Update on trash/recycle schedule

Regular reader Renata received an email with this to share:

I just received an email from Chris White (DPW) - here is what it says: "Leave the trash and recycling in the carts at the curb, Waste Management is behind and trying to catch up ASAP." Please share with your friends/neighbors.

trash/recycling ready for pickup on Union St

 I would add that this week should be a 'normal' schedule while they are playing catch up.

NECN News report on Chestnut St

A link to the NECN news report on the situation with 2 children found 'unresponsive' at a home on Chestnut St here in Franklin

Pothole season

This info was updated here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/pothole-weather-reminder-to-use-dpw.html



With the changing weather, this is prime time for potholes. As announced previously, you can use your smart phone (and the built in GPS) to report a pothole. If you don't have a smart phone, you can also do so online.

You can follow this link from the DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/report_an_issue

or go directly to SeeClickFix.com and find the Franklin, MA page
http://seeclickfix.com/franklin_4


Walking on Saturday, I reported the pothole which is continuing to grow in front of the Rome Restaurant. Someone else reported it on Sunday.
http://seeclickfix.com/issues/887834-pothole?s=nearby

pothole by Rome Restaurant

You can also report problems with street lights and with traffic lights. It is anticipated other problems will be added to this system over time.

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 14, 2014

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 December 10, 2013 School Committee Training Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Best Buddies Grants – Sue Streeter
b. Elementary Report Card Revisions – Joyce Edwards
c. 2014-2015 School Calendar Draft

3. Discussion Only Items
a. Policy – First Reading
1. KCDA – Memorial Commemorations Policy
b. Policy – Discussion
1. KI – Visitors to the School
c. Collaborative Updates

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $216.07 from PBC for the FHS Athletic Dept.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer Jobin for a FHS Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1208.75 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend approval of the request of Paul Peri for the recurring field trip to Providence Place Mall on April 17, 2014 for Math at the Mall for RMS 8th graders.
e. I recommend moving Policy KCDA – Memorial Commemoration Policy as discussed to a second reading.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueder’s for the FPS District.
g. I recommend moving K-5 Report Card revisions for adoption after public review.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,400.00 from Vicario Studio for in-house enrichment at FHS.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 5 Dominoes Pizzas, 500 pencils & $100.00 Office Depot gift card from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for Horace Mann Middle School.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Keller PCC for their 5th grade celebration.

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

Collaborative Update - 1


Collaborative Update - 2

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 15, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 13, 2013, November 20, 2013, December 4, 2013, and Executive Session Minutes of November 13, 2013

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment of Treasurer Collector
Citizens Committee Appointment
Finance Committee Appointment

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town
Code at §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage Yard and Height Requirements – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
“Lessons learned from Franklin Matters”, Steve Sherlock

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-01: Appropriation: Spring Valley Estates/Brielle Way
2. Resolution 14-02: Purchase of Land off Cottontail Lane, Authorization and Appropriation – Requires 2/3 Vote
3. Resolution 14-03: Support for Legislation, H1586, An Act concerning electronic publication of certain legal notices
4. Resolution 14-04: Acceptance of Gift, Franklin Police Department
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-725: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic – 2nd Reading
6. Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Zoning Bylaw Amendment §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area,
Frontage Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 1st Reading
8. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Water Map Amendment – Uncas Avenue Extension – 1st Reading
9. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Sewer Map Amendment – Uncas Avenue Extension – 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN


The documents released for this published agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/011514.pdf

Who is that Franklin veteran?

You had a bunch of fun around the holidays as we played "Where in Franklin?" The Historical Museum has a new set of photos of World War II veterans that they are trying to identify.

The museum has many veterans photos we are trying to identify. Some names we know, many we don't. But we are looking for more than a name. Take a look at this first collection of photos, do you recognize an Uncle, Grandfather, Father, friend? Let us know their name and tell us a story, share a memory. Help us honor these men and their lives. While perusing the photos you'll may see a front porch you recognize, you'll see some great shots of vintage autos and views of uptown from the 40's. Leave your comment under a specific photo and contact us with any questions.

A sample of one of the many photos to review and identify

Go to Facebook to identify this individual

Go to the Facebook page to view and comment on the photos you can identify.
Click through to Facebook here

Updated winter schedule for Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Commission has decided to close the Museum on Thursday nights through the end of February due to the cold winter evenings and low traffic. The Museum will be open weekends, as usual on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. They will resume regular hours in March, including Thursday evenings.

Franklin Historical Museum - shown in Feb 2013

You can visit the Museum at their website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038



Winter hours:

January - February 2014

Saturday - 10:00 to 1:00 PMSunday - 1:00 to 4:00 PM

What happened to the trash/recycle schedule this week?

