Thursday, February 4, 2016

In the News: Pond St condos?, SAFE creating drop-in service, regionalization takes a step, voter registration deadline

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Town Council members at their meeting Wednesday night voiced support for a condominium development on a town-owned 33-acre piece of property on Pond Street. 
The council, in a nonbinding straw poll, voted seven to one in favor of the development, which would likely involve about 85 units. A formal resolution will now be drafted and officially voted upon in a future meeting. 
The project would involve the developer purchasing the land for approximately $1.65 million. The development is estimated to bring in about $300,000 a year in tax revenue and result in a 600-car-a-day increase in traffic.
rendering of Pond St condo proposal from Town Council meeting in January 2016
rendering of Pond St condo proposal from Town Council meeting in January 2016

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/franklin-council-to-explore-pond-st-condos


The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition announced this week that it would be looking to create "drop-in" treatment events - in which a number of services for addicts and their families would be brought under one roof. 
James Derick, SAFE's president, announced the initiative before a Tuesday night talk by Harvard Professor Robert Putnam. The events would feature mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, support groups for parents, lawyers, treatment centers and Narcan training - all in one accessible place. 
"A key component to this would be engaging people in long-term recovery, or 'Recovery Angels,'" Derick said Wednesday. "They would shepherd people through detox, in-patient treatment and beyond."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/franklin-treatment-events-eyed-by-safe


When a small police department makes an arrest, it can put a stress on manpower and financial resources. 
The answer to those problems, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said, is the creation of regional lockup facilities run by the sheriff’s offices. 
Last week, the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security moved a bill that would allow regional lockup facilities to be opened by sheriffs to the state Senate’s Ways and Means committee.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/regional-lockup-facility-bill-passes-hurdle


The deadline to register to vote to participate in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary on March 1 is Wednesday, Feb. 10. 
This is also the deadline for registered voters who wish to change their party enrollment to another party or to unenrolled, commonly referred to as independent. This should not be confused with the United Independent Party (UIP), a party that will have ballots available but with no candidates printed on them. Voters registered in UIP will not be eligible to take a Democratic, Republican, or Green-Rainbow ballot. 
To vote for a candidate in a different party from the one in which you are now registered, the voter must switch to the other party or to unenrolled status by 8 p.m. on Feb. 10. 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/deadline-next-week-to-register-to-vote-in-presidential-primary

REMINDER: Greater Franklin Node meeting this Thursday, Feb 4, 2016


Hi everyone,

We had a great node meeting last week!  It had been postponed one week due to the Spectra Open House.

To recap, we briefly reviewed the Spectra Open House experience and spent the bulk of our time focusing on figuring out possible details of a Q1 Loop-wide Public Forum for the end of March.

As we discussed, Sharon and Walpole are fairly centrally located along the length of the proposed pipeline route, so we decided I'd ask Sharon if they'd be interested in hosting the forum in their town.  It turns out they just recently started organizing a forum for the same time frame, the end of March, to which they were going to invite all the towns in the Q1 Loop!  They have already invited speakers from the Attorney General's Office and the Conservation Law Foundation, so far.  There will be an extensive Q and A afterwards.  A specific date has not been set yet, but stay tuned!
one of the Franklin lawn signs
one of the Franklin lawn signs

This Thursday, February 4, at our next meeting we'll focus on how we can ramp up outreach in each of the towns for the next two months which will include inviting town officials and town citizens to the forum. 

So come to our meeting this Thursday night, Feb 4, at 7:00 pm, at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin.

See you Thursday!

Carolyn

Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive - Sat Feb 6

Jennifer Felicetti is a loving wife, mother and friend with a passion for life. Just this past Christmas Eve, she was admitted to her local hospital, unaware that her life was about to take a drastic turn. 

A few days later, Jennifer was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While she is currently undergoing aggressive treatment, her doctors believe Jennifer’s best shot will likely be a bone marrow transplant. With no matching donor in her family, Jennifer will be forced to enter the nerve-wracking search for an unrelated donor.

