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Friday, April 29, 2016
Paint A Beautiful Vase - a fun one-night event - May 5
"The jobs are out there - they're just waiting for trained workers"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20160428/NEWS/160425503
"Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Secretary of Education Jim Peyser toured Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Wednesday morning, discussing the importance of vocational education and the use of funds granted to the school.
The two - along with several legislators, educators and industry representatives - walked through the school's halls and spoke to teachers and students about their experiences and plans for the future. The visit was prompted by a recent $242,627 grant to Tri-County by the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program - money the school intends to use to bolster its offerings.
The group visited the school's advanced manufacturing and engineering technology programs, with visitors getting an early look at student-built robots set to compete the next day."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20160428/NEWS/160425503
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| image from Tri-County webpage |
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Live reporting: Finance Committee - April 28, 2016
Present: Smith, Conley, Dowd, Dufour, Bertone, Moses
Absent: Dewsnap, Fleming, Huempfner
motion to approve minutes of 2 prior meetings, second, passed 6-0
David McKearney, Health Director
Public Health Services 525 Page E-7
flat budget
every year a request is made for a stipend but it is not approved
2 full time, 2 part time personnel
Karen Alves, Director
tremendous amount of support helps to provide expense coverage for the Senior Center that is not provided by the budget
50/50 split between town and state grant for health coordinator
attempting to move to self sustaining to support via fees and other grants
approx $50K in grants, Friends provide cook and support the cafe in addition to other support (approx. $20-25K)
15-20% come from out of town
the cafe is a big draw for breakfast and lunch
Felicia Oti, Director of the Library
status quo budget for this year, increase in staff anticipated but not for this year
should provide for when the library re-opens in the renovated location
a few days from opening in the temporary location
not in the center of town but large enough to accommodate the needs
moved the children, young adults and all the audio-visual materials
as well as all adult items purchased from 2013 to the present
about 55,000 pieces moved to the new location
thanks to Steve Sherlock for taking the pictures and sharing the info on the move (Franklin Matters)
thanks to the Facility Director for getting a company that knows how to move the Library
thanks to Judy Pfeffer, Chair of the Building Committee for her help and guidance
library hours will retain the normal hours
looking to coordinate with Dean College to run some events downtown
all the money for the move to/from for the temporary location is in the building fund budget
approx. 1/3 of the libraries in the state apply for a waiver
if we add staff in 2018, we can close the gap a little more, consider though that the bar is raising every year
number of Sunday's opened increased accounting for the OT budget line increase
Gary McCarragher, Chief
Paul Sharpe, Deputy Fire Chief
mission to "Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services. "
3800 calls last year, on pace to meet or exceed that this year
multiple simultaneous calls are the issue to continue to watch
2 or 3 times a day, I am out of resources
160+ mutual aid resource calls are used in those instances
the response time is critical to providing the best service
900 staff hours of training, thus far this year approx. 700 hours
attempting to do on duty, but it becomes increasingly difficult with the volume
avg daily staffing 9.8, ideally would be 10
response reliability 80% down from 88%, chasing to full staff
looking to achieve the 48 positions and then should start turning the numbers around
CPR instruction to be provided to community as well as to the business environment in the near future
completed all the elements to be a 'storm ready' community; have 40+ certifications in their queue and we are one of them but expecting to be certified as some time
more need for resources than resources available; without additional folks won't be able to reduce the mutual aid assistance call
creating a career ladder working with the union, the first time in a long time we have a collective bargaining agreement
everybody is pitching in to make things better
everybody will retire out and we'll lose the corporate memory
60% of the retirees have retired on a disability pension; need to address this. Attempting to do so with a health and wellness program (via grants)
one administrative position is being asked for in this budget
had been using paramedics to do the paperwork on a part time basis but it realistically can't be done that way
enhanced training cost, more training regulations than before, have a good model packaged in a way to make sense
Things can get better when this comes online
There are two collective bargaining agreement settlements incorporated in this budget to account for most of the increase
we respond to about 100 outbound assistance calls; that could be an issue eventually
once the four communities are up an running with regional dispatch, we'd like to grow it
the benchmark is 90% at 10 minutes or less, currently we are about 83%
to address the mutual aid calls, we'd need to staff a 3rd ambulance but that is 10 people and a lot of money (which we do not have nor can afford)
