Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Partnership Networking Luncheon Friday - Sep 18th




The Franklin Downtown Partnership 
Networking Luncheon

Friday, September 18, at 1 p.m. at

Dean College's Smith Dining Center.



Enjoy good conversation, meet other professionals, and share ideas while sampling the delicious and affordable lunch offerings at the Smith Dining Center.

Please RSVP to event coordinators Dave Drucker, ddrucker@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.


MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women - inaugural public hearing - Sep 30

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW) holds its inaugural public hearing on Wednesday, September 30th 2015, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Mass Bay Community College in the Framingham Auditorium, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham.

The MWCSW invites all residents and community leaders to attend and speak about the issues facing women and girls in the MetroWest. "We need to hear first-hand about the concerns and challenges affecting the lives of these women and girls in the region. We want to discuss them as a community in order to begin to see a better way forward," said Denise Schultz, Chair, MWCSW.
MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW)
MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW)

Oral and written testimony will be accepted. To submit testimony before the hearing, email the Commission at metrowestwomen@gmail.com. The MWCSW will report its findings and recommended solutions to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. 
The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women was created through legislation sponsored by State Senator Karen Spilka and established on January 8, 2015. The MWCSW is comprised of nine volunteer Commissioners who are charged with identifying the challenges that women face in MetroWest communities and working at the local level to address these challenges.

For more information, email metrowestwomen@gmail.com or contact Denise Schultz, Chair, at 508-612-5950. Those planning to attend are encouraged to submit their testimony before the hearing. 
Testimony, comments, and RSVPs will be accepted on the Commission’s FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/MetrowestCommissionStatusWomen, via tweet @WomenMetroWest, or by email.

MassBudget: Licenses for Immigrant Drivers in Massachusetts



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



Licenses for Immigrant Drivers in Massachusetts 

Aiming to improve public safety and allow more people to participate effectively in their economies, eleven states and D.C. currently provide drivers licenses for qualified residents regardless of immigration status. MassBudget's new factsheet Licenses for Immigrant Drivers in Massachusetts examines fiscal, economic and safety implications of expanding access to driver's licenses for immigrants who are currently ineligible to be licensed to drive in Massachusetts. 

This fact sheet also examines implantation issues that have arisen in other states and describes how states have addressed challenges related to verifying the identity of people applying for licenses from a wide range of different countries.

To read the full factsheet, please click HERE.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For The Nutcracker

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker, on Sunday, September 20. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. Auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Ballet attire is required.  
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)
Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must be on pointe for at least one year). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45. 
Presented with live professional orchestra, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists. The production remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season, a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The Nutcracker will be performed on December 5 and 6 at the Franklin High School auditorium as part of FPAC’s 25th anniversary season. 
For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

FHS Golf: King Philip, 159 @ Franklin, 171

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS golf match on Tuesday, Sep 15

King Philip, 159 @ Franklin, 171 – Final
– King Philip’s Sebastian Ladoulis played the last seven holes at two under par to finish with a match low 36 while Mickey Riley carded a 39. Franklin freshman Matt D’Errico, senior Matt Dao and sophomore Bryan Woelfel each shot a 42.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday's light schedule
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091515/

In the News: election papers due today, 3rd OUI for Franklin Man


Wednesday is the deadline to file papers to be included on the ballot for the Nov. 3 town election. 
In all, 42 candidates took out papers to run for local office before the Monday deadline to do so passed. Nine of those candidates had not returned those papers as of the end of the day Monday, and two had withdrawn their names from consideration.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150915/NEWS/150917286/1994/NEWS


A Franklin man was drunk when he drove on several streets without using his headlights on Saturday, police said. 
Julio Rabelo, 55, admitted to police he was drinking before he was pulled over on Bishop Street at 1:09 a.m., police spokesman Lt. Stephen Cronin said. 
“He admitted to having four beers in a period of 20 minutes,” Cronin said.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150914/NEWS/150917810/1994/NEWS

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Real time reporting: Planning Board - Sep 14, 2015

I did real time reporting and my Storify summary can be found here




screen grab of 150 Emmons property proposed layout
screen grab of 150 Emmons property proposed layout

Updated: Candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 3

As of Monday, Sep 14 the last day to take out papers.

No new names on the listing. One additional candidate withdrew from consideration for the School Committee. Assuming all the papers remaining are returned and certified we would have 8 candidates for 7 positions.

The papers are due back to the Town Clerk's office on Wednesday, Sep 16


The current listing of all those with papers taken out.