Jennifer currently resides in New Jersey, but she still maintains close relationships with her friends and family in Franklin. Her supporters have teamed up with Delete Blood Cancer DKMS to host a bone marrow donor registration drive in her honor, hoping to register more potential matches for her and every other patient in need of a donor outside of their family. 

The event will take place on Saturday, February 6th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, MA.

Every day thousands of patients search for a bone marrow donor match, but less than half will find a match and receive a transplant. Registration is quick and simple, involving the completion of a registration form and swabbing the inside of the cheeks. Most in good health between the ages of 18-55 are eligible. For those who cannot make it to the drive, you can find more information and register online at DeleteBloodCancer.org.







About Delete Blood Cancer DKMS

Delete Blood Cancer DKMS is part of the world’s largest network of donor centers. Our mission is to build the number of suitable bone marrow and stem cell donors, because we believe that no life should be lost due to an inability to find a donor match. We have registered more than 5.9 million potential donors and facilitated more than 53,000 transplants around the world. But we’re not stopping there. We lead the fight against blood cancer by working with families, communities and organizations to recruit donors and provide more patients with second chances at life.

blood stem cell registry process
blood stem cell registry process

For more information or to register as a bone marrow donor, please visit DeleteBloodCancer.org.

Franklin Commuter: new features on mbtatrains.com



mbtatrains.com now has alerts to give you more information about what's happening on the commuter rail!
More details here.  Happy riding!


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This has been my prime app to keep up with the issues on the wonderful Franklin Line. The only issue with the app (thus far) is that when things get real bad (as in the last couple of days), the app is good in showing the trains stack up. Unfortunately, once the trains run too late, the MBTA stops sending an update. So the app is stuck with no data on a late train and all of a sudden the line clears when it is not really clear. The app folks are aware of this....

image from 2/2/16 with 4 trains stacked up at Ruggles
image from 2/2/16 with 4 trains stacked up at Ruggles

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Franklin School for The Performing Arts Presents GREASE

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) presents an all-student production of the hit musical GREASE this Saturday, February 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Performances will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin.

The powerhouse Broadway musical, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, became a Hollywood movie classic starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. With iconic characters, '50s pop culture, and electrifying rock 'n roll style, the original high school musical includes high energy dance numbers and the hit songs “We Go Together,” “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “Born to Hand Jive.”

Performances are this Saturday, February 6, at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin
Performances are Saturday, February 6, at THE BLACK BOX 

The production features FSPA students in all levels of musical theater as the memorable teens of Rydell High, including greaser Danny, girl-next-door Sandy, the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. FSPA’s production of GREASE is directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, with music direction by Hallie Wetzell.

Featured cast members include Brian Barrett (Eugene) of Foxborough; Jason Barney (Roger), Julia Buccella (Patty Simcox, evening), Brooke Collins (Rizzo, afternoon), Kendra Dombroski (Sandy, evening), Aaron Frongillo (Danny), Collin Hancock (Vince Fontaine), Jocelyn Jones (Miss Lynch), Catherine LeClair (Frenchy, afternoon), Akira Ontsuka (Kenickie), Deanna Rivera (Jan, evening), Katharine Waples (Marty, afternoon), Caitlin Woodcock (Jan, afternoon), and Melissa Wyner (Cha-Cha, afternoon) of Franklin; Caroline Merten (Cha-Cha, evening) and Joey Soares (Sonny) of Hopedale; Sam Evans (Johnny Casino) and Colie Vancura (Sandy, afternoon) of Medfield; Maddy Williams (Frenchy, evening) of Medway; Katie Gray (Marty, evening) of Milford; Nicholas Steiner (T-Bird) of Millis; Mairead Nee (Patty Simcox, afternoon) and Griffin Wilkins (Doody) of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott (Rizzo, evening) of Wrentham.

