Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Friendly reminder: Book Drive - May 17-18


Book Drive - Milford 99 - May 17-18
Book Drive - Milford 99 - May 17-18
Stop by the 99 in Milford on May 17th and 18th from 11am-4pm and check out our Book Drive to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund.

Lots of amazing books available to get you ready for your Memorial Day Trip reading pleasure!

Stock up on our summer reading material!

Toddler books, Children's books, teenage reading, Novels, books on travel, ...self-help books...the list goes on!

Wonderful author's such as:
  • James Patterson
  • Steven King
  • John Grisham
  • Danielle Steel to just name a few.

Stock up for summer! Find summer reading material for your students. Come check us out! We have LOADS of books!

We will also be collecting returnable cans and bottles at this time.

All proceeds from the Book Drive & Bottle and Can collection will be donated to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund.

Last year we raised $7,000. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 this year.

Via  https://www.facebook.com/events/671104832957396/

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

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

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin Public Schools

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 April 29, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Annie Sullivan Update – Beth Wittcoff, Rebecca Motte
b. New Policy – First Readings – Lisa Trainor, Sally Winslow
1. GBADA – Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) Checks Made for Non-Criminal Justice Purposes.  
presentation document can be viewed here  
policy document can be viewed here 
2. CB – School Superintendent   
3. Discussion Only Items
a. Policy Elimination – First Readings
1. CBC – Superintendents Powers and Responsibilities
2. BDC – Appointed Committee Officials
b. BICO – Capital Improvement Policy; Annual Appointment

4. Action Items
a. I recommend that the facility currently known as Franklin High School be declared surplus effective June 25, 2014.
b. I recommend moving Policys:
1. (New) GBADA – Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) Checks Made for Non-Criminal Justice Purposes; and
2. (New) CB – School Superintendent
3. (Elimination) CBC – Superintendents Powers and Responsibilities
4. (Elimination) BDC – Appointed Committee Officials to a second reading.
c. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $1,525.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo for in-house enrichment at FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,600.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for district wide in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $1,435.00 in memory of Mr. Joseph DeNapoli for in-house enrichment at FHS as follows:
1. John A. Cataldo - $1,000.00
2. Ann Sullivan - $15.00
3. Laurel J. Anderson - $50.00
4. Sheila C. Wilson - $20.00
5. Janice Capen - $50.00
6. Richard Winning – $100.00
7. Cyd C. Ostrovsky - $50.00
8. Janet M. Horstman - $25.00
9. Ralph L. Ellis - $100.00
10. Mark and Barbara Zenobia - $25.00
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Fidelity for a FHS scholarship in memory of Fernando P. Baglioni.
h. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $3,030.73 from Keller PCC for field trips.
i. I recommend approval of declaring FHS Band Uniforms surplus as detailed.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Boks – Rebok for supplies at Davis Thayer.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $440.00 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,875.00 from the ASMS PCC for field trips.
m. I recommend declaring the attached list of FHS fitness equipment as surplus.
n. I recommend adoption of the BICO Capital Improvement Policy as detailed.
o. I recommend Maureen Sabolinski be appointed as a BICO board member for the 2014-2015 school year.

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

New from MassBudget: Value of Minimum Wage is Eroded Quickly by Inflation



MassBudget   Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.




Value of Minimum Wage is Eroded Quickly by Inflation
Restoring the value of the minimum wage can be an effective way to reward work and help low wage workers support themselves and their families. Adjusted for inflation, the minimum wage was $10.86 an hour in 1968. Today it is just over $8.00 an hour. That means that while a full time minimum wage worker made over $21,000 a year in 1968, such a worker makes only $16,000 today.

Several proposals have been made recently to restore the value of the minimum wage. This Facts At A Glance, Value of the Minimum Wage is Eroded Quickly by Inflation, examines those proposals, shown in the graph below.


Each proposal would increase the minimum in two or three steps to $10.50 or $11. To understand how close each proposal comes to restoring the value of the minimum wage, it is important to account for the effects of inflation. If costs are rising by 2 percent a year, then $10 next year will buy about the same amount of goods and services as can be bought for $9.80 this year. In other words, $10 next year will be worth about $9.80 in today's dollars -- because costs go up each year.

Using CBO inflation projections, we find that an $11 wage in 2016 would be worth $10.43 in today's dollars, and a $10.50 wage in that year would be worth $10.07 in today's dollars. If the minimum wage is not adjusted for inflation each year after the final step of an increase, then the value will decline each year the cost of living rises.

Read THIS PAPER
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

Two Great Networking Opportunities for You



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce logo
United Regional Chamber of Commerce
 

In the next couple of weeks, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is offering two great networking opportunities. Please join us at one or both of them!

Business After Hours red white & blue
Thursday, May 15
Business After Hours 
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Attleboro Enterprises, 284 John Dietsch Blvd., 
North Attleborough
Join us for this fun, annual Business After Hours 
$5 for members and $10 for non-members


Thursday, May 22
Networking Before 9
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Personal Best Karate, 250 East Main St., Norton
Enjoy a continental breakfast while networking
$5 for members and $10 for non-members

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Monday, May 12, 2014

Franklin Library: Calendar of events for May 2014

Want all the Library events for the month of May? download and print out this calendar from the Library!




