Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Let's Laugh Today! - next session on Jan 25


Begin the New Year with joyful laughter on Monday, January 25th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 
Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 
Linda and Bill leading a laughter yoga session
Linda and Bill leading a laughter yoga session

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! 
$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 
Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 
Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. www.letslaughtoday.com. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 
There will not be a session in Franklin in February.

Franklin Public Schools ECDC Preschool Program Now Enrolling for Fall 2016

The F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (@FranklinECDC) is committed to offering preschoolers here in Franklin an opportunity for high quality developmentally appropriate learning in an environment that encourages diversity, cooperation and understanding. 

Our building and our curriculum have been designed to meet the complex needs of students with and without disabilities help them develop the necessary readiness skills to prepare them for kindergarten. Our teachers are highly qualified public school certified in early childhood, special education or a combination of both specialties.

Students who attend ECDC participate in our inclusive, or "integrated" preschool model. In these language-based classrooms, children of all ability levels, with and without identified special needs, are taught together in an environment that nurtures peers as partners in learning. 

Research has proven that linking children of varying ability levels actually enhances the growth and development of all the children. Each of our classrooms maintains a low class size, maxing out with 15 students, with a Massachusetts certified teacher and at least one qualified educational assistant.

Franklin residents who turn 3 by August 31st are eligible to register for the integrated preschool program at ECDC.

Families interested in ECDC can call the main office to schedule a tour or reach out to Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal, @ 508 541-8166 or kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Additional information about tuition, staff, curriculum, school hours, and much more can be found on the principal's blog, http://www.ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/ and on the ECDC website http://franklinecdc.vt-s.net/pages/index.

ECDC building entrance
ECDC building entrance

Kelty Kelley, Principal
F. X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
224 Oak Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-541-8166
Fax: 508-541-8254

Hockomock Area YMCA Plans Preschool Registration - Open House - Feb 2


Registration for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Y World of Tots Preschool at its Bernon Family Branch in Franklin begins Tuesday, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m.

The preschool is designed to provide a positive learning environment for children aged 2.9 to 5 years. The school is holding an open house for parents and families on Tuesday, February 2nd from 1:00pm -2:30 p.m. and provides an opportunity to view the classroom environment, meet the staff, and learn about the program’s philosophy.
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA


“Our program offers a preschool experience where children learn, thrive, and explore. We look forward to meeting and welcoming new students for the 2016-2017 school year. Preschool is a great opportunity to introduce young children to a lifetime of learning,” said teacher Lisa Peters. The preschool program offers two, three, and five-day options for both morning or extended day options. The Y World of Tots is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Social, motor, and academic development is promoted through fun hands-on learning activities in science, math, language, listening and verbal skills. The Y offers an iPad technology curriculum which is revolutionizing our approach to learning and teaching and is instilling in our students an enthusiasm for education that will last a lifetime. Enrichment activities are also included in the curriculum and is an added benefit as the school is located inside a full facility YMCA. Activities include gymnastics, swimming and sports classes. Nutrition education is also included.
 
The program is run by intensively screened and trained caring, licensed staff.
For more information contact Deborah Ela or Lisa Peters at 774-235-2725 or yworldoftots@hockymca.org.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) Boosters will be hosting a Wine-Tasting Fundraiser - Jan 21


The Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) Boosters will be hosting a Wine-Tasting Fundraiser with proceeds being used to fund an FAA student field trip and scholarships for FAA seniors. 


TICKETS: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. For advance tickets, contact Karen Glynn.  (karen.glynn@verizon.net)


Pour Richard’s is graciously hosting the event and will also be donating a portion of sales proceeds to the FAA Boosters.




FAA Fund Raiser at Pour Richard's
FAA Fund Raiser at Pour Richard's

You can find additional info on the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1710229295855906/

School Committee - Jan 12, 2016

The collection of live reporting from the School Committee meeting on Jan 12 can be found here. Unfortunately, due to a work commitment I left before the meeting finished. The agenda had just reached the Superintendent updates.

The video replay of the meeting by Franklin TV can be found here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=280

FHS entrance
FHS entrance





The agenda for the meeting can be found here

You can find out about the Spectra pipeline in these Open Houses

Dear friend,

Spectra Energy is proposing to install a 30-inch gas pipeline through our various towns (see below).  As part of the process, Spectra has just put out its schedule of Open Houses and sent invitation letters to the potential abutters and town leadership, not to the whole town (they like to keep a very low profile).  They will have maps of the proposed route for you to view so you can see what neighbors would have the new pipeline in their yards, what wetlands and river(s) and streams the pipeline would cross. (I have not included a list of all the Open Houses, just the ones that pertain to FUSF members.)

