Tuesday, April 5, 2016

In the News: Council considers sidewalks, Historical Museum events, Downtown Partnership schedule for year

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council is set to consider at its meeting Wednesday night a $1.8 million project to improve town sidewalks.

The project, which would involve some borrowing by the town, would replace and improve existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks on Pleasant and Chestnut streets. If approved, work would begin this spring.

The Pleasant Street sidewalks that run from Main Street to Dean Avenue are slated to be replaced and improved, according to town officials. The new sidewalks would run along Pleasant Street from Dean Avenue to Miller Street, and on Chestnut Street from Old Chestnut Street to East Central Street."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-council-to-consider-sidewalk-project

To review the memo from Jeff Nutting as mentioned
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/16-20.pdf

The following are upcoming events at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St.

Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays; and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays.

The April item featured in the museum’s ongoing Item of the Month series is a small Native American Stone Knife. There is a lot to be learned about how Native Americans in this area used stone tools to create axes, grinding tools, etc. to shape their environment and live off the land. The knife, a general purpose tool, with both a tapering point and a thick edge, demonstrates the highly advanced workmanship and ingenuity of the local Wampanoag tribe.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-historical-museum-releases-event-list

Franklin Historical Museum

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2016 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, October Stroll, Holiday Stroll, Spring and Winter Beautification days, and a Progressive Dinner. The Partnership also announces its general meeting dates and spring networking luncheons, all open to the public.

Downtown Beautification Day will be from 8 to 11 a.m. on May 21. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and volunteers will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason4234@gmail.com, for information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Nov. 20.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-downtown-partnership-announces-2016-events

Monday, April 4, 2016

FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Monday (4/4/16) evening activities canceled due to snow storm

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon,

Please be advised that due to continued, snowy conditions, we are canceling all afternoon and evening activities today, April 4, 2016. Solutions will be open until 6:00 PM.

Be safe!

Sally Winslow

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Parmenter sign in the snow

Safe Coalition evening with Mike Zito and others

Lots of folks gathered at THE BLACK BOX on Sunday evening to hear a number of stories about recovery from substance abuse. Mike Zito played an acoustic set after he told his story and then brought on his band, The Wheel, to play some hard driving blues and rock & roll.

The Storify summary of my tweets and that of others posting with the same #safe-zito tag line can be viewed here. Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to read them all.

the SAFE Coalition board posed with Mike Zito and The Wheel at the end of the evening

Parmenter Picture Day - Apr 4

I had taken the photo of the school sign on Friday and then after the winter weather reappeared this weekend, realized that I should re-do the photo on Sunday.

photo taken Friday

photo taken Sunday

"Of the 81 charter schools in Massachusetts, 74 had wait lists"

"On a Thursday night in March, a crowd gathered at Lowell Community Charter Public School to play a game of chance.

The event had the look of an after-school bingo night: a man pulled numbered balls out of a rotating metal cage while parents and children waited with anticipation, hoping to hit the jackpot.

But in this case, there was no cash prize. Instead, the numbers would dictate the fate of students looking for a coveted placement at the popular school. With more applicants than space available, a lottery is held annually to determine who gets in, and who is left out.

It’s a ritual that plays out at charter schools in communities across Greater Boston, from Foxborough to Malden to Marlborough. And as closely as parents watch for their child’s number to be picked, the ensuing wait lists are being scrutinized amid a larger, heated debate over whether Massachusetts should allow more charter schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/31/charter-school-lotteries-educational-game-chance/cNh9WqdASl757FNNvcqTxM/story.html

Franklin's own Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School currently uses the former St Mary's School but is planning on a new building along Washington St to accommodate its expansion plans

Governor Baker today (Thursday, March 31, 2016) issued a statement on the charter school legislation proposed by the Massachusetts State Senate:

“While I thank the Senate for their work, the proposal offers no relief to 34,000 students currently on a waiting list to access high-performing public charter schools and the new mandates for local spending in this proposal could place a further burden on taxpayers. I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to provide high quality educational options for these tens of thousands of kids and families, most who live in low-income urban neighborhoods, but have been clear that these families need relief now, regardless of how it is achieved.”

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governors-statement-on-senates-charter-school-bill.html

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Recycling Center Closed Today

Good Morning,

Due to the inclement weather the Franklin recycling center will be closed today Sunday, April 3.

Thank you and have a nice weekend!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 6, 2016

The Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting is one page and rich with links to the associated documents released for this agenda. (Note: one document for the proposal on the funding for sidewalks has a broken link. When it gets corrected, I'll update the link here.)

The Town Council gets to authorize the spending of a whole bunch of our money this week.

$1.1 million from the Water Enterprise account
$1.2 million from the Sewer Enterprise account
$1.9 million from free cash for capital improvements

All the funds are appropriately being spent (according to my view) but this is one of the key points where the low voter turnout at the local town elections can be visibly seen. These dollars are what the Council spends on our behalf. They affect so much of what we do here in Franklin on a daily basis. Yet, so few of us (less than 20%) bother to vote and hence give up our say in how these funds are spent.