POSITION NAME Total
Assessor Donna Greenwood
Thomas P. Gleavy
W.Kenneth  Norman
Assessor Total
  3
Bd. Of Health Donald G. Ranieri, Jr.
Gail P. Chirdon
Philip M. Brunelli
Tara E. Gurge
Bd. Of Health Total
  4
Constable Daniel J. McCahill
John S. Power
Philip M. Brunelli
Constable Total
  3
Planning Bd Gregory Giardino
Gregory T. Rondeau
John F. Carroll
Mikel G. DeFrancesco
William D. David
Planning Bd Total
  5
School Com. Anne K. Bergen
Cynthia J. Douglas
Denise L. Schultz
John S. Jewell, PHD
Kevin P. O'Malley
Mary Jane Scofield
Trevor A. Clement
Vanessa A. Bilello
School Com. Total
  8
Town Clerk Diane M. Padula-O'Neill
Elizabeth F. Simon
Paul J. Cheli
Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk Total
  4
Town Council Andrew M. Bissanti
Brett S. Feldman
Deborah L. Pellegri
Glenn F. Jones
James D. Schultz, Jr.
James V. Gianotti, Jr.
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Matthew T. Kelly
Peter E. Padula
Richard W. Power, Sr.
Robert D. Dellorco
Robert R. Vallee
Sean P. Slater
Thomas D. Mercer
Town Council Total   14



Franklin Town Common
Franklin Town Common

The "election collection" can be found here

Progressive Dinner: Deadline for tickets is Sept. 16


Note:  There is also a Gluten free option available....



Downtown Partnership - Progressive Dinner - Sep 27
For convenience, you can get your progressive 'dinner flight' tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-downtown-partnership-progressive-dinner-tickets-18319948459?ref=elink

FHS Alumni still busy on the athletic fields

When high school athletes move on to college, it can be hard to keep track of them other than through the family connection. Hockomock Sports has their radar working big time to publish at least weekly a round up of sports action with former Hockomock League players.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
Franklin alumni mentioned in this edition

  • Colton Cardinal
  • Brandon Eccher
  • Joe Kalil
  • Kristi Kirshe
  • Shay Feeley
  • Alicia Wilde
  • Samantha Rondeau


Take a look at the recent edition of the Campus Report


'Lost In Yonkers' Opens FPAC’s 25th Season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) kicks off a milestone 25th anniversary season with Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Lost in Yonkers, on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. Directed by Nick Paone, FPAC’s production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s new home and performance venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Winner of the 1991 Tony and Drama Desk awards, Lost in Yonkers is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story. Striking a balance between pain and humor, drama and comedy, Simon’s poignant tale draws from his own experiences growing up in New York City. It’s 1942 and financially strapped Eddie has just left his teenage sons, Jay and Arty, in the care of their mentally challenged and childlike Aunt Bella and her stern and embittered mother, Grandma Kurnitz. 

THE BLACK BOX
THE BLACK BOX

Eddie takes to the road as a traveling salesman to pay back his debt to a loan shark, having borrowed to cover his late wife’s hospital care. Soon Uncle Louie, a small-time hoodlum hiding from the mob, moves in. Reeling from the loss of their mom and left to contend with this strange new world in Yonkers, the boys embark on a scheme to make some quick cash and get their dad back. As told through the eyes of the brothers, Lost in Yonkers is a masterful work that’s full of heart.

Following Lost in Yonkers, FPAC presents the devilishly delightful musical comedy, The Addams Family, on October 24, 25, 30 and 31. Serving up an original story based on the iconic characters of legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, the musical features Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandma and Lurch – his famously motley group with a taste for everything macabre. Celebrate a bewitching holiday at THE BLACK BOX, with performances before and after Trick or Treating on Halloween; audiences are invited to come dressed in costume for the 2:00 and 8:30 shows.

FPAC’s holiday season features Tchaikovsky’s world-famous ballet, The Nutcracker, and two original musicals, Snow White and the Seven Elves and ’Tis the Season! Presented with live professional orchestra, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker showcases more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists. The production remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on December 5 and 6 at the Franklin High School auditorium.

FPAC’s original, family-friendly musical, Snow White and the Seven Elves, debuts at THE BLACK BOX on December 11-13. The production follows in the tradition of a British “panto,” a type of show that retells a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances and more. ’Tis the Season! is an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995. The upbeat, jazzy holiday extravaganza features members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band and contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles including R&B, jazz, rock, Motown, gospel and Broadway. FPAC presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School auditorium on December 19 and 20.