GREASE is one of several FSPA all-student productions that will be staged at THE BLACK BOX from February through May. Others include the plays Metamorphosis and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves; the ballets Class Concert, Graduation Ball and Western Revelries; and a program of Opera Scenes and Arias.

Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. For more information, call (508) 528-8668. To purchase tickets, visit www.FSPAonline.com. GREASE is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

FHS wrestling and girls hockey teams post wins on Tuesday


Wrestling


  • King Philip, 21 @ Franklin, 49 – Final

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey


  • Franklin, 5 @ Ursuline, 1 – Final


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-020216/

Dr Putnam shares on the social class issues

These are my notes from the talk Dr Putnam presented on Tuesday as part of the SAFE Coalition meeting at Horace Mann Middle School.

Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH
Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the notes



Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH
Dr Putnam pointing out details on the map of Port Clinton, OH

chart showing the lack of diversity by income in residences
chart showing the lack of diversity by income in residences

chart showing parental investments in their children
chart showing parental investments in their children

chart showing relationship of family dinners and extracurricular activities to income levesl
chart showing relationship of family dinners and extracurricular activities to income levesl 

chart showing community involvement ans social trust by income levels
chart showing community involvement ans social trust by income levels

family income matters more to get to college than the individuals ability
family income matters more to get to college than the individuals ability

"There is reason for optimism"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Historically, Americans have not been very worried about income disparity," he said. "There's not a lot of resentment in America toward Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, on the assumption that we're all getting on the ladder at the same point." 
The problem, he said, is that class segregation has grown as well, meaning well-off and poor Americans are interacting less and less over the years. 
"Now, increasingly, Americans are concentrated in rich neighborhoods or in poor neighborhoods - fewer and fewer live in mixed or moderate income areas," Putnam said. "It even shows up in things like intermarriage rates; we tend not to marry people who we've not met."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160202/franklin-harvard-professor-speaks-at-horace-mann-school

Dr Anne Bergen talked with Dr Robert Putnam after his presentation
Dr Anne Bergen talked with Dr Robert Putnam after his presentation

Health Management Programs Offered at the Hockomock Area YMCA


Right now, our country faces an epidemic of obesity and related chronic disease. In communities across the country, the Y is a leading voice on healthy living. The Y brings families together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families receive the support and resources they need to achieve greater health and well-being.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is at the forefront of preventing chronic disease through the non-profit organization’s health management initiative known as Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Programs showing measurable results in the fifteen communities it serves. Programs like the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and Enhance Fitness help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals diagnosed with or are at risk of a chronic disease.
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA

The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. This 1-year program, consisting of 24 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. This classroom based program can be offered outside of YMCA walls in a community setting and is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator.

Did you know 86 million Americans (that’s 1 out of 3 people) are living with pre-diabetes but only 11% are aware since? The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based program designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. This 1-year program, consisting of 26 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. This classroom based program is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator and includes a YMCA membership. The Diabetes Prevention Program will be free of charge to any individual who is referred by a Sturdy Memorial Hospital-affiliated Practitioner through a grant provided by Sturdy.

Learn more by taking a simple 7 question lifestyle questionnaire at hockymca.org or stop by one of three informational sessions in the next month. A director from our Health Innovation team and the Program Coordinator will be available to discuss the program and answer any questions. Diabetes Prevention Program informational sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday, February 3rd at 5:30pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro
• Thursday, February 4rd at 10:15am at the North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro
• Thursday, February 11th at 12:15pm at the Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin

For more information about the Diabetes Prevention Program please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-772-1310.


The Hockmock Area YMCA is also encouraging community members to stop by to try a free Enhance Fitness Class. Enhance Fitness is an evidence-based program designed to safely increase participants' fitness levels through aerobic and strength training exercises while building a sense of community and social connectedness among class members. Enhance Fitness has been proven to increase participants' strength, balance, flexibility, mood, general activity level, and independence when they attend on a regular basis. This program meets three times a week and is beneficial for older adults, but has been deemed particularly safe and effective for adults living with arthritis. Class is free to YMCA members and $100 for non-members for a 16-week session. Enrollment is ongoing and you can join at any time. For more information, call Vickey Marini at 508-772-1310 or email vickeym@hockymca.org.

