Franklin Annual Report 2014: Council on Aging (Senior Center)

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report we come to the section from the Council on Aging which is responsible for the Franklin Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults, disabled individuals and their families.

The Senior Center offers a health screening and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, transportation, educational programs, a supportive day program, and volunteer and intergenerational opportunities.

The Center’s mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:

• Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
• Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
• Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
• Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults and their families.

Highlights

Last year, we added several new activities including: a weekly Open Art Studio for aspiring artists, an Aging Mastery Program which offered ongoing presentations on health and wellness, and lessons for using tablets and smartphones. In addition, we started to offer Reflexology sessions and a Chess Club.

We recruited a Senior Greeter to provide a brief orientation and tour of the Senior Center for newcomers, and we hosted an Open House to showcase the programs, services and activities offered at the Senior Center. Authors, Jennie Coughlin and Marjorie Turner Hollman gave presentations about their recently published books, and we hosted lectures on the History of Cathedrals and Travels in Southern India. We offered two evidence-based programs: Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and Chronic Pain Self-Management.

We collaborated with the Franklin Food Pantry to offer a mobile food pantry at the Senior Center. The Norfolk County District Attorney sponsored a Prescription Drug Mobile Take-Back. The 2013 WMRC Senior Expo was hosted by the Senior Center. The Expo featured 35 exhibitors, health screenings, a senior fashion show, and attracted over 400 seniors.

Caregiver Support

The AARP reports that 42% of U.S. employees have cared for an older relative or friend in the last five years, and 19% of retirees stopped working to provide elder care. Clearly, assistance is needed for members of our community who are struggling with this issue.

As part of our commitment to caregivers, we offer several respite and support services to alleviate the physical and emotional stress caregivers’ experience. They include:

• Supportive Day Program “The Sunshine Club” offers a structured, stimulating day program for frail elders and respite for their caregivers. This program enhances the quality of life for participants who enjoy fun activities, socialization and gentle exercise.
• Companion Caregivers is an in-home service that provides a companion for frail elders and respite to their caregivers by offering an affordable companion service.
• Caregivers Support Group is facilitated by two moderators who have completed a training program with the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets biweekly.
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 6-week evidencebased program that teaches caregivers how to reduce guilt and stress, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve.

Health & Wellness Programs

The concept of Healthy Aging has become an integral component of our Wellness Program. This is a multi-faceted approach to encourage and maintain elder independence by fostering optimal mental, social and physical well-being.

The program provides chronic disease self-management, fall prevention, physical activity, healthy eating, social connection and community engagement. The Center’s Health & Wellness program offers the following:

• Health Clinics: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Podiatry, Flu Vaccinations, and Vision & Hearing screenings.
• Evidence-based programs: Developed through rigorous research, these programs provide clear physical, psychological, and social benefits with
measurable outcomes; e.g, reducing doctor’s visits and hospitalizations.
• Fall Prevention: Evidence-based seminars, Gait Assessments, Fall Risk Assessments, Medication Management and Home Safety evaluations, which
evaluate elders’ home environments to determine if the risk for dangerous falls can be reduced. Based on this evaluation, installation of grab bars and adaptive devices are provided.
• Fitness: Cardio Tone & Stretch, Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chair Exercise, Walking Club, Bocce, Line Dancing, Chair Volleyball, Reiki, Reflexology and Meditation are offered.
• Support: Eye Health, Weight Loss, and Caregivers Support Groups; individual consultations with our Health & Wellness Nurse.
• Education: Monthly presentations such as Paring Down to Essentials, Medicare Boot Camp, Cooking for One, and Five Wishes Advance Directive.
• The Center’s Health & Wellness Nurse provides weekly blood pressure testing.

The Center provided over 3,500 health service contacts last year. We offered 2 seminars, the Aging Mastery Program and Living Your Best Life; 2 evidence-based workshops, Chronic Pain Management and Powerful Tools for Caregivers; a Flu Vaccine Clinic, and 3 Gait Assessment clinics over the course of the year. In collaboration with the Medway Senior Center, we offered the Aging Mastery Program, which encourages elders to take key steps to improve their well-being and add stability to their lives. Built on the foundation of actionable goals, sustainable behaviors, clear incentives and peer support, this self-paced program enables participants to create their own personal pathways for aging well.

Outreach/Social Service Coordination

The Franklin Senior Center provides assistance with housing, employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, and many other programs and services for elderly and disabled residents through the Center’s Social Service Coordinator. The Coordinator can make home visits to homebound residents to assess needs and make referrals. The Social Service Coordinator can also assist the non-senior population. The Coordinator can help seniors and others access several social benefit programs, including Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Mass Health, Supplemental Security Insurance, Veteran’s benefits, and many other public benefits.

