Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Franklin Art Association - Apr 6 - Marla Greenfield

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, April 6. from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. 
Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30 
The program will feature a demo, from guest artist Marla Greenfield who will do a water color. 
Meetings are free and opened to the public. 
For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

Screen grab of Marla Greenfield webpage
Screen grab of Marla Greenfield webpage

Marla Greenfield became a full time watercolor artist in 1998 after retiring from a 15 year career in the investment business. She was drawn to watercolors because of their transparency and luminosity. Painting things she finds beautiful, peaceful and calming, she strives primarily to depict the beauty of light in her art with all of its variations in value and hue, using glazing and other techniques. 
Marla is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, and a past president and signature member of the New England Watercolor Society where she has also served on its board. She has won numerous awards, both on a national and regional level. Marla teaches watercolor classes and has conducted numerous workshops throughout New England.

Electronics Recycling Day - March 19th

Please join the Grade 8 students at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for an Electronics Recycling Day on March 19th. 

Clean out your house or place of business and pay no more than $50! TV's Computer Monitors, Gaming Systems, Wii, XBox, VCR's, DVD Players, Laptops, Computers, kitchen electrics, appliances, old stereo equipment, pretty much anything with a plug!

The event is open to the public so please invite your friends and neighbors. This is a fundraiser to benefit the upcoming Washington DC Trip.

BFCCPS event image on Facebook
BFCCPS event image on Facebook

Don't Make Us Pay for Pipelines -- Round Two!



Dear friends,

Screen_Shot_2016-02-17_at_5.47.02_PM.pngGovernor Charlie Baker doesn't just want to build massive new gas pipelines through our state. He wants all of us to pay for them through a charge added to our monthly electricity bills. For Massachusetts to have any hope of meeting its climate targets, we need to stop the pipelines -- and Charlie's plan to make us pay for them.

The Department of Public Utilities held a hearing about Charlie's pipeline proposal last week, and we stunned DPU officials by turning out in huge numbers, filling the hearing room, the overflow room, and even the hallways.

There's another hearing coming up on Thursday -- and we need to be there even louder, bigger and bolder than before! 
We'll have a street action outside (complete with a giant Charlie Baker puppet) and then deliver creative testimony at the hearing itself. Join us!

WHEN: 
1:00 pm, Thursday, March 10
WHERE TO MEET US: Join us for a street action starting at 1:00 pm right outside South Station. At 2:00, we'll go to the Department of Public Utilities for the hearing.

RSVP and get the full details here!We're determined to keep fighting Gov. Baker's pipeline rate hike in any way we can. In addition to these hearings, we've been bird-dogging Governor Baker, asking legislators and other elected officials to speak out, collecting petitions, and more. We need all the help we can get -- if you're interested in getting more involved, just let us know!

In solidarity,

Emily Kirkland
Director of Organizing for 350 Mass


Reminder: Dean Children’s Center - Exploration Open House - Mar 21

Dean Children’s Center will host an Exploration Open House on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Parents of children 2 years old to 6 years are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about our program. Applications are being accepted for 5-day morning, 2-day morning, 3-day morning preschool programs or 4-day Pre-K program. 
Dean Children's Center
Innovative and progressive, the school is NAEYC accredited and well known in the community for an inspiring preschool experience. Dean Children’s Center is a lab school for ECE majors, with teachers-in-training alongside credentialed teachers. The center has a very professional and caring environment for children to learn through exploration. 
The school uses a developmental approach to education which reflects current research in child development and peer conflict resolution. Director Faith Nickolas states “We are a regional resource to parents and educators on peer conflict resolution in young children and our lab school is a demonstration site for best practices in early education of children.” 
Dean College Children’s Center is located at 144 School Street in Franklin. For more information, call 508-541-1598.

FHS Hockey heads to D1 South Final with 3-0 win


Boys Hockey
D1 South Semifinal


  • #4 Franklin, 3 vs. #8 Newton North, 0 

– Final – Junior Joey Blasie scored a pair of goals and sophomore Luke Downie had an assist and an empty net goal to lead the Panthers. Franklin will play the winner of Marshfield and Natick on Sunday in the Div. 1 South final at Gallo Arena at 6:30 p.m.


http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-030816/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


And from the Twitterverse"





Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Students led the way at Franklin School Committee meeting

The Storify summary of the tweets and Instagram photos from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.


(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)



screen capture of the ASMS teachers introducing their students
screen capture of the ASMS teachers introducing their students


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 3/08/16

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"
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 23, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Annie Sullivan Middle School Update
b. Remington Middle School Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/rms-and-asms-presentations-for-school.html

3. Discussion Only Items
a. Policy – Second Reading
1. IGB – Student Services Programs

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $685.12 from Target for in-house enrichment at FHS.
b. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $255.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment. 
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $864.75 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of donated items valued at approximately $1,957.00 from individuals/businesses as detailed for FHS Class of 2017 Calendar Raffle.
e. I recommend adoption of Policy IGB – Student Services Program as discussed.
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $4,244.75 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Girls Track team to travel to NY City on March 11-12, 2016 for the New Balance National Championship as detailed.

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. Executive Session
Negotiations Update

8. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

RMS and ASMS presentations for School Committee meeting - 3/08/16

The middle school presentations scheduled for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 8, 2016

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Remington Middle School





Annie Sullivan Middle School





Franklin Police and Fire - 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!

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
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/

Celebrate 10 years of the Random Smile Project!

