Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Live reporting: Closing
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
Kristen Circe received an MIAA award
modulars coming down next week at Davis Thayer
new assistant principals to be joining the high school
3 promoting from within the district
anyone interested in substance abuse task force, meeting Jun 30th at FHS
will be a lot of work for anyone who wants to be part of it
School Committee Sub
finished policies, will continue work on the rest of the book
budget subcommittee working on lunch prices
Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Reminder on FEF fund raiser for Harlem Wizards coming in November
Trahan mentioned it was good to see efforts to support the local businesses while downtown is undergoing construction - #shopFranklin
8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed
citizen who did not get to speak earlier asked about when he could do so before the meeting officially closed. "Next meeting or via correspondence" was the reply. (not sure when he had arrived but he might have missed the citizens comments section)
Live reporting: Action Items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading:
1. KF – Community Use of School Facilities
2. KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
3. KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
4. KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
5. KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
6. KF-E5 – FHS Grounds Rental Fees
7. (NEW)GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
b. I recommend the acceptance of two checks totaling $589.71 for FHS as follows:
1. $189.71 Ahold Financial Svc. – Gift Account
2. $400.00 John T. Ombelets/ Elizabeth A. John - Scholarship
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,370.16 for Keller Elementary School as follows:
1. $370.16 O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. – In-house enrichment
2. $2,000.00 IBM - supplemental curriculum materials
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Maple Tree (value $150 - 250) from the JF Kennedy PCC for playground shade at JF Kennedy Elementary School.
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from the Parmenter PCC for a Field Trip.
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Target’s Thanks a Billion Program for supplemental supplies at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed
Live Reporting: Policy updates
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy
– First Readings:
KF – Community Use of School Facilities
KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
KF-E2 – FHS Building Use (new)
KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
KF-E5 – FHS Grounds Rental Fees
- (NEW)
GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
(policy documents hopefully to be added later, the documents used to be released pre-meeting but recently have not been)
Live reporting: Jefferson / FHS Guidance Presentations
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Jefferson Elementary Update
– Linda Ashley, Sarah Klim
video slide show highlighting activities throughout the school year
c. FHS Guidance Update
– Heather McVay, Josh MacCreery & Jennifer D’Amico
first change is they really are the Franklin guidance dept. covering grades 6-12
developing a curriculum model to spend more time in the classroom rather than just one-on-one with students
guidance seminars developed career seminars
worked with seniors, then freshman, juniors and sophomores
survey showed reduced stress among students with college process, more knowledgeable about scholarship process
student feedback was highlighting that they appreciated the importance of the transcript and how much freshman year really meant to the overall process
worked with the Juniors beginning in January
general info to the larger classes, and then dig deeper into the specifics during the 1-on-1
Naviance - ins and outs of the program and search options
met with the sophomores in the 4th quarter
preparing for junior year and career options
the career plan is a fluid doc but it is started and can be modified as the student progresses through high school
first comment on the high school that has raised a space issue where the prior planning for the new school clearly had not been prepared for the changes in the guidance program (nor could it realistically have been prepared for).
Jennifer D'Amico covered the middle school program
curriculum delivered differently at the 3 middle school but the content was consistent across the schools
first time for middle schools to get exposed to career inventory and career options; look at themselves as a learner, a worker
also looking at developing a curriculum to cover the 5th to 6th grade transition
O'Malley - guidance is the glue that makes schools go, I am impressed
I am impressed with how far we have come
having councilors talk to the 8th graders and their parents is great
having councilors in the classrooms is great
How does the high school or middle school handle a student with a personal or family issue?
Jen - They incorporate the family in the response at the middle school
At the High School, rely heavily on the adjustment councilors and work together with assistant principals as well as part of the team to approach the student situation
Jewel - Concerned about dealing with the problems and not being able to get to the student who can excel; how much with problems versus dealing with the excellence that is required?
With any problem, there is that underlying problem; the communications with the individual teachers is ongoing and priceless; the team approach is key
The great thing about the seminar is being out there creating a presence with the students; at the high school there is the three people to provide support. At the middle school, there is only the one person.
Maureen - there is also the school psychologists at each of the schools who are good resources. There have been three years of moving walls, to get to this point. Looking to expand further to the kindergarten so it will truly be K-12
Jewell - it is important to get to the students early to get them excited about the STEM arena. Do you use professionals for some examples
One of our goals is to host a career fair for student, if a student has an interest, we do reach out to those where we can. the Senior Project is one particular area that addresses that well.
