Legislators to Host Life Science Day in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy, Senator Karen Spilka and Senator Richard Ross will host Travis McCready, the President and CEO of the MA Life Science Center in Franklin on Friday. They will participate in a number of roundtable discussions centered on education and economic development.

More than thirty Life Science experts, educators, legislators, town and state officials, and advocates are slated to attend the various roundtables. The forums will focus on the life sciences industry in Franklin and the surrounding communities. They will explore the economy and education looking at the strengths, deficiencies, and areas for future growth.

The first roundtable will be held at 9AM at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. It will focus on Life Science education and will be followed by a brief school tour highlighting Life Science investments and successes. The afternoon roundtable will be held at 11:45AM at ZeptoMetrix in Franklin, and will focus on economic and business development and will include a tour of the facility.

MA Life Sciences Center

Over the past eight years the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, our state's investment agency in life sciences, charged with implementing our state's $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative, has made nearly $600 million in investments that support scientific research, early-stage companies, workforce development and life sciences infrastructure across the entire state. Among U.S. states, Massachusetts is 1st in life sciences venture capital funds per capita, 1st in life sciences employment per capita, 1st in federal research funds per capita, and 1st in educational level of workforce.

"At the MLSC we are pursuing an intentional strategy to support life sciences growth throughout the entire Commonwealth," said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. "I look forward to our visit Franklin to understand the region's capacity for attracting life sciences investment and to continue our collaboration with local leaders to find ways in which we can work together to grow the industry in the region."

"Massachusetts is world renowned for both its educational opportunities and its innovative technology industry, and the life sciences are a big part of our success,," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), "Every year billions of dollars are injected into the Massachusetts economy through medical, biotech and other life sciences from all over the world. Franklin has been committed to supporting the life sciences and has already taken the necessary steps to zone accordingly and invest in industrial zones. As a result Franklin was rated Platinum by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council for BioReadiness. Companies look for a town like Franklin with its great schools, low rent and geographical location, and our discussions will emphasize these and the many other attributes."

"I am pleased that the President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Travis McCready, is taking the time to visit Franklin. The town of Franklin is built upon the strength of our schools, hardworking taxpayers, and innovative small business owners and I am looking forward to discussing how we can continue to build upon this growth for the good of our constituents," said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

"The life sciences companies in MetroWest are the backbone of our state's innovation economy," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As Chair of the legislature's Biotech Caucus, my goal is to facilitate partnerships with this thriving sector to support innovative research, maintain and create jobs and make sure our life sciences workforce and companies continue to grow. I look forward to thoughtful discussion and continued collaboration with Franklin employers, workers and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center."

"As the recipient of grants in 2014 and 2015 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Tri-County RVTHS and the entire vocational community are very appreciative for your investment in our students." said Stephen Dockray - Tri-County High School Superintendent.

These efforts are in conjunction with the Massachusetts Life Science Center which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that affect the Life Science industry.

Reminder: Random Smile Gala - Mar 12

Random Smile Project (RSP)  is celebrating 10 years of community service with our Gala on March 12th at the Providence Convention Center there will be 

• Live and Silent auction
• Dinner and Dancing with the Grab Brothers Band 

Discounted room rates available at the Omni Hotel in Providence. 

Complete information available at www.randomsmile.org/gala/

Random Smile Project Gala - March 12

The Grab Brothers Band will play for your entertainment and dancing

FHS Boys Hockey tops Mt Saint Charles 2-1

Boys Hockey

• Franklin, 2 vs. Mt. Saint Charles, 1 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt scored a goal in the first period and another in the third period, breaking a tie game for the win.

FHS Panthers

http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-022316/

In the News: math specialist touted, Dean explores Division III

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Officials from Davis-Thayer Elementary School are extolling the value of employing a full-time math specialist. 

Principal Evemarie McNeil told the School Committee at Tuesday night's meeting that because of the position, the school has improved instruction in the subject. 

