Tuesday, March 22, 2016

"This budget should be an alarm to the community"

Reporting remotely (via the internet) on the first view of the school budget as presented at the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 22, 2016.


  • O'Malley - "This budget should be an alarm to the community"

The video replay for this meeting can be viewed here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=338

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


decrease of 7 teachers and 3 FTE educational assistants for FY 2017 budget (2016-2017 school year)
decrease of 7 teachers and 3 FTE educational assistants for FY 2017 budget (2016-2017 school year)


FY 2017 - School Budget Proposal


The proposed School Budget document as being reviewed at the School Committee meeting, Mar 22, 2016.




Franklin High School
Franklin High School

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

It Takes A Village: Keller Elementary School


Parent Involvement is so important in making our schools strong!.  Jenn Dwyer from Keller Elementary School will be sharing highlights of all that is going on in her school and how parents can support the effort. 

Franklin TV
Franklin TV

To be seen on It Takes a Village:

Comcast Channel 8; Verizon Channel 26


  •   Tuesday morning at 9:00
  •   Wednesday morning at 7:30
  •   Saturday evening at 8:30

Helen Keller Elementary School sign
Helen Keller Elementary School sign

For additional programing check out the guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

In the News: Senior Center 2nd floor expansion, Dean adds degree

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin


"Activities at the Franklin Senior Center have continued even as a renovation project on the building's second floor moves forward. 
Senior Center Director Karen Alves said construction work began on March 1, and that the center has remained open - though a bit limited. 
"It's partitioned off one wing of the building, which is making things pretty challenging," she said. "We've moved some programs off-site. 
"We're still busy, and we're still running about 95 percent of what we had been offering," she added."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160321/franklin-senior-center-work-under-way


construction fences at the back of the Senior Center
construction fences at the back of the Senior Center



"Dean College, a private, residential college located in Franklin, was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer a new standalone bachelor’s degree. Beginning in fall 2016, students at Dean College will be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in sport fitness, recreation and coaching. 
The new B.S. program will prepare students for a career in any aspect of the athletic world, including coaching, physical education and exercise science. 
“We are very excited to offer to our students a solid, professional pathway to careers in fields as diverse as corporate fitness, professional coaching, and community recreation,” said Dr. Michael Fishbein, vice president of academic affairs at Dean College. “The technical knowledge and skills students will master will ready them to enter the playing field at a run.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160321/dean-college-approves-sport-fitness-recreation-and-coaching-degree

"paintball is the perfect answer"

Glenn Jones has run a couple of paintball fundraisers for the Franklin Food Pantry at Fox 4 Paintball in Upton. This past Sunday's Boston Globe West section has a nice write up on the business.

Admittedly, I’m from a different era. Growing up in New Jersey in the late 1960s and early 1970s, my siblings and I would play war, inspired by “The Rat Patrol,” or cops and robbers while imitating “The Rookies.” International espionage? “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” did the trick. Our games weren’t considered politically incorrect. We didn’t know any better. We just had a blast. 
David Painter of Northborough can relate. The 51-year-old native of East Lyme, Conn. is the owner of Fox 4 Paintball in Upton and the upTon 187 cRew, a professional paintball team. More than two decades ago, he moved to Massachusetts and was invited by his new neighbors to play paintball. He got hooked immediately. 
“My love for the game has only grown stronger over time,” he said. “I’m addicted to the fast action of the tournament paintball scene, the instant gratification of knowing if you’ve won or lost your point.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/03/17/move-feeling-like-kid-again-any-age/QorZhzBuCtM6AIcxPyMmSL/story.html

fox4paintball.com
fox4paintball.com

Trash recycling - delayed one day this week


For the week of March 21, 2016 trash and recycling will be delayed one day all week. Carts should be put out and accessible for the truck the day after your normal pickup day. Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday.

trash bins by curbside on a sunny day
trash bins by curbside on a sunny day

For more info on recycling and trash visit the DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

Monday, March 21, 2016

Franklin Ma: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 22, 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"
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 March 8, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY 17 Budget Hearing

