Annual Healthy Futures Youth Triathlon Encourages Youth to Give it a Tri

This fall, the Hockomock Area YMCA will host it’s annual Healthy Futures Youth Triathlon on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at its North Attleboro Branch at 300 Elmwood Street, No. Attleboro.  Youth ages 3 – 13 are encouraged to Give it a Tri and participate in one’s age appropriate division. Enjoy this opportunity to be introduced to a lifelong activity that builds confidence, determination and a love for physical activity.

2012 Give it a Tri participants

The Healthy Futures Initiative, launched in 2006, is a collective community response to the need for improved physical activity and healthy eating among youth. Since the initiative’s inception, the Hockomock Y has focused on improving the identification and enactment of strategies, building upon principals of intervention, prevention, and sustainable change.

The Youth Triathlon is a fun way to engage youth and families in physical activity and healthy eating. Perfect for both beginner and experienced athletes, the event offers a safe, fun activity to inspire and support youth. The event offers four age divisions, giving each participant the opportunity to be challenged while, at the same time, setting kids up for success.

	Ages 3 - 5	Ages 6 – 7	Ages 8 - 10	Ages 11 - 13
Swim	15 yards	50 yards	100 yards	150 yards
Bike	1/4 mile	3/4 of a mile	1 mile	1.5 miles
Run	1/4 mile	1/2 mile	3/4 mile	1 mile

Register today online at www.hockymca.org.  Click on “Events” and “Youth Triathlon.”  You may also register at any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk in Foxboro, Franklin or North Attleboro.

Day-of registration begins promptly at 9 AM. Parent orientation and bike set up will immediately follow. Athletes should arrive with their helmets and bikes. All athletes will be placed in a heat with heat leaders available to both preview the course and lead stretching.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or MichaelB@hockymca.org.  All proceeds benefit the Reach Out to Youth and Families Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. Learn more at www.hockymca.org.

"Applications can be found on the department’s website"

Franklin is looking to to hire two part-time dispatchers.

Depending on needs, a part-time dispatcher might work one shift a week, Lutz said. 

The department will look to hire no more than two dispatchers, she said. "If they get one for right now, they’ll be happy," she said. "There’s no point in hiring too many because they don’t get called in often enough to maintain their skills." 

Lutz has reviewed a couple of résumés but has not found any qualified candidates yet. They must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and valid driver’s license.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369947107/Part-time-dispatchers-sought-in-Franklin#ixzz2bqJcScJO

This link will download the Word file that is the application from the Franklin Police Dept page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Jobs/I019BE43C.0/2012%20Application%20for%20Employment-%20Full%20Time-Perm%20Part-time.doc

Franklin - Fallen Heroes series

From wikipedia:

Although September 2 is the designated V-J Day in the entire United States, the event is recognized as an official holiday only in the U.S. state of Rhode Island, where the holiday's official name is "Victory Day",^[20] and it is observed on the second Monday of August. There have been several attempts in the 1980s and 1990s to eliminate or rename the holiday on the grounds that it is discriminatory. While those all failed, the Rhode Island General Assembly did pass a resolution in 1990 "stating that Victory Day is not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki."^[21] It is instead commemorative of those who fought, as Rhode Island sent a significantly above-average percentage of its population into the Pacific theater.

To recognize the Franklin Fallen heroes from World War II, I'll be sharing their information this week. Thanks to Rose Turco for putting it together to recognize them and for allowing me to share this with you.


Monday, Aug 12 is the second Monday in August and Rhode Island is celebrating this day. I'll post two per day until the World War II listing is complete.

The booklet handed out for the ceremony to unveil the street signs on May 15, 2011 can be viewed and downloaded here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-heroes-booklet.html

World War II

Bullukian
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-warrant-officer-david.html

Christakes
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-seaman-1st-class-charles.html

Cummings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-captain-robert-l-cummings.html

Dailey
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-staff-sergeant-edward-c.html


Feeley
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-lieutenant-jg-howard-t.html

Grzyboski
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class-frank.html

Hayes
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-sergeant-timothy-j-hayes-us.html

Hosford
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-second-lieutenant-william-g.html

Kell
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-corporal-john-j-kell-us-army.html

Kelley
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-first-lieutenant-edward.html

Laughlan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-corporal-david-laughlan-iii.html

Lazzarini
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-technical-sergeant-baldo-s.html

Martello
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-ensign-william-o-martello.html

Mason
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-charles-e-mason-us.html

McCahill
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-daniel-e-mccahill.html

Mucciarone
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-staff-sergeant-anthony-j.html

Parmenter
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-first-lieutenant-gerald-m.html

Perret
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-jules-e-perret-us.html

Rollins
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class.html

Schur
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-second-lieutenant-john.html

Wyllie
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/aviation-radioman-2c-john-w-wyllie-jr.html


Vietnam War

Desper
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-lance-corporal-richard.html

Garron
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-lance-corporal-lawrence-e.html

Paulette
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-joseph-ronald.html

Pasquantonio
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html

Shaw
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-airman-1c-russell-w-shaw.html

Willard
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-alan-wayne-willard.html

Fallen Hero: Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps

Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps, was born in Franklin on June 11, 1919, the son of David and Lucy Bullukian. David lived at 64 Cottage Street with his parents and sister, Beatrice. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1937 and served in the local Naval Reserve. 