Algonquin Open Houses for the Access Northeast Project
altPer Spectra's notice:
Algonquin will hold Open Houses in January in order to provide updated information concerning the Access Northeast Project to landowners, public officials and interested stakeholders.  The Open Houses are designed to enable people to get their questions answered by Project representatives.  In addition, since there is no formal speaking program, individuals may arrive at any time during the hours listed.  FERC representatives will also be in attendance and will be available to speak with attendees.


WALPOLE/SHARON/CANTON/STOUGHTON: Tuesday, January 19, 2016
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Four Points Sheraton
1125 Boston Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA

MEDWAY/BELLINGHAM/FRANKLIN/MILLIS/NORFOLK:
Thursday, January 21, 2016

5:30PM – 7:30PM
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
835 Union St.
Franklin, MA


No Spectra sign seen on Franklin lawns
No Spectra sign seen on Franklin lawns

They are lumping MILFORD (and strangely enough MEDWAY again) into the West Boylston 16-inch lateral pipeline called the West Boylston Lateral:
MILFORD/MEDWAY/UPTON/GRAFTON/MILLBURY/SUTTON/SHREWSBURY/BOYLSTON/WEST BOYLSTON:
Monday, January 25, 2016
5:30-7:30PM
Highfields Golf and Country Club
42 Magill Drive
Grafton, MA
If you go to the Open Houses, you can expect Spectra to hang onto you and be pleasant and accommodating, but they're deadly serious about taking your land and having you pay for their pipeline.  If you don't like what you see and want to do something about it, come to our next node meeting of the Greater Franklin Node, 350 Mass, on Thursday, January 28, at 7:00 PM at FUSF.  We meet twice monthly.
James F. Hill Tel. 508-528-4888 h Tel. 508-498-4504 c

FPAC presents Shakespeare’s Othello

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy Othello. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Performances are on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on January 24.


FPAC image for Othello event
FPAC image for Othello event on Facebook
Aaron Andrade as Othello
Aaron Andrade as Othello

Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of the Moorish warrior Othello, his beloved Desdemona, and the insidious villain Iago is a gripping masterpiece that ranks among his greatest works. The edge-of-your-seat thriller is a passionate and powerful drama full of jealousy, betrayal and heartbreak. Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents a contemporary adaptation of Othello, directed by and starring Aaron Andrade in the title role.


Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is FPAC’s 25th Season Premier Sponsor. Tickets are $24, with $15 Student Rush tickets available at the door 15 minutes prior to show time. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FHS swim teams split vs. North Attleboro

The FHS boys swim team lost to North Attleboro while the girls won. Results via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Swimming
Boys

  • Franklin, 73 @ North Attleboro, 88 – Final



Girls

  • Franklin, 93 @ North Attleboro, 71 – Final


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Monday

In the News: Rep Roy office hours, FSPA auditions scheduled, Council to hear about Pond St, Jefferson School updates

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, D-Franklin, announced that constituent office hours will be held for the months of January and February on the following days: 
Jan. 29: 10-11 a.m., Elizabeth’s Bagels, 456 W. Central St., Franklin. 
Feb. 18: 8:30-9:30 a.m., Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin. 
Feb. 27: 9-10 a.m., Medway Muffin House, 116 Main St., Medway. 
Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will accompany him.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/state-rep-roy-to-hold-constituent-office-hours-in-franklin-medway


Franklin School for the Performing Arts will host Massachusetts-area regional auditions for Broadway Artists Alliance of New York City on Jan. 24 at 38 Main St. 
A complimentary master class will take place from 10 to 11:15 a.m., followed by a dance audition from noon to 1 p.m. and individual appointments for songs and monologues from 1 to 3 p.m.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-school-for-performing-arts-to-host-auditions-for-broadway-artists-alliance-of-new-york-city


The Town Council at its meeting this week will continue to discuss possible uses for a town-owned parcel on Pond Street - a topic that has some neighbors worried. 
The council has scheduled time during its Wednesday night meeting to consider the subject. 
For some time, the town has been looking for uses for the 33-acre plot, which abuts Interstate 495.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-council-to-discuss-pond-street-land


All-school meetings, an outdoor learning space and a new approach to learning math are among the accomplishments at Jefferson Elementary School this year, according to an update from Principal Linda Ashley and Assistant Principal Sarah Klim. 
Ashley told the School Committee at a recent meeting one of the biggest developments is implementation of all-school meetings, in which all students attend a morning session about a particular topic.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-all-school-meetings-boon-for-jefferson-elementary--

Monday, January 18, 2016

Presidential Primary Schedule = Prepare for March 1


Absentee Ballots are now available in the Town Clerk's Office

February 10 = Last Day to Register to Vote and Change Party Enrollment for the Presidential Primary The Clerk's office will extend their hours that day until 8pm.

