Saturday, December 19, 2015

Town Council meeting Dec 16, 2015

Here is the Storify summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 16

For those reading this via email, you may need to go to the Franklin Matters webpage to scroll within the Storify summary for the full report.




Franklin Municipal Building, location for the Town Council meetings
Franklin Municipal Building, location for the Town Council meetings

The documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html

FHS basketball and hockey teams split their games, both swim teams won on Friday

The Franklin High School winter sports teams split most of the competition on Friday. The boys basketball team beat Attleboro while the girls closed the gap but lost to Attleboro. The boys hockey team lost to Canton while the girls hockey team beat Medway/Ashland. Both the boys and girls swim teams beat Foxboro. The results are shared from Hockomock Sports.


Boys Basketball

Attleboro, 39 @ Franklin, 72 – Final 
– The Panthers amped up their defense in the second half, turning a nine point lead at halftime into a 33 point win. Tim Prunier had a game-high 20 points, Paul Mahon scored 16 points and Connor Goldstein had 11 points. Attleboro’s Jake Dunkley had a team-high 16 points.


Girls Basketball

Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 48 – Final 
– The Panthers battled back to get the Attleboro lead to as few as four points after trailing by as many as 16 in the second half. Aubrie Kutil was the top scorer for Franklin with 14 points and Lauren Rudolph chipped in with 13.


Boys Hockey

Canton, 4 vs. Franklin, 2 – Final 
– Shaun Kirby scored a pair of goals for the Bulldogs, who came back from a goal down twice in the first period. Matt Lazaro and Jim Jenkins each scored in the third period to give the Bulldogs the win at Schneider Arena at Providence College. Adam Assad and Jeremy Miller scored the Franklin goals.

FHS celebrates a goal (Hockomock Sports.com photo)
FHS celebrates a goal (Hockomock Sports.com photo)

A full write up of the game played at Providence College can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/kirby-inspires-canton-comeback-win-against-franklin/

Photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Canton-Franklin-Hockey-at-PC/


Girls Hockey

Franklin, 4 @ Medway/Ashland, 2 – Final 
– Haley Griffin, Regan Paterson, Marlee Paterson and Kate Cashman each scored in the win for the Panthers.


Boys Swimming

  • Franklin, 86 @ Foxboro, 21 – Final



Girls Swimming

  • Franklin, 97 @ Foxboro, 40 – Final



The complete set of results from Friday nights action around the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121815/

In the News: Dean security changes hands, retention or wetland?

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Campus police officers at Dean College had their last day on the job Friday, as they were replaced by a private security company. 
Michael Carmody, a former Public Safety sergeant, said once the overnight shift ended at 8 a.m., the private security firm, TeamOps, took over.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215815/1994/NEWS



The Town Council may look to review a local bylaw that protects some man-made retention ponds as wetlands. 
The matter came up at Wednesday's council meeting in which DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi proposed an amendment to the bylaw that would enable town workers to perform maintenance on such ponds. 
"The town has over 90 retention ponds that we do maintenance on," he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215812/1994/NEWS

Friday, December 18, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/18/15 - THU 12/24/15

FRIDAY 12/18/15
9:30-10:30am   Canvas and Coffee at Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 12/19/15
11am-3pm   Santa and his helpers at Kidz Plaster Zone
1-3pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center: hand paint ceramic cookie plate, ornament and handmade card
7:30pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School

SUNDAY 12/20/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
1-3pm   Family Paint at the Franklin Art Center
2pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School
2-4pm   Santa at the Learning Express
6:10-7:10pm   Family Skate and Pictures with Santa at the Pirelli Veteran’s Arena

MONDAY 12/21/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

TUESDAY 12/22/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

WEDNESDAY 12/23/15
1-3pm   Kids Paint at Franklin Art 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

FHS 3rd in the first Wrestling Hock 5

Hockomock Sports has posted its first Hock 5 ranking for Wrestling and it lists Franklin 3rd.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


3. Franklin (1-1)

Despite the setback against Foxboro on Wednesday, the Panthers will be one of the better teams in Division 1. Once again, they will be the biggest challenge for North Attleboro because they have plenty of talent, including Nick Narducci and Mike Racca.