David joined the Army Air Corps where he rose steadily ahead in rank after attending the army air force advanced flying school for twin engine aircraft. He was one of 20 enlisted men to receive the coveted appointment as a warrant officer and served as the assistant post technical inspector at the Greenwood Army Air Field. Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr. was killed in a plane crash in the Midwest in 1943. 

In the memorial service for Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr. the Rev. Holge N. Schluntz expressed these words, “We recall with gratitude the splendid personal characteristics and patriotism of this young man.” 

Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., age 24, left his young wife Jeanette of Indiana at the time of his death in 1943.

Fallen Hero: Bullukian

Fallen Hero: Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy, was born on October 1, 1920, the son of Theodore and Agnes Christakes. Charles lived at 2 Garfield Street with his parents, three sisters and one brother. 

Charles graduated from Franklin High School in 1938 and then attended Dean Academy. Charles was an outstanding athlete and played semi-pro baseball and football in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes served aboard the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley which was involved in a vicious attack of Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes. In a 95 minute attack, the Hadley shot down 23 enemy planes, more than any ship in any one engagement in Navy history, before or since. Thirty-one members of the crew perished and 116 others wounded. On May 11, 1945 in this Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific, Gunner Charles Christakes, when wounded went below for treatment. He then went back up to man the guns when he was killed. For his action, Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was awarded the Silver Star. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was 24 at the time of his death on May 11, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Hadley.

Fallen Hero: Christakes

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

"on the hunt for venues to display their work"

The Milford Daily News provides an update on the sculpture park planned for the old town pool land next to the Police Station on Panther Way. DPW workers were out there Saturday doing some grading work on the walking paths.

When the DPW finishes, Linda Kabat said, the artists will have a better idea of where their sculptures might be displayed. 

"We are just waiting at this point," she said. "It’s hard for the sculptors to get an idea of where their work will go. They are waiting to get a better visualization of the park." 

Depending on the available space, the Kabats would like to set up between 10 and 15 sculptures. The park will include as many permanent installations as the center can afford, while the rest of the sculpture will be rotated in and out.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1383331183/Artists-respond-to-call-for-Franklin-sculpture-park?rssfeed=true

Rail Trail: Meeting Notice

The Franklin amd Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will have a meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the YMCA in Franklin.  Attached is an agenda.  Some items we will discuss at this meeting include, planning future outreach events, possible fundraising ideas, purchasing promotional items, and the Metropolitan Planing Committee bike usage count. 

The meeting is open to everyone.  We hope you will make some time to attend and help develop the trail.

Also, if you have not registered for the Bike Tour, please note that the date has changed to August 24.  The event is free but we ask that you register at www,franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/aug-bike-tour.

•  Follow FBRTC on Facebook

• Visit the FBRTC website

Franklin Library: puppets and music

The Franklin School for Performing Arts will share some puppets and music in a show for folks of all ages at 10:30 AM on Monday, Aug 12th.

FSPA - puppets and music

This notice was originally posted to the Franklin Public Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/08/franklin-school-for-performing-arts.html

Got soccer? We do! Fall season starts Sept 7th!

If you have not yet registered your child for Fall soccer in Franklin, here is your last chance!

Teams are being created and will be sent out to coaches this week.

The games are set to start in just a few weeks on Sept 7^th….practices will be starting soon for Travel teams. Games are played on Saturdays for 10 weeks.

All players will be notified very soon about their team placement and soccer schedule.

The Franklin Youth Soccer program is open to children from age 4 through High School.

Register online at:  http://www.franklinyouthsoccer.org/registration

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 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.