The Social Service Coordinator assists seniors and the nonsenior community by referring them to monthly legal clinics, and the SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program, which provided assistance with health insurance questions and problems for 152 elders last year. Free income tax preparation assistance was also provided by Senior Center for 115 seniors and by the AARP for 140 seniors. An information session providing assistance to seniors in obtaining real estate tax abatements and the State’s Circuit Breaker tax credit was also offered. Our volunteer completed Circuit Breaker Tax Credit returns for 48 elderly residents, resulting in a total of $43,350.00 in senior tax relief.

The Council on Aging tapes a cable television show, The Senior Circle, which offers a wealth of information on senior topics and issues of interest. The show is shown on Franklin Public Access, Channel 8.

Nutrition

The Center’s Common Grounds Café offers seniors a nutritious, affordable breakfast and luncheon in a social setting, as well as monthly theme parties. By utilizing volunteers, we can offer an extremely affordable meal that accommodates senior budgets. A recent study found that “Social contact may be as effective as physical activity in improving mood and quality of life.” The Café and our monthly parties offer a great
opportunity for seniors to enjoy a delicious meal enhanced by social interaction. Last year we served over 20,000 nutritious, affordable meals at the Café, a 5% increase over last year.

Educational Programs

We offer instruction and educational programs in numerous areas including the following:

• Computer, Tablet & Phone Instruction
• Italian Conversation Group
• Current Events Discussion Group
• CPR Certification
• Painting Instruction
• Woodcarving Instruction
• Knitting & Quilting Instruction
• Arts & Crafts Instruction
• Writers Group – Senior Scribblers
• Book Discussion Group
• Cribbage Instruction
• Smart Driver Classes
• America- An Artful Journey

Social and Recreational Programming

The Senior Center offers a varied assortment of social and recreational activities in an effort to reduce social isolation by encouraging friendship and engagement. The Center’s Café and social events foster social interaction as do many other social and recreational opportunities offered at the Center. Some of these include: cards, board games, arts & crafts, pool/billiards, movies, day trips and our chorale group.

Transportation

Handicapped accessible transportation is available to Franklin’s elderly and disabled residents through GATRA, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority. Dial-ARide service is available to Franklin’s older residents within Franklin or out-of-town within a 15 mile radius.

GATRA also offers a fixed route bus through town and long-distance transportation for medical appointments to Boston and other destinations. GATRA transportation can be scheduled by calling 800-698-7676.

The Council on Aging works with GATRA to assure optimal access to, and quality of both Dial-A-Ride and the fixed bus route services for senior and disabled riders. The Senior Center also offers weekly recreational trips at an affordable price for older adults.

Friends of Franklin Elders

The Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. (FOFE) is a private, non-profit organization, which was founded to assist the Franklin Senior Center with funding. The Friends supplement town funding for the Senior Center by funding programs, services, and equipment. FOFE raises funds through its annual membership drive. The Center relies on FOFE to help fund salaries for our Grill Cook and Health & Wellness Nurse. The Friends also funded our annual Veterans Breakfast, our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, entertainment for social events, and various other expenses. The Friends publish our monthly newsletter, The Franklin Connection. In collaboration with the Benjamin Franklin Charter School, FOFE provides gifts to 40 homebound elderly residents.

Tax Work-Off Program

Franklin offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners aged 60 and over. Seniors can take a credit of up to $800.00 off their real estate taxes by working in various town departments at the minimum wage. This program provides important tax relief to senior citizens, while supplying the town with knowledgeable workers. In 2013, ninety-three participants worked for a total of 8,495 hours at a total cost of $67,960. Senior workers were placed in the Library, Treasurer/Collector’s office, the Recreation Department, the DPW, the Assessors’ office, the Building/Inspection office, the Senior Center and several schools.

Volunteers

The Council on Aging is deeply indebted to our volunteers for their steadfast service and commitment to the Senior Center. They enrich our programming and enhance our ability to serve older adults effectively. Volunteers donate their time working in our gift shop, café, Supportive Day Program, as instructors, and in many other capacities. Last year, 106 dedicated volunteers contributed 11,212 hours of service to the Senior Center. Each year, we pay tribute to our volunteers for their dedicated service at our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, which is funded by the Friends of Franklin Elders.

Intergenerational Activities

The Senior Center is committed to joining generations and we enjoyed many intergenerational activities with students of all ages over the course of the year. These activities help to create a sense of community, improve self-esteem in both generations, and dispel age-related stereotypes.