You can find the full Hock 5 posting here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hock-5/wrestling/

In the News: deputy Town Administrator, complaints about permit

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Jamie Hellen, operations assistant to the town manager, is leaving Town Hall to become the deputy town administrator in Franklin. 
Hellen was appointed by Town Manager Norman Khumalo in 2012. He'll work in town until the end of the month. 
During his tenure, Hellen has been involved in many special projects, including planning for the town's 300th Anniversary Celebration and helping with the historical commissions. His day-to-day responsibilities include making sure Khumalo's and the selectmen's priorities are being met, he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216196/1994/NEWS


Several townspeople complained Thursday night to the Zoning Board of Appeals about what they claim was a lack of transparency in the town's approval of a group home on Plain Street. 
The board, though, decided to uphold the building commissioner's decision to issue a permit. 
At issue is an eight-bed building - set to house clients of the state Department of Developmental Services - under construction at 21 Plain St. Dave Patterson, a neighbor, had appealed the issuance of the building permit.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216179/1994/NEWS

The next "Let's Laugh Today" in Franklin is on Monday, December 28th


Trade all your holiday stress for laughter (and burn some of those holiday calories!) at LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin on Monday, December 28th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker will give you the gift of laughter!  
Join them in a combination of deep breathing exercises with laughter exercises that oxygenate your body and brain in order to feel more healthy and energetic. No mats or special clothing is needed. There will be chairs set up so you can sit. Laughter Yoga is now being done in 90 different countries!  
Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 
See www.letslaughtoday.com or call 508-660-2223 for more information and other opportunities to laugh.Come and experience the contagiousness of laughter! $5 donation to FUSF/$10 maximum per family.  
Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! You can sit or stand. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. If you have any questions, just call 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. New laughers are always welcomed! 

Smiles and Laughter your way,
Linda and Bill Hamaker
www.letslaughtoday.com

 

               


In the News: solar funding announced, Santa Skate Sunday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of a $30 million residential solar loan program on Thursday. 
The program will support Massachusetts lenders with loans between $3,000 and $60,000 with low, fixed interest rates to homeowners throughout the commonwealth who opt to add solar panels to their home and is also available to borrowers with lower credit scores or incomes. For homeowners who adopt solar energy, the program also provides long-term financing options.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216352/1994/NEWS


The Franklin Youth Hockey Association will hold Santa Skate from 6:10 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Pirelli Veteran's Arena, 910 Panther Way. 
All ages are welcome to skate and take photos with Santa. Admission costs $5 or a small bag of nonperishable food items to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 
Attendees are also asked to bring any unused equipment to donate to FYHA. 
The event will include raffles, team spirit packs and calendar sales. 
For more information, visit the event's page on Facebook.

FYHA event
FYHA event

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Massachusetts Legislators submit letter to United States Consumer Product Safety Commission


Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch request for regulation and analysis submitted

December 16, 2015 -  Massachusetts delegates including Senator Karen Spilka, State Representatives Jeff Roy and John Fernandes have requested the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulate interior and exterior use of crumb rubber as a children's product due to exposure on playground and artificial turf fields.

Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch is used in playgrounds and turf fields across the U.S. The usage began in the 90s as a way to dispose of used tires. Typically, the fields and playgrounds are sold to a city or state with promise of less maintenance and increased playtime,  yet the tire derived materials have never been evaluated by the CPSC for exposure risk to users.

The delegate's letter to the CPSC requests analysis to offer concrete conclusions and recommendations to ensure the safety of children and adults who use crumb rubber and turf fields. Specifically, the delegates requested the CPSC investigate:
  • Identifying potential hazards resulting from ingestion and inhalation of toxins released from crumb rubber during heat spikes and outgassing;
  • Detecting the existence of known human carcinogens;
  • Locating the presence of lead and other toxins;
  • Examining any danger presented by the natural aging and decomposition; and
  • investigating any potential risks to child or adult users.

The delegate's letter is a result of an October 2015 request by residents from Medway, Franklin and Holliston requesting the Representatives request regulation of tire crumb rubber as a children's product on the basis of the use on synthetic turf fields and rubber mulch playgrounds by children. 

"We thank Senator Spilka and Representatives Roy and Fernandes for their attention and action regarding the use of recycled tires on playing fields and playgrounds," said Tracy Stewart, Mass Chapter lead of The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition.  "The unique sell-in of this product has bypassed regulation for decades; however, it has become more concerning over the past ten years while over 12,000 turf fields have been installed exposing young people and adults to chemicals within the materials. We hope the CPSC's response is positive to the request for regulation and furthermore they expedite a thorough analysis to fully understand the risk of crumb rubber and tire derived products on young people and adults."

The CPSC response is pending.

image of the letter sent
image of the letter sent


About The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition (SHPFC)
Founded in 2008, The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition is dedicated to sharing information about the health and safety of both natural and synthetic turf fields for children, adults and the environment in which we live.


installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now)
installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now)

FHS results from Wednesday and Hockomock Sports Hockey Preview

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS wrestling match on Wednesday (lost to Foxboro) and FHS girls hockey (lost to KP), and the preview of the boys hockey season.

