Items of notes from Social Media: heroin epidemic, Every Student Succeeds Act, speed trap on Daniels St

Did you catch the piece on 60 Minutes?

View More: Newsmakers News|60 Minutes News|Live News|More News Videos

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From Glenn Jones

"Due to excessive speeding on Daniels St., speed traps have been requested and implemented. Thank you to our fine police force for stepping up to help slow things down. The most anyone should be doing on such a congested residential street is 25mph. Lots of children and families. Also, lots of deer. Slowing down will save your life."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1650124225257597/

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President Obama called it "a Christmas miracle. A bipartisan bill signing right here."

The "right here" was the South Court Auditorium, part of the White House complex. More importantly, the bipartisan bill being signed was the Every Student Succeeds Act — a long-overdue replacement of the unpopular federal education law known as No Child Left Behind. 

The new law changes much about the federal government's role in education, largely by scaling back Washington's influence. While ESSA keeps in place the basic testing requirements of No Child Left Behind, it strips away many of the high stakes that had been attached to student scores.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/10/459219774/president-obama-signs-education-law-leaving-no-child-behind

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From Boston.Com an article on a HBO documentary about the heroin problem on Cape Cod.

"Massachusetts has an opiate overdose rate that is double the national average. In 2014, 978 Massachusetts residents died of an overdose. Now, a look into how heroin is impacting one part of the state will soon be the center of an HBO documentary, Heroin: Cape Cod, USA. 

The 76-minute film is directed by Steve Okazaki, who won an Academy Award for his documentary, Days of Waiting: The Life & Art of Estelle Ishigo. Heroin: Cape Cod, USA will focus on the stories of eight Cape Codders who are currently dealing with addiction, all in their 20s, and all with their own story of how their addiction began."

http://www.boston.com/entertainment/movies/2015/12/09/new-hbo-documentary-will-put-faces-cape-cod-tragic-heroin-problem/yqjpZtAA0NLd8PbsgZlWXM/story.html

New Trimester At Franklin School For The Performing Arts

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) begins a new trimester of instruction on Monday, December 14. Registration is ongoing for all programs. Prospective students and families are encouraged to visit the school in downtown Franklin to tour the facilities and try a complimentary class. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

FSPA’s Music Department offers voice and instrumental private lessons, as well as group classes with ensemble performing opportunities. Little Music School®, an innovative pre-school music program developed by and taught exclusively at FSPA, teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. The Dance Department boasts a premiere faculty of accomplished artists and teachers, with classes offered at all levels in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical and dance for musical theater. Special classes are featured for boys, adults and beginner teens. FSPA’s Drama program provides extensive instruction in acting and musical theater beginning in kindergarten. Ensemble opportunities include musical theater troupes for students in grades 5-12, with annual performance trips to Walt Disney World for select ensembles.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts

An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, performing troupes, dance companies, and instrumental ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows.

On January 2, 2016, auditions will be held at FSPA for a host of all-student productions slated for performance in February through May. Open to any student enrolled at the school, these include Opera Scenes and Arias, the hit musical Grease, the dramatic play Mother Courage and Her Children, the classic Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and the ballets Graduation Ball, Western Revelries, and Class Concert. All FSPA students who audition will be cast in these shows.

Register by phone or in person at 38 Main Street in Franklin. Students are welcome to begin classes and private instruction at any point throughout the year and tuition is pro-rated. For more information or to request a course catalogue and class schedule, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

Dean College Children's Center Preschool Exploration Open House - January 11, 2016

Dean College Children's Center Hosts Preschool 

Exploration Open House, January 11, 2016

Dean Children's Center will host an Exploration Open House on Monday, January 11, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Parents of children 2 years old to 6 years are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about our program. Applications are being accepted for 5-day morning, 2-day morning, 3-day morning preschool programs or 4-day Pre-K program. Preschool begins January 2016 and September 2016.

Dean College

Innovative and progressive, the school is NAEYC accredited and well known in the community for an inspiring preschool experience. Dean Children's Center is a lab school for ECE majors, with teachers-in-training alongside credentialed teachers. The center has a very professional and caring environment for children to learn through exploration.