The adjusted schedule was not met this week. As I walked along Union St, the even side from the tracks to 140 still had not been picked up. The odd side from 140 to the Town Common had not been picked up.

Union St heading towards West Central

On my own street, the recycling was picked up on the adjusted day, the trash one day later and the tree is still there. I can assume there are other neighborhoods with similar results.

The question becomes how and why this occurred. The opportunity is also there to use this as an example where communications could be improved. The town alerts which were used to tell us about the change in schedule could also have been used to tell us why the schedule is not met.

What street do you live on and what is your status?

"It has an exponential positive effect”

The Milford Daily News has an article on local legislators and their use of the new social media or digital channels to communicate with their community. This is timely. I have a presentation scheduled for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday where I share what I have learned from publishing "Franklin Matters" over the past six years.

Some legislators admit they only joined Twitter when they ran for office, but Rep. Jeff Roy, a Franklin Democrat, said he was tweeting way before then. 

For the same reason he meets senior citizens at the senior center, Roy said he engages with younger constituents online. 

“I like to see who would retweet something that I posted,” he said. 

@JeffRoy tweeted this week: “I just committed to ride the Pan-Mass Challenge for 2014. Click here to join me!”

- See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140112/NEWS/140119788/1994/NEWS/?tag=2#sthash.QSJeLBnc.dpuf

Facebook

Social media should be one of the tools in the toolkit. My presentation is part of the Town Council agenda being published today. I will be updating it to include a couple of slides with some metrics and post that here as well.

Twitter

How does Franklin Matters use social media? Briefly, each post auto generates a post to Twitter. The key posts are also scheduled to be shared on Facebook and Google+. The collection of posts on the webpage each day is emailed at 9:00 AM to those subscribers. If you would like to subscribe to the email listing you can do so here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

"help achieve safer homes and schools"

The Milford Daily News reports that Franklin has received some safety grants.

The town has been awarded $5,786 and $3,218, respectively, in grant funding through the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior SAFE Programs for the 2014 fiscal year. 

The funding will support fire safety education programs for students and seniors in Franklin. 

State Senators Richard Ross, R-Wrentham and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, announced the awards Friday. 

In a statement, Ross said: “The S.A.F.E. Program has a longstanding history of success in educating Massachusetts children about fire safety and prevention. With the creation of the Senior SAFE Program, I hope that we are able to build upon that success and reach new populations with a high risk of fire-related injury and death.”

- See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140110/NEWS/140119935#sthash.CNqmJlBG.dpuf

"market the property to small businesses"

The Milford Daily News reports on the Downtown Partnership meeting Thursday morning:

An entertainment club, a quaint hotel, a lush park — when it comes to the question of how to develop the former Town Hall on Emmons Street, the downtown business community has more than a few suggestions. 

Nearly 40 business leaders crowded into a conference room at Dean College Thursday morning to shop ideas for the property’s future. 

The hour-long session, part of the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s monthly meeting, illuminated two potential scenarios for the town: sell or lease the building for commercial use or turn the entire property into green space for the public.

- See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140110/NEWS/140119987/1994/NEWS#sthash.PfGBSq7K.dpuf

Emmons St - file photo from March 2009

If you have any ideas about the Emmons St building, you can participate in the public hearing on Tuesday Jan 21 in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Municipal Building at 7:00 PM.

Zentangle Class Wednesday January 15th at Jane's Frames

Zentangle Class Dear Steve, Wednesday ,  January 15th, 6:00-8:30 at Jane's Frames. Zentangle is a meditative artform that anyone can do!  No art experience is needed.   The cost of this 2 hour class is $35.00, it includes the Zentangle kit, so you can continue creating your tangles at home. Please RSVP soon as the class  fills up quickly! When you call or e-mail, I will send you additional information about the class.  After 14 months of enjoying the relaxing and inspiring process of creating Zen-tangles,  in June  2012 , I was fortunate enough to attend a  three and a half day long course, along with over 100 attendees from all over the world, in order to become a certified Zentangle teacher. The instructors,  Marie Thomas and Rick Roberts, are the co-founders of Zentangle.   I am so pleased to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher,  and I now am proud to add CZT after my name!  What is Zentangle? Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. For more information go to QUICK LINKS A very Special Thank you goes to my friend Cathy Corcoran, a true Angel on earth, who introduced me to Zentangle over 16 months ago. I have been enjoying this relaxing and inspiring process ever since. It was through Cathy's joy of presenting what she loves, generosity of spirit and inspiration that drew me into the world of tangling. I am forever grateful! Joyfully and Thankfully Yours, Jane Curran, CZT Jane's Frames Zentangle Class Relaxing & Eye Opening Quick Links www.zentangle.com www.janesframes.com www.tanglepatters.com A sample of creations from an Zentangle Class of first time tanglers.