Wrestling


  • Franklin, 27 @ Foxboro, 33 – Final


Girls Hockey


  • Franklin, 4 @ King Philip, 5 – Final


For all the results of Wednesdays action
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121615/

FHS Panthers


Hockey Preview


Franklin
2014-15 Record: 17-4-3 (10-0-0)
2014-15 Finish: Lost in first round of the Super 8
Head Coach: Chris Spillane

How does Franklin follow up its first ever appearance in the prestigious Super 8 tournament? How does the program recover from losing 21 seniors off a roster that finished unbeaten in the Hockomock League and had one of the league’s most exciting hockey moments when it beat Xaverian in overtime in the Super 8 play-in game? 
Those are tough questions that head coach Chris Spillane will be trying to answer in the coming weeks as he incorporates almost an entirely new roster. The top returning scorer from last season is senior Alex Bissanti, who chipped in with five goals as a junior. He will be joined up front by junior Adam Assad, who Spillane said has “lots of offensive potential.” In addition, the coach noted that he is looking towards a “strong” sophomore class to provide a spark offensively. 
DJ Shea was a rock in goal last season after getting his first playing time as a senior and the Panthers will be counting on seniors Nick Jasinki (five games in 2014-15) and Cam Benham to step in this year and have a similar impact. In front of the goalies, Franklin has a strong defensive corps led by senior captains Matt Pleshaw and Jack Chaffee. The defense has been bolstered by the return of senior Tyler Oaks, who had been playing for the South Shore Kings. Spillane called him a “strong offensive defenseman.” 
It is only the third season for Franklin in Div. 1 and already the Panthers have accomplished more than most public school programs. This could be a transition year for Franklin but expectations remain high for a perennial power. Spillane said, “With the departure of 21 seniors, the success of this team will rely on finding a identity early in the season.”

For the remainder of the Kelly-Rex Division previews
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-kelley-rex-division-preview-2015-2016/

Davenport Division

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-davenport-division-preview-2015-2016/

Did you get your water meter replaced yet?

We had ours replaced earlier this year and it was quick and easy. The post card arrived, we made the appointment, they arrived as scheduled and 15 minutes later were out the door.


"The Franklin Water Department has initiated a water meter replacement program. The installations will be done by a private contractor called USI Services. Please keep an eye out for a postcard from Thielsch Engineering/USI. The program will start with residents who have the oldest meters, so not all residents will receive a postcard. 
If you do receive a post card, please follow the instructions on the card and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. To set up an appointment please call the number on the card NOT the DPW office. All installers will have uniforms, photo ID badges, and will be driving clearly marked vehicles.

**Some customers recently received their first notice letter but they say second notice. We apologize for the confusion, but please respond to the card at your earliest convenience!** 
If you have any questions, please contact the DPW at 508-520-4910."
DPW webpage image
DPW webpage image


http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PublicWorks/General_Pages/Meter%20Replacement

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

FHS basketball teams top Canton, representatives on Top 10 to watch for boys basketball and hockey

From Hockomock Sports we share the following with a Franklin High School winter sports focus. 

On Tuesday, both the boys and girls basketball teams beat Canton. Tim Prunier is one of the Top 10 to watch in Basketball and Tyler Oakes is one of the Top 10 to watch in Hockey.


Girls Basketball

Franklin, 55 @ Canton, 31 – Final 
– Carli Koffinke led the Panthers with 14 points. Lauren Rudolph chipped in with nine, Kristen Donaghy and Margaux Welsh each had eight for Franklin. The Bulldogs were led by Shannon Foley with seven points, while Meaghan Hunter and Hannah Jerrier each had six.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

Canton, 24 @ Franklin, 61 – Final 
– The Panthers jumped out to a 19 point lead after the first quarter lead and never looked back. Senior Tim Prunier scored a game-high 19 points in the win for Franklin.

For all the results of Tuesday's action
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121515/


Tim Prunier, Franklin – 
Without a doubt, Prunier will be one of the best in the Hockomock League this year. He’s got a very well rounded game with the ability to make an impact in all phases of the game. Offensively not only does he carry the ball and set the offense in motion, he can score in one on one situations, can move the ball at the right time and even more impressively, he’s one of the best off the ball. Prunier is truly a player you don’t want to lose track of. Defensively he will add a spark to a team that prides itself on stopping teams and forcing turnovers.
For more on the others in the Top 10
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/



Tyler Oakes, Franklin – 
The senior defenseman is a newcomer to the Franklin program after spending time with the South Shore Kings last season. For the Kings, Oakes played 23 games and scored a goal and an assist. He is a little bit of an unknown for the coaches and the rest of the Hockomock but Franklin coach Chris Spillane said that he is a solid offensive defenseman that will step right in and contribute. After losing 21 players to graduation, Franklin needed someone to step in and Oakes could prove to be the right player to help fill in for the hole left by Mason Saunders and Kyle Filbert, both of whom liked to push forward into the attacking zone. Oakes’s return could be perfect timing for the Panthers.