AGENDA

"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 July 16, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Elementary Handbook Presentation
b. Middle School Handbook Presentation
c. High School Handbook Presentation

3. Discussion Only Items
Facilities Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the Elementary Handbooks as presented:

1. ECDC
2. Davis Thayer
3. Keller
4. Kennedy
5. Oak Street
6. Parmenter

b. I recommend adoption of the Middle School Handbooks as presented

1. Horace Mann
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan

c. I recommend adoption of the Franklin High School Handbook as presented
d. I recommend approval of the request of Evemarie McNeil to declare the listed books as surplus at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $656.02 from the Oak Street PCC for a bike rack as the grade 5 class gift.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $574.72 from Lifetouch Pictures for in-house enrichment at ECDC.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $95.38 from PBC for inhouse enrichment at FHS.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $416.88 from All-American Publishing for in-house enrichment at FHS.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support campaign in the name of Douglas Lee for the FHS.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $43.80 from Olympia Sports for the FHS.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3500.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplies for Parmenter Elementary School.

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

Master Plan - required summer reading

The public hearing on the Master Plan drew about a dozen people to the Franklin Library on Saturday. The presentation document used for the Town Council meeting on Jul 17th was the same document shared on Saturday. It provided a thorough overview of the process to develop the plan and goals/objectives of each section.

It will be important to read the document carefully. This is what will guide all the development efforts for Franklin. It should be referenced as each new proposal comes before a board/committee for consideration. Does it fit within the plan? Does it further the progress of the plan?

The SNETT trail development?
Yes - this covers recreation, sustainability, transportation (circulation), and health aspects of the plan.

The sculpture park being put together at the former town pool location?
Yes - it covers art, outdoor recreation, sustainability and maybe some others I haven't considered.

The proposal for Cook's Farm?

Maybe, it doesn't really fit the definition of the "in fill development" as explained during the meeting. 

The plan is not a budget document. It is a guideline on how we should grown to continue to be a wonderful community. Knowing what the document says about how we should prepare for the future will be as important as understanding the background, interests and agendas for any of the candidates for our municipal election this November. Those who will sit and act on behalf of our best interests will be using this document to guide their actions. We should know the details.

A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc 
at the Franklin Public Library or 
at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public input will be utilized to formulate the final document. Comments received will be reviewed by the Master Plan Committee and incorporated into a final Master Plan document to be endorsed by the Planning Board and Town Council at meetings during the week of September 16, 2013.

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.


My notes from the Public Hearing can be found here:

• live reporting - Public Hearing - Master Plan (con...
• Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013
• 
  

St Rocco's Festival - photo essay

Saturday night was a good night to eat out. Especially with all the choices available at the Annual St Rocco Festival. What did I end up with? New England clam chowder and clam cakes went well accompanied by the Italian music. Topped off with a couple of delicious cannoli's for dessert, I was satisfied for the night!

Singer sings his song

The singer was working the crowd from the dancing area

working the crowd with dancers behind him

At least one grandpa and some kids did some dancing

colorful prizes

When the carnival show is in town, there are prizes!

did you try to catch the golden ring?

The carousel goes round and round

clear blue sky

The rides against the setting sun made for a colorful night

Pharaoh watches from the corner

The Pharaoh was still (for a bit) in the corner!

the big slide

The super slide stood out against the blue sky

how high can you go?

The crazy bus couldn't get as high as the Ferris Wheel!

a festive occasion

The whole atmosphere at the Festival was quite joyous!

Gary Sohmers - Calling All Collectors

The Franklin Public Library will host "Gary Sohmers - Calling All Collectors" on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Gary Sohmers - Calling All Collectors

This was initially posted to the Franklin Public Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/08/gary-sohmers-calling-all-collectors.html

In the News: Master Plan, St Rocco

Housing component of Franklin master plan criticized

Broad goals for the future of housing and development in town laid out in the draft master plan drew criticism Saturday at a public hearing on the document.

Familiar faces set up Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin

Peter Brunelli says it takes more than one person to plan each new day of the 35th annual Feast of St. Rocco, a popular celebration of Franklin’s Italian-American community.

live reporting - Public Hearing - Master Plan (continued)

Committee Chair Jeff Roy providing an overview with use of a PowerPoint presentation similar to that used for the Town Council meeting Jul 17, 2013

Document link here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html

Chris Vericker steps in to lend a hand with the section on Housing. Chris had led the work effort by that subcommittee.

Jeff Roy resumes the presentation on Natural, Cultural and Historic resources
looking to get a performance venue in the downtown area to help draw people and provide some business opportunities

the Master Plan leveraged work by the 2008 Open Space and Recreation plan, incorporating those recommendations and adding to it

leverages the School Dept Strategic Plan within this plan. This plan is updated every 5 years.

Comments open until Aug 16th. Those submitted will be reviewed and incorporated as necessary before the Sep 18th meeting with the Town Council. The document should really be an open around a living document
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/this-is-going-to-be-living-document.html

I stepped up as first commenter thank the committee for their work, this was a great effort by a bunch of volunteers. I raised the use of "in fill development" what does it mean?