The budget cycle is beginning. Meetings at the Finance Committee, the School Committee, and then the Town Council determine the priority of your tax dollars. This is the time to let your representatives know where you would like the priorities to be made. You can complain all you want about the quality of road conditions but if you don't say something, the money will not be put aside for them to be corrected. If you believe the schools deserve additional funding, this is the time to let your voice be heard.

Money is also being added to the "Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund". At some time in the future, this money will be spent to replace the artificial turf fields. How will they be replaced? With the same materials? Or with a better version that maybe healthier for our kids to play on? This is one opportunity to let the Council know of your concerns.

new artificial turf field at the high school is made with crumb rubber fill

You can also find this document on the Town of Franklin page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/04062016.pdf

Several FHS Boys Hockey players and Coach Spillane recognized by Hockomock Sports for D1 Championship season

Hockomock Sports has published the Boys Hockey awards for the recently completed 2015-2016 season. Several players were recognized for their contributions to the Franklin High School team winning the D1 State Championship.

Coach Chris Spillane was recognized for the 2nd year as Coach of the Year.

1st Team Hockey - Hockomock Sports photo

Tyler Oakes – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Tyler Oakes made a huge impression in his one season skating for the Panthers. After skating with the South Shore Kings, Oakes laced them up for the Panthers and played a big role in the run to the D1 State Championship. The senior was very solid defensively for the Panthers and also contributed to the offense. He had four goals and 13 assists, which led all Franklin defenseman. He also finished in a four-way tie for second on the team overall in points. Oakes was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star as voted on by the coaches.

2nd Team Hockey - Hockomock Sports photo

Nick Jasinski – Franklin – Goalie

Franklin senior Nick Jasinski made the most out of his final season with the Panthers. As the Panthers struggled to score consistently to start the year, Jasinski was consistently very good from the beginning. He allowed just 35 goals in 24.47 games played for a 1.43 goals against average. He made 536 saves on the year and had a 0.939 save percentage and posted seven shutouts. In the postseason, Jasinski only allowed five goals in five games en route to the program’s first D1 State Championship. Jasinski was also voted as a Hockomock League All Star.

Jack Chaffee – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Jack Chaffee emerged as a top defenseman in the Hockomock League in his first year getting substantial minutes for the Panthers. After playing some last year and recording an assist, Chaffee cemented his role as a starter this year and chipped in with one goal and tied for the team-high with 13 assists. Chaffee was vital during the playoff run as the Panthers limited opponents to just five goals in five games (plus an overtime period and a half of another). Chaffee was paired with Tyler Oakes and the two combined for a shutdown first line of defense for Franklin.

Jeremy Miller – Franklin – Forward

Franklin sophomore Jeremy Miller burst onto the scene with an impressive year for the D1 State Champion Panthers. Despite being just a sophomore, Miller was the leading scorer for the Panthers. He netted a team-high 15 goals and added five assists to get to his team-best 20 points. As a team, Franklin scored 88 goals and had a very balanced scoring attack but Miller, who started on the first line, was one of just four players on the team to reach double figures in the goal column. During the season, Miller showed off his well rounded game accented by his finishing ability.

3rd Team Hockey - Hockomock Sports photo

Jake Downie – Franklin – Forward

Franklin senior Jake Downie helped create a memorable season for the Panthers as they won the program’s first D1 State Championship. Downie notched his sixth assist of the season, setting up the game-winning goal in double overtime to win the state title. The senior also potted 11 goals this season, just one of four players on Franklin to reach double figures in the scoring column. His 17 points were tied for second on the team. Downie, who showed off a knack for scoring big goals, was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM ALL UNDERCLASSMAN TEAM

G – RYAN WARREN, NORTH ATTLEBORO

D – KEVIN MACKAY, FRANKLIN

D – AIDAN SULLIVAN, FOXBORO
F – COLLIN COOKE, KING PHILIP
F – OWEN GALLAGHER, OLIVER AMES

F – JEREMY MILLER, FRANKLIN

COACH OF THE YEAR – CHRIS SPILLANE, FRANKLIN

"Franklin head coach Chris Spillane has been selected as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Hockey Coach of the Year. It’s the second straight year that Spillane has been selected as the winner of the award.

Spillane led the Panthers to another Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first ever D1 State Championship. The Panthers posted a 13-4-5 record in the regular season, including an undefeated 8-0-2 record in league play to clinch Franklin’s fifth straight Kelley-Rex title.

After losing 21 seniors from last year’s historic Super 8 team, it looked like the Panthers would be set for a rebuilding year. Instead, Spillane guided a team with very minimal varsity experience back to the playoffs and to the state championship."