The Tri-County Technical Regional Vocational School Health Services students visited the Center bi-weekly to interact with seniors and assist with activities; they also hosted a Health Fair. Tri-County’s Honor Society offered free gift wrapping for seniors during the holidays.

National Honor Society students at Franklin High School hosted their annual Spring Fling for seniors with a free luncheon, entertainment by talented students, and generous raffle prizes which the students solicit from local merchants.

Our Supportive Day Program met monthly with students from the Early Child Development Program. Horace Mann students organized a Poetry Day at the Center and shared classic poems with seniors who shared their poems as well. Our seniors mentor students at the Parmenter School’s Book Buddies program. We hosted two interns from Franklin High School and two interns from Xaverian Brothers High School.

Some further conveniences offered at the Senior Center include:

• Hairdresser/Barber/Manicures
• “Ben’s Bounty” Gift Shop
• Free Medical Equipment & Supply Loans
• Fitness Equipment
• Franklin Connection Newsletter
• “Senior Circle” Cable Program
• Recycling – Batteries & Light bulbs

Funding & Partnerships

The Center’s total funding from all sources was $285,921 last year. When broken down, this includes 54% from the Town’s General Fund, 22% from Revolving Funds, 12% from the state’s Elder Affairs grant, 8% from the Friends of Franklin Elders and 4% from the MetroWest Health Care Foundation.

The Franklin Council on Aging partners with the Franklin Police Department and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. The Franklin Police Patrolmen’s Association officers offer a holiday luncheon at the Senior Center every year, along with educational presentations and Bingo parties.

The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with the Senior Center and the Franklin Police to create awareness of scams and fraudulent schemes to reduce elderly victimization and enhance the safety of older adults.

The Sheriff’s Office sponsors the Yellow Dot Program which furnishes a sticker for an elder’s vehicle, which directs first responders to the driver’s medical information in the glove compartment.

The Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin Police Department also manage the Project Lifesaver program, which recovers elders with dementia who may wander. The program provides subscribers with a wrist bracelet with a radio transmitter. Should the subscriber wander, a search and rescue team is deployed to track the signal. The program is available to elderly residents suffering from dementia.

The Senior Center also worked with a Veterans organization, “IPods for Wounded Veterans” to send afghans to military hospitals in Washington D.C.

In Memorium: Stella Jeon

The Franklin Council on Aging was greatly saddened by the loss of long-time member, Stella Jeon. Stella was a passionate advocate for the Senior Center, the town of Franklin and those with low vision. Stella was the embodiment of kindness and touched many lives in our community and beyond. Stella will be commemorated with the re-naming of the Center’s library as the “Stella Jeon Memorial Library” and the addition to our parking lot will be designated as “Stella Jeon Way”.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Alves
Senior Center Director

Mah Jongg lessons start in January at the Senior Center

For additional information on the Council on Aging (Senior Center) you can visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index


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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/2014report.pdf

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

FHS Winter Sports: hockey teams win, track teams lose

From Hockomock Sports we can share the results of the FHS winter athletic teams from Saturday:

Hockey - Boys

Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 8 - Final - Connor Anderson scored twice for the Panthers and six other Franklin players scored once. Drew Wilde scored Milford's lone goal.

FHS Panthers

Hockey - Girls

Franklin, 2 vs. Westwood, 1 - Final

Indoor Track - Boys

Franklin, 23.5 vs. Mansfield, 76.5 - Final - The Hornets had one of the best days of all Hockomock teams on the day. Aidan Friend finished in 6.88 in the 55M dash, Dean Jenssen finished at 36.88 in the 300M, Mike Duggan finished the 600M in 1:28.96 and Dan Romano (9:54.03) and Jake Affanato (9:54.36) had the two best times in the two mile race. Behind Romano and Affanato in the two mile was Franklin's Ryan Spelman (10:27.41) and Nate Zaccardi finished the 55M dash in 7.09.

Indoor Track - Girls

Franklin, 33 vs. Mansfield, 67 - Final - Junior Lauren Waters finished the 55M dash in 7.64, the best Kelley-Rex finish on the day, Lindsay Goulet clocked a 42.45 in the 300M race, second best in the league and Mikaila Amerantes (1:39.33) and Rachel Stier (1:42.63) had the two best finishes in the 600M race. Franklin's Meghan Doherty registered a 1:42.98 in the 600M face, the third best finish - only behind Amerantes and Stier. Elaina Rebello (3:16.18, 1000M), Brittany Robinson (5:31.00, 1 Mile) and Sabrina LoMonaco (33-04.75, Shot Put) had strong days for the Panthers as well.