Beth Dahlstrom - the term is meant to refer to developing within and on existing developments rather than developing open space.

Second term for definition is "workforce housing"

Jeff Roy - answered that the term was meant to cover broad usage around affordable housing.

This lead to my recommendation to add a glossary and improve the overall accessibility of the document. You can link within the doc from the term to the glossary.

Councilor Judy Pfeffer also commented on the use of "workforce development" looking for clarification on the term. She also objected to the recommendation of "increased funding for the Schools". As a Town Councilor, their challenge is to provide equitable all Town departments and the plan should pick one over the others.

Dennis Grillo - As a developer, the key issues should be making it affordable to business in town. I am not against any of it. I am not really sold on green energy. green energy supplies about 2 % of our tax dollars on failed projects.

Chris Vericker - This is not a spending plan, this is a guideline for the Town to use in planning.

Jeff Roy - that is what this plan is all about. If we are going to grow, we have to grow smartly. They should be considering these details. one of the struggles for a community like Franklin in achieving green status, we are already doing so much in this space that we can't easily achieve this status.

Dennis Grillo - What green costs to produce and what the return is, think about the return on the dollar. Money is easy to spend. It has to make sense.

no other comments or questions so the meeting is officially closing

Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013

from the Franklin Public Library

presenters: Jeff Roy

Over view with presentation similar to that provided to the Town Council on July 17th

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review

"this is going to be a living document"

The public hearing on the Master Plan will be held today at 10:00 AM in the meeting room at the Franklin Public Library.

"It’s the most important part of the process," state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, committee chairman, said Friday. "We’ve gotten public input along the way in bits and pieces … but I don’t think anyone has seen the project we’ve put together in one document. People may look at some of the ideas a little differently in the context of the bigger picture." 

The 172-page master plan includes overarching goals, which are presented with specific actions for how to achieve them. 

Roy said he has already fielded calls about certain sections of the document. 

"The initial reactions I’ve seen are on the housing component," he said. "Folks think there is too much emphasis and focus on workforce housing. I’m getting the sense that people think we have enough of that inventory in Franklin."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369946656/Hearing-this-morning-on-Franklin-master-plan#ixzz2bYtT3p41

Related posts on the 2013 Master Pin include links to the full plan document

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

Reporting from the initial presentation to the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

Run for the Neighbor Brigade - Pam's Run

Franklin benefits from the good works done by our chapter of the Neighbor Brigade. Runners and walkers can participate in either a 3 mile or 5 mile course. All are welcome to contribute to the cause. Follow the link to register for the race or contribute.

“A road race that brings groups of neighbors together to support their communities had long been a dream of Pam’s,” said Nowland. “She understood the power of small, everyday acts of kindness and support, and something like this, which is so grounded in community to benefit Neighbor Brigade’s cause, would have made her heart sing.” 

Pam’s Run will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. A party will be hosted throughout the event with food and fun for all ages. 

The race will start and finish at Loker School, located at 47 Loker St. in Wayland. 

To register for Pam’s Run go online (www.pamsrun.com). Registration is $30 per participant.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x997494997/Pams-Run-in-Wayland-to-honor-Neighbor-Brigade-founder#ixzz2bYpJsx00


47 Loker St, Wayland, MA


View Larger Map


Related posts on Franklin's Neighbor Brigade

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/in-times-of-challege-there-is-franklin.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/a-wonderful-community-service.html

Rescheduled: Bike Tour of the SNETT

Please note: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Bike Tour of the SNETT has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 8:30 to noon.  If you would like to join the tour, please use the registration link below.

+++++++++

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will host a Guided Bike Tour of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT).  The tour will begin at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin, and travel west 7.5 miles to Blackstone to learn about the work being done on the trail.  In Blackstone, you will have a chance to see the bridge rehab construction taking place, including a temporary ramp from Church St down to the RR grade, which will give you an idea of the Purchase Street ramp.  The tour will be led by Mr. Bill DeSantis, Corporate Director Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation of  Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB Engineering).

This event is free, but we ask that you register in advance. Also, parking is available across the street from the trailhead at Grove St.

Register for this event now: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/aug-bike-tour

Like Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail on Facebook

In the News: PMC, St Rocco's

Franklin girl pedals kindness in the PMC Kids' Ride

Last weekend's Pan Mass Challenge wasn't just for the grown ups. Younger riders got into the pedaling act, too, taking part in the Pass Mass Kids' Ride at Patriot Place on Sunday, Aug. 4.

St. Mary's readies for the Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin

St. Mary's Church in Franklin will hold the Feast of St. Rocco Friday night, and  all day Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.