Forward this email Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin Library: Book Sale Jan 18-19

The Library is hold a book sale on Saturday, Jan 18th and a Bag Sale on Sunday, January 19th

Library Book Sale - Jan 18th, Jan 19th

This was initially posted to the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-sale.html

"an opportunity to both tell HMEA’s story and help a local business"

The Milford Daily News reports on new videos produced by Six One Seven Studios for HMEA.

When directors from Six One Seven Studios first sat down with the Horace Mann Education Associates to discuss a series of short promotional films, they wanted to learn everything they could about the nonprofit. 

The production team was quickly overwhelmed. 

They struggled to grasp how one company could do so much for so many people, from the children with autism trying to make it through school, to the mentally disabled adults grasping for some semblance of independence. 

But after spending 15 days last summer with the people of HMEA, the directors, Peter Jacelone, Joe Palumbo and Bryan Roberts, not only understood the company’s story, but learned from it, too. 

"They have such a powerful story to tell," Palumbo said. "It helped us grow."

- See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140110/NEWS/140119986#sthash.R8K6R5qD.dpuf


One of the videos currently on the HMEA webpage: (not likely one of the new videos mentioned in the article, once those are posted, I'll share them here too)




For more about the HMEA, you can visit their webpage at http://www.hmea.org/

Annual Report 2013: Recreation

The Recreation Department is located at 150 Emmons Street. The Recreation Department offers Franklin and Medway residents a variety of programs and events for youths and adults as well as coordination of youth sports organizations field use and coordination of maintenance at athletic fields. The department operates and schedules activities for Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond, Fletcher Field, Dennis Pisani Field (formally Theron Metcalf), Henry “Ski” Faenza Tot Lot (Nason Street Tot Lot), King Street Memorial Field, Dacey Community Field, and Meadowlark Lane Athletic Fields. The department is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school athletic fields during the summer, when school is not in session. Our department works closely with the various town youth sports organizations and Athletic Director Brad Sidwell to schedule all youth sports activities around the high school team practices and games.

This year, Chilson Beach was a busy place with over 3000 visitors utilizing the many functions of the pond. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking were some of the activities available at Chilson Beach. We continue to operate soccer, football, boys lacrosse and cross country running on and around the turf field. The turf field was used for NFL Flag football, Pop Warner football, soccer, and lacrosse, as well as yoga for senior citizens, tai chi, boot camp, and many other recreational activities. A portable recycled plastic walkway was installed for handicap accessibility to the water and playground area. The Franklin High School soccer, lacrosse and field hockey programs play all of their home games on the turf field as well.

Summer Playground Program
An eight week playground program was held at Fletcher Field & Medway’s Choate Park from June 24-August 19 2012. The program hours were Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. Activities included: organized games, arts and crafts, water activities, sports, and weekly visitors. The themed weeks featured water slide Tuesday, a trip to Regal Cinema on Wednesdays, a giant slip and slide every Thursday, and Pizza day Fridays. The program grew this summer to over 800 registrants.

The Franklin Summer Playground Program Director this year was Kaitlyn Williamson. The Franklin Summer Playground Program staff included: Stefan and Erik Herlitz, Paul O’Donahue, Anne Versprille, Nicole Ellin, Jake Versprille, Brandon Kuzio and Vicky Rondeau.

The Medway Summer Playground Program Director was Becky Tingley. Their staff included, Arianna Burke, Bryany Burke, Kelly Dubowski, Alec Marshall and Matthew Harrington.

Youth Basketball Program
The Youth Basketball program continues to grow and now involves over 1,500 children, 162 teams, 310 coaches, and utilizes every school gymnasium in town. The Recreation department expanded its basketball program to include High School aged kids looking to
continue playing. This intramural program gives kids in grades 9-12 a chance to continue playing pick up basketball on Saturday nights. The program utilizes school gyms at Parmenter, Davis Thayer, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Elementary, J.F.
Kennedy School, Keller Sullivan Middle School, and Franklin High School auxiliary gym.

This year the youth basketball program ran from November 11th-March 3rd on Saturdays. The FYBL is divided into ten divisions: Kindergarten (co-ed), 1st & 2nd Grade Boys, 1st & 2nd Grade Girls, 3rd & 4th Grade Boys, 3rd & 4th Grade Girls, 5th & 6th Grade
Boys & 5th & 6th Grade Girls, 7th & 8th Grade Boys, 7th & 8th Grade Girls and High School Intramural division.