"I'd like to express our sincere thanks for the support from district leadership and the School Committee for allowing us to have a full-time math specialist," McNeil said. "I assure you that it was an excellent decision and money well-spent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160223/franklin-benefits-of-math-specialist-touted

"The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Membership Committee approved Dean College’s NCAA Division III exploratory application. 

Dean College will officially begin the NCAA Division III exploratory process on Sept. 1 and will be considered a Division III exploratory institution for the 2016-17 academic year. 

“We are very excited for what the 2016-17 academic year holds for Dean College athletics,” said Dr. Paula Rooney, president of Dean College. “Division III is the perfect fit for an institution, such as Dean College, that focuses on the complete scholar-athlete experience.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160223/dean-college-awarded-ncaa-division-iii-exploratory-status

Medication and Your Child - Feb 25

Dr. Kirk Lum, child psychiatrist from Children and Family Psych Services in Norwood, will be speaking to us about the ins and outs of medication as part of a treatment plan for children with Special Needs. This workshop is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there.

• Thursday, February 25th at 7:00p.m.
• Third-Floor Training Room,
• Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA

To learn more about Franklin SEPAC go to www.franklinsepac.com or like us on Facebook at Franklin SEPAC

Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council

Live reporting: Action items to closing

3. Discussion Items
a. Policy – First Reading

• IGB – Student Services Programs

had not been reviewed previously, this is being updated
some of the naming conventions are being updated
also removed a section that doesn't belong with this particular policy


4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0

b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of two microscopes (approximate value $400.00) from the Franklin Conservation Commission.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0

c. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph for the recurring field trip for Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on May 6, 2016 as detailed.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0

d. I recommend moving Policy IGB – Student Services Program to a second reading at the next meeting.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0




5. Information Matters

O'Malley - Sabolinski was awarded a doctorate while in the position of superintendent, it is a significant achievement

Superintendent’s Report

• Wrestling - four qualified for all state
• 4x800 qualified for New England
• Ashley Loomis won two state titles
• girls hockey has qualified for the tournament, first time in the 8th year of the program
• boys basketball finished in a tie for the league
• boy hockey qualified for the tournament

several class write letters to veterans, Kennedy School, Annie Sullivan, FHS participated in this community service project

a 'little water' situation at the high school

meeting today, very technical people, the builder/contractors, etc. have 2 weeks to come up with a plan to remediate
restoration is underway, facilities had responded quickly, walls coming together, painting on the weekend, no time frame on when Mr Light's office will come back
the fix will not cost the taxpayers anything, it has been an issue since the building opened, it never really drew heat properly
"it was heart breaking to see at the new building"
no student services were impacted, only the principal has been impacted

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
Policy will pick up where they left off on March 9th
calendar committee on march 16th in Training room

budget subcommittee meeting, not particular happy report from the state, final numbers remain to be seen

School Committee Liaison Reports


6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

Q - on parking at the high school for election day, March 1
A - parking is set aside for voters, coordinated with the Town Clerk

will need to look at FHS parking as it is a challenge

March 22, budget books should be to the SchComm March 18th


7. Motion to Adjourn
seconded, passed 6-0

Live reporting: Davis Thayer - update on math program

2. Guests/Presentations

• Davis Thayer Update – Principal Evemarie McNeil and Asst Principal Stefani Wasik

Jennifer Violet, math specialist

the document used for the presentation

....


fall collection of food for the Franklin Food Pantry tied to the curriculum at each grade level
for example:

• Grade 4 used grocery ads as part of the exercise
• Grade 5 used the shopping list to calculate the cost of the food per person

the three students who did the pledge of allegiance also took part in the math presentation

phone app with a nightly math tip and explanation encouraged

some family board games use math so it is a good way to make math fun

Grade 2 math morning this Friday, public invited

"problem of the week' challenges students who are willing
example of a problem, a mouse climbing out of a well, climbed a bit each day but slipped back each night, how long did it take to get out of the well? About a week.