Clement - How do you strike the balance between showing them options and setting the path? It is good we are giving them the tools
Jen - they explored the options, these are considerations, what is may change many times, it is more about the future planning, not making the final decision
Rohrbach - I know from a parents point of view how overwhelming this can be. This is excellent, thank you
Mullen - When you stop and think about it, you realize how much it has changed over the last several years. Thank you
The seminars are helpful in getting the general info out and are able to have a focused discussion with the individual students
Jen - One of the things to be added to the middle school is to get a better feel on how much the numbers will help in predicting the rising student populations
Live reporting: School Committee - June 23, 2015
Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Rohrbach, Clement, Mullen, Trahan, Jewell
Absent: none
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
last time as President, stepping down after 7 years, to devote time to other matters; meeting the goal can only be achieved through sustained effort
thank you
Review of Agenda - none
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
Payment of Bills - Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives - none
Correspondence:
Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
Special recognition for Maureen Barker, had been recording the minutes of the School Committee for the past several years
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Remington Middle School Update
- Paul Peri, Brian Wildeman
Carly Alston, Allison Ivers, Sean Henderson
"The Dawg House"
the school store at Remington
The school store is available online
http://remingtonmiddle.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinMS_WebDocs/thedawghousecatalog.pdf
The top 10 books sold at the store came from a vote by the student body
locker accessories also for sale
proceeds from the sales go to buying more stuff to sale
more collaboration planned with the Student Council next year
(presentation copy to be added later)
(5 minutes recess)
Absent: none
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
- Chandler Creedon, President Franklin Education Assoc
last time as President, stepping down after 7 years, to devote time to other matters; meeting the goal can only be achieved through sustained effort
thank you
Review of Agenda - none
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
Payment of Bills - Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives - none
Correspondence:
Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
Special recognition for Maureen Barker, had been recording the minutes of the School Committee for the past several years
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Remington Middle School Update
- Paul Peri, Brian Wildeman
Carly Alston, Allison Ivers, Sean Henderson
"The Dawg House"
the school store at Remington
The school store is available online
http://remingtonmiddle.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinMS_WebDocs/thedawghousecatalog.pdf
The top 10 books sold at the store came from a vote by the student body
locker accessories also for sale
proceeds from the sales go to buying more stuff to sale
more collaboration planned with the Student Council next year
(presentation copy to be added later)
(5 minutes recess)
#ShopFranklin: My Little Midge
Via Kiernan Reed:
You can find My Little Midge on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleMidge
or Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylittlemidge
Kiernan's post was shared from the Living in Franklin website
For this week’s #ShopFranklin Spotlight, I interviewed Megan Travers of My Little Midge!
If you’ve ever been to Twist Bakery in Millis, you’ve already seen My Little Midge’s custom chalkboard art; the 23-foot-long menu above their counter is all Megan’s handiwork. Although Megan’s business started out with several different crafts, her chalkboard art quickly became her signature. “I liked how it was kind of what I was known for,” says Megan.
My Little Midge!
She started with birthday chalkboards, which are still one of her most popular items, and expanded from there. For the birthday chalkboards, parents provide Megan with ten to thirteen facts about their child, such as their favorite foods, measurements, likes and dislikes, and so on. Megan takes that information and turns it into a permanent piece of art that captures the child at that age.
“They change so quickly,” explains Megan; the artwork is a way for the parents to remember the little details that might otherwise be forgotten. These chalkboards aren’t just for kids’ birthdays, though. Megan has created them for weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones. “I can put anything on chalkboard and have it made into something that’s personalized,” Megan says.
Unlike typical chalk art, Megan’s chalkboard artworks are permanent. She starts with wood or canvas painted with chalkboard paint, to give the artwork that “authentic feel,” and sketches out her design with chalk. She goes over any imperfections, smooths them out and adjusts the spacing, and then permanently fixes the design by going over it with oil paint markers. According to Megan, this method allows her to be “more precise with my execution.”
After the birth of Megan’s second child, she became a stay-at-home mom, but felt the need to do something beyond caring for her family. Megan has always loved art, so turning her artworks into a business via My Little Midge was a natural progression. “I love what I do,” says Megan. “It allows me to be home with my kids and do something that’s fulfilling to me.”
In fact, My Little Midge is named for Megan’s five-year-old daughter, Bridget, who has been “Midge” to her family since birth. Bridget wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps, and has her own table in Megan’s office where she creates her own art while Megan works. “She’ll ask, ‘Mommy, are we working tonight?’” Megan relates. Bridget even critiques Megan’s designs, often telling her “It needs more swirls!”