if this gets passed, this will be the highest staffing level since 2007 (about 10 years)
3 in the academy currently
we can invite 20-30 people to ensure we get a good choice
would like to see a more diverse work force but haven't be able to do so
Mary Olsson, Chair of the Commission
only change is to add a summer intern to help further efforts in cataloging the collection
we are in the process of residing the building, all being with in-house staffing
part of a three year plan, will need to get equipment to do the tower
decrease in collection preservation is a result of stocking up to save in a future year
Stephanie
Sandy
we are a staff department that serves all the departments and all employees and retirees
I will be leaving at the end of the next year and it is important to ensure a smooth transition
staffing needs is an important part of what we do, advertise, post, interview, part of the selection process
civil service vs non-civil service are two totally different processes
we have good folks working here, and we want to keep that
over the next several years we are losing a number of retirees and we need to be prepared for that
approx. 1800 insured folks all together
used the central fund to hold the anticipate bargaining settlement accounts, when the agreements are reached, the money is transferred out to the individual departments
Don't know the health insurance amount at this point, that could change 50-60,000
flag coverage, to buy
matching money from state to help fund that
next FinCom meeting May 3
May 25, 26 for Town Council budget hearings
may need a FinCom meeting to weigh in on the changes for the refinanciing
motion to adjourn
Absent: Dewsnap, Fleming, Huempfner
motion to approve minutes of 2 prior meetings, second, passed 6-0
- Health Dept 510 Page E-1
David McKearney, Health Director
Public Health Services 525 Page E-7
flat budget
every year a request is made for a stipend but it is not approved
2 full time, 2 part time personnel
- COA 541 Page E-8 (Senior Center)
Karen Alves, Director
tremendous amount of support helps to provide expense coverage for the Senior Center that is not provided by the budget
50/50 split between town and state grant for health coordinator
attempting to move to self sustaining to support via fees and other grants
approx $50K in grants, Friends provide cook and support the cafe in addition to other support (approx. $20-25K)
15-20% come from out of town
the cafe is a big draw for breakfast and lunch
- Library 610 Page F-1
Felicia Oti, Director of the Library
status quo budget for this year, increase in staff anticipated but not for this year
should provide for when the library re-opens in the renovated location
a few days from opening in the temporary location
not in the center of town but large enough to accommodate the needs
moved the children, young adults and all the audio-visual materials
as well as all adult items purchased from 2013 to the present
about 55,000 pieces moved to the new location
thanks to Steve Sherlock for taking the pictures and sharing the info on the move (Franklin Matters)
thanks to the Facility Director for getting a company that knows how to move the Library
thanks to Judy Pfeffer, Chair of the Building Committee for her help and guidance
library hours will retain the normal hours
looking to coordinate with Dean College to run some events downtown
all the money for the move to/from for the temporary location is in the building fund budget
approx. 1/3 of the libraries in the state apply for a waiver
if we add staff in 2018, we can close the gap a little more, consider though that the bar is raising every year
number of Sunday's opened increased accounting for the OT budget line increase
- Fire 210 Page B-220
Gary McCarragher, Chief
Paul Sharpe, Deputy Fire Chief
mission to "Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services. "
3800 calls last year, on pace to meet or exceed that this year
multiple simultaneous calls are the issue to continue to watch
2 or 3 times a day, I am out of resources
160+ mutual aid resource calls are used in those instances
the response time is critical to providing the best service
900 staff hours of training, thus far this year approx. 700 hours
attempting to do on duty, but it becomes increasingly difficult with the volume
avg daily staffing 9.8, ideally would be 10
response reliability 80% down from 88%, chasing to full staff
looking to achieve the 48 positions and then should start turning the numbers around
CPR instruction to be provided to community as well as to the business environment in the near future
completed all the elements to be a 'storm ready' community; have 40+ certifications in their queue and we are one of them but expecting to be certified as some time
more need for resources than resources available; without additional folks won't be able to reduce the mutual aid assistance call
creating a career ladder working with the union, the first time in a long time we have a collective bargaining agreement
everybody is pitching in to make things better
everybody will retire out and we'll lose the corporate memory
60% of the retirees have retired on a disability pension; need to address this. Attempting to do so with a health and wellness program (via grants)
one administrative position is being asked for in this budget
had been using paramedics to do the paperwork on a part time basis but it realistically can't be done that way
enhanced training cost, more training regulations than before, have a good model packaged in a way to make sense
- Regional Dispatch 225 Page B-51
Things can get better when this comes online