CPT - common planning time
PLC - ??
PD - professional development

teachers are getting challenged by the math specialist to do homework

projects outside of math class can be fun, combined with other topics is a challenge
for example, how much money do authors make when they sell a book

thank you for the support of the full time math specialists this year, it is money well spent

Bilello - great presentation, with so much focus on new math, with the incorporation of the math specialist role into the curriculum. how do you support the 'new' math?

Violet - show people that it doesn't have to be scary, math can be done in a nonthreatening manner. works with the teachers on a regular basis. how do we supplement these real world issues.

O'Malley - love how you tie math to a community project like the collection for the Food Pantry

Violet - specialists meet every week to coordinate the programs and artifacts for the curriculum

Douglas - I have attended the math programs and it is a wonderful time

Violet - Since it was so close to the Food Pantry, it was powerful to make the walk to deliver the food

Jewel - I get a lot of complaints about the lack of memorization, my grand daughter went shopping and had to spend just a specific amount, she had to layout what she could and how much she could get for the amount

Bergen - is there still a place for memorization?
Violet - yes, there are still places for that, they need to understand the full concept and not just the memorization

O'Malley - this time of year we are doing budgets and it is crucial to be able to see this in practice

Jewel - it will be easier for them later to solve for x in algebra, although they aren't doing it know they really are solving for x

Live reporting: School Committee - Feb 23, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Jewell
Absent: Schultz

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments 
• Review of Agenda 
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting. 

motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0

• Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley 
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas 
• FHS Student Representatives 

Chris Herren, speaking on drug abuse to students, to parents/community on Monday, Feb 29, 7:00 PM

100 days until graduation day

Beauty and the Beast in performance at FHS

Student Government hosting new election

• Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

• a. All State Music Festival Students – Dr. O’Malley & Mrs. Douglas 

Nancy Schoen, covering the background on the 7 students recognized for the all state recognition

scales and sight reading (a piece not seen before)

14 were recommended, 13 applied, 7 accepted

(photo of group to be added)

All State Music Award Winners from Franklin High School recognized by the School Committee

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 23, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments 
• Review of Agenda 
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting. 
• Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley 
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas 
• FHS Student Representatives 
• Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

• a. All State Music Festival Students – Dr. O’Malley & Mrs. Douglas 
• b. Davis Thayer Update – Evemarie McNeil & Stefani Wasik

3. Discussion Items
a. Policy – First Reading

1. IGB – Student Services Programs

4. Action Items

• a. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed. 
• b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of two microscopes (approximate value $400.00) from the Franklin Conservation Commission.
• c. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph for the recurring field trip for Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on May 6, 2016 as detailed. 
• d. I recommend moving Policy IGB – Student Services Program to a second reading at the next meeting.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

“This could potentially create havoc with budget cuts.’’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on changing the regulations to manage storm water for several years. The regulations are now about to be released, finally.

"Nearly every summer over the past decade, toxic algae blooms, fueled by warm weather and contaminated runoff, have coated parts of the Charles River. Now the federal government is poised to issue sweeping regulations ordering a cleanup, a move expected to cost some river municipalities tens of millions of dollars. 

The regulations, which federal officials say will be issued next month and take effect later this year, have sparked a range of concerns in cities and towns near the river. In Franklin, for example, where the river runs for several miles, local officials estimated the regulations would cost residents an average of $300 a month, and at least $62 million over 20 years, to do things like capture and treat more water. 

Environmental Protection Agency officials said federal dollars will help pay some of the costs."

- See more at: http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=54c5b29f-ed89-4132-b7f3-21010c61c105#sthash.ICNM1Q3j.dpuf

catch basins at Sculpture Park were put in with an EPA grant

• EPA grants awarded

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/in-news-epa-grant-for-franklin-downtown.html

• In Nov 2013, no word on when the EPA storm water fees would be real

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-12.html

• In June 2010, calls for the EPA to come up with the money

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/06/epa-should-come-up-with-money.html

• Notification of the meetings in May 2010

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/downtown-revitalization-project-and-epa.html

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

The Franklin Police Patrolman Association and The Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association Local 2637 are teaming up to bring a 5K road race to Franklin. 

