Sunday, January 17, 2016

Franklin, MA, Town Council - Agenda - Jan 20, 2016


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– January 6, 2016, January 12, 2016

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
– Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2016

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS 
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS 
- Historical Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 

  • Billboards
  • Pond Street Land Discussion


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

  1. Resolution 16-85: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Police Dept.
  2. Resolution 16-86: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
  3. Resolution 16-87: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Police Dept.


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

the billboard proposal is up for discussion at this Town Council meeting
the billboard proposal is up for discussion at this Town Council meeting


The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/012016.pdf

MassBudget: Building a Strong Economy: The Roles of Education, Transportation, and Tax Policy




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



Building a Strong Economy: 

The Roles of Education, Transportation, and Tax Policy 

Effective economic policies can create a more highly productive state economy and make it possible to improve economic opportunity and security for working families. Building a Strong Economy: The Roles of Education, Transportation, and Tax Policy examines the economic research on the relationship between effective investments in education and transportation and improved economic productivity. 

In both cases the findings of the research are clear: investments that lead to a better educated workforce and more efficient transportation improve the productivity of a state economy. Failing to make those investments can lead to weaker economic growth and greater costs down the line.

The paper also examines the economic effects of tax reforms that can fund those investments. Over the past several decades, incomes for most in our state have barely budged, while incomes for our highest-income households have grown rapidly. Our highest-income households also benefit most from the structure of our tax system: they currently pay the smallest share of their income in state and local taxes. 

We examine the evidence on the likely economic effects of tax reforms that would bring the overall level of state and local taxation for very high income households closer to that of other residents. Studies of other states that have enacted such reforms have found little to no negative economic effects. When such reforms raise revenue for investments that improve the long term strength of the state economy they can be an important part of an effective state economic development strategy.

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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
screen grab of MassBudget report
screen grab of MassBudget report


BFCCPS 8th Grade Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

BFCCPS 8th Grade Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 

*** All proceeds to benefit our Washington DC Trip *** 

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2016 
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30AM 
Place: Franklin Elks ~ 1077 Pond Street, Franklin 
Cost: $5 per person Max $20 per Family (pay at the door) 

Not able to attend? 

  • Any and all donations are gratefully accepted! Checks can be made out to BFCCPS and sent to: BFCCPS 201 Main St Franklin, MA 02038 


Bring your friends and neighbors! 

Raffles will be held!


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School






FHS wrestling wins 2 matches, girls hockey ties their games on Saturday

The FHS wrestling wins 2 matches and the girls hockey ties their games on Saturday. All results from Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Wrestling


  • Franklin @ Algonquin 

– The Panthers went 2-0 on the day, beating Algonquin (45-27) and beating Framingham (37-31)

Girls Hockey


  • Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 3 – Final


For the remainder of the results on Saturday around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-011616/

Saturday, January 16, 2016

When Franklin and Mansfield get together, there is competition

When Franklin and Mansfield get together, there is competition. This was no different on Friday night as the basketball and swimming teams ended up splitting close matches. The FHS boys basketball team hung on to win 60-57, the girls lost 48-51. The tables turned in swimming as the FHS boys lost 70-98 and the girls won 92-70. All results via Hockomock Sports.

Boys Basketball


  • Franklin, 60 @ Mansfield, 57 – Final 

– Freshman Jay Dieterle hit a three with 1:34 left to put Franklin ahead for good. The Panthers, which led by as much as 22, had to stave off a rally from Mansfield over the third and fourth quarters. Franklin sophomore Connor Peterson scored a career-high 23 points and had seven rebounds, Tim Prunier added 15 points and five assists, sophomore Paul Mahon added eight points and six rebounds and Dieterle had six assists to go with five points. Matt Ehrlich had 16 points and five rebounds for Mansfield and Max Boen added 11 points.


Girls Basketball


  • Mansfield, 51 @ Franklin, 48 – Final 

– Meg Hill was the top scorer for the Hornets with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jen Peel added 10 points (eight in the first half) and eight assists for the Hornets and Jackie Carchedi scored nine points (eight in the fourth quarter). Lauren Rudolph led the Panthers with 11 points (nine in the third quarter) and Aubrie Kutil had eight points and nine rebounds.