Continue reading online http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/hockey/2015-2016/

TONIGHT: S.A.F.E. presents Faces of Recovery featuring Mike Zito

Join SAFE TONIGHT at 5 p.m. for Faces of Recovery: A Day of Awareness, Hope and Healing.

View this email in your browser

Snow won't stop Faces of Recovery

Tonight, SAFE is presenting Faces of Recovery: A Day of Awareness, Hope and Healing, a community event with special guest Mike Zito. And a little snow won't stop the show from starting at 5 pm.

Zito is an internationally known musician living in long term recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. He will play an acoustic "storytellers set" followed by a concert with his full band.

The evening will also feature various speakers from the recovery community who will share their own stories.

•   State Representative Jeffrey Roy
•   Matt Ganem, representative of Banyan Treatment Centers and treatment advocate living in long-term recovery
•   Colleen, living long term recovery
•   Jim Derick, SAFE Coalition president and family in recovery
•   Mike Zito's acoustic "storytellers set"
•   State Senator Karen Spilka
•   Jeff, living in long term recovery
•   Shawn Salisbury, living in long term recovery and volunteer from East Bridgewater HOPE
•   Mike Boyd, Learn to Cope member in recovery

Concluding with a special musical performance by Mike Zito and the Wheel!

Come out and join your community for an evening filled with information, inspiration and hope!

This event is being hosted to bring those in the community together to raise awareness and provide support to the recovery community. "We've hand-picked each speaker to offer those in attendance unique perspectives on the recovery journey and to bring hope to those individuals and families seeking or living in recovery," says Jim Derick, SAFE's president. By example, these individuals will show us recovery is possible!

This event will include food and beverages and is open to all ages.

No tickets necessary, but please RSVP by clicking here.

For more information about this event and the S.A.F.E. Coalition please "Like" us on Facebook and visit our website www.safecoalitionma.com.

Mike Zito at Faces of Recovery

See him live at Franklin's Black Box Theatre
Sunday, April 3, 2016
5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

THE BLACK BOX
15 West Central St Franklin MA

Click the image above to watch Mike Zito perform One Step at a Time.

There are no tickets required for admission.

Please RSVP by clicking here.

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Subscribe to this email list

Forward

Copyright © 2016 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community.

Our mailing address is:

Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov

State House - Room 527A

Boston, MA 02133

Education in Franklin, MA (video)

Another in a series of videos on Franklin, MA, this one features the educational institutions in and around our community. The video was produced by Franklin TV and is now available on the Town of Franklin YouTube channel.

For more about each institution check out their links

Dean College

"if you need help, you’ll get help,”

"For two nights a month, at East Bridgewater’s Community Covenant Church, Shawn Salisbury is an "angel."

Salisbury – a member of a group dedicated to combating the substance abuse epidemic that has swept Massachusetts – spends those nights shepherding addicts seeking treatment and families seeking answers through the group’s “drop-in,” multi-purpose treatment center. He is a “recovery angel,” in recovery from addiction himself, and his task is to help bring together services once scattered and confusing into a navigable path to health.

"My role is, if someone’s coming in with a problem, to get them into further treatment," he said.

It is this model - putting substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, treatment centers, legal advice and support groups under one roof - that members of Milford and Franklin anti-opioid groups hope to bring to their respective towns, starting this month. It represents a change in the way the drug abuse problem is treated in response to the new crisis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160403/milford-franklin-eye-treatment-center-as-new-model-in-fighting-drug-epidemic

SAFE Coalition

For more about the SAFE Coalition http://safecoalitionma.com/

In the News: State bee protection falls short, college financing options reviewed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Many Massachusetts beekeepers say a new state plan to protect pollinating insects falls short when it comes to reducing the use of pesticides.

“The biggest problem I have is when the state plan talks about pesticide application by farmers and by landowners, there are suggestions, and they are encouraged to do certain things,” said Franklin beekeeper Ed Szymanski, president of the Norfolk County Beekeepers Association. “I think it needs to be stronger than that.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160402/beekeepers-oppose-state-plan

"True or false? Student loans are a type of financial aid for college.

The answer is true. You may have thought false, but this misunderstanding of what constitutes financial aid is very common. Many people believe that financial aid is free money for college, but it’s not all free. Loans from the federal government are a part of financial aid, and, as with any loan, they must be paid back with interest.

So why would this interest you if you have a student getting ready for college? For high school seniors and their parents, understanding the ins and outs of financial aid is very important, as it will help as you put together your plan to pay for college. And planning is key during this season in order to reduce stress and prepare your family well for what’s ahead."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160403/understand-ins-and-outs-of-financial-aid

Saturday, April 2, 2016

The Town of Franklin is now on YouTube!

The Town of Franklin is now on YouTube! Please visit the following icon below to the Town's Official YouTube page to check in for exclusive content, interviews with town staff, videos and pictures of the work town government is doing.