There are two collective bargaining agreement settlements incorporated in this budget to account for most of the increase
we respond to about 100 outbound assistance calls; that could be an issue eventually
once the four communities are up an running with regional dispatch, we'd like to grow it
the benchmark is 90% at 10 minutes or less, currently we are about 83%
to address the mutual aid calls, we'd need to staff a 3rd ambulance but that is 10 people and a lot of money (which we do not have nor can afford)
if this gets passed, this will be the highest staffing level since 2007 (about 10 years)
3 in the academy currently
we can invite 20-30 people to ensure we get a good choice
would like to see a more diverse work force but haven't be able to do so
- Historical Commission 691 Page F-11
Mary Olsson, Chair of the Commission
only change is to add a summer intern to help further efforts in cataloging the collection
we are in the process of residing the building, all being with in-house staffing
part of a three year plan, will need to get equipment to do the tower
decrease in collection preservation is a result of stocking up to save in a future year
- Human Resources 152 Page A-28
Stephanie
Sandy
we are a staff department that serves all the departments and all employees and retirees
I will be leaving at the end of the next year and it is important to ensure a smooth transition
staffing needs is an important part of what we do, advertise, post, interview, part of the selection process
civil service vs non-civil service are two totally different processes
we have good folks working here, and we want to keep that
over the next several years we are losing a number of retirees and we need to be prepared for that
approx. 1800 insured folks all together
used the central fund to hold the anticipate bargaining settlement accounts, when the agreements are reached, the money is transferred out to the individual departments
- Employee Benefits 910 Page G-10
- Liability Insurance 945 Page G-20
Don't know the health insurance amount at this point, that could change 50-60,000
- Memorial Day 692 Page F-13
flag coverage, to buy
- Cultural Council 695 Page F-14
matching money from state to help fund that
next FinCom meeting May 3
May 25, 26 for Town Council budget hearings
may need a FinCom meeting to weigh in on the changes for the refinanciing
motion to adjourn
Milford TV highlights Franklin teachers
Milford TV profiled 3 people from the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra. All have been in Franklin school system.
- Diane Plouffe, Franklin Middle School Orchestra teacher and Life Long Learning Orchestra Program Director
- Brent Selby Cellist and Private Teacher Franklin's Life Long Learning
- Erich Ledebuhr, Trumpet who also was a teacher, district music director, Assist Principal ASMS
Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available
A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.
Click the link below to read the latest edition.
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| Franklin Senior Center |
FHS baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse and boys tennis post wins on Wednesday
All results courtesy of Hockomock Sports
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-042716/
Baseball
- Franklin, 6 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final
– Franklin used a four run seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie and secure the win. With the bases loaded and two outs, Franklin sophomore Jake Noviello’s fly ball fell in the infield for a pair of runs and Mike Skaza followed with a two run single to create the separation. North Attleboro took a 1-0 lead in the first inning behind an RBI single from Ridge Olsen, scoring Kyle McCarthy (single). The Panthers tied it up in the top of the third when Ryan Hodgkins singled, stole second and was sacrificed to third. He scored on a sacrifice fly from Nick Santucci. Franklin took the lead in the top of the fifth when Tyler Gomes singled in Hodgkins (triple). The Rocketeers quickly tied things up in the bottom of the inning behind a home run from sophomore Zach DeMattio. Hodgkins finished 2-4 with a pair of runs, Jake Lyons was 2/2 with a run and Santucci finished with three walks, a run and an RBI. Jake Noviello went six innings, striking out a pair while allowing two runs on four hits. Jason Ulrickson closed the game out for Franklin. North Attleboro’s Andy Katch was stellar in 6.2 innings of work, striking out three.
Softball
- Franklin, 9 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final
– Maddie Connelly and Alexx Niss each knocked in three runs as Franklin picked up a big win over division rival North Attleboro. Connelly went 4-5 with three RBI while Niss had a three-run home run along with three walks. Olivia DiGiacomo added a two RBI double, Clara DeCarvalho had three hits and Olivia Haba had three hits and an RBI. Caroline D’Aprile picked up the win, going five innings with five strikeouts. Emily Sawyer pitched the final two innings for the Panthers.
Boys Lacrosse
- Mansfield, 7 @ Franklin, 15 – Final
– The Panthers built a six goal lead by halftime and stretched the margin to double figures (16-5) by the start of the fourth quarter. Austin Kent led Franklin with eight points, scoring five goals and adding three assists while sophomore Eric Civetti scored six goals and had one assist. Sam Arsenault added a hat trick in the for Franklin. Freshman Jacob Alexander continued his dominance at the X, winning 23/28 faceoffs. Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi touted the play of his defense in front of sophomore goalie Connor O’Rourke (six saves).
