The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the YMCA in Franklin at 7:30 pm. Some of the items we will be discussing include the value of membership in FBRTC, future meeting locations, and the 2014 calendar of events.
The meeting is open to everyone interested in helping with the rail trail effort in Franklin and Bellingham.
The full published agenda is shown here:
Additional information on the Rail Trail Committee can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
or on Facebook
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Electric Youth Fundraiser
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| Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits |
is holding a wine tasting fundraiser for
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| Electric Youth |
Friday, November 15th, from 7-9 PM
At 14 Grove Street, Franklin
Electric Youth is an international touring ensemble of young triple threat performers, trained exclusively at the Franklin School for Performing Arts. They are currently preparing for a summer 2014 tour of Italy, Germany, and Austria. Among many other performances, EY will be entertaining the troops at the US Air Force Base in Aviano, Italy on July 4th. The Defense Dept budget currently does not include Independence Day festivities. Please help these young performers support our troops and continue to serve as youth ambassadors.
Pour Richard’s is Franklin’s newest source for interesting wine, craft beers, and spirits. They have a strong belief in connecting with their community, and are excited to host this event.
Come taste an extensive selection of wine and beer appropriate for holiday entertaining. Tickets are just $10, with 100% of proceeds to Electric Youth. Pour Richard’s will also donate 20% of their profits from this evening. We hope to see you there!
5th Annual Handbell Concert at Franklin Federated Nov. 30th
FRANKLIN - Franklin Federated Church will host its 5th Annual Handbell Concert, "Joy in Bronze" by the New England Ringers, on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street, Franklin, MA. A reception will follow the concert.
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| New England Ringers Bell Concert |
Join New England's premier community handbell ensemble in its 12th year. Under the direction of Edward G. Henderson, Jr., fourteen highly energetic performers showcase their talents in a uniquely varied program playing with sensitivity, discipline and skill to achieve their signature artistry on a handbell instrument.
The 2013 winter program will delight audiences with a selection of pieces which showcase the wide range of music this unique instrument produces. Each ringer uses bells, chimes, mallets and methods which combine to form a symphony of music, where mysterious and ethereal sections give way to majestic chords and lively portrayals of familiar carols and tunes. The program opens with the pulsing tempo and insistent rhythmic figures of the traditional Bohemian carol "Come, All Ye Shepherds". Excitement and anticipation build to the enchanting "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". Listeners will be drawn into the mystery and drama of this arrangement as the haunting melody and unusual chords build to a fiery and joyful climax, followed by the gentle and ethereal finale. The audience will be spellbound at its close. Many familiar Christmas pieces are included in this prelude to the holidays. An energetic and sparkling "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a shimmering "Silent Night" and a joyful "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" add to the variety of program offerings. Fittingly, the Joy in Bronze concert closes with a joyous and rousing arrangement titled "The Joy of Christmas."
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church, where no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome.
Admission is $15 per person. Call the church office for tickets -508-528-3803. For information, visit www.newenglandringers.org or franklinfederated.org.
In the News: green energy award, Veterans Day, avoiding scams
Franklin: Abbey's nuns win green energy award
The cloistered sisters of Mount St. Mary’s Abbey liken themselves to stewards of nature, and as part of that commitment, they live a pastoral lifestyle.
Franklin's Dean College, Joe Kennedy pay tribute to veterans
U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III on Monday joined students, faculty, staff and alumni of Dean College for an afternoon ceremony to recognize Veterans Day.
Avoid scams when donating to typhoon relief
The Better Business Bureau issued tips today to avoid making donations to scamming solicitors or poorly managed relief organizations in the wake of the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines over the weekend.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Stink bugs and other natural creatures
The Mass Great Outdoors blog is a recent discovery of mine that you might be interested in following. Two years ago the stink bug made its appearance well known in my house. Winter moths appeared in droves last year. This recent posting covers the natural order of the creatures at this time of year.
You can visit the Mass Great Outdoors Blog here http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/
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| image from Mass Great Outdoors blog |
It’s that time of year again: temperatures outside are dropping, and to some insects, this is an open invitation to enter your home and hunker down for the winter. Here are the three you may likely see around Massachusetts this fall: 1) Western Conifer Seed ...Continue Reading The Scoop on Stink Bugs and Other Home Invaders
You can visit the Mass Great Outdoors Blog here http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/
Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron
Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron was born on September 27, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Garron Sr. Lawrence lived with his parents and a sister at 1295 Pond St., went to grade schools in Franklin and then went to Boston Trade High School from which he was graduated in 1967.
Corporal Garron enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1967 and had served overseas for 10
months. During his tour of duty in June of 1968, Cpl. Garron had been wounded and was hospitalized for eight weeks in Saigon from shrapnel wounds in the leg, for which he received the Purple Heart.
Cpl. Garron later returned to- active duty where he became a casualty on September 21, 1968 when he was one of eight marines in a platoon of 15 men killed in the explosion of a mine while on patrol in Quang Nam province, Vietnam.
Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron
Lance Corporal Lawrence Garron Jr. was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
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| Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron |
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Franklin High School girls soccer take D1 South title again!