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading

  • JKA – Corporal Punishment


4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 
b. I recommend moving policy JKA – Corporal Punishment to a second reading. 
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $912.50 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips. 
d. I recommend approval of the request for the FHS Cheerleaders travel to Lincroft, NJ on April 1-3, 2016 for the Nationals Competition as detailed. 
e. I recommend acceptance of the anonymous donation of a check for $686.24 for a FHS Scholarship. 
f. I recommend acceptance of donations totaling approximately $275.00 for the FHS raffle as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports:
a. Budget Sub Committeeb. Policy Sub Committeec. Community Relations Sub Committee
School Committee Liaison Reports:
a. Calendar Committee

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

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

"that’s what high school sports are all about"


A Cinderella run from the Franklin Panthers ended with a true storybook ending. 
Sophomore Luke Downie, who celebrated his 16th birthday on Sunday, scored on a wrist shot six minutes into the second overtime to give Franklin a 4-3 win over St. Mary’s Lynn and the program its first MIAA Division 1 State Championship. 
Senior Tyler Oakes connected on a pass from his own zone to senior and Jake Downie (Luke’s cousin) along the boards in the neutral, who then dropped the puck back to Luke after crossing the blue line. Luke fired a wrist shot that deflected off the the leg of a St. Mary’s defenseman and found it’s way over the goalie’s pad short side for the game winner. 
“This is awesome,” Luke Downie said postgame. “This is the best birthday present you could ask for.”
Continue reading the full article
http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-hockey-wins-first-d1-state-championship-in-2ot/

Franklin hockey victorious in D1 Championship
Franklin hockey victorious in D1 Championship


In 1983, Franklin went into overtime in the Div. 2 state championship game against Falmouth at the old Boston Garden. Ken Assad, now an assistant coach for the Panthers, broke free on a 2-on-1. He passed to his brother Brian, whose shot was spilled back into the path of Ken for the game-winning, and title-winning, goal. 
On Sunday night, the Panthers went into double overtime at the TD Garden against St. Mary’s (Lynn) in search of a second state title and first since that magical night 32 years ago. Once again, it was a family connection that secured the trophy. 
Senior Jake Downie received a cross-ice pass from Tyler Oakes and gained the zone. As he skated towards the lefthand circle, he spotted his sophomore cousin Luke racing up behind him and dropped a pass into his path. 
“I came down and saw Luke coming up behind me, dropped it back and I just saw him rip it and I knew it was going in,” said Jake in the press room after the game.
Continue reading the full article
http://www.hockomocksports.com/family-connections-lead-to-franklin-hockey-title-jake-luke-downie/


Hockomock Sports has additional photos from the game here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Franklin-St-Marys-Hockey-03-20/

"All the transcriptions are accessible free of charge to the public"

The Boston Globe does a good job writing up the digitization of records almost complete at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

"In August 1822, John Adams, the nation’s second president, donated several pieces of land to his hometown of Quincy, including two pastures, several cedar swamp areas, and an 8-acre parcel that included the site of a former house built by John Hancock’s father. 
The details of the 86-year-old Adams’s gift, including his condition that a school be erected over the cellar of the old Hancock home, are contained in the land document he recorded in a personal visit to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Thinking ahead to his envisioned school, the elder statesman wrote, “I hope the future Masters will not be presumptuous if I advise them to begin their lessons in Greek and Hebrew by compelling their pupils to take their pens and write over and over again copies of the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.”

But anyone studying the nearly 200-year-old deed today might not be able to easily glean those reflections by Adams or the other particulars of the document. Handwritten in the flowing cursive style of the day, the densely-packed words are a challenge to read.
 
Now a nearly completed initiative by the Norfolk County registry is promising to make it much easier for modern readers to decipher the contents of the Adams deed and other old land records. In what officials say is the first project of its kind in New England, the registry in Dedham is transcribing into type all the county’s handwritten deeds from the time of its founding in 1793 to 1900, when the office switched to typing its documents."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/03/18/turning-hard-read-cursive-into-computer-type/i1BZEB3fCmFxjlKJmHuJiK/story.html

two old handwritten deeds on Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell's desk
two old handwritten deeds on Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell's desk (Boston Globe photo)