The school uses a developmental approach to education which reflects current research in child development and peer conflict resolution. Director Faith Nickolas states "We are a regional resource to parents and educators on peer conflict resolution in young children and our lab school is a demonstration site for best practices in early education of children."

Dean College Children's Center is located at 144 School Street in Franklin. For more information, call 508-541-1598. 

In the News: Medway objects, testing transition

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"In a letter to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, Medway said it opposes Franklin’s intervention in the board’s permitting of Exelon’s proposed expansion of the existing power plant on Summer Street. 

The letter, written by Jeffrey Bernstein, a lawyer hired to represent the town in all dealings with Exelon, called into question the Franklin’s reasons for participation, calling them legally insufficient “to allow the late filing of a petition to intervene nearly six months” after the deadline to intervene in June. 

“The town of Medway has significant concerns about the veracity of statements made both in the Town of Franklin’s filings and the affidavit in support thereof,” Bernstein wrote."

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217920/1994/NEWS

"The Franklin School District is in the midst of transitioning from the MCAS test to PARCC, and school officials said local students performed well in both this past year. 

Assistant Superintendent Joyce Edwards noted that students outperformed the state in PARCC, but said the test itself is not in its final form. 

"It takes a very long time until a new test is fully tested and validated," she said. "I think it will be a few years before the data is completely reliable."

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217926/1994/NEWS

Senior Center: Memory Cafe - Dec 17th

Friendly reminder:

December's Memory Café will be held on December 17th from 3:00-4:30 at the Franklin Senior center. This month's cafe will feature two singer/guitarists. Lance Tribe and Tim Sawyer will be playing some popular and some original tunes!

The Memory Café is open to the public and is free of charge. It is offered to Caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia. We offer a safe, supportive environment where we socialize, have refreshments and just enjoy each other's company!

Please call the Senior Center at 508-520-4945 to let us know you would like to attend. We need to have a count for this café! The memory café meets from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Franklin Senior Center

For additional information on other services and events at the Senior Center, visit them online  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

In the News: Franklin intervenes on Medway power plant, Laflamme to perform in Seussical

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Although a state board’s hearings on a proposed expansion of Exelon’s power plant in Medway are underway, Franklin has filed a petition to become the fifth intervener in the process. 

In its petition to intervene with the state Energy Facilities Siting Board in its process of permitting Exelon’s proposed project, the town said it is “substantially and specifically” affected by the plant. 

According to the petition, filed Thursday, the proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the 117-megawatt Summer Street facility would be located less than 3,000 feet from the Franklin town line “and may potentially have a number of significant impacts to Franklin and its residents…”

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151218332/1994/NEWS

If you want to see the set of documents as filed to intervene, follow this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/motion-for-leave-to-file-late-petition.html

Sara Laflamme, of Franklin, will perform in the ensemble during Bridgewater State University Family Performing Arts Center’s production of “Seussical.” 

The performances will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 9 and 16; and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17 in the Rondileau Campus Center Auditorium, 19 Park Avenue, on campus at Bridgewater State University.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151219265/1994/NEWS

SPIN PARTY to benefit your health and the Franklin Food Pantry!

Wednesday,December 16th Time: 6-7:30pm Instructors: Sarah, Megan, Gabriella Enroll: At the front desk or online PLEASE BRING A FOOD DONATION FOR THE Franklin Food Pantry sign up at the front desk or on line! Contact Chris Avedisian  or stop by the front desk if there are any questions! Team Fitness Franklin | 508-541-8330 | chrisa@teamfitnessfranklin.com|  www.teamfitnessfranklin.com

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 16, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- 2016 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, 

• Snow Presentation  

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022A5381-000F8513

• Wetlands Protection Bylaw Amendment

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-75: Authorization for Municipal Aggregation of Electricity
2. Resolution 15-84: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2677

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Pending or threatened litigation

1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.
2. Proposed Spectra gas transmission line through Franklin.

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The documents released for the published agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/12162015.pdf

Motion for Leave to File Late Petition to Intervene and Request for Expedited Ruling

The Town of Franklin has filed as an 'intervenor' in the siting process for the peaker plant expansion in Medway.