For more on the others in the Top 10
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/

In the News: tax bills rise, Exelon questions Franklin, Vallee elected vice-chair

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Property tax bills for the average homeowner would rise $118 after the Town Council set the rate at its set Dec. 8 session. 
The council set the fiscal 2016 tax rate at $14.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The rate actually dropped from fiscal 2015's $14.84, but property values have increased, meaning most bills will increase.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217375/1994/NEWS


Exelon is questioning Franklin’s motive in filing to intervene in the permitting process of the company’s proposed power plant expansion, arguing that the town is driven by the possibility of a large settlement rather than environmental concerns. 
In a legal brief filed with the state Energy Facilities Siting Board late Monday, Exelon, in response to Franklin filing a petition to intervene, called attention to an Oct. 7 meeting of the Franklin Town Council, at which members briefly discussed the plant.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217348/1994/NEWS


The Town Council elected Robert Vallee as its new vice-chairman last week, after a recount delayed its reorganization by nearly a month. 
Vallee, who had previously served as chairman, was named to the vice-chairmanship on a 5-4 vote.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151215/NEWS/151217346/1994/NEWS

Franklin Art Association - Jan 6 - Liz Haywood Sullivan


The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday Jan. 6th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30.
Liz Haywood Sullivan - digital photo
Liz Haywood Sullivan - digital photo

The program will feature well known pastel painter Liz Haywood Sullivan as the demonstrating artist.

Meetings are free and opened to the public.

For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org
and Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

For additional info on Liz, you can visit her webpage  http://www.lizhaywoodsullivan.com

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

FHS Basketball - Kelley-Rex Division Previews

The pre-season outlook for the FHS basketball teams is shared from the overall outlook provided by Hockomock Sports.

FRANKLIN - Girls - Kelly-Rex Division


2014-15 Record: 19-6 (13-3)
2014-15 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Central final
Head Coach: John Leighton

Most programs that lose all but one starter from a team that reached a sectional final would be thinking about rebuilding and the need for a transition year as new players get integrated. Franklin is counting on its system and the depth in its program to reload rather than rebuild this year. 
The Panthers reload will benefit from a healthy Lauren Rudolph. The senior guard missed a large portion of last season with an injury sustained during soccer season and added a big scoring punch off the bench when healthy, This year, Rudolph will take on a much larger role as Franklin’s primary scorer, but she also gives them a boost defensively and is good passer in the Panthers’ dribble drive set. 
The lone returning starter is senior Aubrie Kutil, who gives Franklin size and strength in the post on both ends of the court. Kutil will be aided by senior forwards Erin Skidmore and Caroline Maguire (who recovered from a volleyball injury to play in the opener) to crash the boards. Senior point guard Olivia Adiletto saw a lot of action last year and will take over as a starter. Junior Carli Koffinke is another player that will step into a bigger role as an offensive spark off the bench. 
Newcomers like juniors Isabella Faught and Margaux Welsh will help Franklin make another run at the Kelley-Rex title. Leighton said, “We’re blessed to have depth. We have girls that buy into the system and are willing to play their roles, which is huge for us.”

Continue to read about the girls Kelly-Rex Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2015-16/

For the girls Davenport Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-davenport-division-preview-2015-16/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers



FRANKLIN - Boys - Kelly-Rex Division


2014-2015 Record: 18-6
2014-2015 Finish: Reached D1 Central Semifinal
Coach: CJ Neely

The Panthers were close to returning to the D1 Central Sectional Final last year but with four of the starters from that team graduated, there will be plenty of minutes to be had this season. Senior point guard Tim Prunier, who is one of the top players in the entire league, is the lone starter returning while forward Josh Macchi, who saw got some experience coming off the bench last year is also back. 
But just because names like Marcus Giese, Dylan Reno, Markus Bohmiller and Shawn Hanley are gone doesn’t mean the Panthers won’t be competitive this year. In fact, Franklin will likely be in the thick of the Kelley-Rex division race. There will be plenty of new faces but they almost all have good size and can shoot the ball, two traits that will make Franklin a tough opponent. And unsurprisingly, the Panthers will likely be one of the top defensive teams. 
“This is a team that only needs to focus on getting better each day,” head coach CJ Neely said. “Our goals are day to day improvement and we will let the results take care of themselves. We will pride ourselves on strong defense and tremendous effort and teamwork. Offensively, we have a lot of guys who are capable of playing well and as soon as we trust each other, make the extra pass and consistently compete together on both sides of the floor, I think we can have a good season. I have been very impressed with the team’s willingness to be coachable and get better each day. It should be a fun year.”

Continue to read about the boys Kelly-Rex Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2015-2016/

For the boys Davenport Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-davenport-division-preview-2015-16/

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?




-----

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/

-----


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

-----

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
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

Monday, December 14, 2015

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
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