"Franklin scored twice in the final 20 minutes of play, erasing a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Bishop Feehan, 2-1, for their second straight D1 South Sectional Championship and third time in the last four years."
Read the full article online at HockomockSport.com here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/franklin-captures-second-straight-d1-south-title.html
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 13, 2013
A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL
B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sept. 11, 2013, Sept. 25, 2013,Oct. 2, 2013
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Ken Norman
F. CITIZEN COMMENTS
G. APPOINTMENTS
• Conservation Commission - Steven Younis, Mark Cataldo
• Cultural Council - Craig Schwalb
• Historical Commission - Minessa Konecky
• Library Board of Directors - Linda Hardin
• Franklin Community Garden Committee - Bonnie Kaiden
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Presentation by DPW on Downtown Project
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-82 : Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
2. Bylaw Amendment 13-724: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates- 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
Real Property, Fire Negotiations
P. ADJOURN
The documents as published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/111313.pdf
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 12, 2013
The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting can be found in the attached document.
The meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.
The meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.
"transform the trail into a multi-use outdoor recreational facility"
The National Park Service announced it would continue supporting the SNETT trail.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825429638/Trunkline-Trail-to-continue-receiving-assistance#ixzz2kFAMfebB
The MA DCR entry for the SNETT
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html
The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
Charles Tracy, director of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program in Massachusetts, will continue helping the Friends of the SNETT plan strategies for developing and improving the 22-mile trail through a consolation grant extended to 2014.
"We made good progress last year," said Tracy. "The SNETT expanded and strengthened its circle of friends by building partnerships with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), local communities and key organizations. … This year, I look forward to making more friends for the SNETT and realizing on-the-ground trail improvements."
The Friends have coordinated projects along the trail, from installing signs and gates to grading or widening certain sections. DCR recognized that work late this summer by adding the trail to its online database of state parks and trails.
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| SNETT parking at Grove St trail head |
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825429638/Trunkline-Trail-to-continue-receiving-assistance#ixzz2kFAMfebB
The MA DCR entry for the SNETT
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html
The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
Friends of Franklin Library: Fall 2013 Newsletter
As you are likely aware, recent events have been disruptive to The Friends of Franklin Library. What’s important to make clear, however, is that controversy and resistance have done nothing to weaken our organization.
In fact, there’s reason to believe that The Friends is now stronger and more committed than it was before this recent turn of events.
We were disappointed and frankly surprised to be told that the Library Board of Directors did not want us to conduct our planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books over the years have yielded funds that were used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even to buy furniture.
On Sept. 23, The Friends asked the board to reconsider its decision. That appeal was rejected without a discussion or a vote.
We disagree with the Library Board’s decision and would have welcomed —and expected— the chance to present data in support of these popular and profitable events, which since 2005 have generated net revenue of $153,734.
Based on recent book sales, we anticipated our October sale would have raised roughly $6,000, after expenses. As with all of The Friends’ efforts, this profit would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town.
Despite this setback, The Friends’ desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library, which we consider an important cornerstone of our community.
Our organization remains strong and devoted to its mission. We have both the willingness and the resources to provide financial support, as requested, to our public library.
Read the remainder of the newsletter here:
Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA 02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com
Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper
Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters.
According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy.
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| Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper |
Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
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| Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper |
Franklin 1 of 33 Massachusetts School Districts Named to the 2013 AP District Honor Roll
School Districts recognized for expanding access to AP and maintaining or improving performance
MALDEN – State education officials today announced that 33 Massachusetts school districts were named to the College Board's 2013 AP District Honor Roll for expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and maintaining or improving the percent of students scoring 3 or higher.
According to the College Board, Massachusetts had the fifth most number of school districts earning a spot on the honor roll. Pennsylvania had the most districts recognized with 40. A total of 477 districts across the U.S. and Canada were selected for the 4th annual AP Honor Roll.
"Massachusetts teachers continue to help pave the way for the Commonwealth’s successes in education,” said Education Secretary Matthew Malone. “I am proud that the Patrick Administration’s continued investments in expanding access to high quality educational programs is boosting student participation and performance on AP exams that will help prepare them for success both in the classroom and ultimately, in the workforce."
"Each of our districts honored today, along with many more across the Commonwealth, are providing students with a rigorous course of study that will prepare them for success in college and careers," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
The Patrick Administration is implementing a number of initiatives to ensure that students are prepared for success beyond high school and have the necessary skills to fill open jobs and compete in our increasingly global economy. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is implementing a set of recommendations proposed by a task force of the state's leading educators, employers, and academic labor experts to ensure that every student graduates from high school ready to pursue the next steps on the path to a successful career or post-secondary education.
Schools across the Commonwealth are also implementing the state's new college and career ready standards in English language arts and Mathematics, which incorporate the Common Core State Standards. The Department is developing online resources tools that educators can use in the classroom. Massachusetts is also a member a 20-state consortium that is building a next generation assessment system, called PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers), to provide a better signal of students' readiness for college and careers.