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
Random Smile Project Gala - March 12

The Grab Brothers Band will play for your entertainment and dancing



Tri-County in the News: working with NASA, receives state grant, schedules home buying boot camp

Tri-County is featured prominently in three articles with today's edition of the Milford Daily News

Space travel is fraught with complications that one normally wouldn't consider - components are damaged in the violent shaking of a space launch, astronauts are exposed to additional radiation, parts break with their replacements stuck back on Earth. 
A group of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students is working to help NASA solve these problems. For the past five years, the school has been part of the "High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware" - or HUNCH - initiative. 
Tri-County engineering technology teacher Kristen Magas said the school learned about the program through one of its instructors, who knew someone with MIT's Space Systems Laboratory. The school was initially associated with the "extreme science" portion of the initiative, in which students designed science experiments to take place in zero gravity.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/franklin-tri-county-partners-with-nasa-to-prototype-designs

image from Tri-County webpage
image from Tri-County webpage


“Today, too many good-paying jobs are going unfilled, because employers are struggling to find skilled employees,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in a prepared statement. “This investment in training equipment will enable high schools and community colleges across the Commonwealth to equip students with the skills they need to secure a bright future.” 
Another grant recipient, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin, will receive $242,627 to train students in three-dimensional printing and robotics. The school will also expand adult manufacturing programs through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology, according to the state’s announcements.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/marlborough-franklin-upton-voc-tech-schools-receive-state-grants



Michael Shain, senior loan originator with Village Mortgage in Milford, will present a “Home Buying Boot Camp” in conjunction with the Tri-County Adult Education Program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St. 
Attendees will learn about the mortgage process so they can get a better understanding of how a loan is approved. Additionally, they will learn about the roles the Realtor, lender, attorney and home inspector play in the home buying process. Shain will also discuss the importance of credit. 
The cost is a $29 per person; $40 for two people, which will benefit Tri-County Adult Education Programs. To reserve a seat, register by calling 508-528-5400, ext. 126 or visit tri-county.tc. Click on the “Adult Education” link; select “Spring Registration”; and scroll to "Personal Finance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/tri-county-to-host-home-buying-boot-camp

In the News: Dean students recognized for theater work, FPAC presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Dean College theater majors Patrick Surillo and Sean Kaiser were honored during the Kennedy Center American College Theater Region I Festival held Jan. 26-29 in Danbury, Connecticut. 
In January and February of each year, regional festivals showcase the finest of each region’s entered productions and offer a variety of activities, including workshops, symposia and regional-level award programs. 
Dean College
Dean College
Surillo presented his Stage Manager Book from the recent Dean College production of “Hot L Baltimore.” After several interviews with stage management professionals, he was named the Region Stage Manager Finalist and will represent Dean College at the Kennedy Center American College Theater National Festival in Washington, D.C., taking place April 11-16."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/dean-college-theater-students-honored-at-kennedy-center-american-college-theater-festival


Franklin Performing Arts Company will present the under-the-sea spectacular “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” on March 12, 13, 19 and 20 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St., in downtown Franklin. 
Be a VIP Under the Sea following the March 13 matinee performance with a package experience that includes an exclusive reception featuring a photo opportunity with Ariel and her friends.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/fpac-to-present-disneys-little-mermaid

"We want our website to be much more friendly"


"The town is looking at ways to improve its website, including making services available to those using mobile phones and tablets. 
Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, who started in his position earlier this year, said the town has been in the midst of evaluating its communication with local residents. 
"Since I've been here, I've been talking a lot with town departments, folks in the community and the Town Council, and there's at least some interest in a recharged effort to expand some services we offer online," he said. The exact nature of the expanded services has yet to be determined."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/franklin-may-improve-website

I applaud the efforts Franklin is taking in this arena. Jamie 'gets it' and in a short time has made good progress with more underway.

online bill pay
online bill pay

Monday, March 7, 2016

Sarah Mabardy to talk #ShopFranklin at the Newcomers and Friends meeting Mar 9


The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is pleased to invite you to our March Meeting. We gather monthly to make new friends and connections while learning about our community.

On Wednesday, March 9th we are happy to have Sarah Mabardy join us. Sarah will be representing #ShopFranklin, an organization that aims to promote and support local businesses. By supporting local businesses and organizations, we in turn are supporting friends and neighbors.
 
You can learn more about #ShopFranklin on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/ 
We will be meeting at the "3" Restaurant in Franklin at 7:30pm. Come join us upstairs for complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. We always begin our events with ample time to socialize  . . .  we welcome all residents; whether you are new to town or if you have lived here for years. We look forward to meeting you!

#ShopFranklin

"now is the time to promote economic development in the downtown"


"With the downtown streetscape project set to end this summer, members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership looked at the needs of the area. 
The partnership discussed the matter at its meeting last week, noting that the project is scheduled to finish in July. 
Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen told the membership that the town has already started the planning process. A recent review of capital needs, he said, included an item for downtown decorations, lights and banners. 
Planning Department members said the downtown streetlights would have banners attached to them, and that discussions as to their designs would begin shortly."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160306/future-of-downtown-franklin-considered

A walk around the building at 150 Emmons St

green screen and fencing added to the site
green screen and fencing added to the site

construction vehicles ready to work on the demolition
construction vehicles ready to work on the demolition

the entrance
the entrance

future site of the Horace Mann statue and green space
future site of the Horace Mann statue and green space

long view of the building
long view of the building

the other entrance
the other entrance


While we shared the story that the road work will resume in April, the downtown will change significantly in a couple of ways before then. 

  • The building at 150 Emmons St will be coming down. 
  • The new marquee at THE BLACK BOX is scheduled to be installed this week.


the new light poles have holders for banners
the new light poles have holders for banners