Swimming


  • Franklin boys, 70 @ Mansfield boys, 98 – Final
  • Franklin girls, 92 @ Mansfield girls, 70 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-011516/


-----------
Franklin’s Connor Peterson hangs on the rim after a two handed dunk in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Connor Peterson hangs on the rim after a two handed dunk in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Hockomock Sports also filed full reports on both the boys and girls basketball games.

Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief wrote about the boys game:
"Based on the final score, it certainly looked like another typical back and forth game between Mansfield and Franklin. 
But this one was different. 
Franklin led by as much as 22 points — on the road at Mansfield — and looked to be racing away with a rout over the rival Hornets. 
But this one was different. 
The Hornets rattled off a 20-8 run to close the third quarter and then outscored the Panthers 19-7 to start the fourth quarter to take their first lead (57-55) since the first quarter. Another chapter in the storied rivalry looked to be complete with another Mansfield home win. 
But this one was different."
Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-holds-off-wicked-rally-from-mansfield/

Photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Franklin-Mansfield-Boys/


Jackie Carchedi (24) scored eight of her nine points in the fourth quarter to help the Hornets escape with a win and stay unbeaten in the league. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Jackie Carchedi (24) scored eight of her nine points in the fourth quarter to help the Hornets escape with a win and stay unbeaten in the league. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Josh Perry, Managing Editor, writes about the girls game:


"With the game slipping away in the second half, turnovers piling up, and shots clanging off the rim, Mansfield looked like it was on the brink of picking up its first league loss of the season. Then the Hornets found a second wind, and their shooting touch, to pull out the win. 
Seniors Jackie Carchedi, Caroline Maher and Jen Kemp knocked down three straight shots from beyond the arc to turn a three-point deficit into a three-point lead. After four free throws were matched by a pair of Franklin layups, the Panthers had one more chance to send the game to overtime but Carli Koffinke’s shot went halfway down and rimmed out. 
Mansfield battled back in the fourth quarter for a 51-48 road victory over its rival that keeps the Hornets one game in front of Attleboro at the top of the Kelley-Rex division standings."
Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/seniors-come-through-as-mansfield-rallies-past-franklin/

Photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Franklin-Mansfield-Girls/

And All That Jazz .... Beginner Jazz Dance Class



And All  That Jazz...........dance class

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning is pleased to offer its first Adult Beginner Jazz Class.......beginning Monday, January 25 
jazz dancer image
Don't Miss This Exciting Class!


This Adult Beginner Jazz Course  will encompass components from jazz, modern and ballet techniques. The session will focus on learning different styles/combinations of jazz such as classic jazz, musical theater, lyrical jazz, latin and hip hop.
Students will warm up with stretching exercises, isolations, strengthening exercises and "across the floor" exercises.  


The class ends with a combination that is usually fast-paced and danced to popular music. Jazz shoes are optional; socks or bare feet acceptable.

When and Where?

Mondays, Jan 25 - Mar 21 

7:00 to 8:00 PM

Parmenter Elementary School
 
Cost: $75

     Franklin Public Schools          Lifelong Learning Institute
     The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning

508-613-1480      www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Forward this email


FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Helping Your Kids Navigate Social Media And Cyberbullying - Feb 1


You are invited to join representatives from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center with a presentation for parents regarding online safety to be held at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on Monday, February 1st at 7pm

The event is free and open to the public, we hope you can join us.

BFCCPS sign
BFCCPS sign


PARENT/COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS:
The MARC Parent and community education evenings feature presentations that are more tailored to the individual needs and wants of the community. The presentation involves both an easy-to-understand update on typical online activities of children, internet safety (including cyberbullying), and how parents can work with their children and their schools in both bullying and cyberbullying situations.

The emphasis will be on practical, concrete knowledge, and how parents do not need to be computer experts to become more aware of how to help their children navigate the online world safely. It is also imperative that parents understand how to approach schools for help effectively and how to assist school administrators in resolving bullying situations.


In the News: sports teams added, Milford raises age, Narcan considered by Medway, memory cafe at Senior Center

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee has added gymnastics and freshman lacrosse to the high school's sports roster. 
Athletic Director Brad Sidwell spoke before the committee at its Jan. 12 meeting in favor of the changes, in addition to giving an update on several initiatives at the school."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160115/franklin-high-school-scores-two-new-sports-teams


Franklin's BOH considered this move in 2014 then did not raise the age.