For all the Hockomock League results, check this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010315

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Recreation Department

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report, we come to the Recreation Department.


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.

Chilson Beach

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, field hockey, football, boy’s 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 King Street Memorial Field & Medway’s Choate Park from June 23-August 15, 2014. 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 camp shirt tie dye on Tuesdays, field trips on Wednesdays, a giant slip and slide every Thursday, and Pizza day Fridays. The program grew this summer to over 1,000 registrants. The Franklin Summer Playground Program Director this year was Kaitlyn Williamson. The Franklin Summer Playground Program staff included: Paul, Allison and Tom O’Donoghue, Nicole Williamson, Dan Kohutanycz, Amy Trottier, Erik and Jakob Herlitz, Nicole Ellin, Emily Allard, Brendan Kuzio, Nicholas DePedro, Aiden Gilbert, Jacob Davis, Erin Connelly, Kyle Collins, Kelly Dubowskiand Dominic Girdini.

The Medway Summer Playground Program Director was Marybeth Bryne. Her staff included: Tyler Cummings, John Geromini, Alec Marshall, and Ryan
Spillane.

Youth Basketball Program

The Youth Basketball program continues to grow and now involves over 1,178 children, 130 teams, 202 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 9th-March 1st 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 Dave Angermeier 3rd & 4th Boys, Bob Pingeton 3rd & 4th Girls, Ryan Jette 5th & 6th Girls, Tim Saunders 5th & 6th Boys, Mike Canesi 7th & 8th Girls, Mark Eccher and Steve Skaza 7th & 8th Boys, and Mike Vinson High School Intramural League. 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 “break-up” 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 200 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 Paul O’Donoghue 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 100 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. 395 kids signed up to play each Tuesday & Thursday evening at the Beaver Pond Turf Field. Reversible NFL game jerseys, playbooks, 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.

new floating bridge at DelCarte Recreation (off Pleasent St)

Tennis Program

The youth tennis instructional program was offered at the Choate Park Courts in Medway. The two six-week program was under the supervision of Wesley Esthimer and John Hardesty. Classes were run at the Choate Park Tennis Courts in Medway Tuesday evenings through Thursday evenings for all skill levels. Around 50 children and adults 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.

Girls Lacrosse

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 Mike Ryan, Greg Tracey, Kim Carney, Beth Peterson, Renee Tolonen, Raquel Griffin, Mike Grasso and Rich Norton. There were five teams at the 3rd & 4th Grade division, which were coached by Ryan Jette, Tom O’Rourke, Mark Goguen, Barry Regan, Mike Grasso, Kevin O’Connor, Michelle Hess, Matt Hawkins and Nicole Ellin. There were three teams at the 5th & 6th Grade level, which was coached by Mark Goguen, Paul DeStefano, Charlie Clark, Kinjal Patel, Kim Carney and Ted Mazukina . And three teams at the 7th & 8th Grade level, which were coached by Roger Jette, John Jette, Todd MacCallum, Paul DeStefano, Chris Schmidt, Lindsey Baryluk and plenty of High School Players . All levels had successful seasons and played in 8 regular season games. Franklin Girls Lacrosse is still the largest girls’ lacrosse program in the state of Massachusetts.

ArtVenture Afterschool Studios

After being without an art program for nearly two years, the Recreation Department recently hired a new art instructor, Anne Marie Tracey in March. 80 children from Pre-k to Middle School have signed up to take one of the many diverse art programs. ArtVenture Afterschool Studio, Artventure Preschool Studios, Art Inspired by Cake Bar, and Art Summer Camp. All art programs are held at the Recreation Department.

Preschool Programs

Our Preschool classes are held in the mornings from 9:00am to 11:30am. The Recreation Department has four certified preschool instructors on staff. Colleen Ahearn and Gretchen McAuley are our science instructors. Approximately 200 children sign up for the year round preschool science programs. Little Engineers, Mad Scientist, The Amazing Body, Travel Through Space, Science for Seedlings, and the Science, Engineering and Math Camps just to name a few. The science classes are taught once a week for seven weeks. Kelley Brooks and Nicole Nesbit are our other two certified preschool instructors. Kelley and Nicole teach our First Friends programs; Exploration Station, First Friends, First Friends Lunch Bunch and More Fun with Friends. They hold class’s everyday, Monday through Friday and yearly roughly 400 children sign up to take their programs.