Girls Lacrosse
- Franklin, 18 @ Mansfield, 8 – Final
– Julia Jette paced Franklin’s offense with four goals and one assist while Caroline Lounsbury and Annie Walsh each found the back of the net three times in the Panthers’ win.
Boys Tennis
- North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5
– Final – Franklin won three matches in straight sets and had to battle through to others to get the sweep. Junior Eli Brooks won 6-4, 6-2 at second singles and freshman Dan Barrow picked up a 7-5, 6-3 decision at third singles. James Johnston and Tom Mancini won 6-2, 6-1 at first doubles for Franklin. Junior Rahul Herur had to battle back after dropping the first set to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at first singles. The team of Cam Piana and Jeremy Gan had to the same to get a 6-7, 6-0, 1-0 (10-8) win at second doubles for the Panthers.
Girls Tennis
- Franklin, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final
– The Rocketeers continued their undefeated start to the season with a sweep of visiting Franklin. Julia Mark picked up a 6-2, 6-3 win at first singles, Jordan Willis won 6-1, 6-1 at second singles and Allie Grinavic won 6-0, 6-2 at third singles. The Rocketeers continued to win in doubles play with Jhanavi Kapadia and Emily Chiasson winning 6-0, 6-1 at first doubles and Gabby Duva and Azka Siddiq winning 6-2, 6-2 at second doubles.
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-042716/
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| FHS Panthers |
It's Not Too Late! - High School Experience 2016
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In the News: Franklin denied intervener, Lynch appointed Chief, close to new school calendar, reduce fare evasions
"Although a state board as ruled that Franklin can participate as a limited participant in the remainder of the proceedings regarding Exelon’s proposed expansion, the town has been denied intervener status.
The written April 26 ruling comes more than four months after the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, at an evidentiary hearing regarding the proposed plant, orally ruled that the town would not be granted “full party status.”
After the oral ruling on Dec. 15, the town’s representatives left the hearing and did not appear for any of the other hearings, according to the document posted on Tuesday.
The deadline for filing for intervener status was June 25, 2015, and the Franklin Planning Board – not the Town Council - was issued notice of a public hearing on the project on May 21, but Franklin hand-delivered its petition to intervene on the third day of hearings on Dec. 11, according to the document."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/exelon-board-denies-franklin-intervener-status
"The Town Council decided after brief discussion Wednesday to name Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch as it next chief of police.
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting recommended Lynch to the position at the council's meeting, noting that Chief Stephen Semerjian would be leaving in the summer.
"After almost four years, our current chief will be retiring on June 30," he said. "We did a posting, with interviews, and Deputy Chief Lynch is my recommendation."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/lynch-named-franklin-police-chief
"After a review of the district calendar, the School Committee will consider two proposals at its next meeting.
A subcommittee - convened to examine the matter after several particularly snowy years prompted the discussion - presented its findings at Tuesday's meeting."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/franklin-decision-nears-on-school-calendar
"Keolis Commuter Services pitched a plan Monday to reduce fare evasion and make buying tickets easier on the MBTA commuter rail.
In a survey conducted earlier this year, Keolis found that 15 to 20 percent of commuter rail passengers are traveling on the wrong fare or have not purchased a ticket at all, costing the system as much as $35 million a year, according to a press release from the company. Much of the problem lies with the open design of the current fare system."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160427/keolis-announces-plan-to-cut-commuter-rail-fare-evasion
Sugar Shoppe: The MIDNIGHT SHUFFLE!
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016
"All flights lead to The Rome" - Downtown Partnership Progressive Dinner - May 15
The Franklin Downtown Partnership has planned a progressive dinner for Sunday, May 15, and invites everyone to come enjoy a night out in downtown Franklin.
Building on the success and popularity of the first dinner last fall, organizers are offering delicious options at several downtown restaurants. Dinner goers can also take chances to win raffle items donated by FDP member businesses.
“Our Progressive Dinner is one way we are reminding our community to visit Franklin’s downtown eateries during the road construction process. What better way than to have people walking through downtown, enjoying local restaurants and entertainment with friends?” says event organizer Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames and FDP board member.
Diners will choose from two different flights, with each flight including soup at one restaurant, an appetizer at a second, then dinner and dessert at a third. Flights will be staggered to begin every half hour beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person, including tips and taxes. Beverages are not included. Buy tickets and see menus on the Partnership’s Progressive Dinner page, https://downtownfranklindinner2016.eventbrite.com/
Links to the page are also posted on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ and on the FDP Facebook page. Diners will choose the start time and either “Flight A” or “Flight B” when they purchase tickets online.
