Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/20/15-2/26/15

FRI 2/20   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked: Boston Skyline at Franklin Art Center
FRI 2/20   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
FRI 2/20   8pm   Black Box New England Artist Series: Robbie O’Connell

SAT 2/21   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library, music performance by Betty Kushner from 9-10am
SAT 2/21   7:30pm   Black Box: Joffrey Ballet Concert Group

SUN 2/22   9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
SUN 2/22   1pm   FREE Family Concert: Irina Fainkichen at The Black Box
SUN 2/22   2:30pm   Learn Basic Wilderness Survival Skills - teens/adults - Franklin Public Library

MON 2/23   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk the Track at FHS

TUE 2/24   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk the Track at FHS

WED 2/25   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk the Track at FHS
WED 2/25   7pm   FREE Workshop: Winning Over Worries - Parenting the Anxious Child - sponsored by Franklin SEPAC - Franklin Town Hall conference room on the 3rd floor

THU 2/26   5:30-7:30pm   Community Walking: FREE Walk the Track at FHS
 
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

Fiscal Responsibility: A Taxpayer’s Perspective - Mar 5th

The Franklin Republican Town Committee is proud to sponsor the following event:

What: Fiscal Responsibility: A Taxpayer’s Perspective
Who: Mass Fiscal Alliance, Paul Craney, Executive Director (speaker)
Where: Alumni Restaraunt (391 East Central St, Franklin, MA)
When: Thursday, March 5th, 2015; 7-10pm

Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting better government and right-of-center fiscal and economic policy solutions. 

They have an office near the Statehouse in Boston and their website is www.MassFiscal.org and they launched a first of its kind, online and real-time, state legislative scorecard which may be found at www.MassFiscalScorecard.org

screen grab of MassFiscal webpage

Free CPR Training - register now - Mar 7th

We are holding a free cpr training on Saturday March 7th at 1pm. Attached is a flyer.

People interested must register at https://www.nationalmedicalacademy.com and use coupon code FREECPR

Free CPR Training - register now

Why do CPR Training?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/saving-lives-get-formally-trained-in-cpr.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/cpr-came-in-very-useful.html

Business After Hours Feb. 26 - 1776 Financial

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has organized a Business After Hours on Feb. 26 at 1776 Financial, 443 E. Central St., Franklin. 

Uncle Sam in Oct 2014

In addition to plentiful networking opportunities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be an educational presentation from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Retirement Planning for the Small Business Owner.

Registration is required and limited to the first 50 people. There is no charge for Chamber members; $10 for non-members. Register by calling Chamber at 508-222-0801.