In the News: bowling making progress to return, RT 109 contract due soon

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Efforts to return bowling to town have made progress, though an official location for the new lanes has yet to be announced. 
Last month, a group of businessmen announced they purchased much of the equipment - pin setters, ball returns and an automatic scoring system - once used at Ficco's Bowladrome. Ficco's, a longtime downtown mainstay, closed last June after 79 years in business. 
Andy Trockman, the operations manager for the new effort, said some strides had been made recently, though there is still much to do. He said the group is working on an offer for a piece of land in town. 
"At that point, we can go full steam ahead," he said. "I'm still shooting for (an opening date of) September."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160320/strides-made-to-return-bowling-to-franklin

bowling may return to Franklin with reuse of the equipment from Ficco's
bowling may return to Franklin with reuse of the equipment from Ficco's


The town and state Department of Transportation are closing in on selecting a contractor for the reconstruction of Rte. 109. 
The project, which is expected to begin in July and last for at least two years, was originally estimated to cost about $12.5 million, with the state and federal governments kicking in most of that money. 
Selectmen on Monday are expected to approve a 110 percent agreement with the state DOT, which stipulates that the town would be on the hook for any project costs that exceed the contract bid price by more than 10 percent.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160320/medway-state-closing-in-on-rte-109-project-start

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour weather delay - Monday, March 21

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello
There will be a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions - School offices open 2 hours later
No morning classes at ECDC
Central Office Administration Open - Municipal Building - Staff report at usual time


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Horace Mann and Jefferson schools in snow
Horace Mann and Jefferson schools in snow

MBTA: Through Monday - Commuter Rail - weather alert

"On 3/21, the Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule. For your safety, allow extra time to traverse parking lots and platforms.

On Monday, 3/21, winter weather is forecasted for the Boston area. The Commuter Rail will operate using the normal weekday schedule. Visit mbta.com or a Boston station for a copy of the schedule.

Last updated: Mar 20 2016 01:58 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/"

MBTA commuter rail tracks approaching South Station
MBTA commuter rail tracks approaching South Station

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda, March 23, 2016

Franklin continues to enhance the presentation of information associated with how they do business. The PDF document for the agenda has hyperlinks. Yes, sounds techy, geeky but it is a good step to providing the info right at your finger tips.

For example, in the Approval of minutes line item, there is a link that will take you to the document of the minutes for the meeting to be approved. In the appointments, the links for the HIstorical and Conservation Commission take you to the applications for the individuals involved. 

This was a little work on their part but should make it much easier for you to read and follow the agenda.

(Note, you can find this new format in the embedded PDF document below)


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– February 24, 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 

  1. Historical Commission
  2. Conservation Commission


F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

  1. Resolution 16-15: Authorization to Enter into Separate Intermunicipal Agreements Between Franklin and The Towns of Bellingham, Medway, Norfolk and Wrentham to Provide Public Safety Mutual Aid
  2. Resolution 16-16:Authorization For Disposition (Sale) of Town-Owned Land on Pond Street
  3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential IV to General Residential V in an Area on or Near West Central Street - Referral to Planning Board
  4. Bylaw Amendment 16-754: Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages - 1st Reading
  5. Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Chapter 179, Water Charges-Water Department Access – 2nd Reading
  6. Bylaw Amendment 16-756: Chapter 170 Vehicles and Traffic Article X Winter Storm Overnight Parking – 2nd Reading


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M.NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION -
Pending or threatened litigation

  1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.
  2. Proposed Spectra gas transmission line through Franklin.


P. ADJOURN

old sewer treatment tank at Pond St
old sewer treatment tank at Pond St




You can also find the agenda documents on the Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/03232016.pdf

S.A.F.E. presents Faces of Recovery featuring Mike Zito - Apr 3



Join SAFE on April 3, 2016 for Faces of Recovery: A Day of Awareness, Hope and Healing.
View this email in your browser

Mike Zito to perform at Faces of Recovery

On Sunday, April 3, 2016, SAFE is presenting a very special community event called Faces of Recovery: A Day of Awareness, Hope and Healing. The event will feature special musical guests Mike Zito and the Wheel, and will begin at 5 p.m.

Mike Zito is an internationally known musician who is living in long term recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Mike is an inspirational and compassionate man who freely shares his journey into and out of active addiction. By example, he shows us that recovery is possible!