“We are excited to bring the community together with this second Progressive Dinner,” says event co-chair Joel Carrara.
Sponsorships are available for this event. Contact Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information or with questions about the dinner.
Building on the success and popularity of the first dinner last fall, organizers are offering delicious options at several downtown restaurants. Dinner goers can also take chances to win raffle items donated by FDP member businesses.
“Our Progressive Dinner is one way we are reminding our community to visit Franklin’s downtown eateries during the road construction process. What better way than to have people walking through downtown, enjoying local restaurants and entertainment with friends?” says event organizer Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames and FDP board member.
Diners will choose from two different flights, with each flight including soup at one restaurant, an appetizer at a second, then dinner and dessert at a third. Flights will be staggered to begin every half hour beginning at 5:00 p.m.
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| Progressive Dinner - choose your soup/appetizer flight and finish with dinner/dessert at The Rome |
“Flight A” includes soup at Maguro House and appetizers at Bamboo House. “Flight B” includes soup at Hang Tai and appetizers at Acapulco’s. Both flights feature two options for dinner plus a delicious dessert at The Rome Restaurant, where local musicians will provide a musical backdrop to the festivities.
Tickets are $50 per person, including tips and taxes. Beverages are not included. Buy tickets and see menus on the Partnership’s Progressive Dinner page, https://downtownfranklindinner2016.eventbrite.com/
Links to the page are also posted on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ and on the FDP Facebook page. Diners will choose the start time and either “Flight A” or “Flight B” when they purchase tickets online.
“We are excited to bring the community together with this second Progressive Dinner,” says event co-chair Joel Carrara.
Sponsorships are available for this event. Contact Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information or with questions about the dinner.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the October Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Go to the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, to learn more.
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| Franklin Downtown Partnership Progressive Dinner - May 15 |
Sunday Breakfast - May 15 - 8:00 AM to noon
Please join us to Celebrate Spring at the Order Sons of Italy in America, Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 Breakfast on Sunday, May 15 from 8 AM to 12 Noon at the VFW on Pond Street, Franklin, MA.
Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon, pancakes, juice and coffee. The cost is $6 for adults.
Children 10 and under are $3. Tickets will be sold in advance via Lodge members and at the door.
Please visit our website, franklinsonsofitaly.org for information about the Quattro Eroi Lodge.
Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon, pancakes, juice and coffee. The cost is $6 for adults.
Children 10 and under are $3. Tickets will be sold in advance via Lodge members and at the door.
Please visit our website, franklinsonsofitaly.org for information about the Quattro Eroi Lodge.
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| Franklin Sons of Italy |
Opening Doors to Federal Government Contracting - May 19 - 6:00 PM
Looking for new markets for your small business’ goods or services?
Understand these federal certification’s application process and benefits:
- Consider selling to the federal government.
- Learn how the federal government purchases.
Small Business - Small Disadvantaged Business - Women Owned Small Business - Veteran and Service Disabled - 8(a) Business Development Program - HUBZone Program
Small business certifications are like professional certifications; they document a special capability or status that will help you compete in the marketplace. Unlike permits and licenses, you do not need to obtain certifications to legally operate.
However, in order to take advantage of business opportunities, such as government contracts, you may need to obtain some certifications.
RSVP here
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| Incontro Restaurant |
Exciting Chorus Opportunities this Summer!
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In the News: Girltopia event planned, School Committee reviews science program
"Sam Ward, a senior from Girl Scout Troop 80637, is organizing a Journey program called "Girltopia"at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin on Wednesday, May 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
With this journey, the scouts are creating their vision of a perfect world for girls. They have identified that all girls have the right to an education, equal pay, fair treatment, and to become who they aspire to be.
The scouts are hosting an evening featuring women who have all different "paths" in life, whether they are a stay at home mom, business woman, doctor, teacher, etc. Girls of middle school and high school age are invited to come talk to and interview these adults about their choices for their path through life.
This event is meant to inspire young girls to be who they dream to be, and show them the different paths people can take in life."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160426/girltopia-event-to-introduce-girls-to-world-of-opportunities-for-women
"The school district is looking to implement a new science curriculum emphasizing on hands-on and practical learning in the coming years.
The School Committee heard a presentation on the topic, two years in the making, at its meeting Tuesday night. Officials said the curriculum's focus on immersion and application is a step forward from traditional theory and memorization."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160426/franklin-schools-rolling-out-new-science-program
MassBudget: What works in education
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