For additional info on the Library visit their page on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/index

The Library space needs assessment presentation can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/libpre.pdf

The Library Strategic Plan can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/FPL%20Strategic%20Plan%20FY%202014-2019.pdf

Franklin Library events
Franklin Library events

Franklin Art Association - May 17-18

The spring show for the Franklin Art Association will be held May 17-18 at Dean College

Spring Art Exhibit - May 17-18
Spring Art Exhibit - May 17-18

The Guidry Center
Dean College
109 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
http://www.dean.edu

Saturday May 17th 12 PM to 8 PM
Sunday May 18th 12 PM to 3 PM



This exhibit is free and open to the public and includes:

  • The exhibit and sale of fine art paintings and photographs
  • Bin sales of original works of art and prints
  • Complementary food and beverages
For more about the Franklin Art Association you can visit their webpage here  http://www.franklinart.org/

Norfolk County Register of Deeds - June 5th


Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell will hold Office Hours in the Town Council Chamber at Franklin Town Hall located at 355 East Central Street from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Thursday June 5, 2014
Register O’Donnell and members of his staff will be on hand to answer questions about the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The Register will have information about the Massachusetts Homestead Act as well as on-site work stations that can provide in real time the status of your mortgage discharge, a print out of your deed or a demonstration of how Registry technology works. No appointment is necessary. 
This is a community outreach initiative sponsored by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. It is Register O’Donnell’s goal to provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves Norfolk County while conducting Registry business closer to home. 
Although Registry staff cannot provide legal advice, they will be able to answer basic questions, provide general information, take a document for recording and assist in filling out Homestead Declaration Forms. 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at Facebook.com/Norfolk Deeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Department via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building




Sunday, May 11, 2014

Elks Care Elks Share 5K - Results (photo essay)

Cort Francis and Kerry Walsh were first male and first female finishers of the Elks Care Elks Share 5K road race and walk on Saturday, May 10.  The funds raised by the Elks from this race will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and the Wounded Warriors Project



The finish line
The finish line

The National Anthem before the race/walk
The National Anthem before the race/walk

Race Director Steve Nyland with last minute instructions before the race
Race Director Steve Niland with last minute instructions before the race

And they're off!
And they're off!

1st male - Cort Francis
1st male - Cort Francis

1st female - Kerry Walsh
1st female - Kerry Walsh

The full listing of results from the race can be found here
http://racewire.com/live_results.php?id=3650


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 14, 2014


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Ryan Jette, Director Recreation Department

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account
2. Resolution 14-36: Issuing Alcoholic Beverages (Package Store) Licenses Policy
3. Bylaw Amendment 14-736: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
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

The documents released for this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/051414.pdf

Planning Board - Meeting Agenda - May 12, 2014

The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 12 in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM

The published agenda for this meeting can be viewed here:





Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

Transition dates for the new high school

During the School Committee meeting on Apr 29, the high school administration provided an update on the new PISA Assessment, the findings from their Alumni Survey and the transition from the old to new building.


Key dates for the move from the current FHS to the new FHS
April Vacation - Moving Crates delivered to classrooms
April 30 - Movers meet w/ Staff
May 1 to June 20 - Staff packing
June 12 - Student Celebration
June 13 - Final Exams Begin
June 19 - Movers begin move of Field House & K Wing
June 25 - Last Day FHS is open for Business
June 26 to July 6 - All FHS Offices Closed for Business
July 7 - FHS Guidance, Summer School & Athletics open at Horace Mann
July 7 to 13 - FHS Admin remains closed (FHS Admin relocated to new school)
July 7 - Furniture and Equipment delivery begins (official end date August 14)
July 14 - FHS Admin Offices open at new school (all meetings, visitors at Horace Mann)
**July 25 - Substantial Completion - Building turned over to Franklin
August 4 - Technology Set Up Begins
August 11 to 15 - High School Experience @ HMMS
August 15 - Grade 9 Tour/Orientation of FHS*
August 18 - Grade 12 Tour/Orientation of FHS*
August 19 - Grade 11 Tour/Orientation of FHS*
August 20 - Grade 10 Tour/Orientation of FHS*
August 28 - Staff return to School  Prof Dev Day
September 3 - School begins for students
*Dates corrected with info here
http://franklinhigh.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinHS_News/01DA8BA5-000F8513


What will the new high school do for the Franklin population numbers? If the enrollment is an indication, it will be an attraction:
Enrollment 2013-14: 1627Projected Enrollment 2014-15: 1730 (+100 students)


The full 25 page presentation document can be viewed here:




or also found on the Franklin Schools webpage:
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01D4FFE7-000F8513.0/FHS%20Update%204.29.14.pdf

photo of new FHS building main entrance (white tower) and principal's office (round tower)
photo of new FHS building main entrance (white tower) and principal's office (round tower)

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Reminder - Blood Drive - June 7