Megan’s husband was born and raised in Franklin, so the town was a natural place for them to settle after college. Megan loves Franklin’s sense of community, and loves that “they’re really pushing the whole small business thing… people want to see small businesses grow.”
Franklin’s support for small businesses has led Megan to make connections with other business owners; she recently partnered with Kooky Critters for a giveaway, and works with Absolutely Fabulous Affairs to throw amazing kids’ parties. Megan is also in talks with other town businesses to do more menu artwork.
In the future, Megan plans to continue working from her home so she can be there for her kids, but would love to partner with someone for a storefront in future. Since all of her artwork is custom-created, Megan says her clients don’t always understand that it takes time.
The “orders snowball… I’m like, OK, I can’t take any more for six weeks!” For Megan, “my kids always come first and I don’t ever want them to think that they don’t,” so as her business continues to grow, she’s looking for ways to merchandise her artwork on easily reproducible items such as mugs, prints, and greeting cards. “I don’t want to just plateau – I want to keep going, I want to see where this takes me,” Megan says.
You can find My Little Midge on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleMidge
or Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/mylittlemidge
Kiernan's post was shared from the Living in Franklin website
2015 Summer Reading Program gets started at the Library
Franklin’s 2015 Summer Reading Program is set to begin with two parties this week.
For middle and high school students, a special kickoff party is being held Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Teens will be able to register for summer reading, as well as enjoy Henna tattoos, Wii games, and karaoke. Moe’s Southwest Grill is putting on a taco buffet, and Making Whoopie will provide whoopie pies.
For younger readers, a special party is planned for Wednesday, June 24, at 3 p.m., on the library lawn. In addition to information about summer reading, there’ll be glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon animals and sidewalk chalk.
The kickoff events and Summer Reading Program are sponsored by The Friends of Franklin Library in conjunction with library staff.
 |
| Franklin Public Library |
For a complete listing of the Summer Programs check this flyer
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/summer2015.pdf
Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse
|
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.
 |
| Franklin Senior Center |
_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the The Franklin Connection - Senior Newsletter mailing list.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Franklin's first Cultural Festival arrives this summer!
The Franklin Cultural District Committee is in the final weeks of preparation for its first Franklin Cultural Festival that will run from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2015. The Celebration will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage) and Historical Museum, in locations along Main, Daniel McCahill and Oak Streets that include but are not limited to The Cake Bar, Jane’s Frames, Dean College, the Public Library, the Town Common, and the Horace Mann Middle School, and in other locations (businesses, restaurants, etc.) within the district footprint.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29 at the Town Common. It will be followed with a performance by Electric Youth and, later in the evening, FPAC: One Acts at THE BLACK BOX. Earlier in the day the Pumpernickel Puppets will perform at the Library and Jane’s Frames will host a Zentangle Class. Numerous activities are scheduled for the evening of Thursday, July 30 and the afternoon and evening of Friday, July 31.
The majority of the Cultural Festival events and performances take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2. Saturday the performances and events will be located around the Town Common and on Sunday afternoon, they will be downtown at the Historical Museum, the Methodist Church, and THE BLACK BOX. Sunday afternoon the Circle of Friends is hosting a stage for numerous performers and the first Taste of Franklin will be offered by Franklin restaurants.
Throughout the Festival ceramic bowls, made by the Franklin Art Association, will be available for purchase, as a fund raiser for the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee includes: Alan Mercer, Roberta Trahan, Sue Sheridan, Jim Schultz, and Pandora Carlucci.
If you are interested in learning more about the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out our Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalFestival or our webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/
To financially support the Festival please visit: gofundme.com/tx62gs. If you want to be added to our email group, contact us at: FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com. Thank you!
This was shared from the Cultural Festival page here
 |
| Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here! |
The majority of the Cultural Festival events and performances take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2. Saturday the performances and events will be located around the Town Common and on Sunday afternoon, they will be downtown at the Historical Museum, the Methodist Church, and THE BLACK BOX. Sunday afternoon the Circle of Friends is hosting a stage for numerous performers and the first Taste of Franklin will be offered by Franklin restaurants.
Throughout the Festival ceramic bowls, made by the Franklin Art Association, will be available for purchase, as a fund raiser for the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee includes: Alan Mercer, Roberta Trahan, Sue Sheridan, Jim Schultz, and Pandora Carlucci.