Public Safety Advisory On Potential Roof Collapses

Thank you to Doug Semple, City of Attleboro Building Inspector, for forwarding this information to us. Public Safety Advisory on Potential Roof Collapses Dangers Associated With Heavy Snow Loads on Roofs The recent prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms have contributed to severe roof load conditions. Compounding the situation is the short-term weather forecast of possible heavy rain on Sunday.   Homeowners, tenants, and businesses need to be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes. Because of the impending snow & rain storm Sunday, efforts should be undertaken now to safely remove snow from roofs.   Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of structural collapse. Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.   Lower roofs, where snow accumulates from higher roofs are also vulnerable.   Some potential signs of imminent roof collapse.   Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas. Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof. Start from the edge and work your way into the roof. Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering. Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line. Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof. Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building. Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof. Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick. Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks. Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores. If you don't hire professionals, at least have someone outside with you in case anything does go wrong Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level. Tips for Homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas DON'T   Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don't add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof. Don't use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots. Don't use electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice. Don't use open-flame devices to remove snow and ice. According to Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, a cubic foot of dry snow weighs about seven pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow weighs anywhere from 12 to 18 pounds. So, if it's possible, hire someone to help with all of the snow clearing. How to Recognize Problems with Roofs Sagging roofs Severe roof leaks Cracked or split wood members Bends or ripples in supports Cracks in walls or masonry Sheared off screws from steel frames Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles Doors that pop open Doors or windows that are difficult to open Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling Creaking, cracking or popping sounds Other Safety Tips for Homeowners Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Check outside fuel and dryer exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Never use your oven for heat. Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Ice dams can cause major damage to a home or building. Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall, followed by several days or even weeks of very cold weather.  An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms, the water backs up behind the ice dams and creates a pool. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety; free of anything that may catch fire. Space heaters are not designed to replace your central heating system; they are only designed to provide a little extra heat on a temporary basis. So be sure to turn them off when you leave room or go to bed at night. Clear snow away from downspouts so water has a place to go. Do not be tempted to use a heat gun or open flame torch to melt the ice; the risk of starting a fire is huge. Also, please remember to shovel-out fire hydrants in/around your area in case of emergency. See the Massachusetts Emergency Management web link below for additional information about winter and fire safety tips. http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/  If you feel you are in immediate danger, get outside and call 9-1-1. Tips for businesses in removing snow and ice from roofs and other areas DO The same tips apply. However, if you are going to use a snow blower, make sure that it has been approved by a structural engineer to be used on a roof, and that the blower is set to a high level above the roof so as not to damage roof membrane. Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof. Start from the edge and work your way into the roof. Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering. Keep in mind that any metal tool could conduct electricity if it touches a power line. Also, metal tools will do more damage to your roof. Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side away from the building. Most plastic shovels are better, except for the ones with curved blades-those too will do some damage to your roof. Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks. Keep gutters, downspouts and drains clean. How to Recognize Problems with Roofs in Commercial Buildings Many of the same apply - added Sagging roof steel - visually deformed Severe roof leaks Cracked or split wood members Bends or ripples in metal supports Cracks in walls or masonry Cracks in welds of steel construction Sheared off screws from steel frames Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles Water puddles where it never has before Doors that pop open Doors or windows that are difficult to open Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling Creaking, cracking or popping sounds What to do if you have problems Call your local building or fire official. If there is imminent danger, evacuate the building and call 911. What other assistance is available? Many fire departments have regional technical rescue teams available to local departments in case of collapse. Massachusetts Task Force 1 is an Urban Search and Rescue Team in Beverly. The team is comprised of Police, Fire, EMS and Civilians who respond to major disasters under a contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently there are 150 people on the MATF-1 team.

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

Franklin Library - Book Sale / Bag Sale - Feb 21 - 22

Get out of the house Saturday and spend some time at the monthly Library Book Sale.

The book sale happens Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The bag sale happens on Sunday from 9:00 AM to noon.

Library Book Sale - Feb 21 - 22

This was shared from the Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/02/library-book-sale.html

Town of Franklin $6,920,000 Bonds Net 1.931%; Refunding saves $603,906

James Dacey, Town Treasurer, announced that the Town received competitive bids from bond underwriters on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, for a $6,920,000 12-year bond issue. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC was the winning bidder on the Bonds with an average interest rate of 1.931%. The Town received 5 bids on the Bonds. Bond proceeds will be used to refinance bonds of the Town originally issued March 15, 2006 and April 1, 2007.

The refinancing will generate total savings of $603,906 over the remaining life of the Bonds.

Prior to the sale, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed the Town’s AA+ bond rating. The rating agency cited the 

• Town’s very strong economy
• strong management with good financial policies 
• strong budgetary flexibility
• very strong liquidity
• very strong debt and contingent liability position 
• and strong institutional framework 

as positive credit factors


The bids for the Bonds were accepted at the offices of the Town’s Financial Advisor, First Southwest Company, at 54 Canal Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

Franklin Municipal Building in better weather

"let us say with our actions that every life matters"

From Trevor Clement: 

A few years ago, when my wife was pregnant, we made the decision to find a new home. We wanted to give our child the best educational opportunities, and it became clear that the Franklin school system would do just that. I ran for a seat on School Committee because I wanted to help Franklin’s schools continue their excellence and high standards. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve, and I greatly enjoy the work. 

The School Committee recently had the first of two votes on a proposed change to the policy concerning memorials. At our most recent meeting, I voiced my objections to the proposed policy. Because this is such a sensitive issue, I wanted to lay out my position in more detail. The current policy does not allow for the donation of memorials bearing the name of a person. The proposed policy would allow such individualized memorials.

The proposed policy was written with the input of Franklin resident Rita Graci. I have nothing but respect and sympathy for the Graci family. Their loss is unfathomable and their strength and determination are extraordinary. I have had several conversations with Rita, and while we may disagree, she has always been polite, thoughtful, and considerate of other views. 