The formal action has been filed with the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB)

The documents can be found on the EFSB webpage (or below for your convenience). Use docket number  "EFSB 15-01"

screen grab of EFSB docket page

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- 12/10/2015           

Filer: Intervenor         
Document Type: Motion         

On behalf of the Town of Franklin for filing a Cover letter, Motion for Leave to File Late Petition to Intervene and Request for Expedited Ruling, Affidavit of Matthew Kelly, Petition to Intervene of the Town of Franklin and Certificate of Service.

Files: CertificateofService.pdf    CoverLetter.pdf    PetitiontoIntervene.pdf    MotiontoFileLatePetitiontoIntervene.pdf   AffidavitofMatthewKelly.pdf 

FHS wrestling takes second; boys girls Indoor track top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS results for wrestling and indoor track on Saturday, Dec 13. Wrestling's "A" squad came in second in their meet and both the boys and girls track teams beat Attleboro.

Wrestling

Mt. Hope Tournament (Franklin, Stoughton)

– Franklin’s A squad finished in second place at the tournament.

FHS Panthers

Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

Boys
Attleboro, 44 vs. Franklin, 55 – Final

– Franklin got first place finishes from Luke Gordon (38.35) in the 300M and the high jump (league best 6-01.00), Jimmy Robbins (2:51.40) in the 1000M, Paul Kroushl (1:34.50) in the 600M, Ryan Spelman (4:44.39) in the 1 Mile and both the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams. 

Attleboro was paced by first place finishes from Isaiah Rodrigues (6.87) in the 55M dash and in the long jump (18-10.25), Brett Szlachciuk (10:47.38) in the 2 Mile, Jacob Hardy (league best 50-05.00) in the shot put. Attleboro’s Patrick Collins (44-07.50) and Nathaniel Joyal (41-08.50) finished second and fourth, respectively, in the shot put.

Girls
Attleboro, 16 vs. Franklin, 84 – Final

– Franklin’s Jessica Kroushl came in first in the 55M dash at 7.71, the 300M race at 43.54 and the long jump at 16-02.25. Meghan Doherty had a league-best time of 1:43.55 in the 600M, Brittany Robinson (league-best 3:14.00) and Sabrina Roche (3:16.13) came in first and second respectively in the 1000M, Ella Gutkowski grabbed first in the 1 Mile in 5:56.82, Sarah Goodermuth was first in the shot put at 28.02.25 and Lauren Farnan was first in the high jump at 4-07.00. 

Attleboro’s Quincy Harding took first in the 55M hurdles at 9.72 and was second in the long jump at 16-00.00.

For all the Hockomock League results on Saturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedules-scoreboard/

Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts

Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts   The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts today published Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts, prepared in partnership with MassBudget. This report examines progress and obstacles on the path to creating a Commonwealth where all of our people, of every race and background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. We find some significant progress: many more Black students are completing high school, with the dropout rate declining 45 percent over the past seven years, and Black people are more likely to have health care coverage in Massachusetts than in almost any other state. But the progress has been very uneven. There has been little to no income growth for low and middle income Black workers. This is connected to a broader problem of incomes barely growing for low and middle income workers of all races. But the stagnation has been most acute for Black workers. Gaps in wealth are even larger. And the neighborhoods in which many black families live lack the open spaces, markets with healthy food, and good housing that help people to stay healthy. Black and Latino students are disproportionately in our lowest income school districts. Those districts don't have the resources of our highest income districts and we see significant gaps in outcomes. Yet our low-income districts are better funded and more effective than similar districts in other states: low-income Black eighth graders here do better than their counterparts in other states -- ranking first in math and second in English on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In short, while deep challenges remain, we have a foundation for progress that we can build upon. To read the full report, 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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

You can also find the report directly here
http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/SOMB.pdf

"we need to win the hustle plays"

"There are a lot of new faces on the Franklin bench this season. The Panthers bring back only one starter from last year’s team, which reached the Div. 1 Central final, and it is expected that there will be an adjustment period for new players in new roles. 

The pieces, new and old, fit perfectly on Friday night in the season opener against Holy Name. 