Through March, stop by and try a class for free! Session enrollment is ongoing and classes currently meet:

• Monday, Wednesday Friday at 11:00am at the Bernon Family Branch, Franklin (45 Forge Hill Rd)
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 12:15pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch (64 Mechanic Street)


The Hockomock Area YMCA has the following additional supportive programs for individuals and for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or donnah@hockymca.org.

• MS Wellness for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis
Tuesdays, 10:00am at the North Attleboro Branch beginning in March

• Post Cardiac Rehab for individuals who have completed a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Groups beginning in all branches through March

• Exercise is Medicine for individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes

Thursdays, 7:00am at the North Attleboro Branch in February
Thursdays, 1pm at the Bernon Family Branch, Franklin beginning in February


• PAC for youth with a high Body Mass Index (BMI)

Tuesdays,6:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch in February Programs at our Invensys Foxboro Branch and Bernon Family Branch, Franklin in March

• LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program for Cancer Survivors
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00pm at the Invensys Foxboro Branch in February
New programs will begin based on interest

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org

Senator Ross: January 2016 State House Update



Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2016
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State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District.

State House
Room 419
Boston, MA 02133

Ph: 617-722-1555
Fax: 617-722-1054
Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov
Dear Friends,

It has only been one month, but 2016 is off to an exciting start.

This newsletter is packed with Beacon Hill updates on Governor Baker's State of the Commonwealth, the FY17 budget, pertinent legislation, as well as my recent trip to Colorado.

I am also once again hosting Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Seminars all across my district. The full schedule can be found below.

As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas--please do not hesitate to contact me.


Sincerely,
CHARLIE BAKER'S STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH ADDRESS
It is hard to believe that Governor Charlie Baker has been in office for a year already. Over the past twelve months, he has brought many difficult and important issues to the forefront of our legislative agenda and has placed party polarization on the backburner in order to produce real, meaningful change.  

I had the honor of witnessing Governor Baker's first State of the Commonwealth address. In his first year alone Governor Baker has tackled the MBTA and our beleaguered transportation system, the opioid epidemic, challenges at DCF, all while entering office with a $765 million budget shortfall.

His hands-on approach to solving problems and fiscal discipline are what make him such an admirable leader of the Commonwealth. In his address, he highlighted the need to prioritize lifting the cap on charter schools, continuing to combat the opioid epidemic, expanding the use of hydropower, while continuing to invest in our cities and towns.

There is much more we need to accomplish in 2016, but I'm looking forward to continuing to work with this administration and my colleagues in the House and Senate to better serve the people of the Commonwealth.

You can read Governor Baker's full remarks here



This email was shortened for publication here. To view the full text, follow this link --> View this email in your browser

In the News: food service coming in-house, diabetes prevention at Y, Solutions announces summer program

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The school district will likely be moving its food-service management in-house for the 2016-2017 school year. 
The move will coincide with the expiration of the schools' contract with Whitsons School Nutrition, district officials said. 
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski raised the matter at a recent School Committee meeting, saying the district contracted with Whitsons five years ago, as part of an effort to comply with federal regulations regarding nutrition. 
"We felt having a large organization behind us would help us get into compliance," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160202/franklin-schools-look-to-bring-food-services-in-house


The Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, will host an informational session on the Diabetes Prevention Program at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 11. 
The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease. The one-year program, consisting of 24 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160202/franklin-ymca-to-host-diabetes-prevention-program-informational-session