Girls Field Hockey

Franklin Recreation offers girls youth field hockey in many formats throughout the year. The fall (August-October) are usually the months that the field hockey leagues run (K-2 grade in house, 3-8 grade travel league). School vacations (Feb-Apr), Summer (Jun-Aug) are usually the times Lisa Cropper runs camps and introductory clinics. We work closely with the FHS program Head Coach Lisa Cropper to coordinate clinics, field usage, games. The K-2 division, an in house program features practice sessions and some in house small sided games. The 3rd & 4th grade team
will play some scrimmages/games against area teams (probably 4-6 games). The 5th & 6th and the 7th & 8th grade teams will play in the Walpole League with 8 games vs. surrounding towns. 150 girls comprise eight teams for the fall Field Hockey League.

NHL Street Hockey

This summer, our street hockey program was better than ever with over 100 kids and 8 NHL teams represented. We hold a skills clinic for the first four sessions to evaluate the players. Then, we will break them up into equal teams so that games will be fair and fun for all. Teams play twice a week, Monday and Wednesday’s. Tom Gately and David Marchand are the league coordinators and the reason why this program continues to grow. Our Street Hockey program participates at Fletcher Field.

Respectfully submitted,

Ryan Jette
Director of Recreation

new tot lot section at Fletcher Field

For additional information on the Recreation Dept you can visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recreation/index


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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/2014report.pdf

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

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Human Resources

Continuing our read of the Annual Report, we get to the section on Human Resources. As about 80% of the overall Franklin budget is related to the total costs of the people employeed by the town to perform the services we all receive, this is an important section.


If you visit the Town of Franklin website, Human Resources is found under “more”, but none of the services the Town provides can happen without the employees. The primary function of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service and that service is provided by its employees. The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service primarily to applicants, active and former employees.

During this fiscal year we began to see a transition in staff as baby boomers began to retire. This included five new full time hires in the Public Works Department, four in the Fire Department, two on the Custodial staff, and one Patrol Officer. As the Town withdrew from Civil Service for new hires in the Police Department, we sponsored an entry level exam. Over 200 individuals tested with over 75% passing the examination. As the fiscal year closed, we have begun a review of applicants, with the goal of filling at least two positions.

There are many conversations about benefits with new hires, and they continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town, as their lives change, and still continue into retirement. All retirees from the Town and School Department are cared for in the Human Resources Department. Retirees remain active, with changes to their health insurance programs as they move around the country and become eligible for Medicare.

In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, the Town offers:
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long Term Disability plans
• Section 457 Savings Plans

Health Insurance continues to be a major focus of planning, budgeting and communication. Federal Health Care Reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and premiums as it includes per capita fees for a national study commissions. Other than payroll, it represents one of the largest single costs to the Town. Changes at the state and federal level continue to develop, and we are watching to keep up to speed on the regulations, and working for the most cost effective way to provide comprehensive coverage to our employees and retirees.

All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Workers’ Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program has been insured with MIIA. Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation, reviewing claims and making payments directly to the employees. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly.

Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length of workers’ compensation and 111F absences are held to a minimum.

The Town of Franklin Safety Committee monitors practices and policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite.

We reviewed all benefit programs to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. We continue to work to comply with all new reports and regulations. Over the coming year this will continue to add complexity as we coordinate changes at the Federal level with state regulations, or locally negotiated. We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible.

The HR Department has continued a wellness program, offered by MIIA to the employees of the Town. The Town was awarded a commendation for its program “Excellence in Wellness, Large Trust Accounts.” These have included fitness walking, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating. This
program, designed to improve health and fitness will continue next year at no cost to employees or to the Town. We hope to be able to focus future programs to target wellness issues that give rise to increased health care costs. A core of employees were enthusiastic about participation in the strength and aerobic classes, Healthy Matters heart program and an extended walking program.

In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 400 retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis.

As we begin the next year our goals include:
• Work with all departments to maintain a safe work environment, to reduce lost time from on the job injuries.
• Review return to work options for employees who have been out on Workers’ Compensation or 111F.
• Review best practices in the public sector and find opportunities for skill development to offer to municipal employees.
• Continue to monitor changes arising from National Health Care Reform.
• Partner with School HR activities to find service improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Deliver high quality customer service to employees, retirees, and citizens.
• Constantly monitor full range of benefit options. Focus on the Health Insurance Program.
• Identify information which can be best communicated electronically and keep web site current.
• Provide excellent service to and resolve administrative issues arising from municipal health insurance program.
• Facilitate managers using job descriptions and performance evaluations to strengthen organizational and employee performance.
• Educate employees on the Sec. 125 Flexible Spending Accounts which are available to them for medical or dependent care costs. Support managers and employees in employee relations activities.

We appreciate our employees and retirees and look forward to another year of providing them service.