Utilizing a tenacious full court press, Franklin jumped out to a 26-0 lead and never looked back. The Panthers won the opener 70-41 in a rematch of the last two district semifinals, which the teams split."

Lauren Rudolph (25) scored 15 points to lead the Panthers to a 70-41 win over Holy Name in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/relentless-panthers-roll-to-win-in-season-opener/



In other FHS sports action on Friday, the girls swim team beat Stoughton and the boys team results were not posted.
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121115/

"Package thefts rise during the holiday season"

A timely post to share from the MA Consumer Affairs blog

"With holiday shopping in full swing, millions of consumers are expected to ship gifts to their family and friends. However, sending the packages to the right address does not guarantee that they will be received by the intended recipient. Package thefts rise during the holiday season, and some thieves will even follow delivery trucks to scoop up packages as soon as they are delivered.

To make sure your package is properly received this holiday season:

• Require a signature upon delivery
• Request tracking and delivery confirmation
• Insure your packages
• Specify delivery instructions, such as “leave at back door”
• Arrange to pick up packages at the post office or delivery service location
• Ask a friend or neighbor to look out for your order and accept/pick up your packages
• Ship packages to your workplace if your employer allows it

If you are sending a package, let the recipient know that it is coming and when to expect it to arrive (and not to open it just yet!). Be sure to follow up with them to make sure it was received."

Continue reading the tips from the MA Consumer Affairs blog here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/lost-or-stolen-packages/

image from USPS.com webpage

• The link to file a claim on a Fedex package can be found here

http://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/online-claims/index.html

• The Holiday Help Center for UPS can be found here

https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/help-center.html?WT.svl=PNRO_L1

• Holiday shipping dates from the US Postal Service can be found here

https://www.usps.com/holiday/

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Says Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year Saying that the demand this year appears to be greater than ever, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive will continue to run through December 31, 2015. "Here in Norfolk County," noted Register O'Donnell, "some of our less fortunate neighbors continue to face economic hardship. We know this because we see each month the Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings that take place. Furthermore, at a statewide level, Project Bread noted that 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is food insecure. The Greater Boston Food Bank has distributed more food product the week before Thanksgiving than ever before, including produce. The signs are visibly out there that people need help." Local pantry officials agree food donations, especially as we head into the winter and holiday months, are critical to their operations. "The holiday season is the busiest time of year. For the past 40 years, we have relied on the generosity of our local communities to donate food and help neighbors in need," noted Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services of Quincy. Unfortunately, the issue of hunger does not stop at any border. Rene Feuerman, Director of the Brookline Food Pantry noted, "Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals and families needing assistance. Just this past summer, we added 100 families to our needs list. Currently, we are feeding 850 households here in Brookline." "Non-perishable food items such as rice, canned vegetables and soups, spaghetti, tomato sauce and paste are quite popular. Toiletries and paper products are also greatly appreciated," noted O'Donnell. These and other items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham from Monday, November 23, 2015 through Thursday, December 31, 2015. A donation bin has been set up in the Registry building lobby which is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Those who wish to donate but are unable to travel to the Registry can do so by donating food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. "Dropping off a food donation at the Registry or a local food pantry could make the difference in a family's holiday. Working together, we can make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell. For a list of local food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds for 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 email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

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

listing of Food Pantry's in Norfolk County

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/11/15 - THU 12/17/15

FRIDAY 12/11/15
Dec 1- Dec 12   Food Elves: 12 Days of Donating -  annual fundraiser for Franklin Food Pantry. For locations for donations click HERE.
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Winter Lighthouse at the Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 12/12/15
9am-3pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center
2pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
5:30pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
7:30pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves

SUNDAY 12/13/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)
2pm   FPAC presents: The Nutcracker at the Franklin High School
1 pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
2 pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
3pm   Holiday Sing Along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 12/14/15
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)

WEDNESDAY 12/16/15
5:30-8pm   Santa at the Learning Express in Franklin

THURSDAY 12/17/15
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones - call Franklin Senior Center to register
6:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar: acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
7pm   Franklin Forte Adult Chorus: FREE Winter Music Concert at Franklin Senior Center

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