The remainder of FPAC’s 2015-2016 season, to be announced shortly, will present wide-ranging entertainment, from mainstage musicals and small-cast plays to live music events for audiences of all ages. Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information and tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Senior Center: Memory Cafe - Sep 17

This month's Memory Café will be held on Thursday September 17th at 3:00 at the Franklin Senior Center.  It is open to all the community and is free of charge.   
Memory café offers a safe and supportive environment for Caregivers and their loved ones who are living with Alzheimer's or a related Dementia.  Each month we socialize, share in a refreshment and usually do a brief activity or have entertainment. 
We meet on the third Thursday of every month at the Franklin Senior Center.  
This month we plan to assemble our own snacks with various fun foods! 
Please call Elaine Owens at the Franklin Senior Center to register or to get more information.  508-520-4945
Franklin Senior Center
Franklin Senior Center

Info on the Franklin Downtown Partnership October Stroll Booth Registration


Dear Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) Members:

We are very excited about the October Stroll on Thursday, October 15th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

If you plan to participate in the October Stroll please read below:



Reminder to Downtown Businesses: 
If you are planning on setting up a booth in front of your business please know that pedestrians need to be able to get by on the sidewalk for safety reasons.

Any business that is planning on having a children's activity such as balloons, face painting or craft will need to have their booth located at one of the parking lots or inside their building for the safety of our visitors. Main Street will not be closed for this event.

Sponsorships:
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact us by Monday, September 14th so we make sure you are included in the press releases. Your booth will be located on Sponsorship Row.


Check out the cub scouts Sep 19th 2-4 PM at King St Field

The Cub Scouts of Franklin, MA would like to invite any boys in 1st - 5th grades to come to our fall recruiting event.

When: Sept 19th 2pm-4pm
Where: King Street Park, Franklin (on/near the baseball field).

Check out the cub scouts Sep 19th 2-4 PM at King St Field
Check out the cub scouts Sep 19th 2-4 PM at King St Field

This is the fall outing for one of the packs so you will have an opportunity to see and participate in some of the fun activities with a live scouting themed entertainment.

Scouting is a fun activity based program which focuses on character building, citizenship training and physical fitness.

For more information, e-mail chair@franklinpack126.org


News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Promotes Campaign Against Real Estate Fraud

Continuing his efforts to protect Norfolk County homeowners against dishonest individuals, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds residents about the availability of a free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Registry to protect Norfolk County property owners against potential property fraud.

"The F.B.I. has reported that property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in the United States. Many jurisdictions across the country have reported individuals recording fraudulent documents and making it appear like they own another person's home or property. While we have been fortunate that this problem has not manifested itself in Norfolk County, I want to make sure my office is proactively and vigorously protecting consumers," noted Register O'Donnell.

Any owner of real property in any of the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County can sign-up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge by doing the following: From the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org, click on the button Consumer Notification Alerts to complete initial registration. From there, follow the remaining sign-up instructions. Once you have signed up for the service, each subscriber will be able to input two names, individual or business, and the corresponding city or town in Norfolk County for monitoring. They can monitor their real estate for changes in liens, deeds, homesteads or other land documents that might be recorded against the property.

If a document is recorded against one of the names inputted for monitoring, the subscriber will be alerted via email, usually within 24 hours. If a subscriber believes a fraudulent land record has been recorded against the property, they would then immediately contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. Another option available to those who receive a notification is to consult the Registry's on-line land research records at www.norfolkresearch.org. The subscriber would also be given a list of public safety referrals by the Registry.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Part of my job as Register is to provide secure, accurate and accessible land records for all Norfolk County communities. I also want to be proactive in ensuring there is no fraudulent activity related to land document recordings. By offering the Consumer Notification Service, we will be able to provide a level of protection to the program's subscribers against unscrupulous individuals who would attempt to commit property and mortgage fraud."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336

Forward email





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

Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service
Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Deputy Chief sworn in, funding for Horace Mann statue authorized

The Town Council meeting opened with a full house to witness and celebrate the swearing in of Thomas Lynch as the Deputy Police Chief. Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri officiated for the swearing in. Chief Lynch's family and most of the Franklin police force were in attendance.

Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swears in Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch as Chief Stephan Semerjian looks on
Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swears in Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch as Chief Stephan Semerjian looks on

Deputy Chief Lynch's son adds the new pin to his father's uniform
Deputy Chief Lynch's son adds the new pin to his father's uniform

In the legislation for action, the approval of a portion of Lewis St to become a public way was referred to the Planning Board. As the paperwork was being reviewed while the Lewis St/Crocker St neighborhood roads are being reconstructed, it was uncovered that a portion of the street was still titled to the land owners as 'private'. 

As the roadwork is nearing completion, getting the formal approval to make it a public way will 'legalize' the work being done. The residents have signed off on the change.