He will play an acoustic "storytellers set" followed by a full band concert. The evening will also feature various speakers from the recovery community who will share their own stories; both educational and inspirational. This is an all ages event.

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

There are no tickets required for admission, but SAFE will graciously accept suggested donations of $20 per adult/$10 under age 18.

Please RSVP by clicking here.
MIKE ZITO "One Step At A Time"

Mike Zito at Faces of Recovery


See him live at Franklin's Black Box Theatre
Sunday, April 3, 2016

5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

THE BLACK BOX Theatre
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, but SAFE will graciously accept suggested donations of $20 per adult/$10 under age 18.

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You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community.

Our mailing address is:
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Boston, MA 02133

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Sidwell hired as football coach at Taunton


"Taunton has hired former Franklin coach and current athletic director Brad Sidwell as its new football coach. Sidwell, who recently stepped down as football coach, will finish out the school year as Franklin AD. 
Sidwell replaces Chris Greding at the helm of the Tigers, who posted a 1-10 overall record this past Fall. Sidwell spent 20 years as the head coach of the Panthers before stepping down this past December. 
“This wasn’t something I was thinking about it initially but the more I talked with Taunton administrators, I became more intrigued and more impressed with everything about them,” Sidwell told HockomockSports.com “The more we talked, the more excititing it was for me to keep coaching and get to a new place. It seems like a really good match.”
Continue reading the article at Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/taunton-hires-brad-sidwell-as-new-football-coach/

Brad Sidwell, new football coach at Taunton High School (Hockomock Sports image)
Brad Sidwell, new football coach at Taunton High School (Hockomock Sports image)

Indoor Triathlon - Sunday, April 24


The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting an indoor triathlon on Sunday, April 24th. 

The segments will include a 15 minute swim, 25 minute bike and 20 minute run. All levels welcome (ages 14+). 

$40 to participate and all proceeds will benefit our Annual Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign.

To register: https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/IndoorTriathlon2016/tabid/756109/Default.aspx

Indoor Triathlon
Indoor Triathlon

In the News: substance abuse treatment options, controversy surrounds honoring youth

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Coming off of opiates is indescribably awful, Kerriann Kilcoyne said, like no flu non-addicts have experienced before. The best explanation she could think of for the feeling is like an exorcism - something awful ripping through your body. And that, Kilcoyne said, is how it feels in the ideal setting for detox, a treatment facility with nurses, comfortable beds and medication. In prison, she said, it’s even worse. 
Detoxing from heroin in prison is one thing when you’ve committed a crime, Kilcoyne said. Section 35 of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123, however, allowed a judge to mandate women who had never been convicted of a crime to come off drug or alcohol addiction in prison at MCI-Framingham if all the addiction treatment beds in the state were full. While some women are sent to the Women’s Addiction Treatment Center in New Bedford, where people civilly committed under Section 35 are intended to go and receive care and treatment for their disease, others were locked in MCI-Framingham where Sen. Karen Spilka said the treatment was lacking."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160319/treatment-no-longer-behind-bars



"Before voting to name South Field after Maddie Lamson, School Committee member Rich Eustis, whose daughter was close friends with Lamson, said students deserve tributes and honors after they pass, much like war veterans, public officials and teachers regularly receive. 
“I think there ought to be a place for a student too,” he said in a prepared, lengthy speech stating his case one last time before the committee brought the proposal to a vote. “Maddie did give her lifetime – it was just tragically short.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160319/controversy-oftens-surrounds-honoring-memories-of-local-youth

The panther memorial for Kristin Graci at FHS
The panther memorial for Kristin Graci at FHS

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will be holding office hours on Thursday, June 2

NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS - OFFICE HOURS

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will be holding office hours on Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor. They will be available to help answer questions or concerns about any Registry of Deeds matter. Information will be available concerning the Massachusetts Homestead Act and internet-ready computers will be on hand to print a Registry recorded deed, confirm the status of a mortgage discharge or check on any other filing.

No appointment is needed.

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds webimage
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds webimage

Additional info on the Registry of Deeds can be found online  http://www.norfolkdeeds.org/