If you are interested in learning more about the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out our Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalFestival or our webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/
To financially support the Festival please visit: gofundme.com/tx62gs. If you want to be added to our email group, contact us at: FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com. Thank you!
This was shared from the Cultural Festival page here
The Town of Franklin is looking for volunteers for committees/boards
Some committees are up for their annual re-appointment and some have openings for you to step up to help!
 |
| Town of Franklin header image |
The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.
- Conservation Conservation Commission
- Design Review Commission
- Disabilities Commission
- Municipal Affordable Housing Trust- Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949
- Zoning Board of Appeal
The volunteer form to fill out when you are interested can be found here
In addition to those listed above, there is also an opening on the Finance Committee:
The Town of Franklin is looking for a new Member for the Finance Committee. If you are interested, please complete the attached form and send along with a resume and letter of interest to the Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting at jnutting@franklin.ma.us
You can fill out the same volunteer form (above) and contact Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
Reporting by walking around - Saturday, June 20th (photo essay)
The good weather had me out for a walk around town on Saturday morning. The camera came along and by sharing these photos, you can too.
 |
| Parmenter has their field day today, with Kindergarten finishing on Tuesday and all grades finishing on Friday |
 |
| the new tot lot at Fletcher Field (off Peck St) was busy on Saturday, a good sign! |
 |
| softball game in progress at Pisini Field off Peck St |
 |
| empty lot going to be expanded parking for the Oteri Funeral Home |
 |
| Did you know Chinese Mirch has a lunch buffet now? |
 |
| new sidewalks being put in along Emmons and Main St |
 |
| top layer of asphalt removed along Main St from School St to Pleasant St |
 |
| High St is being redone by the contractor at the same time but paid for by Town funds and not the grant that covers the other work |
 |
| Davis Thayer sign also announces K last day on 6/23 and all grades with half day on 6/26 |
What are those purple flags on the Cape for?
In case you missed the article in the Globe West Sunday edition:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/06/20/those-died-oid-overdoses-remembered-cape-with-purple-flags/UQgtjhD88zP3ySHDsQZ5fI/story.html
What can be done about the opioid epidemic in Franklin? Come out to the Community Coalition - June 30th - 7:00 PM. Franklin can come out from behind closed doors to the High School Auditorium on 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 30. The meeting will introduce the formation of a Community Coalition to help with our own problem.
 |
| Dan Gilmartin placed purple flags in the Mashpee rotary. His son Cory, 32, died of a heroin overdose in January 2014. (DEBEE TLUMACKI FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE) |
Gail Mahoney, 77, measures the toll of the heroin crisis here and across the country by counting the number of grandchildren she and her friends have lost to the deadly drug.
One friend lost two grandchildren. Another friend buried one grandchild and has a grandson who is “fighting for his life.” Mahoney said her son’s stepdaughter died of a heroin overdose four years ago.
“I’m just a little nobody, and I know seven people that have kids that have lost their lives,” Mahoney said Friday. “It’s everywhere. It’s not just on Cape Cod. It’s throughout our whole country. My question is: Why do we have so much heroin in this country?”
Mahoney, a Mashpee resident, visited the Mashpee rotary Friday night to speak with volunteers who placed 330 purple flags to represent people who died from overdoses of heroin and other opioids on Cape Cod and the Islands between 2000 and 2014.Continue reading the article here: (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/06/20/those-died-oid-overdoses-remembered-cape-with-purple-flags/UQgtjhD88zP3ySHDsQZ5fI/story.html
What can be done about the opioid epidemic in Franklin? Come out to the Community Coalition - June 30th - 7:00 PM. Franklin can come out from behind closed doors to the High School Auditorium on 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 30. The meeting will introduce the formation of a Community Coalition to help with our own problem.
"Firefighters have been without a new contract since June 2011"
If the council chooses to honor the award, the cost to the town for fiscal year 2012 through fiscal year 2015 is about $525,000, with an additional $70,000 needed for fiscal year 2016, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, who sought councilors' support of the award in a memo to them last week.
The main concern for councilors Wednesday night will be whether the town can finance the award. Union leaders say the town’s fiscal health is not an issue.
“The union knows that this is not a big win for anybody,” said Robert Donovan, the union president. “But a neutral panel has figured out the best way to solve this four-year battle that put us at an impasse. We entered into arbitration because we wanted to solve this problem, and now we have to honor the decision.