The Solutions Extended Day and Enrichment Program, a program of the Franklin Public School’s Lifelong Learning Institute, will offer a six week summer program beginning July 5 at Jefferson Elementary School, 628 Washington St. 
The program consists of six theme-based weeks for children to attend such as Gameshow Mania, Magic for Muggles and Calling All Jedis. 
The program will be led by the school-year staff who will plan a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments, water play and dramatic play. 
Registration can be completed online at franklinlifelonglearning.com.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160202/solutions-extended-day-in-franklin-to-offer-summer-program

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Franklin High School Class of 1966 - 50th Anniversary

Franklin High School Class of 1966 is busy with preparations for the 50th anniversary of their graduation. The class reunion will be held the weekend of June 3, 2016, and will include attending the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2016 on June 3. 
There will be additional gatherings after graduation on Friday evening, and on Saturday and Sunday. Committee members will be mailing “Save the Date” notices in January and information about registering for specific reunion activities in February. 
The Class of 1966 Reunion Committee includes: Sandy DiCamillo Fitzpatrick, Dottie Vendetti Leoncavallo, Cynthia DiPietro Douglas, Marion Fricker Jennings, Jean Ellen Keras, Janet Miller Robinson, and Peter Baglioni.

If you would like more information about the class reunion, please contact Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute at 508-553-4814 or email at: alumni@franklin.k12.ma.us.
community entrance at Franklin High School
community entrance at Franklin High School

Both FHS basketball teams top Sharon



Girls Basketball


  • Franklin, 45 @ Sharon, 33 – Final 

– Alyssa Piazza led the Eagles with 11 points. Sharon also got eight points from Charlotte Ransom and seven from Veronica Wallace.


Boys Basketball


  • Franklin, 55 @ Sharon, 41 – Final 

– Franklin turned a four point deficit at halftime into a nine point lead by the end of the third quarter. Sophomore Connor Peterson had 15 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, Tim Prunier had 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals and freshman Jay Dieterle added 13 points and four rebounds.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-020116/

Franklin sophomore Connor Peterson releases a shot in the first half in a sea of Sharon defenders. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin sophomore Connor Peterson releases a shot in the first half in a sea of Sharon defenders. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)


Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief of Hockomock Sports, provides the full report on the FHS boys game

"Franklin’s defense certainly wasn’t bad in the first half, surrendering just 21 points to Sharon. But faced with a four point deficit at the break, Franklin head coach CJ Neely challenged his team to crank it up. 
The Panthers switched to a full court press to start the second half. The pressure worked off and turned it into a 10-3 run over the first three minutes of the quarter and then when Sharon got it within two again, the Panthers closed with another 10-3 in the last 2:30. 
“We played much more aggressive in the second half,” Neely said. “We didn’t want to come right away with the press, we thought they might expect it because we had some out a lot of games this year with pressure. I still thought our defense was pretty good. That’s the third straight game we’ve gone against a run from other teams early and they’ve been hitting tough shots, at least I think they’re tough.”
Continue reading the article online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/panthers-press-the-issue-in-second-half-against-sharon/

Meals on Wheels is looking for your help!


Wanted

Volunteers

To Deliver Meals

For homebound elders

In Franklin, Medway and Bellingham

Drivers – mileage reimbursement provided



Call… Tri Valley Meal Site 508-520-1422

Meals on Wheels screen grab
Meals on Wheels screen grab


For additional info about Meals On Wheels  http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

February is for lovers: Library Lovers, that is

The Friends of the Franklin Library invites you to tell us about your favorite book.

Maybe it's one that moved you, or that you learned from, or helped you navigate a difficult time. Maybe the book was just fun to read, made you laugh or made you think differently about something. It could have been controversial, biographical, historical or mystical – there are dozens of genres.

Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Public Library
Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Public Library

How about a book that you loved as a child?

Or maybe your favorite "book" is actually one of the many databases the library offers to patrons.

Please send your favorites, along with a brief description of why you love them, and we'll collect and post the comments at the library and on Facebook.

Our email address is FoFL02038@gmail.com.

Many thanks!