Hopkinton Middle School Lipdub 2013 (video)

Many people got into helping Hopkinton Middle School put together this lip dub of Lady Gaga's "I Was Born this Way". The MetroWest Health Foundation provided some funding for bullying prevention to the district.



Saturday, April 27, 2013

Join the K Girls running the Franklin 5K


On Saturday, May 4th, celebrate Kris and Kayla Biagiotti’s (The K Girls), incredible accomplishment of becoming the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon. Kris and Kayla were 50 yards from the finish line when the first bomb went off and instead of raising their hands in victory, they were forced to shield themselves from flying shrapnel.
Kris and Kayla Biagiotti
Kris and Kayla Biagiotti

This race was founded nine years ago by Kris and other members of the community to honor the life of Bob Biagiotti, Kris’ late husband and Kayla’s dad. Bob’s belief was that no child should sit on the sidelines. The Franklin 5K, formerly called Run for Bob, has raised $75,000 to benefit children with special needs. It has become a celebration of children of all abilities.

The community at large is invited to The Franklin 5K to give Kris and Kayla the celebration they deserve as they cross the finish line at a race Kris founded years ago to benefit the YMCA. Everyone is encouraged to participate, both young and young at heart! Or just come out for a great day with friends and cheer on The K Girls.

Participants in Saturday’s event will celebrate with Kris and Kayla in their first event following Boston. By supporting this race, participants also help to improve social skills, build self-esteem, increase physical activity and independence, and enhance mutual respect among people of all abilities.

Location for the event is Marsh & McLellan Companies, 431 Washington Street, in Franklin. The event will include kids’ activities, touch-a-truck, refreshments, silent auction, raffle, music, and more. Day of registration begins at 9am.

Register today by visiting www.hockymca.org. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal.

The event is presented by Iron Mountain. To find out more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families program, Integration Initiative, or THE FRANKLIN 5K, contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or michaelb@hockymca.org.

Help Franklin clean up on EarthDay


Franklin's annual Earth Day begins at 9 a.m., rain or shine, at the Beaver Pond Recreation Area, 450 Beaver St. 
Teams of volunteers will convene there to sign in before dispersing into neighborhoods with plastic bags for the townwide roadside cleanup. Registration runs from 9 to 11 a.m. 
Every person who registers will receive a community service certificate, and the first 200 volunteers get Earth Day T-shirts.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1424270821/Franklin-celebrating-Earth-Day-today#ixzz2RenMJo3p

MassBudget: what happened during debate - the House budget for FY 2014



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
House Final Budget for FY 2014
On Wednesday evening, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its budget proposal for FY 2014. Our new brief, "House Budget for FY 2014: Amendments Adopted During Debate," describes the differences between this proposal and the earlier version put together by the House Ways & Means Committee. These include:

  • A much smaller cut to Youth Empowerment programs, which help young people find jobs and build careers

  • Additional funding to reverse proposed cuts to Public Health, including programs that support the well-being of children and young adults

  • Partial restoration of funds for Law & Public safety, and particularly for the courts

Overall, the full House budget is still largely similar to the Ways & Means budget. It provides new funding in some areas--notably Higher Education and Transportation--but also cuts to Early Education & Care programs that help improve the life-prospects of young children.


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


Mass Poetry: Outdoor performances you won't want to miss, and more!



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Sessions are filling up! Make sure you're registered so you don't miss one minute of the festival, and buy your festival button today! If you order your button online, just pick it up starting Friday, May 3 from our headquarters at 125 Museum Place Mall!

Don't miss amazing musical acts, poetry performances, and more on our outdoor Performance Stage in Derby Square on Saturday, May 4!

As the Sparrow, 12 p.m.
Poetry Out Loud Finalists, 1 p.m.
Louder than a Bomb, 2 p.m.
Helen Creeley Award Winners, 2:30 p.m.
Boston Typewriter Orchestra, 3 p.m.
Cape Ann Improv & Poetry Show, 4 p.m.
And bring your own poems for open mics in between acts!
Festival Spotlight
Interested in families and relationships of all kinds? Check out these explorative and insightful events!
Primary Connections: Writing Poetry about Family | Friday May 3, 1:15-2:15 | Old Town Hall, Second Floor
Richard Hoffman, Charles Coe, Susan Donnelly
Writing poetry about one's family can be challenging. How do we address emotionally sensitive issues with both candor and sympathetic understanding? Why should the reader or listener care about the people in the poet's life? How is the connection made between the personal and the universal?
Sentimentality and its Absence in Contemporary Poems of Pregnancy and Motherhood | Saturday, May 4, 12:15-1:15 | PEM Native American Gallery
Jennifer Militello, Arielle Greenberg, Lisa Olstein, Rebecca Wolff
In this panel, poets who are also mothers will read poems and discuss the relationship of poetry to motherhood, exploring the ways in which poems of pregnancy and motherhood can both emphasize feeling and shy away from traditional approaches, as well as sharing poems that reflect on the experience in ways that welcome sentiment, reshape it, and even thwart it.

Writing Your Unwritten Recipe: Poems of Your Family's Immigration | Friday, May 3, 2:30-3:30 | Old Town Hall, First Floor
Rachel Barenblatt, Monica Raymond, Joy Ladin, Merle Feld
In this workshop, participants will read published poems that celebrate both immigrant stories and delicious food memories. This is your opportunity to write poems that celebrate both where our families come from, and the ways in which food continues to tie us to our family origins.
Love what we do? Consider donating today, or even setting up a small recurring payment. You'd be surprised what a difference $10 a month can make!

Volunteer at the Massachusetts Poetry Festival!
Receive free Festival admission, a snazzy T-shirt, and an invite to the poets' reception! Sign up here or email Laurin Macios with questions.

225 Lowell St | Carlisle , MA 01741 US


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In the News: place to prosper, plea deal, welfare benefits


At Dean College: A place to prosper


Hitting an academic wall in college can hurt more than in high school, as not only is it lined with less padding, but expectations that students will know where to turn and what to do after the initial impact are much higher.


Dookhan lawyer said he's had 'cursory' talks about plea deal

The lawyer for the chemist charged with faking results and tampering with evidence at a state drug testing lab says he has had "cursory" talks about a possible plea.


State releases information on bombing suspects' welfare benefits

Reversing course once again, Massachusetts' welfare agency made available new details Friday about state benefits received by the family of the Boston bombing suspects, saying public interest in the case trumped the privacy rights of Tamerlan and Dzokhar Tsarnaev.