I am not opposed to having memorials in the school. In fact, I favor a policy where every loss is commemorated at the district’s expense. The memorials could be paving stones with names carved into them, or plaques that the family can personalize and which hang on a Wall of Remembrance. Whatever the method, the scope and nature of the memorials should be the same for everyone. 

What I am opposed to is valuing one life differently than another. Our schools are a place where all students are welcomed as equals, where they are treated with respect, and where they are given the same opportunities to succeed. When there is a loss, it affects the entire school community, and we should grieve that loss in a way that maintains our message of universal respect and the inherent value of every life. Every student is loved, every loss is a tragedy, and everyone should be given the same honor and recognition.  

We shouldn't have a policy that allows those with means or influence to have special consideration for their loved one. To allow one family to erect a statue creates the impression that one student’s life, and one family’s loss, is more worthy of respect and remembrance than others. We should be commemorating all those whom we have lost, not just those who can afford to be remembered. No family should be made to feel like their child is less important. No child should go through school wondering why their sibling didn’t deserve to be remembered. 

Some people are going to say that this doesn’t reflect how things are usually done; that the real world selects who is remembered. My response to that is: schools are different. 

School is where we teach our children how we want the world to be, not just how it is. We are preparing our students not only to be part of the world, but also to shape it and improve it. Great schools don’t sit on the floor of how things are; they strain against the ceiling of how things should be. The world may not be fair, but in this briefest time, when our children are our students and our actions speak so loudly, let us say with our actions that every life matters, and every life is worth remembering. 

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. I can be reached at
clementt@franklin.k12.ma.us and welcome all comments and feedback.

the proposed Kristin Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

The current and proposed policy revision documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-public-schools-memorial-policy.html

My notes from the Feb 10th School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/local-and-state-policy-dominate.html

The second reading of the policy revision is likely to be on the agenda for the Feb 24th School Committee. When the agenda is published, it will be made available here. 

Saving Lives - Get Formally Trained In CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as we all know is needed when a person is suffering from cardiac arrest. CPR is the first thing that we rely on in such situations; it is actually a first aid method. If we have to believe on the statistical data then it says, about 92 percent victims of the cardiac arrest die well before they see a hospital. The data even mentions that only if people knew what CPR is, it would make a huge difference. This method increases almost 50 per cent chances of survival. The best thing is, you need not be a medical expert to know about CPR. 

Imagine if you could save somebody from dying, would not that be a thing of achievement for you? The six minutes after an individual suffers a heart attack are the most crucial moments of his life. These moments can take his life or can start his second innings. Therefore, CPR training is a must for one and all.  

National Medical Academy

Irrespective of what profession one belongs to, a person can take cpr training classes. This is one thing that does not have any eligibility criteria. You can be of any age or any profession, you will still be able to get trained in CPR. 

If you get formally trained in CPR, you can be ready to save many lives. There are many institutes that offer this course. National Medical Academy offers you a cpr certification at the end. This training cannot be forced on everyone but, it is highly recommended. You never know who will need it. It could be anybody, starting from your family member to your colleague. And, at that time, there is no point in feeling helpless! 

It is a myth people believe in that only individuals with medical background need to know about CPR or can perform CPR. The fact is, you just need to be humane enough to be able to learn to save somebody's life. The cpr training classes will resolve all your doubts and teach you techniques that are easily understandable and adaptable. You will not have any inhibitions left to ponder upon. Many think that even if they know about CPR, they still will not be able to do it properly. It is not like that, you cannot afford to be any less confident in this. And therefore, you need to go to the experts who can teach you this in theory and in practical. 

The people who teach you need to have sound knowledge of this field. If they are naive, you cannot expect them to offer you training to make you a perfectionist. This is a very responsible job and hence, needs thorough study of every detail. For some, CPR may look very easy, but that should not be their over confidence. No matter what, if you are trained under the experts, you will be equipped with right knowledge and techniques! 

If you are interested in attending a CPR certification class, please visit National Medical Academy on their website, https://www.nationalmedicalacademy.com, for more information and to register for a training.

National Medical Academy is formally Act First CPR.
They are located at 247 E Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. (508) 440-5698 

Related posts

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/cpr-came-in-very-useful.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/november-cpr-classes-discounted-for.html

Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar

The next OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Cake Bar will be held this Thursday! 