The race is scheduled for the Saturday after St Patrick's Day, March 19, 2016. It is a fundraising event for the two Associations with proceeds going back in to the Community. 

In the past we have donated to charities such as, Franklin Youth Sports, the Random Smiles Project, Special Olympics and many other great organizations. 

Please show your IRISH on race day!

Franklin Police and Fire St Patrick's 5K - price increase set for Feb 27

Event details and schedule

Parking at the EMC parking lots Constitution Blvd, Franklin

• Elite runners check in will be 9:00am
• Elite runners start time - 10:00am

• Non Elite check in 9:30
• Non Elite runners- 10:30am

There will be a 50/50 Raffle.

Come join us post race with friends and family at Coles Tavern. They have generously donated the downstairs function hall. We will draw the 50/50 raffle here. There will be a cash bar and chips and salsa will also be provided.

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

Register online

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/franklin-police-and-fire-st-patrick-s-day-5k-2016

Facebook event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/977580025634012/

New Mountain Bike League Forming in Massachusetts

Good Afternoon, 

My name is Rob Rood. I am writing to you because there is a new racing league forming in MA/RI/NH. 

I am the head coach of the team that will cover Bellingham/Franklin. The goal of the league is simple, to grow interest in mountain biking in New England among kids, grades 5-12. The racing is just to add an element of fun into the whole endeavor! 

We are having an info night about the team and the league at the Bellingham Town Library on March 1st @ 5:30pm. Attached is the flyer. (see below)

Would it be possible for you to post the flyer on your site? 

Some more info on the league can be found here http://www.nehsca.com (New England High School Cycling Association) 

We'll be showing a movie called SingleTrack High to the kids and parents https://vimeo.com/95958080

screen grab of  NEHSCA webpage

FHS boys basketball ties for league title with win over North Attleboro

Boys Basketball

• Franklin, 77 @ North Attleboro, 39 – Final 

– Freshman Jay Dieterle dropped in a team-high 19 points as the Panthers claimed their first league title since 2012. With the win, Franklin won a share of the Kelley-Rex title with Mansfield. Sophomore Connor Peterson had 12 points and senior Tim Prunier added 10 points.

FHS Panthers

Girls Basketball

• North Attleboro, 45 @ Franklin, 54 – Final

See all the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-022216/

Indoor Track 

• State meet results featuring Hockomock League athletes

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-indoor-track-results-from-miaa-indoor-track-all-state-meet/

Boys Swim

• MIAA Division meet results

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-swim-results-from-miaa-division-meets/

Message from FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

FHS Community,

Franklin High School will open as scheduled on Monday 2/22.

Last Monday night, the Main Office area of the high school experienced considerable flooding due to broken pipes above the Principal's Office as a result of the extreme cold and subsequent warm weather. Work is underway and will continue over the coming weeks to repair damage to the main office. Town and school officials are working with the architect and original contractor to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

We expect preparation work in the main office to be complete tonight and we will work to restore files and technology during the day tomorrow. Please understand that the main office may be delayed in responding throughout the day tomorrow as we work to bring the office area back to capacity. I encourage you to contact house offices, guidance or athletics directly with questions so that we can serve families efficiently.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Peter Light
Principal

FHS in the rain

Franklin DPW: Memorandum of Agreement 2015-2018

Side Letter - Attachment B

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance at the Franklin High and Horace Mann Middle Schools

Not withstanding the settlement of the parties' 2015 to 2018 collective bargaining agreement, the parties shall have continuing discussions about the impacts of the Franklin High School outside grounds, court yard and new athletic playing fields.

The expected impacts and costs to maintain these new areas with current staffing levels of DPW personal are unknown. ·

Specifically, the costs associated with the man power, equipment and materials needed to maintain the school grounds can only be estimated. It is anticipated with the burden of maintaining these new areas at the High School, man power and resources will be drained from other areas of the DPW. The current overall "high maintenance level" at the Town and School departments will suffer not only at the High School, but at other Town and School facilities.