Please join us for a Blood Drive 
blood drive
blood drive
Saturday, June 7, 2014
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
Franklin United Methodist Church
82 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

positive id required

Boston Children's Hospital - Blood Donor Center
Boston Children's Hospital - Blood Donor Center


This Blood Drive is in honor of Oak Street Elementary Student Noah Smith 
To make an appointment please log onto halfpints.childrenshospital.org 
Sponsor code for this drive is FRMETHCH or call Susan Touhey at 508-404-6914



Franklin Library: May Book Sale

The May Book sale is scheduled for the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

Book Sale - Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Classical music will be available from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 
  • Touch a Truck is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 
Bag Sale - Sunday, May 25 from 9:00 AM to noon


Franklin Library Book and Bag Sale - May 2014
Franklin Library Book and Bag Sale - May 2014

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-book-sale.html

Spring Curbside - Yard Waste Pickup


The last Spring Curbside yard waste pick up is next week and starts May 12. 
Pickup will be on your normal trash day. 
Please see Annual Mailer for details and other important information.

Franklin Dept of Public Works
Franklin Dept of Public Works


The curbside mailer can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01D60678-000F8513.0/WM_00218_Franklin%206pg_rWEB%202.pdf

Franklin Village Photo - closeout sale

More changes on the retail front. Franklin Village Photo is having a closeout sale

Franklin Village Photo
Franklin Village Photo


Friday, May 9, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/9/14 - THU 5/15/14

FRI 5/9   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 5/10   Stamp Out Hunger Community Drive via US Postal Service. Please leave your donations for Franklin Food Pantry at your mailboxes.
SAT 5/10   8am-1pm   Bottle and Can Drive to benefit the FHS All Night Party, Franklin High School Parking Lot.
SAT 5/10   10am   Elks Care, Elks Share 5K Race/Walk, Elks Lodge Franklin
SAT 5/10   1:30pm   Coffee and Craft for Adults: Zentangle, Franklin Public Library
SAT 5/10   8pm   Concert: Ellis and Joe Crookson, First Universalist Society, Franklin

SUN 5/11   HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

THU 5/15   6pm   Kindergarten Information Night at JF Kennedy and Hellen Keller Elementary Schools

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Senior Center update to Town Council

Here is the presentation copy used for the update at the Town Council meeting on Weds, May 7.




Thanks to Karen Alves for sharing the copy.

For additional information on the Senior Center check out their Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

Mobile Vision Clinic - Jun 6
Mobile Vision Clinic - Jun 6

Friendly Reminder: Stamp Out Hunger - May 10


Don’t forget to leave your food donation bags by your mailbox Saturday morning! The Franklin letter carriers will pick them up on their normal mail rounds and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry in celebration of national Stamp Out Hunger day.

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10
Stamp Out Hunger - May 10

Did you get your post card reminder in the mail?

Stamp Out Hunger - post card

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held rain or shine! If it is raining on Saturday, the Franklin letter carriers suggest placing your food donation bags in a plastic trash bag for protection.

You may also drop your donations off at the Franklin Food Pantry (located at 43 West Central Street) on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or during regular Pantry hours, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nonperishables may also be dropped off anytime in the bin that is located outside of the Pantry's main entrance.

Thank you for helping us Stamp Out Hunger!

Taunton over Franklin in baseball, softball, and girls tennis

A winning day for Taunton High School as they took the three competitions against Franklin High School on Thursday as reported by Hockomock Sports


Baseball
Franklin, 1 @ Taunton, 9 - Final - Luke Figueira allowed just four hits in a complete game effort with seven strikeouts for the win. Dylan Poillucci collected three hits and two RBI for the Tigers. Casey Grady, Sam Moor and Zach Bowden each had two hits and two runs scored.

Softball
Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 7 - Final - The Tigers had yet another strong defensive outing and Jesse Aliexo notched her 12th win of the season with just three hits and one walk. Kailey March was 2-4 with two runs scored, MacKenzie Navarro was 2-4 with two RBI and Aimee Kistner cranked a two-run home run. Both Jordan Wade and Kimmy McCone had a double and an RBI.

Girls Tennis
Franklin, 2 @ Taunton 3 - Final
the new FHS under construction
the new FHS under construction

For the remainder of Thursday's Hockomock League results follow this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/05/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-050814.html

Thursday, May 8, 2014

new FHS - construction update

On my walk around Franklin this past weekend, I went by the new high school and found that some outside landscaping work is actually underway. While most of the work is on the interior of the building, it was good to see some changes on the outside. There are sidewalks being put in.

new FHS - front corner, principal's office
new FHS - front corner, principal's office

new FHS - front corner panorama
new FHS - front corner panorama

new FHS - front view panorama
new FHS - front view panorama

new FHS - sidewalks and landscaping in rear
new FHS - sidewalks and landscaping in rear

new FHS - sidewalks and landscaping along side
new FHS - sidewalks and landscaping along side

The Pantherbook has an article reviewing the layout of the new school with the floor plans and which classes/subjects will be located on each floor.
http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/05/06/the-new-franklin-high-school-laying-it-all-out/

for photos from this time last year (the steel framing was still underway) follow this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/fhs-construction-update-and-quality.html