We plan on holding this event on the THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH from 6:30PM - 8:30PM. 

If you're interested in performing you can either call and sign up in advance for a guaranteed spot or walk in and perform as time allows. 

Friends and family are encouraged to attend! We hope to see you there!

Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar

The Mac Deli is open for business!

After a brief closed period for additional staff training, the Mac Deli is open again!

Mac Deli is open and excited to serve delicious Macaroni and Cheese, Awesome Sandwiches and Fresh Salads. 

We are currently still hiring super people to be part of our amazing team. Please contact Eric at 508-346-3219 if you are interested in working - we are looking for counter help and sandwich makers. Mother's hours available, part and full time shifts available.

The Mac Deli - 13 W Central St

You can find them on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mac-Deli/927409410612158

or on the web here   http://www.themacdeli.com/

#shopFranklin has folks taking action

Approx 20 folks gathered at The Cake Bar Wednesday night energized around #shopFranklin. Ideas were brought up and captureed on the wall. Some were discussed in detail, some started getting solved, some started getting combined with other ideas as the conversation flowed.

It was a good meeting. Lots of the folks were recognizing each other from their Facebook profile. Meeting in real life for the first time, picking up where they left off on line.

A combined ad. A quarterly mailer. Exploring collaborative marketing efforts. Use WMRC 1490 radio. Do a progressive event. Do a cash mob. What is a cash mob? Maybe a #shopFranklin keychain tag.

Discussion around the relationship with the Downtown Partnership. The Partnership is funded by their memberships and from the events they run. have gronw to about 200 members. Membership is reasonable. Forms available at meeting and on partnership website. They are interested in the energy of this group. This is not an us versus them, this is about what is good for Franklin and what is good for businesses in Franklin.

#shopFranklin - supporting small business

Discussion about #shopFranklin page. Still forming and figuring out how it will work. Seeming to be a consumer based place to discuss and collabroate wth local businesses.

What will the construction downtown do to the Harvest Festival? Will it disrupt the Festival this year? Maybe a trade show? How about a passport? Could tie it to fund raising effort for a non-profit. Rockland Trust has a couple of tables for business with accounts at the bank that can be used for helping to spread the word about that business for a month.

Maybe a speaker series. There are topics that small businesses need help with. Improviing health care options? How to prepare for the new sick time law coming into effect in July?  Womens Success Network has an event coming up March 4th. PDF of the info to be sent to a number of folks.

Need to be able to communicate among the group. Set up a Google group. It acts as a distribution listing and provides some thing Facebook doesn't do; it will get the messsage to everyone in the list. Can use the group to confirm additional topics. Can use the group to spread the listing of ideas.

Some of the ideas resulted in action items with assignments. March 11th targeted for next meeting also at the Cake Bar beginning at 7:00 PM.

It was good to see a bunch of folks energized about #shopFranklin and willing to do something about it. This is a good start!

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Mar15connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

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Organizational Meeting: Franklin Small Business Marketing Co-Op

Reminder: What was canceled due to the weather last week is on (finally) for tonight!

Forming a Franklin small business marketing Co-Op was agreed to in yesterday's Franklin Downtown Partnership meeting, and many folks indicated they would participate in a brainstorming working session next week on WEDNESDAY, February 18th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at The Cake Bar. 

For those small business owners, as well as Franklin consumers that are interested in attending, we'd welcome as many as we can get! I've attached a flyer that you can feel free to circulate to anybody and everybody that may be interested. The more the merrier!

#shopFranklin

FHS winter sports results for Tuesday, Feb 17

From Hockomock Sports we can share the results of Tuesday's winter sports competitions

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 51 vs. Newton North, 47 - Final - Marcus Giese scored 16 points on his way to Comcast Tournament MVP honors. Dylan Reno added 17 points and played strong defense on Newton North's Tommy Mobley.

FHS Panthers

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 60 vs. Shepherd Hill, 31 - Final - Lexi Martin led Franklin with 15 points, Jillian Spolidoro added nine points and Caroline Maguire chipped in with eight points. The Panthers will play in the championship of the Westboro Tournament on Thursday against Acton-Boxboro.

Boys Hockey

Franklin, 8 @ Taunton, 0 - Final

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 2 @ Westwood, 5 - Final

For all the results of the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021715