“The character of both parties will show in how they react to this decision,” Donovan added.Read the full article online here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150621/NEWS/150629494/1994/NEWS
 |
| Fire Dept |
The full agenda document for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/062415.pdf
Pages 4 and 5 are the letter from Jeff Nutting to the Council outlining the award details and funding sources. Franklin had prudently been setting money aside each year in anticipation of an award.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 23, 2015
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 CommentsReview of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Clement
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Remington Middle School Update- Paul Peri, Brian Wildeman
b. Jefferson Elementary Update
– Linda Ashley, Sarah Klim
c. FHS Guidance Update
– Heather McVay, Josh MacCreery & Jennifer D’Amico
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy– First Readings:
KF – Community Use of School Facilities
KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
KF-E5 – FHS Grounds Rental Fees
- (NEW)
GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading:1. KF – Community Use of School Facilities
2. KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
3. KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
4. KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
5. KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
6. KF-E5 – FHS Grounds Rental Fees
7. (NEW)GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
b. I recommend the acceptance of two checks totaling $589.71 for FHS as follows:
1. $189.71 Ahold Financial Svc. – Gift Accountc. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,370.16 for Keller Elementary School as follows:
2. $400.00 John T. Ombelets/ Elizabeth A. John - Scholarship
1. $370.16 O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. – In-house enrichmentd. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Maple Tree (value $150 - 250) from the JF Kennedy PCC for playground shade at JF Kennedy Elementary School.
2. $2,000.00 IBM - supplemental curriculum materials
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from the Parmenter PCC for a Field Trip.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Target’s Thanks a Billion Program for supplemental supplies at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s ReportSchool 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 Update8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 24, 2015
A. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Strategy with Respect to Pending Litigation and Collective Bargaining re Fire Fighter’s Union
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 7:00 PM
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on
Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
F. APPOINTMENTS – 2015 Annual Committee Appointments
G. HEARINGS
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-43: Appropriation – FY15 Fire Wages (Arbitration Award)
2. Resolution 15-44: Appropriation – Other Post Employment Stabilization Fund
3. Resolution 15-45: Appropriation – Roads/Sidewalks/Drainage/Storm water/ Infrastructure
L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
M. OLD BUSINESS
N. NEW BUSINESS
O. COUNCIL COMMENTS
P. ADJOURN
 |
| Franklin Municipal Building |
The documents associated with this published agenda be found on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/062415.pdf
What if… we can each help turn the tide of Addiction one share at a time?
From Patricia Byrne writing at Stop The Silence
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/what-if/
You can read more about Gloucester's Angel Program here -->
http://jgpr.net/2015/05/05/gloucester-police-chief-announces-major-drug-policy-changes/
As resources become available, Patricia will be posting them to this "Resources" page -->
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/local-resources-by-state/
The response to Stop the Silence has been staggering. The speed at which it was shared speaks to the size of the Epidemic of Addiction slithering through our neighborhoods and stealing our loved ones.
Many have asked how they can help, others have asked how to get help. Much needs to change for the tide of Addiction to turn. Gloucester MA is at the front of the charge. They have created an Angel Program to help addicts instead of jailing them.
We must admit this Epidemic is hiding in our communities. We need to recognize that families from all walks of life are re-enacting the same play behind different doors in cities, suburbs and small towns alike. We plead, sob, and scream to our addicts and to each other from a battle-worn script as we live our shared nightmare. Addiction is stealing the future of so many and decimating the lives of everyone who loves them. We need to step out from behind the doors and come together to help one another.Continue reading Patricia here
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/what-if/
You can read more about Gloucester's Angel Program here -->
http://jgpr.net/2015/05/05/gloucester-police-chief-announces-major-drug-policy-changes/
As resources become available, Patricia will be posting them to this "Resources" page -->
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/local-resources-by-state/
 |
| The Addict's Mom |
Community Coalition - June 30th - 7:00 PM
Franklin can come out from behind closed doors to the High School Auditorium on 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 30. The meeting will introduce the formation of a Community Coalition to help with our own problem.Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge – July 12, 2015
"In memory of Quinton Buehrens"
Proceeds to support The Franklin Food Pantry
Come spend the day “FIGHTING HUNGER”
No family should ever go hungry and the Franklin Food Pantry works miracles every day supporting those families in Franklin that are in dire need of Food and other supplies.
- Time: 8:30 am to 5:00pm
- Registration: 9:00am
- Games start at 10pm and ends at 4pm
 |
| Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge |
In the News: Community Coalition, South Meeting House
State legislators, medical experts and officials from the town’s school district and police department will meet later this month to garner local solutions to the state’s opioid epidemic.