From July 1, 2015 through November 2018 the Town will have the right to outsource the following work to determine the cost of labor and resources at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School:

• Mowing and trimming of all "passive grass areas" i.e.: lawns around school buildings, lawns around parking areas, islands in parking areas, MS4·green spaces, and any area that is not used for athletics.
• Providing and installing Mulch to all planting beds.
• The picking up of litter in all passive grass areas mulched planting beds.
• Spring and Fall clean-ups, which may include mowing, weeding, leaf pick-ups for all "passive grass areas" outlined above and planting beds.

Due to the skill set of present DPW personnel and equipment already owned by DPW, DPW will continue to maintain all "active grass areas" i.e. sports fields at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School, which will include mowing and trimming of grass areas, litter pick up, and emptying of all trash containers. It also may include limited fertilization and line painting as determined by Director.

The Town has the right to outsource such work, subject to three conditions:

1. No member of the bargaining unit will be laid off solely as a result of such outsourcing.
2. The Town will bargain with the union about any demonstrable impacts on conditions of employment.
3. The Town will provide a copy of the bid documents for the out sourcing of said work, all costs associated with said work for future discussions.

This was part of the set of documents released for the Town Council agenda 2/24/16 (page 43 of 45)

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

Or a copy of the single page here:

one of the new ball fields at Franklin High School

FHS boys hockey tops Taunton 7-0

Boys Hockey

• Taunton @ Franklin, 7 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt and Luke Downie each scored a pair of goals for the Panthers, who clinched the Kelley-Rex division title outright with the win.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-022116/

FHS Panthers

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing a friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "Consumers can see up to 5,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. These documents are available via our internet-based document research system. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumers can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (not plot plans which are not recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for cost of postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org can do just that." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

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

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 24, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– January 20, 2016, February 3, 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

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

• Disability Commission
• Election Workers
• Council on Aging

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

1. Spectra Energy 

2. Conservation Commission

- Delcarte Property 

- Wetland Bylaw

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 
– Community Liaison Update

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 16-08: Appropriation: Facilities Van
2. Resolution 16-09: Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution 15-15, Purchase and Renovation of Improved Property for Franklin Recreation Department) Fund Through Appropriation
3. Resolution 16-10: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Department of Public Works, ASFME – Local 1298, Council 93 and the Town of Franklin

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.

P. ADJOURN

The documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

DelCarte in fall color

Rotary offers fantastic Youth Leadership Conference opportunity for High School Sophomores

The Rotary Club of Franklin is actively searching for qualified candidates to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference! To be held from June 24 - June 26, 2016 at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA, the 24th Annual RYLA Conference will offer outstanding high school sophomores an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition. 

It will be a program designed to challenge the participants to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. Best of all, there is no charge to the students for the program! The Rotary Club of Franklin will sponsor 5 participants at this year’s conference. 

• The applications are due March 1, 2016. 

Julie Rougeau, local Committee Chairperson, said that participants would be selected from young women and men who have exhibited leadership abilities and who will be entering their Junior year of high school in the fall. The Rotary Club of Franklin has contacted local high school guidance counselors (Bellingham, Franklin, King Phillip, Medway and Tri-County Vocational), youth organizations and other sources for nominations of conference participants. 

Aimed at developing the leadership potential of young men and women, the conference will feature many thoughtprovoking events including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide the participants with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. Topics will include decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, and public service. 

Anyone interested in obtaining further information should visit http://www.ryla7910.org/ or contact: Julie Rougeau at jrougeau@comcast.net or 508-541-4424 or any other member of the Franklin Rotary Club.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

FHS wrestling team finishes 8th at MIAA State D1 meet

The FHS wrestling team competed at the MIAA State meet on Saturday and finished 8th in Division 1. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for posting the results to share.