This year, our coordinators were Steve Ellin 3rd and 4th Boys, Mike Vinson 3rd and 4th Girls, Mike Canesi and John Jette 5th and 6th Girls, Tim Saunders and Kevin O’Connell 5th and 6th Boys, Mark Marinelli 7th and 8th Girls, Steve Skaza 7th and 8th Boys, and Mike Vinson  It is because of these individuals and the volunteer coaches, that this program is a success. The K-4th grade leagues are set up as a non-competitive learning experience for the children with the focus on fundamental basketball skills. Grades 5th-8th grade basketball leagues start to teach the kids different rules, zone defense, pressing, and traits of competitive basketball. Ten players are drafted to each team and games are played weekly on Saturdays. Participation trophies are awarded to all Kindergarten through 4th grade players, and a “breakup” pizza party is held for all K-2nd grade players after the final game of the season.

Pee Wee Baseball
The Pee Wee Baseball program was created in 1999 by Director, Ryan Jette. Since then, the program has grown from 26 kids to 300 kids annually. Taking his lifelong baseball coaching experience coupled with past employment with Major League Baseball International, Ryan created a beginners baseball program that teaches kids the proper techniques of hitting, fielding, base running and throwing. This fun league features 4 practice sessions and 8 controlled games. The use of tees, soft bats and spongy balls make this program a safe and enjoyable start children ages 4-6 years old. Head Instructors Mike Massuer and Chris Reagan will be on site to run the drills, organize the scrimmages, and support the volunteer coaching staff.

Kid Care Babysitting
The Recreation Department continues to offer this 6-hour training program for kids ages 11-16 years old. Kelley Brooks teaches kids the business of babysitting while coordinating lectures on childcare, fire and police safety, nutrition, and diapering. Classes were offered monthly throughout the year and over 300 kids were introduced to the business of babysitting.

NFL Flag Football
The Recreation Department teamed up with the NFL to bring this non-contact flag football league to kids aged 6-14 years old. 482 kids signed up to play each Tuesday & Thursday evening at the Beaver Pond Turf Field. Reversible NFL game jerseys, playbooks, wristbands, belt/flag setup and access to the NFL Kids website gives kids the opportunity to follow their favorite player or team. Players learned the fundamentals of throwing, catching, running and teamwork. Punt, pass, and kick competition will allow
kids to showcase their skills in a competition against area youths.

Tennis Program
The Tennis program was expanded from a summer program to a three season (summer, fall and winter) program. The youth tennis instructional program was offered at the Franklin High School Courts. The six week program was under the supervision of Diane Reinertson, Drew Reinertson and Tighe Poirier. Classes were run at the Franklin High School tennis courts, Monday through Thursday for all skill levels. Over 300 children participated in our tennis program.

Golf Lessons
The Recreation Department expanded the golf lessons offered into the summer months, by offering a full or half day camp in the summer. The Recreation Department, in conjunction with Golf Professional, Mark Copithorne, offered Adult and Junior Golf instruction at the New England Country Club in South Bellingham. The lessons covered all aspects of the game of golf (putting, chipping, bunkers, irons, and woods). Registrants met one day a week for 6 weeks to practice their skills. Lessons were offered during the summer and fall season for over 340 residents attending. Express 2 day lessons were offered over April Vacation. Participants enjoyed playing the course following the six-week lesson to see what they learned.

The Recreation Department has been running the Girls lacrosse program since 2005. The program has grown from 28 girls to over 280 girls. Our teams participate in the Massachusetts Bay Girls Lacrosse League. There were four teams at the 1st-2nd grade division which was coached by Greg Tracy, Mike Wright, Mike Ryan, Kim Carney, Michelle Hess, Renee Tolonen, and Matt Hawkins. There were five teams at the 3rd and 4th Grade division, which were coached by Barry Regan, Mike Grasso, Ryan Jette, Tom O’Rourke, Matt Hawkins, Kevin O’Connor, Rob Atkinson, and Mark Goguen. There were three teams at the 5th and
6th Grade level, which was coached by John Jette, Heather MacCallum, Ted Mazukina, Mike Hanson, Charlie Clark, Kinjal Patel, John Grace, Mark Goguen and Rob Atkinson . And three teams at the 7th and 8th Grade level, which were coached by Roger Jette, Pete Lounsbury, Todd MacCallum, Jack Reardon, Paul DeStefano, Chris Schmidt and lots of FHS players . All levels had successful seasons and played in 8 regular season games. Franklin Girls Lacrosse is the largest girls lacrosse program in the state of Massachusetts.

Respectfully submitted,

Ryan Jette

Director of Recreation
Girls Lacrosse

Dacey Field

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/