Respectfully Submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resources Director.


INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees has a seat on the Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee. It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of the Affordable Care Act, Massachusetts General Law, and available financial resources.

With the further portions of the Affordable Care Act from the Federal Government on the horizon, we anticipate changes, administrative challenges, and premium increases in the coming years.

There were no changes to the Health Insurance program, although there were numerous discussions about other carriers and design changes. Our initial quote was a 9.8% increase, but we were unable to find any better quotes. There were numerous discussion with MIIA and they suggested that we participate in a Pilot program including a robust and expanded Wellness initiative, and an agreement to help keep participant contact information current. This resulted in a renewal with a 7.8% premium increase. The Wellness Team held one meeting in June and will be meeting on a regular basis in the coming year to focus on education and programs to tackle life habits that contribute to good health.

The Town continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. We are happy to report that few of our employees required in patient care.

The Town provides dental benefits on a totally employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan no increase to premiums. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.

The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediate payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards.

The plan runs on a September 1 through August 31 calendar to more closely coordinate with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs. Since this program exists on a tax exempt basis, changes at the federal level may cause plan changes. We will monitor any activity about Sec. 125 of the Tax Code to ensure we remain in compliance.

Participants on the IAC brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. The IAC plans to continue its work gaining knowledge about the full insurance program. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through this committee to other employees so that there is greater understanding of benefit plans.

Respectfully Submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resource Director

screen grab of  Franklin's Human Resources webpage

To find out more about the Human Resources Department, you can find them here http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Human/index


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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/2014report.pdf

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

Christmas trees will be picked up the week of January 5

Christmas trees will be picked up the week of January 5, 2015 and only bare trees will be picked up. Anything in bags, with ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc. will be left behind.

Christmas tree pickup scheduled for week of Jan 5th

This was shared from the Franklin wbsite
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01F7E254-000F8513

Additional info from the current curbside chronicle can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/WM_00279_Franklin%206pg%202014_rF2.pdf

FHS Basketball: Boys win, girls lose

From Hockomock Sports we find that the basketball team were in action on Friday with the boys winning and the girls losing both to their counterparts from North Attleboro.

Boys Basketball

FHS Panthers

North Attleboro, 37 @ Franklin, 57 - Final - Marcus Giese scored a game-high 13 points, Tim Prunier added eight points and Kyle Skidmore, Shawn Hanley and Dylan Reno each chipped in with seven points apiece. North Attleboro freshman Chad Peterson scored a career-high 11 points

Girls Basketball 

Franklin, 47 @ North Attleboro, 55 - Final - Danielle Perron had a game-high 15 points for North Attleboro while Julia Strachan added 13 points and Ashley Ahern added 10 points. Lexi Martin had a team-high 14 points for Franklin and Jillian Spolidoro added 13 points.

For all the results from the Hockomock League action on Friday, check this
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010215

For what is scheduled today, check this link:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010315

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/2/15 - THU 1/8/15

FRI 1/2   1:30pm   Adult Coffee and Craft - Bath Salts - at Franklin Public Library

SAT 1/3   8am-12pm   Bottle and Can Drive - FHS Cheerleaders - at FHS parking lot

SUN 1/4   9am-12pm   Electronics Recycling Drive at Whole Foods in Bellingham. De-clutter your home, most items are FREE to recycle. Click here for more information.

WED 1/7   6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Meeting at Franklin Senior Center. Public welcome. Demonstration by pastel artist Karole Nicholson.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Health Department

Continuing our read through the Annual Report we turn to the Health Department.

Mission Statement

The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well being of the
community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, the Franklin Health Department enforces a multitude of public health laws and
regulations, and administers a comprehensive inspection program.

Inspections

The following list identifies the primary components of the department’s inspection program, and the total number of inspections and re-inspections conducted for each component.

* Food Service/Retail Food/Inspections/ Complaint Investigations ................................. 365
* Title V Septic System Plan Review and Installation/Repair, Total Applications .............. 56
35 New, 21 Repairs, 17 Minor Repairs and Approximately 180 Field Inspections Conducted.
* Chapter II Housing Code Inspection/ Re-inspections  ..................................................... 33
* Public Health Nuisance/Odor/Noise/Animal Complaint Investigation .......................... 72
* Semi-Public Pool/Spa Testing/Inspection and Public Beach Testing .............................. 33
* Inspection and Licensing of Children’s Recreational Camps ............................................ 11
* Tanning Salon Inspection ................................................................................................... 4
* Manicure/Pedicure Establishment  ................................................................................... 8

Communicable Disease 

As mandated by the State Department of Public Health, local health departments must report, investigate and track all communicable disease occurrences in their jurisdictions. The Franklin Health
Department has had a long-term contract with the former VNA and Hospice of Greater Milford, now call Salmon Health Care, to assist with the investigation and follow up of reportable communicable diseases that occur in the community.