FHS Panthers

DIVISION 1

Teams
1. Chelmsford – 161
8. Franklin – 67
41. Mansfield – 6
45. Taunton – 1

PLACEMENTS (weight class then finish position)

• 106 = 6. Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
• 113 = 3. Mike Racca, Franklin
• 138 = 7. Dylan Maclean, Franklin
• 220 = 3. John Miller, Franklin

For all the Hockomock wrestling results (Div 2 and Div 3)
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-wrestling-results-from-miaa-wrestling-state-meets/

In the News: Learn to skate, homeless resources challenged, Light up the Sky for Change

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

It was Learn to Skate Day at the Franklin arena, but it wasn't just any skate session. Members of the Boston Bruins organization and Blades, the big, brown Bruins mascot, mingled with the kids, handing out tips, high-fives and a hand after a spill. 

The Bruins organization stopped by the rink as part of Hockey Weekend Across America - a set of nationwide outreach programs to get children more interested in, and dedicated to, the sport. 

"Honestly, it takes me back. I remember when I was a kid, I did this in Medford. It's awesome to come out here with Blades and some of the Ice Girls," said Andrew Veneziano, the Boston Bruins youth hockey coordinator. 

"It gets kids on the ice, helps build a love for the sport."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/youth-skate-day-gets-kids-ont-ice-with-bruins-mascot-in-franklin

Advocates for the homeless are calling for additional resources to help people break a cycle of poverty. 

“I often feel like I’m offering people a treadmill to nowhere because it’s so difficult to help get them to a better place,” said Jim Stewart, director of First Church Shelter in Cambridge. 

The high cost of housing, access to regular medical care and discrimination are among the challenges the homeless face in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/homeless-advocates-call-for-change

As the last glimmers of sunset faded into night, people trickled on to Fino Field Saturday, all with the same idea in mind: honor those who've lost battles to addiction. The intent was to launch Chinese lanterns, but the windy night quashed that idea. Instead, they gathered in a circle with candles and said the name of a loved one lost to addiction. 

Matt. Jimmy. Kelly. Ken. Gabe. Meghan. Rachel. Scott. Jenn. Amy... 

More than 100 people attended the Missin' Matt Foundation's Light Up The Sky for Change event. After a moment of silence, event organizers were able to light off three lanterns as the crowd watched on from the Fino Field parking lot.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/big-turnout-at-milford-event-to-honor-lives-lost-to-addiction

REALLY URGENT: Towns can apply for Intervenor Status for Eversource's petition to DPU (15-181) for pipeline tax!

Dear Greater Franklin Node members and friends,

If you want your town to apply for intervenor status and make comments in DPU's consideration of Eversource's application of a "pipeline tax," you need to urge your town officials to submit written comments by this Thursday, February 25. 

FORWARD THIS WHOLE EMAIL TO YOUR TOWN OFFICIALS RIGHT AWAY. 

Carolyn Barthel

Greater Franklin Node, 350 Mass

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Below is a letter from Karina Wilkinson of Food and Water Watch in Massachusetts:

Do Weymouth or any of the other towns on the Access Northeast route want to try to intervene in Eversource's petition to the DPU? Do any of your groups want to ask for an extension to the February 25th deadline to give more groups and towns time to consider it?  You can send comments to the docket until February 25th at this point. See the link below.

It would be very helpful if municipalities on the Access Northeast project line would intervene in Eversource's petition to the DPU to be allowed to contract for the gas with Spectra/Algonquin and to impose a tariff on ratepayers to pay for the project.  Intervene and oppose it. 

The Notice from the DPU is here and it includes information on how to comment or intervene.  The deadline is very close, Feb. 25th, though there will be a second hearing in Walpole on May 23rd.
http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoomAPI/api/Attachments/Get/?path=15-181/Notice_of_Filing.pdf

Karina Wilkinson

Food and Water Watch Local Coordinator MA

No Spectra Pipeline sign on Franklin lawn