State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, has arranged the June 30 meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St.
The public session will establish a direction for the new community coalition that aims to create a support network for residents struggling with addiction. And Roy has invited medical and law enforcement experts to shed light on the opioid crisis in Massachusetts.Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150620/NEWS/150629622/1994/NEWS
Related posts on the community coalition and opioid problem can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/what-if-we-can-each-help-turn-tide-of.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/representative-roy-announces-community.html
When first constructed in 1861, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House on Washington Street served a need of convenience for its flock.
The Congregationalist community in that area, known as Wadsworth then, had to trek several miles to reach their only church in the center of town, and in inclement weather or harvest seasons, traveling there could prove difficult, according to town historical records.
So, to allow them to practice their faith without taking the burdensome trip, the South Franklin Congregationalists erected a church in their part of town. The historic wood building still stands today — only that niche it met 154 years ago no longer applies.
Yet the town’s oldest religious structure may not sit vacant for much longer.Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150621/NEWS/150629621
"this hasn't been done before, so it can't be done"
Via Ann Williams writing on the Pour Richard's Facebook page
Inertia-noun
"Inertia, or maintaining the status quo, can be a good thing. If you're hiking up the side of a mountain, you want the rocks to stay put. But business is different; if you are standing still, there are 5 other businesses that aren't. By standing still, you're actually losing ground.
At Pour Richard's, we take the path less traveled. Instead of selling the heavily advertised brands you find in the big box stores, we feature wines, beers, and spirits from small producers. The best part of my job is finding exciting new products- a new nanobrewery in Northampton, a better version of an Irish Cream- and then translating that excitement to our customers.
We do that by tasting, by talking, and hopefully, occasionally by pairing the wine (beer, cocktail) with the food that it was meant to accompany. It's a great way to introduce our customers to something new. It's also fun.
Our customers-wonderful, adventurous, fun people-have embraced this approach. Franklin has been an absolutely awesome place to do business-with one small exception: food.
When we have a product or an event that we feel would be enhanced by food, we'd like to do it legitimately: file a food safety plan, pay the town $50, and post a limited license to serve samples. Recently, we tried to do just that. I received my Servesafe food safety certification, filed an extensive food safety plan, and applied for permission to serve samples of Brazilian BBQ with caipirinhas. But Franklin does not currently allow non-food businesses to apply for these one-day permits. After several mostly cordial conversations with the town's health inspector, the only discernible reason for this seems to be inertia: this hasn't been done before, so it can't be done.
We understand that resisting inertia can be uncomfortable. But progress and growth don't happen without stepping out of the comfort box. If we've complied with all of the safety codes, why can't we receive a permit? Is inertia a good reason to say no?"
#shopFranklin
Inertia-noun
A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.
"Inertia, or maintaining the status quo, can be a good thing. If you're hiking up the side of a mountain, you want the rocks to stay put. But business is different; if you are standing still, there are 5 other businesses that aren't. By standing still, you're actually losing ground.
At Pour Richard's, we take the path less traveled. Instead of selling the heavily advertised brands you find in the big box stores, we feature wines, beers, and spirits from small producers. The best part of my job is finding exciting new products- a new nanobrewery in Northampton, a better version of an Irish Cream- and then translating that excitement to our customers.
We do that by tasting, by talking, and hopefully, occasionally by pairing the wine (beer, cocktail) with the food that it was meant to accompany. It's a great way to introduce our customers to something new. It's also fun.
Our customers-wonderful, adventurous, fun people-have embraced this approach. Franklin has been an absolutely awesome place to do business-with one small exception: food.
When we have a product or an event that we feel would be enhanced by food, we'd like to do it legitimately: file a food safety plan, pay the town $50, and post a limited license to serve samples. Recently, we tried to do just that. I received my Servesafe food safety certification, filed an extensive food safety plan, and applied for permission to serve samples of Brazilian BBQ with caipirinhas. But Franklin does not currently allow non-food businesses to apply for these one-day permits. After several mostly cordial conversations with the town's health inspector, the only discernible reason for this seems to be inertia: this hasn't been done before, so it can't be done.
 |
| sometimes it just feels like this.... |
We understand that resisting inertia can be uncomfortable. But progress and growth don't happen without stepping out of the comfort box. If we've complied with all of the safety codes, why can't we receive a permit? Is inertia a good reason to say no?"
#shopFranklin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)