"The Board of Health has raised the legal age for tobacco purchases in town from 18 to 21. 
The order, enacted at the board's meeting this week, goes into effect April 1. It makes Milford the 93rd town in the state to raise the legal age. Milford follows other area towns, such as Medway and Ashland, in a decision aimed at curbing youth substance abuse. The order also restricts e-cigarette purchases to those 21 and older. 
“It is our responsibility as a local board of health to do all we can to guide our young people and create a healthier future for all our residents,” said Paul Mazzuchelli, the town's health officer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160115/milford-board-of-health-raises-legal-tobacco-age-to-21


The Franklin School Committee had previously considered this move.What the new committee now sitting will do remains to be seen.

"With drug users overdosing at an alarming rate around the state and country and the scourge of heroin finding its way into the lives of atypical drug users, the school department is considering arming itself with an overdose-reversing drug.
Narcan, a nasal spray, reverses the effects of an overdose caused by an opioid, like heroin, morphine and other prescription painkillers.
 
Superintendent Armand Pires said the school department is engaging in an “ongoing discussion” throughout the district to gauge the need to stock the drug, a step that other nearby school districts have taken."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160115/medway-schools-consider-stocking-narcan


"Memory Café will be held at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, Jan. 21, at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 
The Memory Cafe is for caregivers and their loved ones who live with memory loss. It is a safe and supportive environment where families can socialize and feel at ease."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160115/franklin-senior-center-to-host-memory-cafxe9-on-jan-21

Friday, January 15, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/15/16 - THU 1/21/16

FRIDAY 1/15/16
1-3pm   Kids Paint at the Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 1/16/16
9am-4pm   Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library. Live music by Betty Kushner 9-10am.

SUNDAY 1/17/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at the Franklin Public Library. Fill up a bag with books for only $5.

MONDAY 1/18/16
1-3pm   Kids Paint at the Franklin Art Center

TUESDAY 1/19/16
6:30-8pm   Teen Advisory Board meets at the Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 1/21/16
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones at the Franklin Senior Center. Please call the center to register.
5:30-7:30pm   Algonquin Open House for the Access Northeast Project at the Hawthorne Suites on Union Street, Franklin
6:30-8:30pm   Franklin Arts Academy Fundraiser at Pour Richard’s
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Free Workshop: Primitive Reflex, Intergration, Leraning and Behavior presented by Pam Formosa and Christina Schlupf from Brain Fit, Town Hall, 3rd floor Training Room

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

In the News: anger over pond levels, free-throw championship at Y

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Local residents expressed anger and dismay at a Wednesday evening meeting regarding the historic low water levels at Kingsbury Pond - a situation they attributed to nearby Franklin wells. 
Residents used the phrase "do your job" repeatedly as they spoke to representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, who had been invited to the meeting to discuss the situation and possible steps to fix the problem."
image of Kingsbury Pond from petition
image of Kingsbury Pond from petition


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160114/franklin-wells-spur-norfolk-pond-concerns

Recent post summarizing the Kingsbury Pond issue
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/in-news-kingsbury-pond-issue-substance.html



"The Franklin Hockomock Area YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, will host a free-throw championship from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. 
The contest, which is free to participate, is for boys and girls ages 9-14. Participants must bring birth certificates and a parent. The winners will be invited to the district, divisional and national competitions. Each contestant will receive a certificate and memento."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160114/franklin-hockomock-area-ymca-to-host-free-throw-championship

Lowell City Council endorses fixing the gas pipeline leaks

One of the key arguments of the anti-Spectra pipeline group is that if the gas companies fixed the leaks in the existing supply lines that would provide about 30% of the supply currently being 'lost'. 

"On Tuesday, the Lowell City Council passed a resolution in support of state legislation to address gas leaks! Gas leaks are costly for consumers and terrible for the climate: leaking gas pipelines emit methane, an extremely powerful greenhouse gas, directly into the atmosphere. 
Lowell's resolution is in support of H. 2870 and H. 2871, new pieces of state legislation that would help reduce gas leaks and ensure that consumers are not charged for leaking gas. Congrats to all the folks in 350 Mass Lowell who worked hard to make this resolution happen!"

