Governor Patrick visits the Franklin Food Pantry (photo recap)

Before taking the trip to the White House, Erin Lynch welcomed Governor Patrick and others to the Food Pantry when they visited Franklin in an event coordinated by Representative Jeffrey Roy.

Erin explaining the Healthy Futures room at the Franklin Food Pantry

Board of Directors Chairman, Chris Feeley makes a point for Governor Patrick
and GBFB Executive Director Catherine D'Amato

Dan Robert, FHS Youth Community Involvement Club with the Governor and Erin

The opportunities to share the work the Food Pantry does with local and national government officials is priceless.


Additional photos from the visit to Franklin can be found on Representative Roy's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333448080113071.1073741928.197484223709458&type=1

#gbfb  #healthyfutures #letsmove


This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry page here:

From Pantherbook: doors with no handles, food choices, social media tools

From Pantherbook, I find a couple of good articles to bring to your attention.

1 - The new FHS was built security in mind and has no handles on many of the exteriors doors, making entry from the outside more difficult.

Though this situation seems like an oversight, there is a reason why there are no door handles. Safety and security has become a modern issue within schools and the new school was designed and built with security as a top priority. 

“It’s an inconvenience at the moment but for security purposes, it’s one that we need to have,” commented Mr. Schmidt. At the moment there are higher priority issues that need to be handled, but Schmidt expressed that it’s not that the issue isn’t being heard or addressed. He also said that it is a goal of the administration to fix the problem

Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/a-new-school-brings-a-new-problem/#sthash.RFSida6w.dpuf

screen capture of Pantherbook's front page

2 - Students love the food choices at the new Media center cafe and the opportunities to get food after school will soon be here.

The new café has high hopes for its future at FHS. Along with the new school, came a new option available for students to purchase food. 

As opposed to the typical cafeteria lunch, students are now able to purchase food before school and during lunch period elsewhere. 

Located in the media center of FHS is a café that serves food and drinks such as, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soup, snacks, fruit cups, seltzer, and pudding parfait. 

Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/fhs-feeding-frenzy/#sthash.APO1zFgX.dpuf


3 - The last article to share today has an intelligent recap of the use and abuse of social media tools. While the 'standard' media outlets (newspapers and network TV) tend to go for the extreme angles, this article takes a more balanced approach. As a social media practitioner, the tools are not the issue how people use them can be an issue.

Is society benefiting from popular social sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook? Or are these sites just distractions from everyday life? 

Franklin High School’s (FHS) Digital Journalism teacher, Ms. Moreau, believes the effects of social media are more positive than negative because it allows people to connect with the world and share information. 

However, Ms. Moreau says: “It is important to limit the use of social media because there are other important things going on in your life.” When asked how social media impacts teens, Moreau answered, “It distracts them from being present in the moment.”

Continue reading the Pantherbook article at: http://pantherbook.org/oped/2014/11/18/side-effects-of-social-media/#sthash.bmphiSbB.dpuf

Global Competence Certificate Program

The presentation document on the "Global Competence Certificate Program" being proposed for Franklin High School as reviewed by the School Committee on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2014

GCCP Presentation Nov 18, 2014 from Franklin Matters

The complete agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For "Arsenic And Old Lace"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the madcap comedy Arsenic and Old Lace on Tuesday, November 25 at 7 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Casting opportunities are for adults and older teens (ages 16+). Those seeking roles should come prepared for cold readings from the script, but no other preparation is required. A monologue is optional. 

The zany theatrical treasure by American playwright Joseph Kisselring has delighted audiences for over 75 years. Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to good deeds, taking into their boarding home lonely old men. Only this homicidal twosome literally kill with kindness, treating their guests to a special recipe of charity, humor – and homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide. FPAC will present the hilarious, off-kilter classic on January 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and February 1 at 2 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.fpaconline.com.

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin, MA

The wikipedia entry for Arsenic and Old Lace can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_and_Old_Lace_(play)

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Real Estate Activity Report for October

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds October 2014 Real Estate Activity Report Taking a monthly snapshot of October 2014 in comparison to October 2013, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported today that real estate activity in Norfolk County has remained relatively stable. The Register cited the average sales price for both commercial and residential real estate has decreased by only a little more that 1% from $642,120 to $632,815 in year to year numbers. Additionally, Register O'Donnell noted that total sales comparing October 2014 to the previous October rose to $567 million from $560 million, an increase of just over 1%. Another solid indicator noted O'Donnell was that during the same period of time, deed recordings increased by 4% to 1,502 from 1,438. Mortgage activity in October from year to year decreased by just 2%. Total mortgage lending, however, rose by a whopping 39% increase, mainly due to a small number of high dollar mortgages recorded against property in the towns of Norwood and Westwood, noted the Register. Homestead recording activity in October 2014 decreased by 3% year to year. A total of 935 Homesteads were recorded in October 2014 compared to 964 in October 2013. Information regarding the Homestead Act, which provides homeowners with limited protection on their primary home against unsecured creditors, can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register O'Donnell noted, "If there is one note of caution in this steady real estate market, it is the 36% increase in foreclosures in comparing the two previous Octobers. This foreclosure number is a sobering reminder that some of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship. The Registry of Deeds is committed to working closely with our partners, South Shore Home Consortium and Neighbor Works Southern Mass, to help identify services and counseling for those Norfolk County homeowners who have recently received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Looking at these overall real estate numbers, Norfolk County is a very desirable and attractive place to live, work and raise a family." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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. In addition, residents are encouraged to like us at Facebook.com/Norfolk Deeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

planned power outage for Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way

nationalGrid notified some Franklin area residents of a "planned power outage" to last approximately 14 hours on Thursday, Nov 20, 2014. If necessary, the outage may continue into Friday.

The notice was sent via mail to the residents of Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way.

A copy of the notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage here

screen capture of nationalGrid website

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 18, 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."

Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 4, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MCAS – Joyce Edwards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-public-schools-mcas.html

b. Global Competency Program – Joyce Edwards, Dawn-Marie Crowley and Judy O’Neill

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Reading

JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Account

Policy – Second Reading

GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
GBI – Political Activities of Staff

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend moving Policy JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Account to a second reading.
c. I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

d. I recommend acceptance of the following district wide donations as follows:

1. Hockomock Area YMCA $4,700.00
2. BJ’s Wholesale Club $ 210.00
3. Spirit Shop, Inc. (Athletics) $ 2.75
4. Various Parents (Music) $1,125.00

e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Robert & Jennifer Mancini for FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $945.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request to establish Science National Honor Society Club at FHS as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Personnel Update

8. Adjourn