The following list depicts the reportable illness activity for fiscal year 2013-2014 in number of official cases:

Malaria ............................................................................ 0
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ............................... 0
Calicvirus/Norovirus ...................................................... 1
Babesiosis ....................................................................... 0
Campylobacter ................................................................ 6
Hepatitis A ...................................................................... 1
Hepatitis B ...................................................................... 0
Hepatitis C ...................................................................... 9
Lyme Disease ............................................................... 13
Meningitis ....................................................................... 2
Streptococcus, Group A/B .............................................. 4
E. Coli ............................................................................. 0
Ehrlichiosis ..................................................................... 0
Giardiasis ........................................................................ 1
Salmonella Enteritis ........................................................ 2
Bacterial Infection, Avium, Vibrio ................................. 1
Encephalitis .................................................................... 0
Cryptosporidiosis ............................................................ 1
Legionellosis ................................................................... 1
Pulmonary TB ................................................................. 0
Chicken Pox .................................................................... 0
Pertussis .......................................................................... 1
Influenza ....................................................................... 40
Dog Bites ...................................................................... 17
Cat Bites ......................................................................... 4
Shigellosis ....................................................................... 0
TB related ....................................................................... 0
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ............................................. 2
Yersinia ........................................................................... 1
Vibrio sp ......................................................................... 1
Dengue Fever .................................................................. 0

Flu Clinics

In fiscal year 2013-2014, the VNA/Salmon Health Care held one seasonal flu clinic immunizing 82
residents. In addition, the VNA/Salmon Health Care provided TB screening/ testing and case follow-up for a number of residents.

Licenses and Permits

The following is a comprehensive list of all permits/licenses issued by the Franklin Health Department during fiscal year 2013-2014. Most licensed/permitted activities require at least annual
inspections as part of the permitting process.

Beaver Permits ................................................................ 9
Burial Permits ............................................................... 87
Bakery ............................................................................. 4
Bottling ........................................................................... 1
Catering .......................................................................... 2
Cleaners/Laundromats .................................................... 1
Recreational Camps ........................................................ 8
Demolition ...................................................................... 0
Septic Installers............................................................. 50
Disposal of Offal .......................................................... 37
Food Establishment .................................................... 109
Funeral Directors ............................................................ 3
Infectious Waste ............................................................. 1
Keeping of Animals ...................................................... 14
Frozen Desserts/Ice Cream ............................................. 8
Milk and Cream ............................................................ 23
Milk and Cream Vehicles ............................................... 4
Mobile Food ................................................................... 3
Pasteurization ................................................................. 1
Private Wells (potable .................................................... 3
Irrigation Wells ............................................................... 9
Recycling ........................................................................ 1
Retail Food ................................................................... 30
Stables ........................................................................... 20
Manicure Establishment ............................................... 17
Tanning Establishment ................................................... 4
Temporary Food ........................................................... 15
Trench Permits .............................................................. 39
Semi-Public Pools/Spas ............................................... 26
Tobacco/Nicotine Delivery Products ............................ 29

The Franklin Board of Health and the Health Department worked diligently to draft and implement
several new public health regulations during the last fiscal year. In April of 2014, a comprehensive
Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products regulation was enacted. In addition a new regulation governing the installation of septic systems was also passed by the Board of Health.

Staff

The current Health Department staff is as follows:
David E. McKearney, R.S. Public Health Director
Virginia M. McNeil, Health Agent,
Elizabeth Hoey, Health Inspector, (14) hours and
Mary Ellen Ficco, Administrative Assistant, (16) hours.

The Franklin Health Department wishes to thank all department heads and staff for their continuing
assistance and support of the Health Department throughout the year.

Board of Health

The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the Health Department. The
board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws, and review all site plans for compliance with local and state public health regulations. The board presides over administrative hearings in all matters concerning Health Department licensed and permitted activities. Board members are  available for consultation on issues relative to the public health as well.

Bruce Hunchard, Board of Health Chairman
Donald Ranieri, Jr. Vice Chairman
Philip Brunelli, Board Clerk.

Hours of Operation

The Franklin Health Department office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00AM to
4:00PM, Wednesday from 8:00AM to 6:00PM and Friday from 8:00AM to 1:00PM

Health Department personnel are available to meet with customers from 8-9:15AM and again from 3:15-4PM each day, or other hours by appointment as necessary.