Reference to the motion was also reported by Richard Howe
"Joint motion by Mayor Kennedy and Councilor Elliott to support resolution on bill pending in state legislature on natural gas leaks. Registered to speak is State Senator Jamie Eldridge who thanks the council for allowing him to speak. He wants to provide some context to this bill. Says Tom Golden is a strong advocate for this bill. Last session, the legislature took up the issue of the hundreds of thousands of gas leaks in Massachusetts, many of which occur in older cities like Lowell. 
This bill would require utilities to better document these leaks and to develop a plan to remedy them. Portions of the bill did not pass during the last legislative session so they are back again this year. This would also prohibit utilities from charging the cost of sealing these leaks back to their users. He appreciates the council’s consideration of this resolution and says the council’s passage of it would send a strong message to the rest of the legislature."

The full context of the Jan 5th Council meeting in Lowell can be found here
http://www.richardhowe.com/2016/01/05/lowell-city-council-meeting-january-5-2016/

-------------

From the Twitterverse!


Are there really gas leaks? Yup, and they can be found!

leaks along the west roxbury lateral pipeline
leaks along the west roxbury lateral pipeline


The presentation to the Franklin Town Council on Jan 6 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/live-reporting-presentation-on-spectra.html


Valentine's 2016 ... don't forget your special someone(s)!



Valentine's 2016....don't forget your special someone(s)!

VDay 2016 is fast approaching and you do not want to be caught empty handed! The Sugar Shoppe has a fabulous line up of goodies to go! And our Vday special items are on their way! Nothing says LOVE like a little SUGAR❤️❤️❤️

Stop by and shoppe for a great cause! 10% off any candy that's RED!! Just mention this ad & you shall receive!
Follow us for more updates!
Sugar Shoppe 334 Union St Franklin, MA 02038 USA

Tri-County Students Compete In National Mobile App Contest


A mobile app concept created by sophomores in Tri-County Regional's Computer Information Systems Program is in the running for the national Verizon App Challenge Fan Favorite award.

The app proposal, which would transform the school's late bus pass system to an all-electronic format, won Best in State in the high school section of the Verizon Innovative App Challenge. Each team member won a tablet computer and $5,000 to be used for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives at Tri-County.


Tri-County students working on the app challenge
Tri-County students working on the app challenge

Team members Dylan Ross, of Franklin, Micah Perkins, of Medway, Victoria Rezza, Dylan Lavimodiere, and Robert Paige, all of North Attleborough, Eric Bernard, of Plainville, and Tyler Mello, of Seekonk, said the idea for the app came to them very early on in the brainstorming process. Currently, students who stay after school for academic help, athletics, or extracurricular activities must visit the Main Office to get a pass for the late bus. The late buses transport students to designated stops within their hometown.

"We had to go from one classroom to get a pass to go either to the Main Office or the Homework Center to get a pass, to then even just get on a bus, and then sometimes the bus would be full and we'd have to wait for another bus. So basically, we just had the idea to make an app that would do all that for us, so then you would click ‘reserve,’ select the bus that you want and just wait," explained Eric Bernard.

The students thanked their teachers, Kim Zogalis and Christopher Cadorette, for encouraging them to participate in the initial “Best in State” competition. The group was elated upon learning from Mrs. Zogalis that they advanced to the national App Challenge Fan Favorite contest. The group could win an additional $15,000 for their school. 

To win this award, the students must get the most votes. Voters must text "LatePass1" to 22333 by January 31 to vote for Tri-County's app.

The winner of the app challenge will also have the opportunity to work with experts at MIT on building a working app, but the students at Tri-County are wasting no time in developing their product.

"Right now, we're wire-framing it, which is basically drawing what is going to look like," said Bernard.




The 30 second concept video of the app is shown here:




FPAC Slates Open Auditions For Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Wednesday, January 27 at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Auditions begin at 6 p.m. for ages 7-9 (very few roles available) and continue at 6:30 for ages 10-13 (very few roles available), 7:00 for teens ages 14 and older, and 7:45 for adults. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater song in the style of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. For more information, including a character breakdown, please visit www.FPAConline.com.
Franklin Performing Arts Company
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

FPAC will stage the under-the-sea spectacular on March 12-13 and March 19-20 at THE BLACK BOX. Based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the classic animated film, the enchanting blockbuster musical brings audiences into a magical ocean kingdom – home to mermaid Ariel, King Triton and a host of memorable characters, including Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab. 

When the beautiful and curious young mermaid falls for a handsome human, Prince Eric, in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, Disney’s  The Little Mermaid features the irresistible songs “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”

FPAC presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid as part of the company’s 25th anniversary season. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

iOn the Ball proposal for Franklin digital sign

In the recent Economic Development Committee meeting, a proposal for a digital sign to generate approx. $40,000 in revenue per year for Franklin. The sign would be placed on private property and be only visible to drivers along i495.