Funding for the Horace Mann statue was approved. Funds from two trust funds accumulating interest were authorized to be used. The architect was selected and it will take about one year to complete the status itself. A drawing of the statue can be found in the agenda documents. 

The zoning bylaw change to Residential 6 for the downtown area along Dean St was formally approved. This will not force changes upon the existing structures or owners unless they choose to sell or make some changes to the current property.

Additional details from the meeting can be found in the links created when I was reporting live from the meeting on Wednesday night.



Planning Board: Agenda - Sep 14, 2015

The Planning Board will begin hearing the proposal for the retail complex on the land where Ficco's and Kegan Chevrolet was located. They will also get the first view of the 'final' proposal for the new building at 150 Emmons St.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. The meeting will also be broadcast via the local cable channels (Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29).

The full agenda document can viewed here






Ficco's Bowladrome
Ficco's Bowladrome

Summer is over but summer was busy for the school district

Over 2500 students participated in one or more of the summer activities that were offered by the schools. Highlights of the various events and sessions occupied most of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sep 8.

It is heartening to see the involvement and variety of offerings. If I had the time, I would go back for a course or two. Summer school does not have the stigma that it used to have. 

The programs reviewed covered music and art, science and adult education activities, the high school experience, Solutions programs, math and the STAR program. Additional details on each of these are in the notes from Tuesday evening.

Two new high school students were introduced as the student representatives for the School Committee; Julie Harrington (Student Body President) and Alanna Lynch (President of Senior Class).

The District Improvement Plan was revised for the current year and is worth repeating here.

Goal

"We will define, identify, develop, and implement strategies to advance increased complexity and rigor across all curricula, instructional practices, and assessments within the Franklin Public Schools."

Sub-Goals:


Standard 1 Instructional Leadership


  • We will continue to align curricula to the Massachusetts Frameworks and develop corresponding common assessments to ensure that all students in each grade and course have the same opportunities to develop and demonstrate mastery in the required concepts and skills.


Standard 2 Teaching All Students


  • We will utilize differentiated instructional strategies to meet needs of students at all levels, by using a Response to Intervention Program (RtI) and the implementation of high expectations for increased complexity and rigor for all learners.
  • By implementing research-based curricula to support social/emotional learning all students will benefit from a safe and supportive learning environment.


Standard 3 Community Engagement


  • Through effective partnerships with families, community members, and organizations, educators will promote learning expectations and initiatives that enable all students to grow academically, socially, and physically.
  • Expectations for the appropriate mastery of concepts and skills and the demonstration of proficiency in these content and skills will be shared with families and the community, including celebrations of success.
  • Through school-based activities and initiatives, we will create inclusive communities in all of our schools for all students and families, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds.


Standard 4 Professional Culture

  • All staff will participate in the alignment of curricula, the development and implementation of common assessments, and will provide evidence of differentiated instruction in their classrooms.
  • Using the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model, faculty and administration will collaborate and engage in professional activities to implement instructional practices that engage all students and establish expectations that challenge students to meet or exceed their potential.


Franklin will take part in the Think Taylor Concussion Awareness week scheduled for Sep 21-25. Many of the MIAA school districts are taking part. For additional info visit the Think Taylor webpage here  http://thinktaylor.org/

Think Taylor Concussion Awareness Week 9/21 - 9/25
Think Taylor Concussion Awareness Week 9/21 - 9/25


Additional details from the meeting can be found in this collection of notes published live from the meeting room.

Community Garden Committee - Agenda - Sep 14, 21015

The next meeting of the Community Garden Committee will be held at the Municipal Building at 8:00 PM in Room 205, Monday, Sep 14.

The agenda document can viewed or downloaded here




And from the official Franklin page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/021EDFF0-000F8513

Franklin Community Gardens - located at King St Memorial Field
Franklin Community Gardens - located at King St Memorial Field
Additional info on the Committee can be found here 
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/garden

Senior Center: Companion program reminder


Just a reminder!  If you are looking for respite care, the Franklin Senior Center offers a Companion Caregiver Program. 
One of our trained companions can come to your home and relieve you for a few hours a week to allow you time to run an errand or just have some down time! 
If you are caring for someone over 60 who has Alzheimer's or a related Dementia, or a major medical illness, we can help.  
Rates are between $8-$12 per hour depending on household income.   
Please call Elaine Owens at the Franklin Senior Center for more information.   508-520-4945 
Franklin Senior Center
Franklin Senior Center

Additional info can be found on the Senior Center page (PDF)


Additional info on the companion care program was posted here

and here