Respectfully submitted,
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department

Screen grab of Franklin Health Department page

For additional information on the Health Dept you can visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Health/index


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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/2014report.pdf

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

Bottle/Can Drive - Saturday - Jan 3

Got a few bottles and cans from your holiday parties? 

Help the FHS Cheerleaders by bringing the bottles and cans to the FHS parking lot Saturday morning January 3 between 8:00 AM and noon.

FHS bottle/can drive

2014 from the Climate Hawk’s Perspective – The Climate Minute Podcast

New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) 2014 from the Climate Hawk's Perspective – The Climate Minute Podcast by massclimateaction The year 2014 was hot, the climate movement became conscious of itself and saw new dimensions in a big world. This year is likely to be the hottest year on record and one where climate change undeniably arrived in clear force. The year will also be remembered as one where climate activism took center stage with lots of rabble-rousing. The President said "Our citizens keep marching. We cannot pretend we do not hear them." From EPA regulations to the Climate March, Climate Hawks were out in force. The KXL pipeline is in deep Presidential trouble because of activism. In NY, fracking was banned, and the polls approve. On top of all that, Kinder Morgan blinked in the face of local opposition. The climate movement's conception of itself changed in 2014 as well, not the least due to Naomi Klein's book "This Changes Everything". Rebecca Solnit is getting lots of mileage out of a comparison of our times to the French Revolution. She says: "…physics is inevitable…Politics, on the other hand, is not inevitable." In the same way, the #BlackLivesMatter movement is a big one for Climate Hawks. From a convergence of interests, to environmental justice to a simple realization that cities are a locus of climate opportunity, a new way of thinking was born. The year also saw hopeful signs of an independent media as well as price parity for renewables, and a great window of opportunity for a carbon tax. Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon. Thanks for listening. …Ted McIntyre massclimateaction | December 31, 2014 at 10:32 am | Tags: 350.org, blacklivesmatter, Carbon Taxes, citizen's climate lobby, Climate Change, cop20, COP21, global warming, KXL, Naomi Klein, thischangeseverything | Categories: Climate Action | URL: http://wp.me/p14L3C-12a Comment    See all comments    Like Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/2014-from-the-climate-hawks-perspective-the-climate-minute-podcast/ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

You can listent to The Climate Minute podcast here:

Franklin Library: Science Friday - Jan 9th

Space is limited and registration is required for the Science Friday event scheduled for Jan 9th. This targeted for students in the 1st through 4th grades.  

Register here

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ea8hoafg219c5f31&llr=npijo9cab

science Friday  - "world of engineering"

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/science-friday.html

In the News: HMMS goes to Future City

Middle-schoolers from Framingham, Natick and Franklin are among the New England regional finalists in the 22nd annual Future City Competition. 

Teams from The Learning Center for the Deaf-Walden School in Framingham, Natick Public School and the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin are headed to the regional competition, scheduled for Jan. 24 at Northeastern University in Boston. 

The Future City Competition challenges kids to develop solutions to problems currently facing society. This year's challenge, titled Feeding Future Cities, had students exploring urban agriculture, from aeroponic systems for rooftop farms to recycled gray water to the farm-to-table movement. Led by an educator and adult volunteer, students designed a futuristic urban farm capable of growing enough of one vegetable crop and one protein crop to feed the citizens of their communities.

Continue reading the article at the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141231/NEWS/141239363/1994/NEWS#sthash.qUPID4qq.dpuf

screen grab of Future City webpage

For more about the Future City Competition, you can follow this link http://futurecity.org/

Happy New Year!

Good bye 2014!  

In the middle of Fiscal Year 2015, we get to turn the calendar to January 1 and the new year - 2015.

May the new year bring goodness to all!

happy new year!

PS - -> If you really need to find something to read today, feel free to spend time in the archives. You can scroll through the Meeting Notes (live reporting on meetings going back to 2008) or pick a day (any day back to November 2007) then turn back the clock to find out what was posted on that day.

MBTA: Commuter Rail Schedule for New Year's Day

Please be advised that on Thursday, January 1, 2015, all trains on all lines will operate on a Sunday schedule. Affected routes: Newburyport/Rockport Line Haverhill Line Lowell Line Fitchburg/South Acton Line Framingham/Worcester Line Needham Line Franklin Line Fairmount Line Providence/Stoughton Line Middleborough/Lakeville Line Kingston/Plymouth Line Greenbush Line New Year's Eve Schedule info Last updated: Dec 31 2014 08:58 AM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/ Sent by the MBTA.