Franklin would need to change the current sign bylaw to allow this digital sign. You may recall that the digital sign installed with the new High School was initially turned on but is as it does not meet the bylaw requirements.

screen grab from the presentation depicting the northbound view of the proposed sign
screen grab from the presentation depicting the northbound view of the proposed sign





Stay tuned for the future Town Council meeting when this topic comes before them



  • The set of notes published from the Economic Development Committee meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/live-reporting-economic-development.html

Ladybug Story on WCVB's 'Chronicle' Tuesday Night -> Replay available on demand

Did you catch "Chronicle" on Channel 5 Tuesday night? The show featured many of the 56 official Massachusetts symbols, including the ladybug. 


A screen shot from the WCVB website shows Rep. Jeff Roy speaking at Town Hall about The Ladybug Story booklet.

The story of the Kennedy School second grade class of 1974's efforts to have the ladybug named as the official state insect was highlighted as part of this show. 

Follow the link below to watch the segment on the WCVB Chronicle website. The fiberglass painted ladybugs from the Cultural Council's project, as well as Representative Jeff Roy, Town Hall, the Franklin Public Library and the Franklin Art Center, made appearances. The Franklin portion of the story begins after the Polka segment, at 1:45. 

http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle/keeping-it-symbol-official-insect/37413776?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=wcvb


This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/01/ladybug-story-on-wcvbs-chronicle.html


Related posts:



  • Announcement of the Ladybugs to appear on the Town Common in August 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/ladybug-spots-on-town-common-aug-9-10.html


  • The ladybugs have landed on the Town Common

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/ladybugs-on-parade.html


Senior Center: Memory Cafe - Jan 21

This month's Memory Cafe will be held as usual on the third Thursday of the month, January 21st at 3:00 at the Franklin Senior Center. 

The Memory Cafe is for Caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss. It is a safe and supportive environment where families can socialize and feel at ease.

This month we are happy to have three or four Franklin middle and high school students who will be playing some older familiar tunes on the violin and viola. They will be led by Kathleen Woods Studio.

The Cafe is open to all in the community and free of charge. For more information please call Elaine Owens at 508-520-4945. We encourage you to sign up so that we have an idea as to how many we will have at each cafe. Refreshments are served!


guitar players from a prior memory cafe at the Senior Center
guitar players from a prior memory cafe at the Senior Center


Dean College Leadership Lecture Series Announces 'Finest Hours' Team as Guest Speakers for March 3, 2016




Dean College is honored to host both the producer and the author of Walt Disney Pictures new epic THE FINEST HOURS for the Dean College Leadership Institute Leadership In Action Lecture Series on Thursday March 3, 2016.

The Leadership Series offers a unique and interactive opportunity for students, alumni, and the local community to interact with today's business leaders.


Acclaimed film producer Dorothy Aufiero will be joined by bestselling author Casey Sherman to discuss their incredible journey together from page to screen. THE FINEST HOURS is set for worldwide release beginning on January 29, 2016. The film chronicles the greatest Coast Guard rescue in American history in February, 1952 off Cape Cod and stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Eric Bana, Ben Foster and Holliday Grainger. THE FINEST HOURS was filmed entirely in Massachusetts.   

"We are thrilled to be joined by the creative forces behind this major motion picture," said Dr. Paula Rooney, President of Dean College. "Both Ms. Aufiero and Mr. Sherman work here in Massachusetts and the Dean College community looks forward to a memorable event as they discuss  the challenges and the triumphs behind their cinematic achievement."

Dorothy Aufiero has also developed several of the most memorable motion pictures ever filmed in Massachusetts including the Oscar winning The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, and the Oscar winning Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Aufiero also served as executive producer for the smash television hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
  
Casey Sherman is a national bestselling author of eight books including Search for the Strangler (about his re-investigation of the notorious Boston Strangler case), Bad Blood, Animal and Boston Strong. Sherman has also served as a guest analyst on CNN and FOX News.

Mr. Sherman and Ms. Aufiero are currently working on a feature film project based on Boston Strong to star Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg of Lone Survivor fame. Production is expected to begin this spring.

The speaking program will begin at 4 PM. in the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA on March  3, 2014. The program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit the Dean College website www.dean.edu.


Behind the scenes preview can be seen here