The College Board bases inclusion on the AP District Honor Roll according to the following criteria:
The following Massachusetts school districts were named to the 2013 AP Honor Roll:
Arlington Public Schools (1)
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District (1)
Diocese of Fall River
Dudley-Charlton Regional School District
Franklin Public Schools (1)
Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District
Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District (1)
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District (1)
Hampshire Regional School District
Hanover Public Schools
Hingham Public Schools
Hopedale Public Schools
King Philip Regional School District (1)
Leominster Public Schools
Ludlow Public Schools
Medfield Public Schools (1)
Medway Public Schools (1)
Monomoy Regional School District
Needham Public Schools (1)
Newton Public Schools
North Attleboro Public Schools (1)
North Middlesex Public Schools (1)
Northbridge Public Schools
Norwood Public Schools
Plymouth Public Schools
Swampscott Public Schools
Triton Public Schools
Wachusett Regional School District (1)
Waltham Public Schools (1)
Webster Public Schools (2)
Westford Public Schools
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
(1) District has achieved the honor for multiple years.
(2) District has 30% or greater enrollment of students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.
AP is a rigorous academic program that offers more than 30 courses in a wide range of subjects and college-level assessments developed and scored by college and university faculty members and experienced AP teachers. According to the College Board, a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam represents the score point that is predictive of college success and college graduation.
For additional information on AP, visit the College Board's website at http://www.collegeboard.org.
MALDEN – State education officials today announced that 33 Massachusetts school districts were named to the College Board's 2013 AP District Honor Roll for expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and maintaining or improving the percent of students scoring 3 or higher.
According to the College Board, Massachusetts had the fifth most number of school districts earning a spot on the honor roll. Pennsylvania had the most districts recognized with 40. A total of 477 districts across the U.S. and Canada were selected for the 4th annual AP Honor Roll.
"Massachusetts teachers continue to help pave the way for the Commonwealth’s successes in education,” said Education Secretary Matthew Malone. “I am proud that the Patrick Administration’s continued investments in expanding access to high quality educational programs is boosting student participation and performance on AP exams that will help prepare them for success both in the classroom and ultimately, in the workforce."
"Each of our districts honored today, along with many more across the Commonwealth, are providing students with a rigorous course of study that will prepare them for success in college and careers," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
The Patrick Administration is implementing a number of initiatives to ensure that students are prepared for success beyond high school and have the necessary skills to fill open jobs and compete in our increasingly global economy. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is implementing a set of recommendations proposed by a task force of the state's leading educators, employers, and academic labor experts to ensure that every student graduates from high school ready to pursue the next steps on the path to a successful career or post-secondary education.
Schools across the Commonwealth are also implementing the state's new college and career ready standards in English language arts and Mathematics, which incorporate the Common Core State Standards. The Department is developing online resources tools that educators can use in the classroom. Massachusetts is also a member a 20-state consortium that is building a next generation assessment system, called PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers), to provide a better signal of students' readiness for college and careers.
The College Board bases inclusion on the AP District Honor Roll according to the following criteria:
- Increased access to AP courses by At least 4% in large districts
- At least 6% in medium districts
- At least 11% in small districts
- The percentage of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students taking AP exams must not have decreased more than 5% for large and medium districts and 10% for small districts.
- Performance levels were maintained or improved when comparing the percentage of exams scoring 3 or higher from 2011 to 2013.
The following Massachusetts school districts were named to the 2013 AP Honor Roll:
Arlington Public Schools (1)
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District (1)
Diocese of Fall River
Dudley-Charlton Regional School District
Franklin Public Schools (1)
Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District
Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District (1)
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District (1)
Hampshire Regional School District
Hanover Public Schools
Hingham Public Schools
Hopedale Public Schools
King Philip Regional School District (1)
Leominster Public Schools
Ludlow Public Schools
Medfield Public Schools (1)
Medway Public Schools (1)
Monomoy Regional School District
Needham Public Schools (1)
Newton Public Schools
North Attleboro Public Schools (1)
North Middlesex Public Schools (1)
Northbridge Public Schools
Norwood Public Schools
Plymouth Public Schools
Swampscott Public Schools
Triton Public Schools
Wachusett Regional School District (1)
Waltham Public Schools (1)
Webster Public Schools (2)
Westford Public Schools
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
(1) District has achieved the honor for multiple years.
(2) District has 30% or greater enrollment of students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.
AP is a rigorous academic program that offers more than 30 courses in a wide range of subjects and college-level assessments developed and scored by college and university faculty members and experienced AP teachers. According to the College Board, a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam represents the score point that is predictive of college success and college graduation.
For additional information on AP, visit the College Board's website at http://www.collegeboard.org.
In the News: drive by shooting, Veterans Day
Two arrested in connection with drive-by shooting in Franklin
Two Rhode Island men were arrested in Woonsocket on Wednesday in connection with a drive-by shooting Tuesday night near Upper Union Street.
Milford-area parades and ceremonies for Veterans Day
Franklin’s Dean College will honor Veterans Day at its downtown campus. At 12:30 p.m., alumni, students, faculty and staff will gather for a ceremony in front of the college’s War Memorial on Awpie Way.
U.S. Rep Joseph Kennedy III is the featured speaker and will join Dean students in the singing of the National Anthem.
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