March 1 = Tuesday, MA Presidential Primary

Town Clerks Office
355 East Central Street
508-520-4900

MA Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

election both at FHS gymnasium
election both at FHS gymnasium





FYI - the state primary and election calendar leading to the Nov 2016 election can be found here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Election-Calendar-2015-2016-2-54.pdf

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Thank You to Contributors of Registry's Annual Food Drive



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Thanks Contributors to Registry's Annual Food Drive

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today thanked those who contributed to the Registry's 2015 Annual Food Drive. The food drive, an annual event that runs through the holiday season, concluded this past New Year's Eve, December 31st.

"I want to express my appreciation to all who contributed to the Registry's Annual Food Drive. While the economy, particularly in eastern Massachusetts, shows continuing signs of growth, many of our fellow citizens face economic hardships, such as rent payments, medical bills, heating costs and food bills. I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents remembered to help those less fortunate. I am also appreciative of the Registry's employees who helped make the food drive a great success. The non-perishable food collected during the food drive will help designated Norfolk County food pantries feed their clients.

"While the holiday food drive has ended, it does not stop hunger from affecting many of our neighbors. I urge residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. Pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need," noted 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

phone: 781-234-3336

Forward email





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

Norfolk Registry - listing of County food pantries
Norfolk Registry - listing of County food pantries

TeamFitness: Best Buddies Spin-a-thon - Mar 6



Support a worthy cause

downhill-bikers.jpg
Forward this email


Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS buys hockey ties with King Philip 1-1

In the only FHS varsity sports action on Sunday, the boys hockey team came back to tie King Philip 1-1.  The result details via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Hockey


  • King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 

– The Warriors took the lead with 8:05 left in the first period on a goal by Sam Ross (assisted by Cory Lombardo and Kyle McCarthy). Franklin tied the game with 6:23 left when Joey Blasie was first to a rebound of a shot by Luke Downie. Evan Remmes made 36 saves for the Warriors, while Nick Jasinski made 16 for Franklin.

The remainder of the Hockomock League action on Sunday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-011716/


Josh Perry, Managing Editor writes:


The Panthers have been on a roll in Hockomock League play. Franklin came into Sunday night’s game with King Philip at Pirelli Veterans Memorial Rink having won 14 straight games in the league, including a perfect 10-0 last year and the first three games of this season’s league schedule. 
But as the clock was winding down in the third period, the Warriors looked poised to end that remarkable win streak. With 6:23 left to play, Joey Blasie pounced on a rebound to knock the puck home and finish one of Franklin’s numerous scoring opportunities. The goal canceled out Sam Ross’ first period goal and sent both teams home with a point.

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/remmes-kp-hang-on-to-earn-a-point-at-franklin/


For the JV and Freshman boys basketball scores from Friday night vs. KP we can share the results via Facebook:


Last nights scores:Freshmen: 52-48 lostJV: 43-37 lostVarsity: 60-57 won
Posted by Franklin Panthers Boys Basketball Team on Saturday, January 16, 2016

Trash and recycling on regular schedule this week

Friendly reminder that since 
The following are the only holidays where trash and recycling will be delayed:
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Years’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • July 4th
  • Labor Day

Then the Martin Luther King Holiday does NOT cause a delay in the pickup schedule for this week.

trash and recycling containers at curbside on a warmer day
trash and recycling containers at curbside on a warmer day


You can always check the annual mailer from the DPW
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/WM_00363_Franklin%206pg%202015wCrop_rF1.pdf

In the News: FSPA launches virtual academy, Tri-County mobile app, Othello perfomances

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin


Franklin School for the Performing Arts will launch the FSPA Academy, in collaboration with Massachusetts Virtual Academy. In partnering with MAVA, FSPA will offer the setting for a complete and creative academic education with a special emphasis on arts, language and culture. MAVA offers online learning for grades K-12 and is the first diploma-granting virtual school in the state. Those interested can learn more at an open house for prospective students and families at 7 p.m. Jan. 19, at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/franklin-school-for-performing-arts-partners-with-massachusetts-virtual-academy


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 science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives at Tri-County.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/tri-county-students-compete-in-national-mobile-app-contest


Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22-23 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St.The production is a contemporary adaptation of “Othello,” directed by and starring Aaron Andrade in the title role. 
Tickets cost $24, with $15 Student Rush tickets available at the door 15 minutes prior to show time. 
To purchase tickets, call 508-528-3370 or visit theblackboxonline.com.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-present-othello

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
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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/